Full Time: Chelsea 4-2 Tottenham
Antonio Conte has managed to enter his first cup final as a Chelsea manager as his side beat Tottenham 4-2 in a dramatic game at Wembley. Playing in the semi-final, Willian opened the scoring for the Blues but Harry Kane pulled one back; with all this inside the opening 20 minutes. Heung-Min Son gave away a penalty late in the first half which was converted by Willian to restore Chelsea’s lead. But Christian’s Eriksen’s sublime assist, that was finished off smartly by Dele Alli, brought Spurs back in. But Conte introduced the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa and the former came up with a sumptuous goal to give Chelsea the lead for the third time. After which, Nemanja Matic’s stunner late in the game all but sealed Chelsea’s birth in the final.
Here are the player ratings for the Blues in this game:
Chelsea Player Ratings:
Thibaut Courtois (5)
Had a couple of nervy moments which could have easily given Spurs a chance to get back into the game. Made a crucial save in the final minute of the game, which would have given the slimmest of hopes to Tottenham.
Cesar Azpilicueta (7)
Solid as usual at the back, the Spanish defender dominated his side of the box and gave Tottenham no time on the ball throughout the game.
David Luiz (8)
Stuck to his task well and though he was troubled by the likes of Kane, he managed to hold on and see his side through to a victory.
Nathan Ake (6)
Did no blatant mistakes but could have been more aggressive in stopping Spurs from attacking his side of the defence.
Victor Moses (6)
Though he could not create much, Moses had a decent time on the flank as he was tireless with his running. He hurried the Spurs throughout the game. Won the penalty that brought Chelsea back into the game before half-time.
N’Golo Kante (6)
Was his usual self in the midfield as he constantly harassed the Spurs players in possession, winning the ball many times and creating a number of opportunities for his side.
Nemanja Matic (7)
Did exceptionally well to keep Tottenham away from his goal and popped up with an absolute beauty that saw Hugo Lloris just stand there and watch it fly past him into the corner.
Marcos Alonso (6)
Was under pressure when Spurs pushed on but he held on to his nerve and never allowed the opponents to run past him with ease.
Willian (8)
Was full of energy as he created a number of chances. He scored a couple of goals and pushed his side into the finals.
Pedro (6)
Was relatively calm, compared to his standards but did his job well to see Chelsea through to a victory in the semi-final.
Michy Batshuayi (6)
Started the game in the place of Diego Costa and though he struggled initially, showed enough promise to keep Conte interested.
Subs:
Diego Costa (5)
Came on with half an hour to play but did not have any huge effect on the game.
Eden Hazard (8)
Came into the game along with Costa and made an instant impact scoring the goal that put Chelsea 3-2 up. He also laid on the assist for Matic’s wonder goal. Completely changed the game after coming on.
Cesc Fabregas (6)
Came on when Chelsea were in the lead and helped them see off the game.