Tottenham failed to register a shot on target for the first time during
It was the first time Tottenham have failed to hit the target since December 15, 2013, when they were thumped 5-0 by Liverpool at White Hart Lane. Harry Winks did smack the crossbar with a long-range effort on Wednesday evening, but that was as close as the visitors came to finding the back of the net. Kane struggled to make an impact during his second game back from injury, while Song Heung-min could not continue his recent good run of form.
Pochettino’s men had nine shots on goal in west London, while Maurizio Sarri’s men had 11 with just one on target – Pedro’s opening goal. A comical own goal from Kieran Trippier which sealed all three points for Chelsea as Spurs suffered their second Premier League defeat in just five days. The last time Tottenham failed to have a shot on target was over five years ago when Andre Villas-Boas’ side were well beaten by a Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool.
The Uruguayan scored twice that day, with Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Jon Flanagan also on the scoresheet for the Reds. Spurs managed nine shots on Simon Mignolet’s goal – the same amount as against Chelsea – but not a single effort tested the Belgian. However, Harry Kane can count himself lucky not to have been sent off on Wednesday night.
The Tottenham striker deliberately moved his head towards the Chelsea captain. There looked to be minimal contact with Azpilicueta but it does not matter how severe it was. Even if it was an attempted headbutt, that still carries the same punishment — a red card. Fortunately for Kane, Azpilicueta did not make a meal of it. The incident seemed to be missed by the match officials and the FA could now take retrospective action against Kane.
He was at the centre of another flashpoint deep into stoppage time as Tottenham tried to get back into the game, but it was nothing more than handbags. Kane was tripped by David Luiz while trying to retrieve the ball on the touchline and both players reacted aggressively. Referee Andre Marriner defused the incident by correctly showing both players a yellow card.