Tottenham Hotspur defeated Chelsea 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday. Brazil striker Richarlison scored a late winner as the 10-man Spurs claimed the victory in front of 80,363 fans.
Both teams fielded strong line-ups for the Sydney Super Cup match. Meanwhile, Spurs took the lead in the 19th minute. Club record signing Sandro Tonali scored his first goal for Tottenham after a break down the right by Manor Solomon. Tonali received the ball on the edge of the box and his shot took a deflection before finding the net.
However, Chelsea equalised barely two minutes later. Estevao headed home at the far post after Romeo Lavia broke free from midfield. The teams went into the break level at 1-1, with Spurs having the better of the first half.
After the interval, the match changed. Kevin Danso came on as a substitute for Spurs. Then, just minutes into the second half, Danso pulled down Joao Pedro and denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. The referee showed Danso a straight red card.
As a result, Chelsea dominated possession and created several chances. Estevao rattled the crossbar among other efforts. Yet the Blues could not find a second goal despite the numerical advantage.
Spurs held firm and looked for opportunities on the break. In stoppage time, Jamie Donley struck the post. The rebound fell to Richarlison, who side-footed the ball home to seal the win.
The result handed Xabi Alonso his first defeat as Chelsea manager. Alonso’s side had previously won 6-4 against Western Sydney Wanderers. Chelsea next face Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
