London: Chelsea put a smile back on Maurizio Sarri’s face with a crucial 2-0 win over Tottenham that secured a stay of execution for their troubled manager after Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped following his Wembley mutiny. Pedro’s second half strike and a farcical own goal from Kieran Trippier were a much-needed boost for Sarri as the Chelsea manager fights to avoid the sack following a turbulent first season in charge.
Sarri’s standing had been severely undermined by Kepa after the rebellious keeper sparked an astonishing meltdown from the Italian when he refused to be substituted during Sunday’s League Cup final. Sarri was furious when Kepa ignored his decision to take him off after he required treatment for cramp in the closing stages of their penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester City.
With Arsenal and Manchester United both winning on Wednesday, Chelsea remain in sixth place, three points outside the top four, but there is now a little hope for Sarri after a difficult period. Successive defeats at Burnley and now against their bitter London rivals have left third placed Tottenham’s title bid in tatters.