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Cesar Azpilicueta has delivered his verdict on Chelsea’s upcoming clash against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The Blues will host the Lilywhites at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening, with both sides heading into the match off the back of opening day wins.
Chelsea were victorious at Everton thanks to Jorginho’s first-half penalty, with Spurs running riot on their home turf as they beat Southampton 4-1.
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Last season, Thomas Tuchel’s side won all four of the meetings against their opponents across all competitions, with two in the Premier League and two in the Carabao Cup.
However Spurs, like Chelsea, have strengthened throughout the summer, so much so that Tuchel believes his side are currently trying to catch up with them due to their successful pre-season.
During his pre-match press conference, he said: “They took advantage of the situation, which is fair enough.
“Now we try to find solutions to win this game and to be as fast as possible on our highest level. It can also help to have a big match like this early, it lifts you up and gives you a push, which is sometimes needed.
“They took advantage of their situation in that they have a stable club, the ownership was clear, and it was clear that they reached the Champions League and took advantage to reinforce their squad very early. It was very straightforward.
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“They had a calm pre-season. The roads were clear. It seems like they’re a bit ahead of us from the start, out of the blocks, but it does not mean that you win the race just because you win the start.”
Club captain Azpilicueta has now delivered his verdict on the upcoming clash as Chelsea look to claim their second win of the new season.
"It's the second game of the season, we've only just started,” he told Sky Sports.
"But against Tottenham, it doesn't matter when you play them - it's just about winning.
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"We know it's going to be a tough game - they did their transfer business before pre-season. We know Antonio very well and how he prepares his teams.
“We have to be ready and we're working hard to be ready."
Three of Chelsea’s new summer signings all featured in the win against Everton, and could be set to be named in the starting lineup against Spurs.
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Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly started against the Toffees, with Marc Cucurella coming off the bench in the second half.
However, Chelsea may not have yet concluded their business for the summer, with the window set to shut at the start of September.
The Blues have now reportedly agreed personal terms with Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana, who has emerged as a top target for defence in recent weeks.
Topics: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
Robert Calcutt