Leicester 1-1

Independent:

Danny Drinkwater cancels out Cesc Fabregas penalty

Chelsea 1 Leicester City 1

Matt Gatward

This was always going to be a match where events on the pitch would be kicked into touch by the subplots, reflections on the season that was - spectacular for Leicester City, woeful for Chelsea - and the intrigue surrounding how the next campaign will unfold.

Not so much action but celebration, introspection and speculation in equal healthy measure.

The celebration belonged to Leicester, of course, as they rescued a deserved point through Danny Drinkwater’s long-range strike which cancelled out Cesc Fabregas’ penalty and stopped them picking up just their fourth defeat of the season. But it was about what had come before, the visiting fans in the Shed End were rightly in fine voice throughout, celebrating their amazing title triumph. “Champione, champione” was never far from their lips.

The introspection belonged to Chelsea. Such was the utter decimation of the cub in the early part of the campaign, they did well to recover to a mid-table finish and owed that to the calming influence of Guus Hiddink who sailed the club back into calmer waters following the violent early-season lurching under Jose Mourinho. But the mood dipped again at the Bridge following Leicester’s equaliser.

The speculation surrounded John Terry and the new contract offer he is chewing over that involves him taking on a “different role” at the club. It was another Terry love-in at the Bridge - the 26th minute marking a prolonged show of support for the captain, reciprocated by the defender, sat on the Chelsea bench serving his suspension.


On a sun-soaked afternoon this end-of-season, sing-along allowed the outgoing champions to pay their respects to the new Premier League winners and the end-of-term, holiday’s-a-coming feel was very much in the air. Claudio Ranieri, formerly of Chelsea, and his players were given a guard of honour at the start and the home fans’ applause of Leicester’s incredible achievement was warm and heartfelt. Both sets of fans stood to applaud Leicester during the first half.

What a difference in atmosphere both on the pitch and off compared to the previous encounter at this ground. The last visitors were Spurs on that bitter evening that ended Tottenham’s title hopes and gave Chelsea a modicum of joy to cling to.

Chelsea started the match in better fashion, with Pedro, taking his turn to don the club facemask, bending a shot just wide of Kasper Schmeichel’s far post after cutting inside Danny Simpson. Jamie Vardy flashed a shot wide at the other end, then went down after toeing the ball past Thibaut Courtois only to appeal half-heartedly (one feels it may have been more vociferous had there been more hanging on the result).

Chelsea tested Schmeichel twice more before the break: Fabregas’s drive was saved then Willian’s shot was punched clear after a 1-2 with Fabregas. Pedro then poked home following a Willian cross but was half a yard offside.

Leicester, who swapped Demarai Gray and Andy King for Jeff Schlupp and Shinji Okazaki at the break, started the second half stronger than they had finished the first but Chelsea took the lead in the 66th minute when Eden Hazard dribbled into the box from the left. The ball broke to young Tammy Abraham, on a substitute, whose blocked effort fell to Nemanja Matic. Schlupp bought his dummied shot, went to ground and caught the Serb as he broke into the box. Fabregas rolled home the penalty.

Leicester’s victory over Chelsea back in mid-December — which was Mourinho’s final match in charge of the Blues - was for many the moment when the Foxes became credible title-challengers but they never quite looked like winning here today. Few could bemoan their equaliser though, or the man who got it: Drinkwater firing in from 25 yards on 82 minutes after he was given a little too much time. Courtois probably should have saved it - but no matter.

After the lap of appreciation on the pitch and an emotional speech by Terry all that remained was to wonder if Leicester will make a better job of defending their title next term compared to Chelsea did this. It’s hard to imagine they will make a worse go of it.

Teams:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic (Tomori 59), Baba; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Hazard, Pedro (Loftus-Cheek 52); Traore (Abraham 52).

Leicester City (4-5-1): Schmeichel; Simpson, Wasilewski, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez (Albrighton 80), Drinkwater, Kante, King (Okazaki h-t), Gray (Schlupp h-t); Vardy.

Referee: Craig Pawson

Star man: Drinkwater

====================

Guardian:

Danny Drinkwater’s late goal earns champions Leicester a point at Chelsea

Chelsea 1 - 1 Leicester

Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge

Roman Abramovich had been waiting for Claudio Ranieri on Leicester City’s arrival at this stadium, the oligarch seeking out the first manager he had sacked as Chelsea’s owner to offer an embrace and warm congratulations on a job well done. The Italian has been tickled by the adulation pouring at him from all angles these days and his team completed a season of unprecedented success here with an equaliser worthy of champions.

