What’s Changed Since Chelsea Denied Tottenham Hotspur the Premier League Title?

It’s Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The grudge match resumes.

History and geography has meant this London derby has rarely needed inspiration. It’s been frantic down the years—one defined by battles on the pitch as well as the terraces.

With Spurs now competing regularly at the top end of the Premier League, the sense of competition has intensified. Matches between the clubs aren’t just about a rivalry anymore but also come with prestige and silverware on the line.

In 2015, Chelsea defeated Spurs to win the then-League Cup at Wembley Stadium, and last season, Mauricio Pochettino’s men arrived at Stamford Bridge with real aspirations of being crowned champions.

Within 90 minutes, Chelsea had ended that dream. The Blues clawed their way back into the game to draw 2-2. Extending Tottenham’s winless run in west London—Spurs have not won at Stamford Bridge in the league since 1990—meant the Premier League trophy was gift-wrapped for Leicester City.

It wasn’t just the result that dented Spurs’ pride that night in May; Chelsea’s wild celebrations at denying their rivals also slighted Tottenham. That led to scuffles in the tunnel, with the Blues’ interim manager, Guus Hiddink, even being floored among the melee.

“[Chelsea away] was the first fixture I looked out for in the summer,” Tottenham left-back Danny Rose recently admitted, per Darren Lewis of the Mirror, as he remembered events from May.

It wasn’t just Rose with that point of view—every Chelsea and Spurs fan would have been licking their lips when the fixtures were announced.

This game has so much riding on it, although six months on from the battle of Stamford Bridge, there are different subplots. We’re talking about Chelsea as being Premier League leaders again, while Spurs are having to cope with no longer being a Champions League club. Blues boss Antonio Conte commands the touchline, attempting to inspire his players.

In a short space of time, Chelsea and Spurs have the look of different clubs.

As we count down to kick-off, Bleacher Report takes a closer look at the shifting landscape at Chelsea.

The Leaders Are Different

Under Conte’s guidance, the influence of John Terry has been diluted. It’s happened in the name of progress, and the way Conte has dealt with the club captain has been exemplary.

There hasn’t been a public falling-out with Terry or an attempt to undermine his position in the same way Rafa Benitez did. Instead, Conte’s been respectful and polite, showing how the team ethic has been put ahead of reputations under his leadership.

In a three-man …

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