Izuchukwu OkosiChelsea on Monday night ended nine-man Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the 2023/2024 Premier League season as Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick inspired a 4-1 rout in a chaotic clash filled with VAR drama.
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was able to savour a sweet victory over Tottenham on his first return to the club since his sacking in 2019.
But the Argentine’s revenge mission was overshadowed by an incredible litany of controversial incidents including red cards for Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Nigerian-born Italian left back Destiny Udogie.
Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski had given Tottenham an early lead, but Romero was dismissed for a foul that led to Cole Palmer’s equaliser from the penalty spot before half-time.
Referee Michael Oliver and the over-worked VAR officials sent off Udogie soon after the break for his second booking offence.
Both teams had goals disallowed by VAR, while Tottenham’s misfortune also included losing England playmaker James Maddison and Dutch defender Micky van de Ven to first-half injuries.
Chelsea finally made the most of their numerical advantage when Senegal striker Jackson netted three times in the closing stages to hand Tottenham their first defeat in 11 league games.
Ange Postecoglou’s team had remained the last team not to suffer a defeat this season in second place, one point behind leaders Manchester City, while Chelsea moved up to 10th place after their first win in three league games.
Spurs’ unbeaten run was shared with north London rivals Arsenal until last Saturday’s controversial defeat of the Gunners against Newcastle United at Saint James Park.
Pochettino was given a largely warm reception by Tottenham fans in recognition of a five-year reign that included taking them to their maiden Champions League final.
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