Starting Line-up: Mendy; Chilwell (66’), Zouma, Tomori, Azpilicueta; Kovacic (70’), Jorginho; Werner, Mount, Hudson-Odoi; Giroud (76’)
Subs: Arrizabalaga, James, Emerson (66’), Kante (70’), Havertz, Barkley, Abraham (76’)
First Half
Chelsea had a brilliant start to the game, dominating possession in Tottenhams’ half and the hosts found it very difficult to string consistent passes together. Frank Lampards side eventually were awarded for their constant attacks after Timo Werner put the ball into bottom corner after an Azpilicueta pass to the edge of the box. Chelsea continued to pile the pressure however they almost conceded an equaliser after Zouma mistimed his jump and lost out to Gedson Fernandes who went through 1v1, but the French centre half made up for his error with a brilliant last ditch tackle to get the ball away from danger.
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Again Chelsea’s defence was leaking chances and Lamela almost had a chance too equalise too after a good turn and a low shot with his right foot which was saved by new boy Mendy. Chelsea were much more effective in the wide areas with Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi taking on the full backs and forcing Spurs to drop back. Defensively Chelsea were struggling to handle the pace of Bergwijn who was dropping in behind the midfielders to receive the ball, and debutant Reguilon who had the beating of Azpilicueta down the wing.
Second Half
Tottenham came out of the blocks firing and within 5 minutes Bergwijn and Reguilon were already causing trouble with 2 shots on goal, 1 forcing Mendy into making a save. Chelsea were on the back foot and that was largely to Tottenham pushing their full backa higher up the pitch. This led to Aurier and Reguilon forcing the Chelsea full backs wide which allowed more space for Ndombele, Bergwijn, Lamela and Sissoko to play in. Spurs continued to have a few shots in goal and although they weren’t dangerous it was still putting the pressure on the Chelsea defence.
Mason Mount was drifting wider which didn’t help Timo Werner as it didn’t allow him the space that he would normally want to run into. The game was back and forth with no real chances for either side, until Chelsea had a 2v1 with Mount and Werner however a poor pass from Mason Mount stopped Timo Werner from going through on goal. A massive chance missed and you felt that Chelsea would regret not taking it. And with less than 10 minutes to go, they did. A poor clearance from Emerson and the ball had landed at the feet of Lamela who controlled it well and placed it into the goal.
Image Credit: gettyimages.co.uk
Penalties
The game ended 1-1 and this meant penalties. Chelsea ended up losing 5-4 on penalties, with Mason Mount missing the final penalty.
Next Game
Chelsea welcome Crystal Palace to the Bridge in a London derby. Frank Lampard will want a win after a loss to Liverpool and draw to West Brom last time out in the Premier League. Chelsea will have to work if they want to win the game as Palace have one of the best records away to the Top 6, as shown in their 3-1 away at Old Trafford this season.
The Chelsea Spot 
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