Spurs’ Champions League hopes dwindle as set-piece problems resurface
Tottenham Hotspur incurred a defeat against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge yesterday, and Blues defender Trevoh Chalobah has gone on to admit how they planned to expose Spurs weakness in the London Derby.
Ange Postecoglou‘s side has not picked up any points in their last three games owing to defeats at Newcastle United, Arsenal, and now Chelsea. This reflects poorly on the Premier League table with regards to Spurs ambitions this season. The Lilywhites find themselves seven points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa, despite having one game in hand over Unai Emery’s side.
The North Londoners had a poor outing at Stamford Bridge as Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson added to the Tottenham woes.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah reveals set-piece game plan
Chelsea academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah, in an interview after the game, admitted how the Blues planned to expose Tottenham’s set pieces problems. The 24-year-old opened the scoring with a looping header from Conor Gallagher’s free-kick, while Jackson headed it past Vicario in the aftermath of Cole Palmer’s free-kick.
Sky Sports quizzed Chalobah about whether he had too much time on the corners, and the former Watford defender said (via. Metro):
“We figured out that around the back post was key; it was in the last game as well, and that’s what we worked on. We all know our roles, and [Marc] Cucurella, it’s a credit to him for getting me through [with his block on Johnson].”
He was cross-questioned about whether that was something Chelsea planned on doing, to which he replied:
“We knew that area would be a bit isolated, with Benoit being a decoy as well. It causes a bit of confusion. I’ve been working on my headers, and we’ve worked a lot on set pieces, and it was a perfect ball for me to go and attack.”
More Tottenham Hotspur News
- Tottenham are confident of securing the future of 25 G/A star whose deal runs out in 2025.
- Spurs are willing to meet €40m asking price of 24-year-old Serie A ace.
- Ange Postecoglou takes the blame for ‘poor’ Tottenham display in Chelsea clash.
Spurs have a bit of a problem defending set-pieces; they also conceded two goals from corners against Arsenal. They will have to iron those out to ensure they give themselves a fair chance to qualify for the Champions League.
