Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur settled for a draw in a fiery first “big six” meeting in the Premier League this season at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts went ahead twice through Kalidou Koulibaly and Reece James but were pegged back each time by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Harry Kane in an encounter that saw Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchle both sent off.
Chelsea started the proceedings on the front foot but failed to carve out clear chances until Koulibaly blasted a first-time volley from a corner into the back of the net in the 19th minute for his first goal for the new club.
Conte’s side could not make inroads and were lucky to still be in the contest as Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were inches away from putting Chelsea ahead before halftime.
It was a similar story after the break with Loftus-Cheek threatening again after a storming run into the area, seconds before Sterling blazed his effort over the crossbar.
Chelsea were made to pay for their wastefulness as Tottenham found an equalizer through Højbjerg in the 68th minute after the home side failed to clear the ball with Dane’s long-range effort finding the back of the net which incensed the German coach.
Tuchel was furious that the goal was allowed, believing Kai Havertz had been fouled in the build-up and clashed with Conte. Tuchel and Conte were both shown yellow cards for their part in the ensuing touchline melee.
The anger seemed to vanish when Reece James smashed in Chelsea’s second goal in the 77th minute which led to joyous celebrations from the German coach.
Their joy was short-lived as Harry Kane popped up with a header in the 96th minute of the game to level things with Conte and Tuchel clashing again at the final whistle which led to both being sent off.
Chelsea and Tottenham, who finished third and fourth respectively last season, both have four points from two games.
