Marc Cucurella changes his boots during Chelsea's game at Tottenham
Marc Cucurella had to change his boots within 15 minutes of the first half
For all of football’s sophistication, technological advances and great leaps forward in multi-coloured boot technology it is gratifying to remember that sometimes matches can turn on a hapless defender falling on their bum.
Marc Cucurella endured a chastening first 11 minutes in Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham, falling over twice at the cost of two goals against his team then changing his boots furiously on the touchline.
Chelsea’s Spanish full-back, like much of his team, came in for a lot of criticism in the months after he joined the club but has been one of several success stories this season for Enzo Maresca’s renewed side. But it was a return to his hapless early days in London on Sunday night, with Spurs’ attack tormenting him and punishing his mistakes with the sort of cruelty the Premier League usually reserves for promoted clubs.
First it was Brennan Johnson who took advantage of Cucurella’s misfortune, seizing the ball as the full-back slipped unexpectedly when he seemed in full control and under little threat. He crossed well for Dominic Solanke, who opened the scoring after five minutes. This, you might think, would be the cue to reassess your footwear choices, but Cucurella was the fall guy again six minutes later, slipping once more to surrender possession. This time Dejan Kulusevski was on hand in a hurry to score an excellent second for Spurs.
Marc Cucurella slips during Chelsea's game at Tottenham
Brennan Johnson takes advantage of a slip by Cucurella before crossing to Dominic Solanke
Only then did a livid Cucurella sprint to the touchline (fortunately keeping his footing) and changed into a more sturdy set of boots. Sky Sports commentator Peter Drury invoked pantomime season to deliver one of his best lines of the season. “Like Cinderella, Cucurella needs a slipper that fits.”
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella changes his boots during the game at Tottenham
Cucurella went straight to the touchline to change his boots after Dejan Kulusevski scored Spurs’ second
Jamie Carragher was less charitable, adding: “Cucurella’s coming to the bench, don’t blame anyone else - it’s your own fault son. Absolute schoolboy stuff. Embarrassing.
“He slips again. Look at him shrugging his shoulders. Did he not do a warm-up?”
Just before the half hour Pape Sarr kicked Cucurella on the ankle with a late tackle for his trouble. He was booked, which is about the most positive spin you could put on Cucurella’s first half.