Reece James reasserts his dominance over his rival as the natural order is restored

Reece James reasserts his dominance over his rival as the natural order is restored

After completing an hour against Blackburn last week, Reece James managed 76 minutes last night against Tottenham.

The plan was likely to give him less time than that, but Mauricio Pochettino waited until the Blues had got their go ahead goal to withdraw his captain.

We’re pretty happy with that – if you told us now that James could only play 75 minutes of every game left this season, but in return wouldn’t get another serious injury, we’d take it. He brings so much to the team when he’s playing, and his importance is so clear when he’s not available.

Malo Gusto had a solid 30 minutes on the pitch following James’ removal, and he frustrated as he so often seems to do, combining some great moments with some poor decision making at both ends which really sums up his Chelsea spell so far.

For all his qualities, there’s no denying James is a better player and first choice once again now he’s fit.