Chelsea beat Tottenham in penalty shootout drama to reach EFL Cup Final

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Tom Doyle24 January 2019

Chelsea beat Tottenham in a dramatic Stamford Bridge penalty shootout to set up an EFL Cup Final against Manchester City.

Olivier Giroud started up front as Chelsea fielded a recognised striker in their bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Willian was the man to make way after the loss at Arsenal, as Eden Hazard reverted to his favoured left-wing role, while Emerson Palmieri and Ross Barkley also came in, with Marcos Alonso and Mateo Kovacic dropping to the bench.

Tottenham made five changes following the win at Fulham, with Moussa Sissoko returning from injury and Fernando Llorente continuing up front. Fit-again Lucas Moura was a substitute.

Chelsea started brightly and deservedly went in front in the 27th minute, drawing level on aggregate, when N'Golo Kante's low drive from the edge of the area beat Paulo Gazzaniga following a deflection.

The hosts soon made it two as Hazard fired home seven minutes before half-time, converting Cesar Azpilicueta's cut-back.

Getty Images

With Ben Davies off injured to add to Spurs' injury woes, Pochettino had to reshuffle and get his team focused after the break - and an unlikely source duly delivered.

Tottenham made it 2-2 on aggregate five minutes after half-time as Llorente - much maligned for his poor performance against Fulham - headed in Danny Rose's cross.

Action Images via Reuters

Llorente passed up a golden opportunity to score after 63 minutes as the striker opted to try and volley home a cross with his weaker foot, but the Spaniard scuffed his effort when he had time to take a touch and finish.

Llorente weas replaced soon after, and his replacement Lucas narrowly volleyed wide after a fine pass from Gazzaniga.

Giroud had a glorious chance to win the game in injury time, but glanced a free header wide after a fine Emerson Palmieri cross - and that meant the game went to penalties.

Chelsea lost four of their last five shootouts in the competition heading into tonight's clash, but Eric Dier and Lucas missed for Spurs as the Blues held their nerve to win.

Luiz eager to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
AP

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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