LONDON -- Losing to Chelsea for a third time this month won't do much for Antonio Conte's mission of eradicating Tottenham's inferiority complex, but it might just strengthen his argument to act in the final week of the January transfer window. Following on from defeats in both legs of their Carabao Cup semifinal, Spurs were beaten 2-0 on Sunday to extend an appalling record at Stamford Bridge to just one win from their last 37 visits across all competitions.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel gave his faltering players two days off earlier this week in a search for a spark to reignite performances, but it turns out all they really needed was to play Tottenham.