Perfect win, says Enzo Maresca, as Chelsea storm back to sink Tottenham Hotspur

LONDON – Enzo Maresca hailed the “perfect win” as his Chelsea side roared back from two goals down after 11 minutes to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 on Dec 8 and move into second place in the English Premier League.

The Blues were in big trouble after two slips by Marc Cucurella led to goals for Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski, but the visitors responded in powerful fashion.

Cole Palmer slotted two penalties, the second an audacious Panenka dink, while Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez were also on target as Chelsea cut Liverpool’s lead to four points. The Reds, however, have a game in hand after their clash with Everton

had to be postponed due to Storm Darragh.

It was Chelsea’s fourth win in a row in the league. And while Maresca continues to dismiss his side’s title ambitions, few now are taking that opinion seriously.

“Mentally we showed how strong we are,” the Italian told reporters. “To come to this stadium and think you are going to win and not suffer, it’s impossible. It’s the perfect win probably because of this.

“After the game, my message to the players is to be focused in the day by day, our sessions, the next game on Thursday and then Sunday. The main focus has to be to enjoy the day off and when we come back, 100 per cent, train well, go for the game.

“The fans can dream because from the outside, it is quite clear and inside, the reality is we are not ready but the important thing is we improve day by day.”

Cucurella was left red-faced after his choice of footwear proved his undoing, twice falling over and being punished as Tottenham took advantage to surge ahead.

It was all smiles between the Spaniard and Maresca at the end, however.

“He said to me after the game that he was trying to bring emotion to the game!” Maresca told Sky Sports.

“No, being serious, to come to this stadium against this team and be 2-0 down, but continue then with the same plan on and off the ball and then second half, we changed things tactically. I think overall we deserved to win.

“It’s more a question for Marc. They are mature enough to decide what boots they need for the game.”

Palmer has been involved in 50 Premier League goals in 48 games for Chelsea since signing from Manchester City – 33 goals and 17 assists.

“The Premier League is full of top players and top talent,” Maresca said. “Cole belongs with those players.”

Son Heung-min’s 96th-minute goal was little consolation for Spurs, who suffered their seventh loss in 15 league games this season. It was the second time they had ended up point-less after leading 2-0.

If that were not bad enough, central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, both of whom surprisingly started after recovering from injuries, failed to finish the game.

“It is a sore one, a painful one,” said Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.

“We started the game really well but, as our season has been going, we lose Romero after 20 minutes and that disrupts us a bit and they score straight after.”

And they were left to rue missing a number of other big chances as Pape Sarr hit the bar, while Solanke and Son wasted huge opportunities with the game still in the balance.

Yves Bissouma and Sarr were also guilty of reckless challenges that led to Chelsea’s two spot kicks.

“I thought both penalties were poor decisions by us, we have to show more discipline,” added Postecoglou. “In the end, the critical moments got us.

“We had moments to get our third and, at half-time, we were in a decent position. The second half is a ding-dong, especially at the start, they scored but we had a big chance with Son, we didn’t take it and then they go 3-2 up.”

Spurs captain Son said that big chance missed was the reason for the loss, after he missed a one-on-one with Robert Sanchez.

“It feels like we lost because of these small details,” said Son. “On such a big stage, you need to step up and score in these moments. I feel like I let the team down and I feel very sorry for the team.

“I can stay here all day talking about the mistakes, but I’d rather blame me with the chance and I’d rather take the blame. I had a bit of a different thinking when I was running to the ball. I’m also human and I miss. I feel the pain because it’s such an important moment of the game.” REUTERS, AFP