Sun 23 January 2022, 19:00
Tottenham HotspurAntonio Conte praised the commitment of the players but was naturally disappointed with defeat at Chelsea on Sunday, his first loss in 10 in the Premier League since taking over as Head Coach in November.
Antonio switched formation from his regular three at the back to a 4-4-2 at Stamford Bridge - Eric Dier was back from injury, Matt Doherty and Ryan Sessegon played wide, midweek matchwinner Steven Bergwijn started up front alongside Harry Kane - and it looked to be working in the first half as we began to frustrate the home side, and then had a goal from Kane disallowed for a push on Thiago Silva five minutes before half-time.
Unfortunately, Hakim Ziyech unlocked the door with a curler into the top corner from 25 yards to hand Chelsea the lead two minutes into the second half, an advantage they doubled eight minutes later when Silva headed home from Mason Mount’s free-kick. We kept going and Kepa Arrizabalaga kept out late efforts from Steven Bergwijn and Kane, but it wasn’t to be.
“For sure, I’m very disappointed for a first defeat in the Premier League,” Antonio told us pitchside at the Bridge. “On one side, we have to be disappointed for the defeat but on the other side, we have to know that the players have given everything."