It was Danny Drinkwater who drew them level eight minutes from time, dispatching a shot from 30 yards which dipped across a diving Thibaut Courtois and into the corner of the net, with few among Chelsea’s fans begrudging the visitors their reward. Ranieri and his team had been applauded on to the pitch by home supporters and players alike, Guus Hiddink and his players forming their guard of honour for the side who had claimed their title with the injured Diego Costa and John Mikel Obi even taking their places in the lineup in civvies. Also present was John Terry but, where the locals were eager to welcome Ranieri back, they feared this might be a farewell to the captain.


Terry, suspended here, is still contemplating the one-year contract extension offered to him in midweek with his delay in signing an indication there is an awkward choice to make. Chinese clubs would offer him more money and longer terms. The fear is his appearance at Sunderland, his 703rd for the club, may prove to have been his last with those in the Shed end duly unveiling a “John Terry, proper Chels” banner before kick-off, and then raising No26 posters in the 26th minute while chorusing the defender’s name. The 35-year-old, watching from the seats behind the home dug-out, eventually stood, applauded and thumped the badge on his training top. These are changing times.

In truth, given everything occurring around the fixture amid a largely celebratory atmosphere – such a contrast from the poison whipped up for Tottenham Hotspur’s critical visit in Chelsea’s previous home game – the football felt rather incidental. The relaxed tempo gave the contest a rather friendly feel at times, for all that Kasper Schmeichel had to excel to preserve parity up to the interval. His save from Willian, diving to his left to push the Brazilian’s attempt away, summed up his form though there were blocks, too, to be mustered to deny Cesc Fàbregas, Bertrand Traoré, Baba Rahman and Pedro.

Not that Chelsea dominated. The champions were just as menacing when exploiting indecision across the hosts’ back-line, Jamie Vardy and Andy King prospering in the space behind Fàbregas and Nemanja Matic. The England forward had burst through on to Riyad Mahrez’s clipped pass midway through the opening half, reaching the loose ball ahead of the advancing Thibaut Courtois only to see his attempt, lifted over the goalkeeper, drift wide.

Shinji Okazaki and Jeffrey Schlupp added extra impetus on their introduction at the interval, the pair combining only for Courtois to claim the Japanese forward’s back-heel. As it was, Schlupp’s impact was felt rather more at the other end. Eden Hazard’s dribble and Wes Morgan’s block on Tammy Abraham’s attempt saw the ball break free to Matic on the edge of the area. The Serb feigned to shoot, luring Schlupp to ground as he sought to block, only for Matic to take a touch round the player and induce the contact. Fàbregas converted from the spot, with Terry on his feet behind the dug-outs in appreciation.

Yet this is a team who have mustered only five league wins at home, in a ground they recently considered such a fortress, and Drinkwater’s leveller felt apt. Chelsea have been pining for the end of the season for some time. Their players massed in the tunnel post-match ready for their lap of appreciation with those in the stands bellowing Terry’s name. He followed the player of the year, Willian, back out into the sunshine. A summer of upheaval awaits.

Man of the match: Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City).

Match rating: 5



======================


Telegraph:


Chelsea 1 Leicester City 1: Tributes to John Terry and Claduio Ranieri as champions old and new play out draw

Matt Law

John Terry choked back the tears during an emotional on-pitch speech, but stopped just short of telling the Chelsea fans what they wanted to hear.

Despite being suspended for Chelsea’s final game of the season, Terry took the microphone during the players’ Stamford Bridge lap of appreciation after a Danny Drinkwater goal had cancelled out a Cesc Fabregas penalty.

As usual, Terry insisted that he wants to stay at Chelsea but did not go as far as saying he will definitely sign the one-year contract extension that includes a pay cut and a reduced playing role, which was put on the table last week.

With Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich watching from his private box, Terry addressed the fans and said: “We all want the same. I've said for a long time I want to finish my career here. I'll be speaking to the club over the next few days. I want to stay, the club knows that, the fans know that. I want to stay.”

Terry had to stop midway through his speech when the Chelsea fans loudly chanted ‘John Terry we want you to stay’ and also said: “On a personal note I'd like to thank everyone. This season has been tough for me, very emotional, so thank you for the support. Chelsea is my life, as it is yours. The best moments of my life have been in this stadium. You've been a big part of that.”


