When Juan Mata embarrassed Kyle Walker and got instant revenge after he booted the ball at him

Not many Premier League players have got the better of Kyle Walker in a physical battle - but former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata once did so to great effect.

In the early to mid 2010s, the Spaniard was one of the top attacking midfielders in the Premier League across spells in both London and Manchester.

His best goalscoring season was in the 2012/13 campaign, where he scored 20 goals in 64 games for the Blues as they won the Europa League and finished in third in the Premier League table.

Chelsea were top of the table in October before travelling to Spurs, who were then managed by former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas.

They secured a 4-2 victory at White Hart Lane, with Mata scoring twice inside three minutes.

His second goal was somewhat special - and it was certainly a moment for Walker to forget.

When Mata embarrassed Walker

Earlier in the game, with the score at 3-2, Mata stopped the ball in the corner before turning and attempting to run towards goal.

However, Walker used his pace to get to the ball first, smashing it at the Chelsea midfielder and out for a throw-in. Mata certainly wasn't impressed, and squared up to the England right-back.

The Spaniard didn't have to wait too long to get his revenge, however. Minutes later, Walker received the ball in defence and tried to outsprint Mata in a foot race.

Every Premier league winger of the last decade always have Walker as one of the toughest defenders they’ve ever faced, but Juan Mata had no problem getting revenge on him https://t.co/6uArnI3GfX pic.twitter.com/qk9FENdzZa

— Olly (@Utd_Olly15) June 9, 2023

But it didn't work out, with the Chelsea star winning the ball from Walker as he attempted to shield it out for a throw-in, before racing towards goal.

And to put the icing on the cake for Mata, he picked out Daniel Sturridge at the back post, who slotted the ball across the line to make 4-2 and seal the victory for Roberto Di Matteo's side.

Walker could be seen bent down afterwards, with his hands on his knees, left to reflect on what was a disappointing moment for the now Manchester City treble winner.

The result actually ended up being pivotal in the season, with Spurs finishing fifth - three points behind third-placed Chelsea. A result against the Blues, therefore, would have meant Villas-Boas' side qualified for the Champions League.