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Tottenham Embarrassed Themselves Against Chelsea

By Tarek Hisham

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02 : Diego Costa of Chelsea and Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur clash during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02 : Diego Costa of Chelsea and Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur clash during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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With the Premier League title race still in the balance, Tottenham embarrassed themselves with a shameful display against Chelsea FC

Tottenham Hotspur have been a breathtaking side to watch in the Premier League this season. They have become one of the most exciting teams in England with a mix of young talent and veteran steel that has propelled them to near the top of the table.

They have done it by all accounts, “the right way”, using young English talent and providing Roy Hodgson with the spine of his team for years to come. Spurs have not had a single player sent off this season, although two or three deserved it on Monday, and are still sixth in the league’s fair play rankings.

Harry Kane and company play a positive style of football that is paired with hard running and defensive solidity. They have scored the second-most goals in the league this season and have conceded less than any other club.; All of these reasons make Monday’s display against a local rival all the more shameful.

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With Leicester City needing Tottenham to drop points against Chelsea, Spurs came in to the cauldron of Stamford Bridge in what was the biggest game at the stadium in months. Chelsea were out of all competitions and their players were ready for summer holidays but the chance to deny Spurs the title rekindled their competitive fire.

It seemed that Spurs would rise above the fray and come away with a much-needed win to keep the pressure on the Foxes after going up two goals, but in the second half everything unraveled. The first half was a testy affair already and three Spurs were booked but things went haywire in the second 45.

Chelsea were able to claw their way back in to match with goals from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard and in the meantime, Tottenham lost their cool. Erik Lamela went in two-footed against Cesc Fabregas, Eric Dier deserved a red card for his challenge on Hazard, and Lamela even stamped on Fabregas’s hand.

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The most shameful incident of course was when Mousa Dembele attempted to scratch Diego Costa in the face in full view of the assistant referee and was not reprimanded for it. Diego Costa may have goaded him in to it with his trash talk or behavior but just as Costa lashing out would be given no excuse, Dembele does not deserve one either.

All season long the pundits and neutrals alike have lauded Spurs for their excellent displays on the field. They have been a joy to watch but their actions on Monday may turn even the most Spurs-leaning neutral fan against them. Their players will face bans for their actions with Dembele in particular set for a lengthy one.

Next: Jamie Vardy used to show up to training drunk

On Monday Spurs not only lost the Premier League title to Leicester, they lost their cool and the respect of many fans around the world. Mauricio Pochettino may have drilled his players in tactics and fitness, but perhaps a focus on discipline and mental toughness should be next on the agenda.

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