Chelsea have climbed into sixth in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Leicester City. Raheem Sterling guided the Blues back to winning ways with a delightful double, but Conor Gallagher's first-half red card tarnished what was set to be the perfect afternoon.
The 22-year-old midfielder was granted a second successive start by Thomas Tuchel as the Foxes looked to record their first win of the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge. Gallagher was shown his first yellow after clipping Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Just over five minutes later, the Chelsea midfielder was shown a second for a foul on Harvey Barnes after a loose pass from Marc Cucurella unwittingly set the winger free. The Cobham graduate's marching orders is the second successive red-card shown to a Chelsea player after Kalidou Koulibaly was sent offer versus Leeds United at Elland Road last weekend.
READ MORE : Why Thiago Silva shouted at Kalidou Koulibaly as Chelsea beat Everton but prepare for Spurs test
The Blues have had to - again - finish a Premier League bout with just ten men. At the end of the day, Chelsea walked with three points in the race for Champions League qualification, however the club's growing disciplinary record may have to improve first in order to stand a chance...
So, while near on impossible to call after just matchday three, football.london compares the west Londoners' next five games with their rivals Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United.
Southampton (A) - August 30
Southampton are another club widely tipped to struggle this season. They got off to a good start against Spurs but slowly fell away as the hosts ran riot.
The Saints head into the clash with Chelsea following an unfortunate defeat against Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes did enough to clinch three points for the Red Devils, but it must be said that the referee's controversial decision to not award a penalty to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side handed Erik ten Hag a lifeline.
Chelsea's previous trip to Southampton proved to be a delightful trip to the south coast when they ran out 6-0 winners. Another goal fest on the cards?
West Ham (H) - September 4
It remains to be seen whether West Ham will look to infiltrate the Big Six's pursuit of European football. They did a good job of it last season under David Moyes but the Hammers have strengthened in the summer.
They proved to be difficult opponents during the last campaign as they made life tricky for the likes of United, Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea picked up three points in their last meeting, just, after Christian Pulisic fired home in stoppage time with Jorginho missing a penalty.
Fulham (A) - September 10
By the time Chelsea meet Fulham, their London rivals will be hoping to have stamped their mark on their return to the Premier League. Many fear Fulham will continue their yo-yo between the Championship and the English top flight.
But, their curtain-raiser against Liverpool proved that they will be no pushovers as they made life difficult for Jurgen Klopp's side. Aleksandr Mitrovic scored twice only for Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah to restore parity twice.
Fulham impressed again against Arsenal, though the Gunners just about escaped defeat. Chelsea will need to ensure they are at the races from the first whistle otherwise they could suffer similar problems.
Liverpool (H) - September 18
On the eve of the international break, the two German head coaches meet again. Both sides played out two classics during their encounter's last season with Mateo Kovacic scoring a goal of the season contender.
Liverpool had a slow start to the new campaign, though their nine-goal demolition of Bournemouth at Anfield says otherwise. By the time they visit west London, the Blues will be wanting to be on their 'A-game' with Raheem Sterling breaking into some exciting form.
Chelsea will be eyeing revenge after losing out in the Carabao Cup final and the FA Cup final to their Merseyside rivals.
Crystal Palace (A) - October 1
While it may seem otherwise, Chelsea have won all ten of their previous meetings with Crystal Palace. Tuchel will be looking to continue the west Londoners' great vein of form.
Palace have endured a turbulent start to the Premier League season, though they're a side who have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the very best on a good day. Whether it's Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze in attack or Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi at the back, Patrick Vieira's side are a force to be reckoned with.
Tottenham’s next five fixtures
Nottingham Forest (A) - August 28
West Ham (A) - August 31
Fulham (H) - September 3
Manchester City (A) - September 10
Leicester City (H) - September 17
Man United's next five fixtures
Leicester City (A) - September 1
Arsenal (H) - September 4
Crystal Palace (A) - September 11
Leeds (H) - September 18
Manchester City (A) - October 2
Arsenal's next five fixtures
Aston Villa (H) - August 31
Manchester United (A) - September 4
Everton (H) - September 11
Brentford (A) - September 18
Tottenham (H) - October 1
READ NEXT:
Raheem Sterling realises Pep Guardiola Chelsea dream as Tuchel faces Frenkie de Jong question
Todd Boehly overdue £40m success breaks fundamental Chelsea transfer rule to set new trend
Timo Werner Chelsea exit exposes wider transfer mistake that Todd Boehly cannot repeat
Callum Hudson-Odoi Dortmund talks could finally end Chelsea's £150m transfer dead-end
