THOMAS TUCHEL will want Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang even more after seeing his Chelsea side fail to kill off Tottenham on a dramatic afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
The German saw red after the final whistle for his role in a furious encounter with Antonio Conte on the touchline.
3
3
An incensed Tuchel, 48, refused to let go of Conte’s hand as the Italian attempted a brief shake – leading to the pair engaging in their second angry clash of the afternoon.
Even when the dust settles, the Chelsea boss will not believe his side threw two points away in such a profligate manner.
For, on the balance of play, the Blues should have been out of sight by the time Harry Kane nodded his side level.
Chelsea played Spurs off the park for the majority of the match, strangling the Lilywhites largely thanks to Tuchel’s brilliant game plan.
Kane and Son Heung-min were nullified by a combination of the Blues’ proactive front three and N’Golo Kante’s sensational screening.
But in the periods of the match that Chelsea could have put Tottenham away, they didn’t.
Kai Havertz was particularly guilty, seeing an effort saved by Hugo Lloris in the first half, before somehow volleying wide with the goal at his mercy in the second.
Raheem Sterling also put a presentable opportunity over the bar at 1-0, when he could have put the Blues out of sight.
Tuchel publicly flirted with the idea of signing Aubameyang this week, admitting that it was a “pleasure” to work with him during his two years at Borussia Dortmund.
The former Arsenal striker left the Emirates under a cloud, but bagged 79 goals in his two seasons working for Tuchel in Germany.
And the Blues boss surely must feel that the 33-year-old could have had him out of sight today.
Doubts were raised during Aubameyang’s time at Arsenal over whether he could contribute enough to be part of a coherent pressing side.
But it seems logical that Tuchel would at least like the option to try.
He waited until the 89th minute to introduce burly back-up striker Armando Broja this afternoon.
And while the snarling former Southampton loanee impressed at St Mary’s – it’s likely that Tuchel would have been thrilled to possess the goal threat of Aubameyang instead.
Tottenham’s point today could prove vital in the top four, or even title, race this season.
And Chelsea’s boss will be determined not to gift any more points away by being unable to turn dominance into victory.
There are just over two weeks remaining in the transfer market.
For Chelsea, the clock is ticking.
3
