José Mourinho's rigid thinking brings zombified display from Tottenham | Barney Ronay


Defensive set-up and an expectation that Carlos Vinícius could play the Harry Kane role saw an insipid display against Chelsea

With three minutes still to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the score 1-0 to Chelsea – as it had been for what felt like at least a fortnight – something odd happened to Carlos Vinícius. He had a chance to score a goal. Serge Aurier delivered a fine cross from the right. Vinícius leapt well, wrenched his neck and made contact.

Spurs had woken up late in this game. Flustered, eyes still gummed shut, this drained and listing group of players had finally made it to the table. A point would have been a sensational return, even against a Chelsea team that had also faded.

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