Image Credit: Fox Sports
By Lee Clow
8 January 2019 | Carabao Cup
Harry Kane scored in the only goal of the game to give Spurs the advantage going into the second semifinal leg of the Carabao Cup against Chelsea.
Spurs were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute after Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalga fouled Kane inside the box. Referee Michael Oliver correctly signaled the spot kick after VAR, which was in contention, intervened following an initial call for offside. Kane dispatched the penalty well giving Spurs the upper hand going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on January 24. Even though VAR pictures show Kane was level in the lead up to the penalty, there is footage from Chelsea that show Kane’s upper body half leaning over the line, appearing to be offside.
Despite the result, Chelsea were the stronger side with Tottenham looking fatigued after a long run of games. Chelsea hit the woodwork twice in the game through N’Golo Kante’s near-post flick and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s deflected cross that was athletically turned onto the post by Spurs keeper Paulo Gazzaniga. In the second half, Chelsea came close again as defender Andreas Christensen missed a glaring chance from six yards. Spurs could have doubled their advantage when Kane struck a venomous shot that was saved well by Arrizabalaga. Chelsea kept pushing, but Tottenham dug deep and held out for the victory. The victory for Spurs gives them their third straight win over their London rivals for the first time since 1961-63. Chelsea have it all to do when they return to Stamford Bridge in the second leg.
After the game, Mauricio Pochettino was critical of VAR despite it giving his side the benefit. He spoke "I don't like it, today we got the benefit but watching the World Cup and La Liga - no-one is happy. To get the benefit is nice but I'm not happy to win the game like this…I prefer the technology but in a different way and to be clear in the way we use it.”
Chelsea boss, Maurizo Sarri was also critical of the technology. "I saw the video from our camera a few minutes ago, it was offside. Our camera was in line with Kane, and it was offside, but it's not important… With the head, it's offside. But it's not important. It was important that the linesman stopped the run, he didn't follow the ball, so he had a big influence on our defenders, and at the moment I think the English referees aren't able to use the system."
What’s next?
With a return to the Premier League, Tottenham face another tough encounter hosting the revigorated Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday. Chelsea play on Saturday at home to Newcastle United.
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