David Luiz, Ramires and Oscar were all part of Roberto Di Matteo’s starting line-up to face former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas, whose side included Sandro.
Chelsea started brightly, retaining possession and creating some early chances, including a good effort from Oscar when he drove a right-foot shot just wide of Friedel’s post.
Sandro fizzed an effort well over the away side’s bar as Spurs tried to respond, but it was a rare attack as Chelsea continued to boss possession.
Villas-Boas, who was sacked by Chelsea 226 days ago, breathed a massive sigh of relief moments later when Torres was flagged offside, after Oscar had robbed Gallas and played him through on goal.
The Blues took the lead in the 17th minute when Gallas’ poor header fell straight in to the path of Cahill, who fired in an unstoppable shot from 12 yards.
Chelsea should have doubled their lead in the 39th minute following a great burst by Ramires set up Mata but the Spaniard lifted his second effort over the bar after Friedel did well to save the first.
Ramires picked up a yellow card shortly before half-time, as did Spurs players Gallas and Walker, but the Blues kept their lead intact after a sustained period of Tottenham pressure.
The hosts started the second half brighter and levelled within 65 seconds of the restart, through William Gallas, and then took the lead seven minutes later when Jermaine Defoe scored his 200th career goal.
The hosts refused to sit on their lead and Sandro was next to call Cech into action, although his daisy-cutter was easily held by the ‘keeper.
Spurs threw everything at Chelsea, but could not beat the Czech goalkeeper again and the Blues made them pay with two crucial goals from Mata in two minutes.
The first of which came after Oscar’s dangerous cross was cleared by Gallas straight into the Spaniard’s path, who calmly slotted the ball past Friedel.
Torres was then denied by a wonderful last-gasp tackle by Vertonghen before Hazard slipped in Mata to put Chelsea ahead after 69 minutes.
Oscar, who was particularly impressive for Chelsea, was replaced by Daniel Sturridge with eight minutes remaining,
The striker went on to wrap up the scoring in the 91st-minute and secure the three points, when Mata put the ball on a plate for him to tap home.
The win for Chelsea keeps them top of the Premier League whilst Tottenham move down to sixth, following their first defeat since the opening day of the season.
