All Chelsea and Tuchel’s only complaint would have been that they didn’t score more given their superiority: Mason Mount cut inside after good work from Sterling and fired high over the bar and just before the break Ruben Loftus-Cheek narrowly. Jorginho’s cross has failed to go home. But the score remained 1-0.
There had to be a reaction from Spurs and it was a surprise that Conte didn’t make a change at half-time, although there was also an early chance as Harry Kane picked out Son Heung-min only for Mendy to smother his shot from a tight angle.
But it was Chelsea who remained in control and eventually Conte made a change, bringing on Richarlison for his debut and opting for a change of shape – a 4-4-2 in fact – with the Brazilian partnering Kane in attack .
There was an outlet for Spurs when Loftus-Cheek’s slalom run into the penalty area saw the ball slotted into Sterling, who beat Eric Dier, balanced, before firing wide game Spurs immediately countered and Kane was put through on goal by Dier, but he was also wasteful when he dragged the ball wide.
Then came the controversy. It certainly looked like Rodrigo Bentancur had brought down Havertz, but referee Anthony Taylor continued play and Spurs inevitably scored. Chelsea were apoplectic even though replays showed Bentancur got the slightest touch on the ball and the decision was good.
However, it was Jorgingo who lost possession inside his own area, under pressure from Dejan Kulusevski, who led to the goal with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg finishing and drilling a low shot from 20 yards that left Mendy without seeing when he found the corner. the goal
Chelsea regrouped and should have taken the lead when Reece James met a dangerous cross from the right by Havertz. From seven yards he volleyed wide when he really should have scored.
As Conte tried to make more changes and return to his preferred 3-4-3 formation, Chelsea regained their lead with Kulusevski fouled as he was pressured to lose the ball and a pass dragged in Sterling. Suddenly he’s two against a defender and he deflects James who directs his shot over Lloris.
Spurs summoned another response and after Mendy denied Ben Davies in stoppage time, tipping over a corner there was another chance. From the corner, Kane rose and glanced the ball home from close range to prompt more wild celebrations from Conte and the incredible reception at the end.