Chelsea: ‘Deeper’ style of football ‘working for’ Sarri says Burley
Chelsea beat Tottenham 2-0 on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge, bouncing back from their Carabao Cup final defeat on penalties against Manchester City.
A Pedro strike and a Kieran Trippier own goal handed the Blues a crucial three points.
Sarri opted to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga after the keeper refused to be substituted against City last weekend, with Willy Caballero stepping in.
Chelsea dominated against Spurs, with Harry Kane struggling to get going in west London.
And Sarri says his players asked if they could stop pressing as much against Tottenham after playing 120 minutes against City on Sunday.
When asked if the Blues looked to nullify Tottenham superstar Kane, Sarri said: "At the beginning of the match, we pressed really very high. We recovered 10 balls in the opposing half.
"Then it was really very difficult for us because we played 120 minutes three days ago, so the players asked me to press a little bit lower.
"Of course I agreed because they defended really very well. But we defended very well in the final as well against City.
Chelsea news: Maurizio Sarri agreed to let his players stand off Tottenham (Image: GETTY)
"In the match against Malmo, in the last three matches we've defended very well with a level of application and attention higher than before.
"But I think that the level of aggression we have was good.
"It's not enough to say 'stop Kane'.
"Kane is a great player, but it's not enough to say to the defenders: 'Stop Kane.' You have to stop the opponents before Kane."
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