Tuchel explains clash with Conte
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel spoke about his confrontation with Antonio Conte after a thrilling game against Spurs that ended 2-2.
Chelsea grew into the game as the first 15 minutes saw a lively opening to the derby in the heat in the capital; quick to press, forcing Spurs into errors, with Marc Cucurella and Ruben Loftus-Cheek impressing early on from either side of the pitch.
Kai Havertz nearly put Chelsea ahead after Raheem Sterling and N’Golo Kante linked up, but his shot went wide. But from the resulting corner, Chelsea went ahead. The two new arrivals, Cucurella and Koulibaly, combined from the corner as the Senegal international volleyed past Hugo Lloris on his home debut to put Chelsea ahead.
Ryan Sessegnon almost levelled the scores up three minutes later but Edouard Mendy got down well to deny him one-on-one. Mason Mount and Loftus-Cheek both had chances to double the lead, but the former could only fire over, while Loftus-Cheek couldn’t connect with the ball from Jorginho’s excellent pick out on the stroke of half-time.
Mendy was called into action three minutes into the second 45 when Kane clipped a ball in behind to find his forward partner Son, but the Chelsea goalkeeper stayed low to keep the South Korean out. Richarlison replaced Ryan Sessegnon 12 minutes into the half as Conte looked to find a leveller for his side as the Brazilian came on for his debut and they switched to a back four.
Spurs levelled the game in the 68th minute through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. He found the bottom of the corner despite Kai Havertz being fouled by Rodrigo Bentancur prior to the goal. Anthony Taylor awarded the goal as handbags continued on the sidelines between the managers who were both booked.
Havertz should’ve put Chelsea back ahead with 15 minutes to go as James fired a ball into the box, but he could only volley wide from yards out. Two minutes later, Chelsea were back in front. Sterling played it to James and he coolly slotted past Lloris to restore the lead.
Chelsea were handed a huge blow in the final eight minutes after N’Golo Kante went down with a hamstring problem, replaced by Conor Gallagher. Raheem Sterling was also subbed off for Christian Pulisic. Mount nearly doubled the advantage, he had Lloris beaten, but the ball went the wrong side of the far post.
Mendy was called into action in stoppage time to keep the visitors at bay as they searched for leveller. And Spurs got their leveller at the last-gasp moment when Harry Kane put into the back of the net to earn a draw.
Koulibaly (19′), Hojbjerg (68′), James (77′), Kane (90’+6′)
