Antonio's verdict on Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea
Thu 13 January 2022, 01:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Antonio Conte gave credit to the players for their performance in defeat against Chelsea in our Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg on Wednesday evening.
Antonio Rudiger's goal from a corner on 18 minutes was the difference on the night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners on aggregate.
That early goal went against the script we were all hoping for, however, the team kept going and created plenty of chances as we racked up 15 efforts at goal. Indeed, things might have been different but for three VAR calls going against us - two penalties overturned, Harry Kane's goal ruled out for offside - although all three decisions looked correct on replays.
"Over two legs, Chelsea deserved to go to the final," stated Antonio to Spurs TV. "But I think in the second leg tonight we deserved a better final result. We created many chances and the players played with a great intensity, with a will, a desire not to lose the game.
"We were also a bit unlucky. I don’t like to use this word, but sometimes it can happen during the game, two penalties that were changed and a goal disallowed after VAR. Then, we had many chances to try to score. But at the end, I repeat, Chelsea deserved to reach the final, and we have to know this."
The big games keep coming as we now prepare for a huge week in the Premier League - the north London derby at home on Sunday (4.30pm), a trip to Leicester City on Wednesday week (19 January, 7.30pm) and then Chelsea again, back at Stamford Bridge, on Sunday week (23 January, 4.30pm).
Antonio added: "We know very well that we have an important game against Arsenal, then after three days against Leicester, then against Chelsea again. It will be a really tough week for us, and we will try to give our best."
