Conte Given “Mourinho Treatment” As Spurs Are Humbled At The Bridge

Antonio Conte and Spurs hopes of winning silverware took a big dent on Wednesday night when they lost 2-0 to Chelsea in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final.

Conte’s men were completely outclassed in the tie, failing to create much and playing second-fiddle to their London rivals throughout the match.

Chelsea got on to a dream start, taking the lead early via Kai Havertz following a through ball from Marcos Alonso. The Blues soon doubled their lead through a horrendous own goal by Ben Davies after a defensive mix up.

Despite playing significantly better in the second half, Antonio Conte’s men couldn’t find a way back into the game.

The defeat leaves them on the brink of elimination and with all to do in the return fixture.

Speaking after the game, Conte admitted that his former side deserved the win on the night, stating they were the better team.

“It was a difficult game, difficult from the start, Chelsea showed to be much better than us,” Conte said to Sky Sports.

“The first half, we struggled a lot from the start but we know that we are talking about one of the best teams in Europe, in the world, last season they won the Champions League. If you compare the two teams there is not a comparison.

“We are talking about a team ready to win – today we have seen the difference between the two teams.

“It is not easy to play at Stamford Bridge, the way they were very concentrated, they won the ball every time and then we conceded also a goal we were unlucky.

“When you start the game and after a few minutes they score, for sure the game becomes very difficult.

“But, I know the situation, it is very clear in this moment there is an important gap. We have to try to fight to stay in the league in a good position, but if we think we are close, I think we are not in the right way.”

During his two seasons at the helm of the Blues, Conte won the Premier League title and the FA Cup. His Spurs side were treated the same way he treated Jose Mourinho on his return to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United.

Spurs now face an uphill battle to overturn the deficit at home in the second leg next Wednesday night. However, the Blues would be confident they can wrap up the tie without much difficulty given their two-goal advantage.

The winner across both legs will progress to the final and face either Arsenal or Liverpool.

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