A WORLDIE! Sarri: We can’t win title after ‘disaster’
Lloris 7; Aurier 7, Foyth 7, Alderweireld 8, Davies 7; Dier 7, Sissoko 7, Eriksen 8, Alli 9 (Winks 87th); Son 7 (Lamela 78th); Kane 8
Kepa 7; Azpilicueta 5, Rudiger 5, Luiz 4, Alonso 5; Kante 6, Jorginho 5, Kovacic 5 (Barkley (58th) 6), Willian 5 (Giroud 76th), Hazard 5; Morata 5 (Pedro (58th) 6) Dele Alli M Atkinson Inter Milan (A), Nov 27 PAOK (H), Nov 29 MAURIZIO SARRI ripped into his Chelsea flops after they were hammered by Tottenham – branding their defending a ‘disaster’.
And the Blues’ Italian coach then declared this first defeat in 20 games since the start of the season proves why his Londoners are not title contenders.
The 3-1 loss at Wembley drops Chelsea to fourth place – and SEVEN points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
Sarri said: “It’s clear we have a long way to go. I knew very well already that we had a lot of problems.
“Today we played very badly – physically, mentally and tactically. We have a lot of work to do and lots to solve.
“I hope this is clear for everybody else now and especially my players.”
Sarri refused to point the finger of blame at Brazilian defender David Luiz after he was at fault for at least two of Tottenham’s strikes.
He said: “Defensively, it was a disaster. Not just the defensive line but from the offensive players pressing very badly and then the midfielders not defending well.
“Our defence’s line was, as a consequence, a disaster.”
Spurs counterpart Mauricio Pochettino, whose side are up to third but remain five points behind City, was thrilled with the display.
Yet despite goals from Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Hueng-Min Son putting them three up inside 55 minutes, he insisted they have played better this term.
Poch, whose troops now have a must-win Champions League clash against Inter Milan in midweek, said: “No, this is not out best performance so far. It was good but not our best.
“I am very happy and I don’t need to talk too much. My team did the talking on the pitch.
“It was about attitude and desire and to compete in the right way. My tactics and the system were not important.
“It was our will which was fantastic. Now it’s about keeping this going. We need to use this example for the future.
“We now have another final against Inter and then again at the weekend, against Arsenal.
“Everyone who watched the game would have loved the action. This was not about individuals it was about the whole team’s approach and attitude.” HARRY PRATT