Three harsh reality checks for Tottenham in 2-0 semifinal loss
By Gary Pearson
Nobody is questioning the progress Tottenham have made under Antonio Conte, but yesterday’s semifinal loss to Chelsea offered a few harsh reality checks.
Watching the first 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge was like attending a live comedy show starring an unamusing, disengaged main act. I wanted to look away, but couldn’t. And like the aforementioned live comedy show, there was nothing funny about Tottenham’s tragic first half display.
Things improved in the second half, an expected outcome considering what probably occurred behind closed doors during the interval. Like millions of supporters across the globe, Conte had every right to be incandescent with rage.
The sobering 2-0 first-leg semifinal defeat offered three harsh reality checks for Spurs. And based on that performance, I’m particularly apprehensive going into the FA Cup contest against Morecambe, in which Conte will assuredly opt for a weakened starting 11.