Spurs experienced that to painful effect. Up against an opponent on another level, they saw the game taken away from them in the blink of an eye.
It did not require a moment of individual brilliance, rather a collective responsibility to exert their authority.
Thiago Silva’s 49th-minute header put them in front and substitute N’Golo Kante’s shot, which wickedly ricocheted off Eric Dier, ensured Chelsea maintained their unbeaten start to the season and moved level on points with Liverpool and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table.
Toni Rudiger completed what ended up a routine win when sweeping home a third in stoppage time to prompt a mass exodus and leave the visiting fans to provide the soundtrack to final moments.
Kante’s introduction at half-time was significant – but so was Thomas Tuchel’s ability to change the course of a game midway through.