The first "big six" meeting of the Premier League season couldn't have been scripted any better Sunday afternoon with Chelsea and Tottenham playing to a riotous 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in a match that featured two bangers, a 90+6' equalizer, a bench-clearing scuffle and red cards for both managers.
Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte squared off twice, including after full-time when Tuchel took Conte's hand in a vice-like grip and started pecking away at the Italian's hair transplant with the bill of his hat.
Bruhhhhh pic.twitter.com/ElF2A4i01V
— Barça Eleven (@BarcaEleven_) August 14, 2022
The madness began in the 19th minute with a sensational volley from Chelsea center back Kalidou Koulibaly. Fellow new signing Marc Cucurella supplied the corner and the onlooking Todd Boehly was well pleased.
WELCOME TO THE BRIDGE KOULIBALY!
He catches the corner kick perfectly on the volley and fired Chelsea into the lead. #CFC: @USA_Network & @Telemundo #MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/uaggSkz1Iw
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
However, in the 68th, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg pulled Spurs level with another pile driver of a finish. Conte celebrated the equalizer wildly, but Tuchel was screaming at the fourth official for a foul on Kai Havertz by Rodrigo Bentancur at the other end. The two came together like a couple birds in an aggressive mating ritual.
Hojbjerg hits a shot from outside the box and levels the match! #COYS
Conte and Tuchel are HEATED!
: @USA_Network & @Telemundo #MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/MLxu2DIXsK— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
To the tape!
Take a look at the goal, the potential foul on Havertz and Conte & Tuchel getting face to face.: @USA_Network & @Telemundo #MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/CLEbo4BQH7
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
Tuchel thought he had his vengeance — and went scampering down the touchline in celebration — when Reece James swept home Chelsea's second in the 77th minute.
Reece James with the first time finish and Chelsea are back in the lead! #CFC
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
But Harry Kane got his first of the year deep in stoppage time to salvage an impressive point. On a corner directly prior to this one, Cristian Romero had gotten away with bringing Cucurella down by his hair.
DRAMA AT THE BRIDGE! #COYS
Harry Kane with the stoppage time header to level the match!
: @USA_Network & @Telemundo #MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/8YSN5ByXDf— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
The full-time whistle brought the highlight of the match and red cards for Tuchel and Conte.
Fireworks after the final whistle between Tuchel and Conte!#MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/CuakP2XH0F
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
Chelsea's boss said he wasn't happy with how Conte was averting his eyes during the handshake. Tuchel's like your dad giving you advice before your first job interview here.
"When you shake hands, you look into each others eyes. Antonio had a different opinion."
Thomas Tuchel speaks after his confrontation with Conte, and discusses why he was not happy with either of Tottenham's goals. #MyPLMorning | #CHETOT pic.twitter.com/mE1aR77kEO— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 14, 2022
Chelsea is away to Major Leeds Soccer next Sunday. Tottenham plays host to Wolves on Saturday.
