By DANIEL DAVIS
Published: 12:01 EST, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 12:25 EST, 8 December 2024
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella slipped in the build-up to both of Tottenham's early goals in comical fashion - before opting to change his boots.
The red-faced full back was at fault for strikes from Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, having stumbled across the slick pitch in a horror first 10 minutes.
He first lost his balance just five minutes into the showdown and seconds later, Solanke raced in at the front post to touch a cross beyond Robert Sanchez.
Six minutes later, Cucurella was found guilty of the same mistake after toppling over and Kulusevski capitalised in style by squeezing his effort home.
Desperately, the 26-year-old then raced over to the Chelsea technical area and pulled on a change of boots, shrugging his shoulders in frustration.
Sky Sports commentator Jamie Carragher was left bemused, saying: 'Cucurella's coming to the bench, don't blame anyone else - it's your own fault, son!
Cucurella slips AGAIN and Kulusevski doubles Tottenham's lead! ð¤¯
The Chelsea defender immediately runs off the pitch to change his boots ð«£ pic.twitter.com/R1enDM5PGp
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 8, 2024
'Absolute schoolboy stuff. Embarrassing.
'He slips again. Look at him shrugging his shoulders. Did he not do a warm-up?'
Commentator Peter Drury couldn't help but crack a festive joke, telling viewers: 'Well, it's pantomime season, and like Cinderella, Cucurella needs a slipper that fits!'
Immediately after Kulusevki's shot flashed into the back of the net, Cucurella raced to the touchline while waving his arms in disgust and signalling to his boots.
When he arrived, a new pair of footwear was waiting for him. Failing to hide his anger, Cucurella tossed his old shoes away and pulled on his replacements.
Adding to his shame, the TV cameras cut away from Spurs' wild celebrations to highlight his plight while Carragher insisted the blame lies solely with him.
However, the change of boots appeared to do Cucurella the world of good after he teed up Jadon Sancho, who halved the deficit with a superb long-range strike.
More to follow.