Blues on course for double
EDEN Hazard fired Chelsea into the FA Cup final as the Belgian’s blistering strike ensured Antonio Conte’s selection gamble paid off in his side’s dramatic 4-2 win over Tottenham yesterday.
Blues boss Conte sprang a major surprise by starting with Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench in the Wembley semifinal as he looked ahead to the Premier League leaders’ vital fixture against Southampton on Tuesday.
But Conte’s bold moves proved inspired as Hazard’s replacement Willian put Chelsea ahead early on and then restored their lead in the second half after Harry Kane’s equaliser.
Dele Alli levelled again for Tottenham, but Conte had all the answers and, when he sent on Hazard, the Belgian blasted Chelsea back into the lead.
Nemanja Matic’s thunderous longrange effort sealed a final date against Arsenal or Manchester City, who meet in the second semifinal today. Having seen their lead at the top of the league cut to four points by second-placed Tottenham last weekend and looking vulnerable after a limp defeat at Manchester United, this should be a huge psychological boost for Conte’s men.
They rode their luck at times but showed a decisive killer instinct while their London rivals came up short in crunch time.
Tottenham, losers yet again at Wembley and still without an FA Cup final appearance since 1991, need an immediate response in their midweek trip to Crystal Palace if they are to pip Chelsea to the title.
Breaking at pace, Chelsea worked the ball to Batshuayi and his deft backheel sent Pedro surging clear.
When the Spaniard was sent sprawling by Toby Alderweireld’s lunge, Chelsea hoped for more severe punishment than a yellow card from referee Martin Atkinson.
But their frustration was shortlived as Willian stepped up, the Brazilian’s superb 20m strike eluding Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Kane has been the spearhead of Tottenham’s impressive run this season and the England striker’s typically predatory finish drew them level in the 18th minute.
As Christian Eriksen prepared to whip over a cross, Kane was already on the move and his awareness gave him a valuable extra yard of space on Chelsea defender Nathan Ake as he stooped to guide a delicate header past Thibaut Courtois.
But, despite controlling possession for long periods, Pochettino’s side still ended the half behind as his decision to play Son Heung-Min out of position at left wingback was exposed in the 43rd minute.
Kante slipped a pass to Victor Moses and when the Nigerian’s surge into the penalty area was halted by Son’s rash tackle Atkinson gave the penalty on advice from his linesman.
Batshuayi wanted to take it, but Conte demanded Willian step up and he stroked home the spot-kick.
It could have been a major momentum changer, yet Tottenham were level again in the 52nd minute.
Barely looking up as he received the ball, Eriksen unfurled a majestic pass to Alli, who timed his run perfectly to slide in and direct a closerange finish past Courtois.
Conte responded by sending for the cavalry as Costa and Hazard came on for Willian and Batshuayi in the 61st minute, and Cesc Fabregas was introduced soon after.
Again, Conte’s instincts were spoton and his changes brought the winner in the 75th minute. — AFP
This should be a huge psychological boost for Conte’s men