IN RECENT days Chelsea have reminded you of the rogue truck driver in Steven Spielberg’s film Duel. They have promised a relentless pursuit, driving their quarry to distraction and constant glances in his wing-mirror. That image stayed in the mind yesterday as events across London at Craven Cottage filtered through. Yet despite the rare act of neighbourliness from Fulham, who subjected Manchester United to a second consecutive league defeat, Chelsea failed to capitalise. And like the denouement of the movie, you suspect that the Blues’ title aspirations crashed and burnt here.

In theory, Chelsea are still battling on three fronts for trophies. But interim manager Guus Hiddink, who had overseen a 100% league record since arriving at Stamford Bridge, knew in his heart that this was an opportunity spurned. As he conceded, before departing to Amsterdam to visit his sick father, followed by the journey to Russia to oversee the national team’s World Cup qualification programme: “If Manchester United are losing, those are the moments when you have to strike, and we didn’t do that. That’s why we said beforehand that the pressure was not just on Manchester United. It was on us as well.”

The portents had not been auspicious for Tottenham. Not with one league victory over their London rivals in 37 attempts. Worse, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had not enjoyed a victory over Chelsea since his West Ham team beat them a decade ago.

How he will have enjoyed this, although at the final whistle a remarkably composed Redknapp’s only show of emotion was a high-five with Luka Modric, the diminutive Croatian who was accorded a standing ovation when he was substituted late on after a performance of vision and industry. “He really is an amazing footballer,” said Redknapp. “And he’s not a lightweight. Physically, he’s not afraid to mix it with the big boys.”

This run of only one defeat in 16 at home under Redknapp means Spurs are aiming for Europe — seventh place should be sufficient — rather than preparing for the Championship. Not that relegation was ever likely, given their plethora of talent.

Things are looking up for Spurs, who announced record profits of £39.8m for the last six months of 2008, though that was not so much financial prudence; more a consequence of the £50m-plus sale of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane. Keane has returned from Liverpool to a team no longer encumbered by relegation fears, and they took the game to Chelsea.

Early on, it was Michael Essien, determined to make up for lost time, who caught the eye. The Ghanaian has been instrumental in Chelsea recently producing the style of football for which their owner has yearned.

His captain, John Terry, has described Essien as “part-man, part-machine” in recognition of the way he had launched himself body and soul into his previous three league games after a cruciate ligament injury. Not just a powerhouse in himself, but a catalyst, in the manner he has released the potential in others, such as Michael Ballack.

Inevitably, it was Essien who produced the first threat to the home goal, with a fierce drive. Juliano Belletti, who did not have the best of halves, following in, caught Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. Thereafter, however, it was Spurs, the beneficiaries of Modric’s driving presence, who seized the initiative.

Jermaine Jenas’s mighty drive flew just over the angle, and Petr Cech had to stand firm to repel Keane’s volley after Alex allowed a long clearance to bounce through to the Irishman. Keane again tested Cech after Vedran Corluka had thrust into the Chelsea heart and switched the ball to him. Then Keane broke, but despite support, made the save easy for Cech. At the other end, Nicolas Anelka brought Gomes into action, but otherwise Chelsea’s attack looked impotent.

The visitors’ indifferent first half was exemplified by the lack of presence of Didier Drogba, who had got little return from his confrontation with Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King. The Ivorian had to be helped off just before the interval after a collision with King. The manner in which he staggered off, you feared for his health. But he duly returned after the break. After four minutes of the second period, the striker was angrily demanding more from his teammates after Chelsea had fallen behind.

The goal was fashioned by Aaron Lennon, who has signed a new five-year deal with Tottenham. Although his final ball is sometimes found wanting, this time his low cross dissected two defenders, allowing Modric to steal in and opt for accuracy rather than power to beat Cech. The Croatian failed to connect cleanly with another chance that would have settled matters. And in the final 20 minutes Chelsea were fuelled by hope as Spurs retreated.

Drogba brought a fine save from Gomes, who also denied Ricardo Quaresma. One powerful downward header from Terry was brilliantly turned away. Then, from a Frank Lampard corner, an Alex header bounced up and struck the bar.

Chelsea “will fight to the bitter end”, Hiddink had promised in the week. He knows that if his men continue to succumb so readily, there can be only one conclusion.

Star man: Luca Modric (Tottenham)

Yellow cards: Tottenham: Palacios, Modric Chelsea: Belletti, Ballack

Referee: M Dean

Attendance:36,034

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Gomes 7, Corluka 6, Woodgate 7, King 7, Assou-Ekotto 6, Lennon 7 (Zokora 90min), Jenas 6, Palacios 6, Modric 8 (O’Hara 86min), Bent 5, Keane 6

CHELSEA: Cech 6, Bosingwa 6, Alex 6, Terry 7, A Cole 6, Essien 7 (Malouda 75min), Ballack 5, Lampard 6, Belletti 5 (Quaresma 60 min, 5), Drogba 6, Anelka 5