10-man Spurs hand Alonso First Chelsea Defeat as Richarlison strikes late
Richarlison’s stoppage-time goal earned 10-man Tottenham a dramatic 2-1 pre-season victory over Chelsea in Sydney, handing Xabi Alonso his first defeat as Blues manager.
Tottenham Hotspur claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea in Sydney after Richarlison struck deep into stoppage time, condemning Xabi Alonso to his first defeat as Blues manager.
The pre-season London derby attracted more than 80,000 fans at Accor Stadium and carried the intensity of a competitive league encounter despite its friendly status.
Spurs made the brighter start and took the lead through Sandro Tonali, whose effort deflected beyond Teddy Sharman-Lowe for his first Tottenham goal.
Chelsea responded before the break as Estevao Willian finished a well-worked move with a back-post header, ensuring the sides went into half-time level after an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The contest shifted shortly after the restart when Kevin Danso received a straight red card for bringing down Joao Pedro as the Chelsea forward raced through on goal.
Despite their numerical advantage, Chelsea were repeatedly denied by Antonin Kinsky, whose outstanding saves kept Tottenham in the contest during sustained Blues pressure.
Tottenham refused to settle for a draw and were rewarded in stoppage time after Jamie Donley’s effort rebounded off the post.
Richarlison reacted quickest to convert from close range, sealing victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s side and ending their Australian tour on a high while Chelsea were left with lessons to absorb before the new campaign.
