Sarri warns Spurs the battle is on for top four
CHELSEA head coach Maurizio Sarri has warned Tottenham their Champions League qualification place is under threat. Sixth-placed Chelsea have a game in hand and are now a point behind fifth-placed Arsenal and two adrift of Manchester United in fourth after Sunday’s 2-1 win at Fulham. Third-placed Spurs, beaten 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, are just five points better off than the Blues. Sarri reckons Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who until recently were trying to force their way into the title fight with Manchester City and Liverpool, should be looking over their shoulders. Sarri said: “We were trying to involve Tottenham in the fight and I think that now they are involved. “So, better two teams for four places than three for one place.” Sarri praised the response of Kepa Arrizabalaga to his disciplinary action as “very good” after the goalkeeper made a major contribution to the win at Craven Cottage. Goals from Gonzalo Higuain and Jorginho ensured Chelsea inflicted a losing start on Fulham caretaker boss Scott Parker. The decisive goal came just three minutes after Calum Chambers had equalised, while Kepa made fine saves to twice deny Aleksandar Mitrovic. Kepa ignored Sarri’s attempts to replace him in last Sunday’s Carabao Cup final loss to City, with penalties looming. Initially downplayed as a misunderstanding over an injury, Kepa was fined and dropped for Wednesday’s win over Tottenham. Sarri added: “He paid with the team. Now the situation is closed.”