Tottenham Hotspur came out on top 2-1 against Chelsea in a lively pre-season encounter at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Saturday, though the contest was marred by a second-half sending-off for Kevin Danso.
Xabi Alonso opted for a strong Chelsea side, starting regulars Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana, with young full-back Marco Palestra retained at right-back. Roberto De Zerbi matched that intent, handing starts to summer recruits Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali.
Spurs took the lead in the 17th minute through a moment of quality from Tonali, who curled a stunning effort into the net from just outside the box for his first goal since his reported £100 million switch from Newcastle United this summer. Chelsea hit back almost immediately, with Brazilian teenager Estevao climbing highest at the far post to nod home an equalizer past Antonín Kinský just four minutes later, making it 1-1.
Changes came thick and fast at the break for both sides. De Zerbi withdrew Van Hecke and Dominic Solanke for Danso and Richarlison, while Chelsea swapped out Romeo Lavia for Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli.
Danso’s time on the pitch didn’t last long. Only three minutes after his introduction, the defender was given his marching orders after dragging down Joao Pedro, who had broken clear on goal. Having lost the ball in the challenge, Danso was deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, leaving the official no option but to issue a straight red.
Cameras caught De Zerbi’s clear frustration on the touchline as the incident unfolded. The moment sparked plenty of chatter online, with fans split between those who felt the red card was the correct call under the rules and others who thought it was harsh for a pre-season friendly. Several supporters noted, half-jokingly, that fixtures between these two sides rarely go by without controversy.
Chelsea rotated heavily as the match wore on, bringing on Josh Acheampong, Liam Delap, Reggie Walsh, Omari Kellyman, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reggie Watson and Mamadou Sarr, with Levi Colwill, Marco Palestra, Dario Essugo, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens, Wesley Fofana and Joao Pedro all withdrawn in the process. De Zerbi made his own tweaks too, sending on Kota Takai and Jamie Donley in place of Ben Davies and goal hero Tonali.
Playing a man down for the second half didn’t stop Tottenham from finding a late winner. Deep into stoppage time, Jamie Donley’s shot cannoned off the post, and Richarlison was on hand to bundle in the rebound, snatching a dramatic 2-1 win with almost the last touch of the game.
Spurs continue their pre-season schedule with a closed-doors friendly against Getafe on August 8, followed by two matches against Hoffenheim on August 15 and 16. De Zerbi’s side then open their Premier League campaign at Brentford on August 22.
