Tony Cascarino criticises Tottenham trio Jose Mourinho, Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko

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Tottenham had a chance to overtake Chelsea and clamber into the Premier League’s top four before Christmas yesterday but blew it.

The Blues dominated throughout their 2-0 win as Frank Lampard got the better of his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and his midfield axis of Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko.

Tony Cascarino was not impressed and told the Times: “Oh José. You seem to have gone from the special one to the outdated one. He was completely outmanoeuvred by Frank Lampard. The pupil gave his mentor a lesson in the way he set up to dismantle Tottenham yesterday. He left out Jorginho up against Eric Dier and Moussa Sissoko.

“Both Spurs men are powerful but lack quality and guile on the ball. Spurs could not lay a glove on [Chelsea] and they are leaking goals. It is the winning mentality at Chelsea that is the true difference. Mourinho must instil that in his side if they are to become real contenders but he will have to come up with better tactics.”

TBR’s View – Mourinho struggling to influence the big games

One of the reasons Jose Mourinho’s arrival was trumpeted was that it could give Tottenham the edge in bigger games, where they have struggled at times in the past.

But Mourinho has already lost both games he has had against a top six rival, both against clubs who used to employ him.

It’s early days, but it’s a worrying trend. As is his insistence on power in midfield at a time when artistry tends to win more games, especially at the very top.