Chelsea's Blueprint to Topple Spurs: A Three-Player Plan from a Blues Legend
30 October 2025
Chelsea's plan hinges on three players
Joe Cole, the former Chelsea standout, argues that the London club must lean on three core players to secure a victory away at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League. The matchup, billed as a London derby with big implications, could come down to execution from a trusted trio.
Context, form, and Chelsea's project
Chelsea enter the derby in a mid-table position, while Tottenham sit third after a convincing win over Everton under their new coach, Thomas Frank. Chelsea’s recent 1-2 home defeat to Sunderland has added pressure on coach Enzo Maresca and the squad ahead of this high-stakes clash against a traditional rival.
Cole explained that the current squad does possess game‑changing talent, but the emphasis will be on a trio he believes can alter the outcome. He told Metro that historically the Chelsea–Tottenham duels felt comfortable, but the dynamics have shifted dramatically in this era.
He noted that Tottenham are buzzing, viewing Chelsea as a close competitor even if the points gap isn’t huge. The players Cole highlighted are Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, and Estevão Willian, who have shown flashes of what they can contribute. Cole stressed that while goals can come from wide areas and midfield, the trio’s influence could tilt the balance in a tightly contested fixture.
Neto has emerged as a key outlet on Chelsea’s right flank, contributing to several goals in recent matches. Gittens, at 19, has demonstrated pace, dribbling, and creativity, while Willian, just 17, represents the club’s bright future and a sign of the talent pipeline maturing under the current project.
Cole argues that this group represents Chelsea’s long‑term plan, but cautions against relying solely on youth for a big derby. Talent must be complemented by character and experience in high‑pressure moments. He also touched on the club’s broader project under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, now in its fourth year, noting two trophies have arrived but the emphasis remains on sustainable growth and competitive balance over reckless spending.
“This season’s expectations are clear: Chelsea should push for a comfortable top-four finish and stay within reach of the top,” Cole said. “Claiming the league this year may be optimistic, but finishing in the top four would mark a strong step forward. If they do reach the Champions League spots, it will be a meaningful validation of the rebuild. Fans must understand this new era—ambition with fiscal prudence.”
He also emphasized that the ownership’s financial discipline is part of a long‑term plan to rebuild Chelsea on sustainable foundations. While the club won’t emulate past spending sprees, the focus remains on strategic recruitment and development to support a competitive squad for years to come.
In closing, Cole suggested that the squad’s balance between youth and experienced leadership will be crucial, especially when facing a storied rival in a derby that carries extra significance for fans and the club’s trajectory.
Punchline time: If Chelsea pull this off, the trophy cabinet will finally get a proper workout—and the budget sheet might finally get some cardio. If they stumble, at least the spreadsheet will have a dramatic plot twist worthy of a thriller—because in football, even the numbers can score a goal.
