Peter Henry
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton believes Chelsea’s disappointing 3-1 home loss to London rivals Spurs last Sunday, was proof that his former club’s manager Antonio Conte has run out of ideas.
The defeat marked the first time in 28 years that the Blues had lost to Spurs at Stamford Bridge, and also all but ended their chances of finishing in the top four, and securing qualification for next seasons Champions League.
It has been a remarkable fall from grace for Conte who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title at a canter last season. The former Juventus coach now see’s his side sit in fifth place, eight points behind fourth placed Spurs with just seven games remaining.
Sutton who played for Chelsea during the 1999-2000 season, believes Sunday’s lacklustre performance was confirmation that Conte has now lost his touch tactically.
“This was the day that Antonio Conte seemed to have run out of ideas.”
“In a must-win game against bitter rivals, Chelsea were utterly outclassed.” Sutton wrote for the Daily Mail.
“From the moment Tottenham got their noses in front, there was only going to be one winner.”
“Chelsea failed to have a shot on target in the second half, but Conte waited until the 81st minute to bring on a substitute to try to change the game.”
“Chelsea are a shadow of last season’s champions. From being the master tactician who took the Premier League by storm with three at the back, Conte has now seen opponents find a way to beat his team nine times this season.”