Harry Kane equalizes late, snatching point for Tottenham at Chelsea

At the death, Harry Kane scored one of his more important goals to hand Tottenham an all-important point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

It looked like Spurs had lost yet again at Chelsea until Kane salvaged a last-minute point from a deft header in the 95th minute. Antonio Conte will be thrilled with the 2-2 draw after seeing his team outplayed for large portions of the contest.

That doesn’t matter now, though, as Spurs pulled off a great escape rarely seen at Stamford Bridge. It was the first time Tottenham has scored in seven contests against Chelsea, and Spurs’ first point at Stamford Bridge since a 0-0 draw on Nov. 29, 2020.

It was an anger-fuelled match, one typifying the the relationship between the heated rivals. Conte showed his passion on numerous occasions, which was not received well by Thomas Tuchel. The managers got into it after the match as well, with one saying something to the other to incite another boisterous argument.

Tuchel and Conte were both issued red cards for their heated encounter.

Conte made a necessary change in the 57th minute by withdrawing Ryan Sessegnon, handing Richarlison his debut.

Spurs also changed formations, going with a 4-4-2 with Richarlison and Kane up front. The switch paid almost immediate dividends as Tottenham started to see more of the ball in advanced positions.

Kane got in on goal and missed a sitter just after the substitution. That chance occurred after Raheem Sterling ballooned over from close range.

Spurs finally got back on level pegging with a smart finish from Pierre Hojbjerg. That was on the back of a Rodrigo Bentancur slide tackle on Kai Havertz, which Chelsea was up in arms about. However, Bentancur touched the ball and fairly won back possession.

The ensuing fracas after the goal on the touchline sparked animosity that had been brewing all match.

Unfortunately, it didn’t galvanize Tottenham, who conceded minutes later. Dejan Kulusevski coughed up possession, and Spurs left a massive gulf in the centre of the park, allowing Reece James in alone on Hugo Lloris. James scored easily to put Chelsea ahead, a lead the Blues relinquished at the death.

First Half

Spurs started lively with Dejan Kulusevski finding Son Heung-min in space. The Swede’s ball lacked a bit of pace, allowing Chelsea’s rearguard the chance to get goal side.

Aside from Ryan Sessegnon’s chance down the left, Chelsea dictated the tempo and controlled proceedings. We’ve seen the same story too often against Chelsea, especially at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs looked the second best for the duration of the first half, with the home side finding the breakthrough when Emerson Royal failed to close Kalidou Koulibaly’s space on a Chelsea corner. Chelsea’s new signing volleyed home with conviction, putting Spurs behind yet again at Stamford Bridge.

Chasing and containing for the duration of the first half, Spurs’ front three were taken completely out of the game. It was another 45 minutes at Chelsea Spurs supporters won’t want to have resurface.

Conte deserves heaps of plaudits for changing the formation and making the required changes. The result showed a newfound belief at Tottenham, an ability to steal a point when they probably didn’t deserve it. That resilience and resistance bodes well for the rest of the season, and is a testament to what Conte has instilled at the club since arriving less than a year ago.

It’s a massive result that should help springboard Tottenham in advance of Wolves on Saturday.