Xabi Alonso has urged Chelsea to have “good emotional control” when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and not let the opportunity slip away.
Chelsea, who were in shaky form before the international break, have steadied the ship since their return earlier this month, winning both their games.
Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table and looking to win three top-flight games in a row for the first time since four games in January/February.
Recent form against Spurs suggests this will be possible as the Blues have won each of their last six league games against the north London side, the joint-longest league winning streak against them (also six from January 2000 to March 2002).
Spurs have won just one of their last 36 league visits to Stamford Bridge (11 L24), but have picked up just two points since their 3-1 win in 2017-18 (W2 6).
Alonso is looking forward to his first taste of competition.
“Every derby is special; you feel the energy and excitement from the stands,” he said.
“We have to use that energy on the pitch because we have to create a good connection. We also have to have good emotional control because there is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides.
“We want to play football with heart.
“I knew [the six-match winning streak]but that’s another game. We have to prove once again that we can continue this run and we have to play with heart, head and intelligence, knowing that this is a special game.”
Next up: Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2026
Chelsea kept their first clean sheet in 23 Premier League games last time out against Everton, but haven’t recorded back-to-back clean sheets since December last season.
Mike Penders will start in goal against Spurs, while Emiliano Martinez is out after picking up an injury in his last game.
“He’s ready,” Alonso said when asked about Penders. “He trained well, played in several cup games, showed that he is at a good level there.
“For a few minutes against Everton, he showed his personality and qualities. That’s why we have the squad for those situations and we’re absolutely confident that Mike can play very well.
“We wanted to have the best possible options, so we switched to Amy [in the summer transfer window]. Mike is a goalkeeper now and for the future, learning from an experienced goalkeeper like Amy. We are happy with Mike; ready”.