The 35-year-old joined his Chelsea team-mates to form a guard of honour for Premier League champions Leicester City and the Blues’ former manager Claudio Ranieri ahead of kick-off.

In the 26th minute, a section of the Chelsea crowd displayed posters that read ‘John Terry 26’ and the ex-England man received a standing ovation from the home supporters. There was also an enormous banner that said ‘John Terry, Proper Chels’.

From his seat behind interim manager Guus Hiddink and the Chelsea substitutes, Terry rose to acknowledge the tributes and patted his chest to indicate his affection for the fans and the club.

Hiddink refused to speculate whether or not Terry will accept Chelsea’s offer, but the Dutchman believes last week’s talks are a positive sign.

“First of all, I'm happy that they are now in contact and are talking,” said Hiddink. “For me, it's not good to make speculation. It's good when both parties start to talk. Personally, I hope they manage to come to a solution. That is my personal opinion. When they are talking then I mustn't spoil it by starting to speculate.

“He is 35, when people normally say goodbye. But he's physically very fit and mentally very fit, so he can contribute a lot wherever he wants to play.”

Other than attempting to influence Terry’s decision, Chelsea also paid tribute to Ranieri with Abramovich personally congratulating the man he sacked 12 years ago.

Chelsea presented Ranieri with a silver plate to mark his achievement of winning the title and the Italian appeared emotional when he was given a standing ovation by home fans after the final whistle.

“The emotion was at a maximum,” said Ranieri. “There was a fantastic welcome back, a warm welcome back from everybody. I met the owner Roman Abramovich here, and also when I went out all the people – the fans, the Chelsea fans – it was amazing. At the beginning, but also at the end. No tears, no. Come on, man. Every time you want to speak about tears!”


Asked exactly what Abramovich said to him, Ranieri replied: “Welcome to the champions. Very warm.”

Drinkwater made sure Leicester did not end their fairy tale season on a defeat with a stunning 30-yard goal that gave Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois no chance.

Fabregas had earlier given his team the lead from the penalty spot after Nemanja Matic had been fouled in the area by Leicester substitute Jeffrey Schlupp.

Leicester will parade the Premier League trophy through the city on Monday and, of his team’s 10-point margin of victory at the top of the table, Ranieri said: “We were so consistent during the season and the other teams were not, they were going up and down. That was one key for us, one our strengths.


“We played with this kind of mentality, a winning mentality but also to say 'this is the last match, in or out'. Today we wanted to do something and we lost just three matches during the season. That is an amazing achievement.”

And on the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season, Ranieri added: “The Champions League will be a very good experience for all my players. None of them have played in the Champions League.It will be a very good atmosphere with good music. I hope we are readynot just to listen to the music, but to make some music.”



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Mail:

Chelsea 1-1 Leicester City: Danny Drinkwater strike secures draw for high-flying Foxes at Stamford Bridge

By MATT BARLOW FOR THE DAILY MAIL

Although not strictly necessary, here was one final example of Leicester's refusal to be beaten this season, crisply delivered by Danny Drinkwater from 30 yards.

Only eight minutes of the campaign remained when Drinkwater collected the ball, nudged it forward and crashed it past Thibaut Courtois into the bottom corner.
It was only his second goal of the campaign and a sweet moment to strike, on the eve of the England squad announcement for Euro 2016.

Cesc Fabregas fired Chelsea ahead with a penalty but Drinkwater ensured the champions would be unbeaten for the last dozen games.
Leicester will climb about the open-top bus for Monday's parade with 81 points, 10 clear of Arsenal in second.

They have lost only three of 38 games in the Premier League and have not failed to score in the competition since a draw against Bournemouth on January 2.
It would have been easy to coast in at Stamford Bridge on a sunny afternoon with a mood of bonhomie far removed from Chelsea's last outing here, against Tottenham.

While that derby was drenched in animosity, this was a mutual appreciation society celebration, starting with an embrace between Claudio Ranieri and Roman Abramovich and ending with John Terry on the pitch with tears in his eyes and a microphone in hand.

Terry, who was thrown in the air by his team-mates and posing for photographs with his wife and children, told fans he wanted to stay.
A one-year offer is on the table and Abramovich wore a broad grin as he looked down on proceedings from his box in the West Stand.
Earlier, the home fans had produced a tribute to their captain in the 26th minute, singing his name and holding placards.

