With the abundance of flair and attacking talent Tottenham Hotspur acquired knowing Gareth Bale was leaving, it has perhaps been surprising that their impressive start to the season owes a lot to a watertight defence.
.
Spurs anticipated the arrival of €100 million in Bale booty by bringing in the likes of Spain striker Roberto Soldado, Argentine forward Erik Lamela, Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen and Brazil midfielder Paulinho.
.
While the new boys have already given more than a glimpse of their talents, the men in white forming an impregnable wall at the back have gone quietly about their business.
.
Spurs, who host London rivals Chelsea at White Hart Lane in Saturday's early kickoff, are level on points at the top of the Premier League with neighbours Arsenal and have conceded one goal in nine games in all competitions this season.
.
That came in a 1-0 loss away to their local rivals on September 1 but, apart from that blip, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defenders Michael Dawson, Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker, along with Danny Rose and Kyle Naughton, have been rock steady.
The game is surely going to be a CRACKER !!!