Jamie Redknapp pays tribute to ‘incredible’ Thiago Silva after Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham

Jamie Redknapp paid tribute to ‘incredible’ Thiago Silva after the veteran defender helped Chelsea secure another victory over rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel’s side beat Spurs twice on their way to the Carabao Cup final and inflicted another defeat on Antonio Conte’s team on Sunday.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, Hakim Ziyech broke the deadlock with a stunning curler from the edge of the box.

Thiago Silva doubled Chelsea’s lead on 55 minutes and Spurs were unable to mount a comeback as they missed the chance to close the gap on their top-four rivals.

‘We talk about great players and great signings, what a great signing he’s been,’ Redknapp said of Silva after Chelsea’s 2-0 win.

‘There were a few people doubting him because of his age, but he has been incredible. He’s a Rolls-Royce of a player. And what a great influence he must be to the other players in that dressing room.’

Silva, 37, joined Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2020 and extended his contract for a second time earlier in the month.

Tuchel, meanwhile, praised his Chelsea team after they won their first Premier League game since December 26.

‘We were working extremely hard for it and it was a tough match,’ the German boss said.

‘The effort was outstanding and it was a deserved win. It is so hard to create chances against them but we were relentless and kept on believing.’

This was Tottenham’s first league defeat since former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte took over as manager.

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Spurs are now nine points behind third-placed Chelsea although