Chelsea With The Advantage.

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Chelsea hosted Tottenham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte returned to his old ground where he enjoyed 2 successful seasons with Chelsea when he was in charge but he couldn't inspire his side to a victory after the defence let him down as Chelsea raced to a 2-0 lead.

Knowing how Chelsea can be, you might say this is the end of the road for Tottenham but football lovers, a lot of upset can happen in the second leg. Chelsea did well to gain the advantage for this first leg thanks to Kai Havertz's goal even though it was bundled home by Sanchez before another own goal involving Tanganga and Davies led to the second goal for Chelsea and in a week, the second led would be played, all things being equal.

Marcos Alonso pounced on a pass from Tanganga in the 5th minute and he drove in to find Kai Havertz who positioned himself to receive the ball from a tight angle. He managed to get his shot off and Sanchez bundled the ball into the back of the net to give Chelsea a 1-0 cushion.

Azpilicueta did try to find Havertz inside the box but the ball still managed to get to Havertz at the side of the box but his shot lacked the power to beat Hugo Lloris shortly after the first goal went in.

Ziyech compounded Tottenham's woes after his delivery into the box was cleared with a header by Tanganga but the effort came off Davies as the ball found its way into the back of the net in the 34th minute.

Tottenham did have a chance of their own with a brilliant freekick just outside the box from Harry Kane. His powerful curling low drive shot was parried away to safety by Kepa who stood in goal for the host.

Lukaku, who started his first match after his interview went viral fed Ziyech on the edge of the box. He was hoping for a return pass but Ziyech went all the way with his shot lacking in power and accuracy to beat the goalkeeper as Lloris easily gathered it. Chelsea struggled to add to their 2 goals lead with Werner flashing his effort wide of the target after cutting in from the left side.

Timo Werner was culpable of another miss after Ziyech found him with a lovely lofted long pass. He beautifully controlled the ball and his attempt to lift it over Hugo Lloris failed as the goalkeeper easily snuffed the effort out with his alertness.

Tottenham had another chance when substitute, Gil dazzled with his feet and found his way into the box. He picked out Le Celso whose shot at the near post was blocked by Kepa in what was an instant reaction from the young goalkeeper. Lukaku had a shot on target albeit a weak one after Timo Werner managed to poke the ball to him in the box. He went with taking the chance so early but it lacked the power needed to beat the goalkeeper.

It was a game with limited chances but Chelsea did enough to get a deserved 2-0 lead against Tottenham. Romelu Lukaku would be pleased to be back in the side after his apology and he would be hoping to be involved again for the second leg.

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Thank you for your time.

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