Kane header gives Tottenham late draw in ill tempered London derby

Chelsea and Tottenham drew 2-2 in the Premier League match of the weekend. Koulibaly opened his Chelsea account with a volley inside 20 minutes, but Tottenham equalised in controversial fashion midway through the second half after Chelsea wanted a foul on Havertz. Reece James netted with 13 minutes remaining, but Harry Kane's header at the death salvaged a point for Spurs. The match was marred by a large fight between the two benches following Tottenham's goal and at full time.

Tottenham got off to a strong start at Stamford Bridge as they looked to take the game to the hosts early on. They had a couple of dangerous attackers, but they were unable to create meaningful shot on goal. At the other end, Kante had a shot block while Koulibaly scuffed an effort wide from distance. The Senegalese was much more accurate in the 19th minute though. 

After Kai Havertz was denied by a fine Hugo Lloris save, Chelsea won a corner. Cucurella's delivery picked out Koulibaly unmarked at the back stick and he volleyed home to give Chelsea the lead. Sterling had to duck out of the way and the home crowd went crazy. 

It was the perfect way for Koulibaly to mark his home league debut and the goal changed the course of the game as Chelsea were much better after that. Despite there not being many chances for the rest of the half, Tuchel's men were comfortable and piled on the pressure with numerous corners. After the interval, the game ended up being much more even. 

Son Heung-Min was denied by goalkeeper Mendy early in the second period and then, just after the hour mark, Sterling could have made it 2-0 to Chelsea after blazing over when Loftus-Cheek had laid the ball off to him. However, Harry Kane had an even better chance seconds later through Harry Kane, but he hit wide of the mark. Spurs did get their equaliser soon after though. 

 

August 14, 2022

Havertz seemed to be fouled by Bentancur on this near side, the referee thought otherwise and Spurs went forward. Chelsea then won the ball back in their own box before Spurs won it back, Davies laid off to Hojbjerg who beat Mendy. The goal saw Antonio Conte celebrate and confront opposite number Thomas Tuchel on the touchline while Chelsea were furious as they felt it should have been a foul. Given Chelsea had regained possession, the Havertz foul could not be reviewed and the VAR deemed Richarlison not to be interfering in an offside position. 

Chelsea got over the alleged injustice though and Havertz was inches away from turning James' cross into the goal from six yards out. Then, in the 77th minute, James made it 2-1. Kulusevski was dispossessed on the far touchline, the ball was given to Sterling and he fed James who beat Lloris to send Thomas Tuchel and the home fans ecstatic. 

Mason Mount could have made it 3-1 in the closing stages after substitute Connor Gallagher fed Mount, but the former Derby man failed to hit the target. They were made to pay for that as Tottenham piled on the late pressure late on. Dier was denied by a terrific Mendy save and then Harry Kane headed home the resulting corner to give Tottenham a share of the spoils. 

However, at full-time, there were shameful scenes as Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte went to shake hands. The Italian shook Tuchel's hand and the German was angry that Conte did not look at him. He then grabbed Conte's arm in anger and that sparked shocking scenes on the sideline. Both managers were shown red cards by the referee.