Chelsea recorded a comfortable 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final courtesy of a strong performance in the London derby. The Blues named a much-changed line-up from the one that faced Liverpool at the weekend, with Romelu Lukaku returning to the team after being dropped for his explosive interview.

The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Malang Sarr and Saul Niguez were also handed starts, while Tottenham’s front three of Son Heung-Min, Harry Kane and Lucas Moura grabbed the headlines as far as their team sheet was concerned.

Chelsea head onto their lead in the second half to secure deserved victory

While the second half didn’t produce any goals, Chelsea held on for a valuable victory and look well poised to make it through to the finals of the Carabao Cup. The Blues will cross the London divide to meet Tottenham in the second leg next week, but their two-goal lead will allow them to play with confidence away from home.

Saul Niguez was one of the key performers for Chelsea as he controlled midfield alongside Jorginho. The Spaniard joined the Blues last summer on a deadline-day loan deal from Atletico Madrid. However, his performances so far have been disappointing. He was subbed at half-time on his debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Against Spurs, though, Niguez looked in complete control, breaking up the opponent’s play and kickstarting Chelsea’s attacks.

Kai Havertz gave Chelsea an early lead when he ran onto Marcos Alonso’s through ball and fired home with Davinson Sanchez unable to keep the shot out on the line.

The Blues’ second was a comedy own goal as Japhet Tanganga headed the ball into team-mate Ben Davies’ shoulder and it flew into the net.

Romelu Lukaku, back in the team after a one-game exile for comments he made in an interview, had several chances and headed wide from close range.

Spur, who changed to a back four after a torrid first half, had to wait until the 50th minute for a shot, with Harry Kane’s free-kick saved by Kepa.

But the chances continued to come for Chelsea with Hugo Lloris denying Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and the returning Timo Werner.



The winger produced a man-of-the-match performance in a dominant 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea eased the crisis of the last month.

It was Ziyech’s cross that led to Ben Davies’ own goal for Chelsea’s second and he was a thorn all night in Tottenham’s side.

But it was a forgotten man who stole the limelight on the joint-most shots in the game with three and was first for chances created, crosses, dribbles and possession won in the final third. The 28-year-old was everywhere as Chelsea took a commanding lead into the second leg next week.

As We bring you the player ratings for Chelsea vs Tottenham becomes Man of the Match with a rating of 7.6.