Jose Mourinho's Chelsea powered to a 4-0 win in Israel on Tuesday night, brushing aside Macc
Had results in other matches turned out differently, we'd have sealed our qualification. But Porto's home defeat to Dynamo Kiev in Tuesday's other Group G game meant it wasn't to be just yet, even though Chelsea have full control over how the group ends up. We know that three points at home to the Portuguese side next month will ensure top spot.
As English clubs have found in the past, first place will likely bring with it a more favourable draw for the first knockout round. Fingers crossed, anyway. We'll have to beat Europe's biggest clubs to win this competition again, but perhaps it's preferable to wait to meet the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich as late on in the competition as possible.
Tuesday's victory was at times tough to come by, but the result itself will be another massive shot in the arm to our group of players after the weekend win over Norwich. Goals from Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma ensured it would be a happy trip home to London, and that's two consecutive wins chalked up, complete with an improving level o
Perhaps Maccabi weren't the toughest side we'll face this season - to put it nicely - but you can only play what's in front of you. We initially found it a challenge to pull clear of the determined opposition, but quality eventually told and matters were made notably easier when former Blues defender Tal Ben-Haim was sent off in the first half.
Notching up four goals will be great for the confidence, but a tough-looking derby encounter with Tottenham awaits us on Sunday. It'll be a big test of our credentials, especially considering Mauricio Pochettino's side are unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening day of the season.
Spurs faced a 5,000 mile round trip to Azerbaijan to play in the Europa League on Thursday
night against Qarabag, so looking at Sunday's match in that sense, Chelsea have a distinct advantage in terms of pre-match rest and preparation. It doesn't always tell on the field and ultimately it might not make much difference in a derby game such as this one - but it's a comforting thought for a Chelsea fan.
Another comfort comes from the fact Chelsea have fallen to defeat just once in their last 12 matches against Spurs - dating back to the 2010/11 season. It's quite an incredible record, and one of our finest memories from last season came as the Blues cast Spurs aside at Wembley to lift the Capital One Cup.
White Hart Lane will be a tough place to visit. And while it does look as though we'll be without injured captain John Terry, Chelsea have enough strength in depth to cope with the loss. Zouma has been particularly impressive in his recent appearances and has proven himself perfectly capable of scoring a goal, while the team as a whole haven't conceded in their last two matches.
Willian's mighty goalscoring form shows no signs of slowing up and Eden Hazard is starting to flourish in his newly acquired central attacking midfield role, while Diego Costa got back among the goals with the winner against the Canaries last weekend. This match will be a challenge, but the Blues are on the right path and have every reason to be confident of a third consecutive win.
Let's get behind the team and show Tottenham that Chelsea's charge up the Premier League table is truly underway.
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