Tuchel, Contè Sum Up The London Derby Heat With A Fierce Confrontation

Chelsea and Tottenham played out to a thrilling London derby with both teams having to settle for a point each after Harry Kane’s last minute equalise.

Characteristic of any derby, the game was heated with Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte nearly coming to blows after Spurs’ equaliser. Chelsea dominated the first half after a shaky first five minutes. Tuchel had made a minor tweak in his usual formation with Ruben Loftus-Cheek operating as a wingback.

Chelsea’s opening goal came from a Marc Cucurella corner that caught a completely unmarked Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese swung in a half-volley on his home debut. Conte made a change before the hour mark, introducing Richarlison for his debut. The change saw Spurs chances increase with Pierre-Emille Hojbjerg finding space to drive in a pile driver of a shot that Edouard Mendy could no nothing about.

The incident before the goal where Tuchel and the Chelsea bench thought Kai Havertz was fouled sparked reactions that saw both managers booked.

Tuchel then responded with a change of his own reverting to his usual set-up by withdrawing Jorginho for Cesar Azpilicueta. Chelsea’s sustained press saw turnover in possession with Raheem Sterling left with acres of space.

The Englishman found Reece James who had all the time in the world to slot in Cheslea’s second.