Toni Rudiger targets another Chelsea clean sheet at Tottenham + hails Rom Lukaku’s impact at Bridge

Toni Rudiger will be relishing the chance to do to Tottenham on Sunday what he did to Zenit in midweek – keep a clean sheet.

The Blues head to north London keen to remain unbeaten in the 2021-22 season

They have conceded just one goal in four Premier League outings and Romelu Lukaku’s headed home in their 1-0 win over Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

German centre-back Rudiger said: “It was one of those type of games where if you don’t find an early goal, it becomes difficult – but we kept going.

“The only threat that was coming from them was the counter-attack and we did very well with that. We played well, defended so well and got the one goal.”

Lukaku has netted four times for the west Londoners since rejoining from Inter in a £97.5million deal in August. Rudiger, 28, said: “He is a striker of great class, so it’s good to have him around.

“He has a big personality but for us what is more important is the team and not only the one player.

“Last season we also had a lot of chances but it is just that we didn’t finish so well. Having him, and Timo Werner as well, with their qualities, is very good.

“Obviously he is important for us, scoring goals, and to have a great player like him is very good, but the reason we won the Champions League last year is we did it as a team.”

Emma Hayes had a sigh of relief after her charges recovered from the opening day WSL defeat to Arsenal by thumping Everton 4-0 on Sunday at Kingsmeadow.

Hayes said: “I always knew Arsenal would be a tough opening fixture considering they had more games under their belt but it’s not about where you begin, it’s about where you end, and we will be competing to win every week.

“Our build-up play, in general, was excellent. We worked on things to improve our shape from last weekend.

“Fair play to the whole team for the clean sheet. We are just getting going. It’s three points and I’m happy about it.’

A brace by Sam Kerr and strikes from Fran Kirby and Beth England saw off Everton convincingly.

Hayes said: “I’m so delighted for Bethany England to come into the game and get her first goal. She worked so hard in the off season, she is back in the England squad and she’s an invaluable part of the squad.”

Chelsea will face Wolfsburg, Juventus and Servette in the group stage of the Women’s Champions League.