Tottenham’s faint hopes of reviving their Premier League title challenges were effectively ended in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Under-fire Maurizio Sarri belatedly exerted his authority by dropping Kepa Arrizabalaga for his refusal to be substituted in Sunday’s EFL Cup final penalty shootout loss to Manchester City.
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper was replaced by Willy Caballero as Pedro’s 57th-minute strike was followed by an embarrassing Kieran Trippier own goal.
The right-back passed the ball by Hugo Lloris into his own net after 84 minutes as Spurs slipped to a fourth successive away loss.
They will now be looking over their shoulders, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea closing in, after slipping nine points off leaders Liverpool in the title race.
Forget the title – that’s well and truly done; Tottenham are in a battle for a place in the the top four. Defeat to Chelsea left them just four points ahead of rivals Arsenal, who visit Wembley on Saturday.
And the north London neighbours could hardly go into that game in more contrasting moods, with Spurs reeling from back-to-back defeats and Arsenal buoyant after returning to form with a 5-1 home hammering of Bournemouth.
“Tottenham Hotspur, we’re coming for you,” sang the Arsenal fans at the Emirates – and they just might be. Spurs still have to visit the Etihad Stadium and Anfield this season and, although they missed the chance to close the gap on the leaders to just three points on Saturday, they suddenly look a long way from competing with the top two.
From looking up the table, Spurs are now looking nervously over their shoulders.