Pochettino blows his chance to lift Tottenham’s Wembley curse

THAT Wembley sinking feeling is back for Tottenham. Little wonder knees go all trembly at the prospect of the short journey around London’s North Circular to this patch of turf.

How Mauricio Pochettino would have loved to kill the curse here, aware that next season it could be Spurs’ home from home.

Aware that another blow to Chelsea’s confidence might have repercussions in the title race. Aware that a glimpse of silverware might spark his exciting team.

Still Pochettino opted to take a calculated risk with his selection, so he must accept his share of the blame. Out went his England wing backs and in came Kieran Trippier and Son Heung-min. It was a heavy hint the Tottenham boss considers the title race to be open despite Chelsea’s fourpoint lead.

Antonio Conte, too, was prepared to gamble, although his changes paid such early dividends that he could relax with a smile of selfsatisfaction, picking his moment to unleash Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas from the bench.

Nathan Ake and Michy Batshuayi, selected ahead of John Terry and Costa, were integral to the move which led to the free-kick for the opening goal, converted by Willian after five minutes.

Having got the nod ahead of Hazard, Willian tucked away a penalty to restore Chelsea’s lead just before half-time, then looked utterly unimpressed to be replaced for the final 30 minutes of the game.

Again, Conte was proved right. Hazard scored the third before Nemanja Matic smashed in his screamer and gave Spurs fans the signal to head for the exits.

The Chelsea boss made his tactical moves and enjoyed some fortune but he has earned his players’ trust. For nearly 40 minutes between the two Willian goals, Tottenham were the better team.

But Son conceded a penalty with the mistimed slide of a striker given defensive duties.

Although there was no contact with Victor Moses, the Korean went to ground and failed to win the ball. When Spurs equalised again through Dele Alli, Conte sent on his match-winners to crush their dream.

So, the rotten run of results continues at Wembley for Tottenham, in contrast to their immaculate form at White Hart Lane.

In 10 games over 10 years at the stadium since it was reopened, they have won twice. One was a low-key fixture at the end of the Champions League group stage and the other was nine years ago.

This defeat will have hurt more than most.