Desire of champions still in Chelsea’s hearts, says Conte

Whilst the three points gets Conte’s side off the mark – the ideal riposte to their shock opening 3-2 defeat at home to Burnley – newboys Huddersfield Town made it two wins from two to sit just below leaders Manchester United on six points. The Blues have won 26 of the previous 50 matches and Spurs five (all at White Hart Lane in the last 11 years).

Antonio Conte set his side up in a defensive formation; David Luiz, N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko making up a midfield three while Willian partnered Alvaro Morata in a front two.

After Spurs levelled through Michy Batshuayi’s own goal, Alonso then struck the victor in the 88th minute, his shot squirming underneath the Spurs goalkeeper’s body and into the net.

The fullback shot low but must have been as surprised as anyone when goalkeeper Hugo Lloris somehow let the ball through. But you know very well that, for me, the wing-backs are the real wingers. “If we play that way, we’ll win a lot of games in the future”. We need to stop.

“I am pleased for the commitment of my players, their big will to fight on every ball”. I’m happy to lose in that way.

“But they showed me that last season’s desire has stayed in their hearts”.

The doubts, which were already there after last season’s disastrous Champions League campaign that ended in group stage elimination after home defeats against Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, will only grow among the players and supporters after this loss.

For all the noise and wall of flags that greeted Tottenham’s arrival at Wembley Stadium, Spurs needed an early goal to feel at ease in their new surroundings.

But Chelsea reacted like the champions they are with Alonso sweeping home the victor following excellent work from Kante and Luiz.

Chelsea, though, always looked more likely to score.

He was Spurs’ most consistent performer on the day, and almost scored with a rasping shot. The Englishman’s unfortunate record of never managing a Premier League goal in August continues, though he couldn’t have come much closer to finding the net this afternoon.

So, Chelsea’s title defence is up and running, while Spurs will have to endure the Wembley hoodoo patter for a while longer.

“Wembley is a fantastic stadium and to see this atmosphere is incredible but it is awesome for the opponent also”, said Conte.

However, with three minutes of regulation time the visitors regained the lead, Alonso grabbing his second of the day after being played into the area before rifling home a low drive under the body of Lloris.

It was, however, a familiar feeling for them at Wembley – but talk of a curse is surely premature. “Playing that way we can win lots of games”.

Chelsea were awarded a free-kick after Dele Alli clipped Luiz and from a position 25 yards from goal, slightly to the right of centre, Alonso arced a magnificent shot into the top-right corner.

Overall, though, Chelsea’s shape made life hard for Tottenham.