Conte’s tactical gamble sees Chelsea past Spurs to FA Cup final

Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte dropped star strikers Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in his starting XI but went on to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final clash on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Hazard had been rested, along with Costa, as Conte shuffled his pack against a Spurs side high on confidence after closing to within four points of the Blues in the Premier League title race.

But the Italian didn’t take the decision without the duo having prior knowledge of the plan. Conte said in a post-match conference:

“Eden and Diego knew very well my plan because in this situation it is important to be clear to all of the players. Now I hope on Tuesday to get a great performance from Eden and Diego and the other players,” the Chelsea Boss said after the victory.

Willian, in for Hazard, gave Chelsea the lead with a fine free-kick after five minutes but Harry Kane levelled for Spurs with an instinctive stooping header before Willian made it a brace from the penalty spot just before the break.

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Dele Alli converted Christian Eriksen’s brilliant pass seven minutes after halftime to level, before Hazard was introduced, along with Costa, on the hour mark.

Hazard drove powerfully past Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris after 75 minutes and Nemanja Matic struck with a spectacular drive five minutes later to send the Blues to the FA Cup final.

“I am proud for this achievement. It is great for the players for me. This is my first season in England and it is great to fight for the title and reach the final of the FA Cup, a great competition,” Conte continued.

“I am pleased for my players and for our fans. Today they were great from the start until the end. Now we have to continue, on Tuesday have another tough game, I hope our fans push us a lot.”

Chelsea will play either Manchester City or Arsenal – whoever wins in Sunday’s other semi-final tie.

And on Tuesday, the Blues will be back to the Premier League as they face Southampton in their quest to lift the league this season.

 

 

 

 

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