Clinton Morrison slammed Tottenham Hotspur on BBC Radio 5 Live for showing a lack of fight in their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte endured an unhappy return to his former stomping ground as the Blues cruised to victory. An early goal from Kai Havertz and slapstick defending which saw Japhet Tanganga head the ball off Ben Davies and into the net being the difference.
Romelu Lukaku enjoyed a wealth of chances to stretch the margin at Stamford Bridge, as well. But the Belgian spared Spurs’ blushes by firing wide or barely testing Hugo Lloris.
The west London affair leaves Tottenham on the backfoot ahead of hosting Chelsea in their Carabao Cup second-leg next Wednesday. Conte will also want to see his players take their performances to another level, having been second-best in the first-leg.
Morrison tears into Tottenham in scathing Chelsea verdict
Tottenham stunned Morrison with their lacklustre determination to thwart Chelsea during their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at the Bridge. The former Crystal Palace striker could only name Harry Kane as one of the Spurs stars to show some fight.
“Spurs aren’t out of it, but it was comfortable for Chelsea,” Morrison said. “They were in second gear. It didn’t look like a semi-final for Spurs. It looked like they were going through the motions. They’re still in it if they can get the first goal next week.
“It was a flat performance. Who really thinks this is a big cup competition to win? Harry Kane was chasing things down, but I didn’t see many others.
“You want to get to a final and lift some silverware. If Chelsea wanted to go to that next level, they could have. There was a lot left in the tank, 2-0 flattered Spurs.”
Conte left searching for answers after Stamford Bridge shocker
Tottenham’s performance on Wednesday night has now left Conte searching for answers for how they can possibly overturn Chelsea’s lead. Their defending will have frustrated the Italian, particularly in how Tanganga attempted to clear Hakim Ziyech’s first-half free-kick.
Had Lukaku and co been more clinical with their finishing, Thomas Tuchel’s side could have put the tie to bed. Instead, rushed shooting, predictable moves and occasional saves from Lloris kept the visitors within range of potentially mounting a comeback.
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