Why Chelsea – Spurs has feeling of a season-defining game for both teams

Every single Chelsea – Spurs game is big, but this one feels especially meaningful.

It’s not just the same old rivalry, there’s a real feeling that a hugely improved Spurs under coach Antonio Conte are going to challenge a flawed Chelsea this season, and beating us this early on would be hugely significant psychologically as well as in terms of an early 6 point difference.

If we can put them back in their box, there will be a wave of relief as we realise we’re still top dogs.

If Spurs win, the chatter that there’s been a changing of the guard in London, which has been prevalent in the media all summer as Spurs got their business done early, will only intensify.

Of course there will still be 36 games to play, but few will be as significant as this one in setting up a season-long battle between us and our old rivals.