Sunday 23 April 2017 11:32, UK
The FA Cup semi-final represented a perfect opportunity for Tottenham to generate extra momentum in the title race, but instead it provided further proof that they have some way to go to be regarded as the very best when it matters most, writes Pete Hall.
With the business end of the season very much upon us, the psychological make-up of each title contender in every league is tested to the maximum - do they have the mettle to go all the way or will they buckle when it matters most?
Spurs' conduct in the Battle of the Bridge last season seemed to suggest the latter, as they lost their heads as their title dream slipped out of their grasp.
This season, Spurs have matured, and their sensational recent form has unexpectedly opened up the Premier League title race. Victory at Wembley would really have laid down a marker, and implemented that element of doubt in Chelsea's minds.
Mauricio Pochettino's men dominated for large swathes of the match on Saturday. You could see why Antonio Conte had labelled Spurs the best side in the league pre-match as they passed the ball around at will and created numerous openings. But poor decision-making at crucial times ultimately cost them a place in the final and, most importantly to fans yearning for a first league title in 56 years, a much-needed psychological edge as they pursue the Premier League leaders.
Firstly, there was Heung-Min Son's needless challenge to concede the penalty that put Chelsea back in front, after Spurs had worked so hard to level proceedings through Harry Kane. Then, having again levelled superbly through Dele Alli - via one of the assists of the season from Christian Eriksen - the Tottenham defence inexplicably left Eden Hazard all alone on the edge of the box, allowing the Belgium international to put the Blues ahead for a third time.
Nemanja Matic's thunderbolt late on finished off the Spurs challenge, but the scoreline flattered a Chelsea side who were on the back foot for much of the encounter.
Indeed, Spurs enjoyed over 63 per cent possession, 13 shots compared to Chelsea's eight, completed three times more dribbles and still ended up losing by two.
After a laboured start from creative linchpins Alli and Eriksen, where they touched the ball just 10 times between them in the opening half hour, both controlled much of the ensuing encounter. Eriksen, who has made more key passes than any other player in the Premier League this season, finished the game having made six passes leading to chances.
Alli was on the end of two of those passes, scoring once, but couldn't find that extra level to edge his side in front after battling back to level twice.
When the scores are level in the latter stages of a game of this magnitude, that is when you need to show the psychological strength to sneak in front, because a goal that late in the day is unlikely to be cancelled out.
That decision from the Spurs backline to leave Hazard with so much space is symptomatic of Spurs' age-old problems in the most crucial games. This is the seventh semi-final in a row Spurs have lost. This season, they have failed to win away from home against any of the top seven, while in front of huge Wembley crowds, that is one win in nine.
"No, the result is not important [in the title race]. We will move on," Pochettino said post match. "It's true that, right now, the players are very disappointed but tomorrow we work again on the training ground and change the focus for the next game - Crystal Palace.
"If we play the way we played today then we cannot be worried. Our football today doesn't pay what we deserve but I know football; sometimes you play well and don't win."
There have been great strides in north London, of that there can be no doubt. Since the start of the 2015/16 season, Spurs have accumulated 11 more Premier League points than anyone else. Pochettino has got this young, hungry side playing his way, and at least a second-placed finish is surely on the cards for this exciting group.
The impressive display at Wembley adds credence to Pochettino's post-match protestations, but there is more to winning than simply playing well.
This was only the second time since World War Two that the Premier League's top two have played each other in the FA Cup semi-final. The last was Manchester United against Arsenal in 1999.
From the moment that famous Ryan Giggs goal hit the back of the net, United knew they were on course for the title, it just seemed to be written in the stars. A mixture of experience and talent saw them home, but despite going down to the last game of the season, it never really felt in doubt. Mentally, United were there.
This young Spurs side have all the ability, the PFA Team of the Year is testament to such, but mentally there is still work to do. Psychologically, Chelsea have one hand on the trophy.
