Three harsh reality checks for Tottenham in 2-0 semifinal loss

3. Defensive vulnerabilities

Tottenham’s makeshift back three struggled to come to terms with the task at hand. Davinson Sanchez failed miserably at his attempt to marshal the rearguard from a central position, while Japhet Tanganga endured his worst performance for the senior team. The young Englishman, for the first time, looked distinctly out of place. He made two grave schoolboy errors, both of which led to Chelsea goals.

Sanchez was dragged out of position all too often and didn’t offer any support to Tanganga, who was in clear need of some help and guidance from the more senior Colombian. Unfortunately for Tanganga and the rest of Spurs, help wasn’t forthcoming. Ben Davies didn’t make any catastrophic mistakes, but didn’t impress either. He regressed to the average Ben of previous regimes. Eric Dier, who missed out due to Covid-19, was dearly missed, showing just how important a piece he is to Conte’s team. For the first time since he severely damaged his hamstring, Cristian Romero‘s absence was palpably noticeable. The good news for Spurs is Dier should return for the return leg next week and Romero could be back by the end of January, while Conte will invariably up the ante on trying to sign an accomplished central defender.