Salomon Kalou’s goal two minutes from time kept Chelsea’s title hopes alive as they beat Tottenham 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday
The game started at a good tempo and Didier Drogba went close to giving Chelsea an early lead when his 30-yard free-kick was tipped on to the bar by Heurelho Gomes.
But it was Spurs who took the lead after 19 minutes when the ball fell to midfielder Sandro who struck the ball from some 30 yards out into the top corner of Petr Cech’s net.
Signed Chelsea shirt
The Brazilian ran to his manager Harry Redknapp to celebrate, only for the Spurs boss to instead bark out orders to the youngster, clearly unhappy about something that had happened before the goal.
Chelsea chased for an immediate reply and were the better side as the first half was drawing to a close.
Then just seconds before half-time, the opening 45 minutes game to an explosive and controversial end when Frank Lampard’s shot from distance went through Gomes’ legs, with the keeper scrambling back to appear to save the ball on the line. However, although replays suggested not all of the ball crossed the line, the goal was given, despite the linesman not being in the best of positions to make an accurate decision.
Tottenham made a bright start to the second half and as the game reached the hour mark, it was wide open with both sides looking capable of taking the lead.
It was at the hour mark when Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti opted to take off Fernando Torres, bringing on Salomon Kalou for the £50million striker.
Drogba gave Spurs – specifically Gomes – cause for concern shortly after the substitution when the Brazilian flapped at his 40-yard free-kick, opting to punch it rather than catch it as his confidence was clearly shattered from the first half incident.
Both sides continued to push forward as they looked for a crucial late goal would arguably make or break their season.
And just two minutes from time as Chelsea’s title hopes appeared to be fading, Drogba and substitute Nicolas Anelka combined and tried to force their way through the Tottenham defence before the ball eventually fell to fellow substitute Salomon Kalou who found the back of the net to make it 2-1 after 88 minutes, although replays suggested the striker was offside to deal yet another controversial blow to the visitors.
The result means Chelsea go to within three points of league leaders Manchester United who play Arsenal on Sunday.
Spurs remain in fifth place, four points behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The London Autograph Company
