The London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham, set up through the Carabao Cup, saw the latter earn first leg advantage following a contentious penalty decision.
It’s unclear just how much Chelsea and Spurs had riding on their Carabao Cup run at the start of this season. But the intense nature of any dispute between the two London sides meant that many of the team’s top players found their way on to to Wembley, last night.
There were some notable exceptions, however. Callum Hudson-Odoi, was selected in the starting 11, likely in a bid by Maurizio Sarri to convince the teenager against joining Bayern Munchen. Spurs took the chance to play Paulo Gazzaniga, taking on for regular starter Hugo Lloris.
Which London side fell short?
Spurs’ busy schedule may have weighed on the squad a little, but the players’ tactical know-how kept them safe from goals. Tottenham have the players, and more importantly, the manager, to attack against any European club, but squad depth may, once again, prove to be an issue, later in the season.
Chelsea did what they seem to know best. Sarri’s men brought the ball into the final third, took shots, but still looked to be missing a natural #9, a main goal threat. Hudson-Odoi could well turn out to be that man should he decide to prolong his stay in London. The youngster had a few good chances, communicated well with team maestro Eden Hazard, but his lack of match sharpness ultimately showed.
📊 @GazzanigaPaulo is your @eToro Man of the Match! 🙌#COYS pic.twitter.com/tIBqYTmCqC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 9, 2019
How was the game won?
The winning goal involved a familiar face, that of Harry Kane, and a controversial referee decision. In the 26th minute, the England skipper made a run towards the Chelsea area before being brought down by goalie Arrizabalaga. Despite the Blues’ protests that the striker had been offside to begin with, the referee awarded the penalty after checking the VAR replay.
Kane calmly scored from the spot, giving Spurs the first chance in this League Cup draw. Next leg is to be played on January 24th. In the mean time, the two clubs are back in action in the Premier League and in FootballCoin contests, this weekend. Don’t forget to register your team for a chance of earning your cryptocurrency manager’s salary.
Eduard Bănulescu
