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Football London
Football London
Sport
Elliott Jackson

The defensive statistic that could cost Chelsea a top-four finish at the expense of Tottenham

The battle for the top four looks set to go right down to the wire.

Chelsea current hold the final Champions League place, with Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United their closest competitors.

With Leicester City a further eight points ahead of the Blues, it looks like it could be a battle between two of London's biggest clubs for that final coveted spot amongst Europe's elite clubs.

Chelsea, of course, were held to a 2-2 draw with the Foxes this weekend, allowing Spurs to reduce the gap between the two clubs to four points after a 2-0 victory over Manchester City.

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Both clubs will be competing on three front too, with each team still involved in the FA Cup and the Champions League.

That means it will be a tight battle that could be separated by the tightest or margins.

Tottenham hold a slight advantage over Chelsea in one key defensive area.

Whilst Spurs haven't been at their best at the back under Jose Mourinho, they do hold a strong record when it comes to defending corners.

This season, only Liverpool (1) have conceded less goals from corners than Spurs' tally of two, a percentage of 1.63 from the 123 they have faced this season.

That is a stark contrast to Chelsea, who have conceded the most in the league.

Frank Lampard's side have the highest percentage in the Premier League of goals conceded from corners, allowing six goals in from 80 corners, leaving their record at a division-high 7.5%.

Whilst Manchester United, West Ham and Aston Villa have all conceded a higher tally of goals, they have also faced far more in their box, lowering their percentage.

Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have formed a strong partnership at the heart of Chelsea's defence but with Kepa Arrizabalaga's place uncertain, it could harm the Blues in their hopes of a top-four finish.

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