Sun 19 September 2021, 19:30
Tottenham HotspurNuno Espirito Santo took positives from our first half display against Chelsea - then pointed to the next challenge of sustaining that level of performance for 90 minutes.
We took the game to Chelsea in that first half, pressed high and looked to get on the front foot. We created chances - Heung-Min Son denied by Kepa, Sergio Reguilon couldn’t find Giovani Lo Celso in the clear on a break - and went in at half-time looking to kick on in the second half.
But momentum shifted away from us with two Chelsea goals to forget at the start of the second half. First up, the crucial opener headed home by Thiago Silva from a corner, the second, a strike from distance from N’Golo Kante that struck Eric Dier, hit the inside of the post and almost begrudgingly rolled over the line. It was too much of a mountain to climb, Chelsea took over and added a third in injury time.
“Different halves,” said Nuno. “The first half, (we played) really well. We pressed high, the attitude was good, we created chances. That is what we have to build on, but, at the same time, be aware of the problems we had in the second half.
“We conceded a goal from a set piece, that’s disappointing, and then it becomes harder. Okay, we have to give credit to the opponent, but we weren’t able to play again and compete.
“This is football. The team was punished. In the first half, we went into half-time with positive energy to go again, because we did an amazing job in the first half. Now the next challenge it to try and sustain that through all the game. The fans deserve more, the way they supported us, and it’s up to us to sustain it so we keep that energy going.”
Next up, Nuno returns to former club Wolves for the second time already this season, this time in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening (7.45pm). After that, it’s the north London derby at the Emirates on Sunday (4.30pm).
