Tottenham Hotspur fans witnessed a roller-coaster of emotions as they lost 4-1 to Chelsea in a game that had everything: goals, VAR, injuries, red cards, and a hat-trick. The game was a test of Spurs’ commitment to their new manager Ange Postecoglou and his high-risk, high-reward style of play.
Spurs start strong but lose control
Spurs started the game with a bang, scoring in the sixth minute through Dejan Kulusevski, who benefited from a deflection off Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. Spurs looked to double their lead seven minutes later, when Heung-Min Son side-footed home Brennan Johnson’s cross, but the goal was ruled out for a tight offside.
Spurs then began to lose their discipline and composure, as they committed several reckless fouls and got involved in heated arguments with the referee and the Chelsea players. Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero both escaped red cards for dangerous tackles, while Postecoglou was booked for protesting a decision.
Chelsea capitalized on Spurs’ loss of focus, as they equalized from the penalty spot in the 34th minute. VAR spotted Romero’s kick on Enzo Fernández in the build-up to a disallowed goal, and Cole Palmer converted the spot-kick. Chelsea then took the lead in the 45th minute, when Jackson scored from a simple ball over the top from Raheem Sterling.
Spurs suffer injuries and red cards
The second half was even more chaotic, as Spurs suffered two injuries and two red cards in quick succession. Micky Van de Ven and James Maddison both had to be substituted with hamstring and ankle problems, respectively. Udogie then received his second yellow card for another rash challenge on Sterling, while Romero was shown a straight red for a violent foul on Colwill.
Spurs were left with nine men and a makeshift back four, but they refused to give up and continued to play with a high defensive line. Chelsea, however, exploited the gaps and scored three more goals, all from similar situations. Jackson completed his hat-trick with two more finishes from Sterling and Palmer assists, while Palmer also scored from a Gallagher pass.
Spurs fans sing praises for Postecoglou
Despite the heavy defeat, Spurs fans showed their support for Postecoglou and his philosophy, as they sang tributes to their manager throughout the game. Postecoglou, who joined Spurs in the summer, had led them to the top of the Premier League after ten unbeaten games, playing an attractive and aggressive brand of football.
Postecoglou said after the game that he was proud of his players and that he would not change his style, no matter the circumstances. “It is just who we are, mate. It is who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. If we go down to five men, we will have a go,” he said.
The game also marked the return of former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is now in charge of Chelsea. Pochettino said he was happy to win the game and to see some familiar faces, but he did not feel any special emotions. “It is Tottenham and it is not more special because of that,” he said.
