While it was a bad day for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea’s senior side, the U21s secured a brilliant victory over rivals Tottenham as Harry Hudson masterminded a 3-1 win at Stevenage’s stadium.

A third defeat in four games has seen Chelsea slip to sixth place in the Premier League table, going into the November break in a bad way, riddled with injuries. Hudson’s Cobham Next Gen have been superb.

On Sunday, Hudson took his U21 side to an in-form Tottenham side that had remained unbeaten in Premier League 2. But Chelsea leapfrogged Spurs with a brilliant 3-1 win, leaving both sides on 16 points.

A great win, but it meant more for Chelsea’s Leo Black

Chizaram Ezenwata has been in superb form for the second string, having a hand in 13 goals in just 12 games for the U21 side and the U19 team that plays in the UEFA Youth League. He got two on Sunday.

It’s been a good couple of days for Ezenwata, who is one of 31 Chelsea players called up to play for their country during the break. The young striker will be playing for England’s U19 side under Ben Futcher.

But it meant more for Black. After 91 games in Tottenham’s academy, Black moved to Chelsea in the summer and the 20-year-old played against his old pals on Sunday. He was crucial in the 3-1 victory.

After the game, Black posted a brilliant three-word Instagram message, having guided his new Chelsea side to a crucial win over Spurs. He posted: “Business, never personal” after getting revenge on Spurs.

Leo Black’s arrival was only confirmed at the end of September

The impressive right-back has played eight times for CNG, scoring two goals for the Blues and laying on an assist in an EFL Trophy win against Reading. He was one of the goalscorers in a 4-1 win over Arsenal.

But Hudson and Chelsea delayed his official signing until the end of September, having already played four times for Chelsea. The Blues wanted to judge him competitively before handing him a new contract.

It has been the right decision; Black has been excellent and produced another top display, getting his own back on Spurs having left the North London side for Chelsea. The 21s go to Norwich next on the 27th.