A goal conceded with 10 minutes left on the clock against Spurs keeps Chelsea waiting longer to secure a top-four finish, and Gary Cahill reflected that when talking after the game.
The 2-2 result preserved the Blues’ long unbeaten record against our north London rivals at Stamford Bridge but having led twice in the game, the England centre-back, whose header was turned over the line by Oscar for the early opener, believed the overall performance warranted more.
‘It was disappointing for us in the end,’ said Cahill.
‘We had a few chances to maybe put the game to bed, Ramires was unlucky as I think he slipped as he was just about to put the ball in, and we got punished for that. Overall I think it was a better point for us than for Spurs but it was disappointing to throw away the win.
‘I felt we were in control of the game for long periods but the last 10 to 15 minutes we got a little bit open. Possibly we could have kept that a little tighter but they were coming at us and we were coming at them.
‘When you are in front in a game you come away disappointed [if you don’t win] and I am sure Spurs will come away with a lift that they got a point,’ he added.
‘It was disappointing that their second goal was offside, I felt that at the time and I put my arm up, but we didn’t get the rub of the green on the decision and we have two games left now to finish the job.’
Our superior goal difference over Tottenham should mean one win from the remaining league matches – away to Aston Villa and at home to Everton – is enough for the top-four place.
‘We will look to get two wins,’ declared Cahill.
‘There are three games left in total and they will determine our season in some senses – and it is a huge game on Saturday followed by the Europa League final which is obviously massive – so we go again and we are in a good run of results at the moment and decent form.’
– A clip of Gary Cahill talking to Chelsea TV after the game can be viewed above with the full interview available now via the channel’s online access.