Tottenham suffered a crushing defeat against their bitter London rivals in Sunday’s dramatic clash, failed to hold a 2-0 lead to eventually lose 4-3. The Lilywhites were the architects of their own downfall, conceding two penalties in the second half that swung the momentum in Chelsea’s favour.
With the score at 3-2 in the 83rd minute, Spurs still had a chance to salvage a result. However, a reckless challenge on Cole Palmer inside the box dashed their hopes. The performances of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma came under heavy scrutiny, as both midfielders struggled throughout, with Bissouma’s wild tackle on Moises Caicedo adding to Tottenham’s costly mistakes.
Tottenham star criticized for 'reckless' action in Chelsea loss.
It would have been a draw if not for Sarr’s horrendous tackle
Chelsea was a story of missed chances and costly errors. Jadon Sancho had the chance to play a simple pass but hesitated, giving Cole Palmer time to shift away from goal. What followed was a reckless challenge from Pape Matar Sarr, gifting Chelsea a penalty that Palmer ice cold converted with a cheeky Panenka.
Veteran turned pundit, Troy Deeney criticised Sarr for the reckless challenge that led to Chelsea’s fourth goal, noting that not a single Spurs player protested the decision. Deeney highlighted how, with the score at 3-2, Tottenham were still in the game as Chelsea faced a dilemma of whether to attack or maintain possession. However, Palmer moved away from goal, only for the Spurs midfielder to commit a rash challenge that left no room for complaints from his teammates.
Speaking to match of the day 2, Troy Deeney explained
“This point (for the fourth goal). It’s 3-2. You’re still in the game,”
“Chelsea are now between do we go for it or do we keep the ball. Palmer got away from goal. But look at that, that’s reckless. No one even complains.”
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Excluding a few names from the teamsheet, every player had a poor performance in the game against Chelsea, highlighting the urgent need for improvement across the squad. The ongoing injury crisis is actively increasing the team’s struggles, and with the pressure mounting, Ange Postecoglou will need to work wonders if he is to save his job.