Chelsea have moved closer to securing a spot in the Carabao final after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final at Stamford Bridge.
Result: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Date: 05 January 2022
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Thomas Tuchel did welcome Romelu Lukaku back into the side, but the Blues were without Thiago Silva and N'Golo Kante who tested positive for Covid-19.
The hosts got off to the perfect start after Marcos Alonso intercepted a pass high up the pitch and released Kai Havertz, whose shot took a deflection off Davinson Sanchez and sailed into the back of the net.
Chelsea went close to adding to their advantage on 18 minutes when Havertz and Mason Mount combined to set up Hakim Ziyech, who sent his curling effort just over the crossbar from the edge of the box.
The lead was doubled in the 34th minute as Ziyech turned provider to send a cross into the box, but Japhet Tanganga's attempted clearance deflected in off Ben Davies for the own goal.
After a disappointing first half, Spurs introduced Tanguy Ndombele and the change nearly paid inside the first 10 minutes when the French midfielder fired just over the target from edge of the box.
Chelsea had a couple chances of their own to further extend their first-leg lead, but second-half substitute Timo Werner squandered a couple openings in the final third.
Kepa Arrizabalaga ensured the hosts ended the first leg with a clean sheet as he produced a fine save to keep out Kane's close-range effort, as Tuchel's charges had to second leg with a healthy lead.
