Image courtesy of chelseafc.com
With Tottenham entering such a massive game, you’d have thought that defensive errors and lapses would be to a minimum. But Tottenham were often wasteful, unorganized and shambolic at the back against Chelsea.
Of course, some credit must be given to Chelsea’s high-intensity, constant pressure and effort, but the Spurs were suicidal at the back at times.
The first goal Spurs conceded was bad enough. Michael Dawson gave Gary Cahill far too much time and space to win the first header, and once the first header has been won, defenses tend to lose their shape.
That completely happened, as the Brazilian talent Oscar sneaked in to nod Chelsea into the lead. The second goal was equally as self-destructive. The Spurs were not in a position to defend the through-ball or the terrific Ramires finish.
But it wasn’t just the goals. Tottenham looked slack and unorganized on almost every set-piece opportunity Chelsea had. The high defensive line didn’t really work, and they were caught in possession far too often, which you can’t afford to do against teams of Chelsea’s caliber.
Andre Villas-Boas must tighten up the back-line for the remaining two games. He’s tactically astute enough to identify problems in the back four and repair them. Conceding goals in this manner in the remaining two games would be intolerable, and not to mention costly.
Tottenham must win their remaining two games to stand any chance of Champions League qualification, and also must hope that others take points away from Arsenal. It’s a long shot.