Terry, who was suspended and viewing from a seat behind Guus Hiddink's bench, stood, waved and tapped the badge on his chest. Very little had happened on the pitch by this point.
The JT love-in proved a convenient distraction for the Londoners – they ended up in 10th with 50 points - as did the triumphant return of Ranieri, 12 years after his sacking.
Four sides of the Bridge rose to salute the Leicester boss as he had followed his team through a guard of honour for a presentation made by former Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.


'The emotion was at a maximum,' said Ranieri. 'There was a fantastic welcome back. I met the owner, he said: "Welcome champions". Very warm. It was amazing.'
The away fans sang Eden Hazard's name by way of thanks for the crucial equaliser he scored against Spurs.
During Terry's post-match address, he was busy congratulating Ranieri on his achievement when he said: 'I'm glad Leicester have won it and I'm glad Tottenham haven't.'
As if Mauricio Pochettino's day wasn't bad enough, here were more of those comments which really wind him up.

This draw could not have been further removed from the hostility of Chelsea's previous home game against Spurs, also drawn.
Perhaps the absence of Diego Costa, out with a hamstring injury, helped but the first-half was like a testimonial at times.

Chelsea supporters clapped Christian Fuchs as he trotted across to take a corner. They stood to applaud Riyad Mahrez off when he was replaced, 10 minutes from time.
They did not react furiously when Jamie Vardy tumbled over Courtois, in the first half, or tried a sneaky hand ball in the second.

Vardy was dangerous but could not find a goal to help him beat Harry Kane to the Premier League's Golden Boot.
Kasper Schmeichel was the busier goalkeeper, with a fabulous series of saves before the interval, each more athletic than the one before.
The Dane stood firm at his near-post to block a fierce drive by Fabregas, denied Willian, frustrated Fabregas again and clawed away a shot from Baba Rahman which had taken a deflection and seemed to be swerving towards the top corner.

Pedro Rodriguez did find the net in the first-half, converting a low cross from Willian but it was half-a-yard offside.
Hiddink took the chance to send on a trio of teenagers - Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori – and saw his team take the lead when Jeffrey Schlupp's mistimed slide sent Nemanja Matic spinning in the box.
Hiddink's own farewell was eclipsed by others and the Dutchman joked about his inevitable return.

'I'll be back, every now and then,' said Hiddink. 'Not in the limelight, just hidden a bit because I like to help out with the academy boys. It will be very bad for Chelsea if I'm back (as manager) in early December. I have full confidence they will go up, fighting for silverware, in the top four.'
Fabregas sent Schmeichel the wrong way from the spot but the champions produced a flourish.
Drinkwater equalised and Leicester threatened to win it but a draw was an appropriate end to a mild-mannered contest.



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Mirror:


Chelsea 1-1 Leicester: Drinkwater on target as champions finish with a draw - 5 things we learned


BY NEIL MCLEMAN

The midfielder cancelled out Cesc Fabregas' first-half penalty at Stamford Bridge as Claudio Ranieri was given a guard of honour at his former club


Danny Drinkwater scored a stunning late equaliser to preserve champions Leicester's record of losing only three games this season – and give a huge reminder to Roy Hodgson.

Claudio Ranieri's return to Stamford Bridge appropriately finished level 12 years to the day of his last match as Chelsea manager.

The Foxes boss was warmly embraced by Roman Abramovich before kick-off and received rapturous applause as he walked through Chelsea's guard of honour . John Terry also joined in the applause – and later Chelsea fans urged the club captain to sign the one-year deal which was offered to him on Friday.

Kasper Schmeichel made four brilliant saves in the first half – the best from Willian – in a first half played in a party atmoshpere.


Chelsea took the lead after 66 minutes through a Cesc Fabregas penalty after ref Craig Pawson adjudged sub Jeffrey Schlupp had brought down Nemanja Matic.

Leicester charged forward and Drinkwater, who will be hoping to be included in England's 23-man Euro 2016 squad tomorrow, picked up a Wes Morgan layoff and lashed his long-range shot past Thibaut Courtois.


Here are five things we learned:


1. Everybody loves Ranieri

Everyone at Stamford Bridge loves Claudio Ranieri.

Exactly 12 years to the day of his last match as Chelsea manager, the Leicester boss returned to Stamford Bridge as a champion.

It was hard to tell which set of fans were more pleased.


2. Nobody loves Tottenham


Chelsea have long not liked their North London rivals.

It is a new feeling for Leicester but they seem to be rather enjoying it.

News of the score from St James' Park added to the afternoon's feel-good factor


3. Champions given guard of honour


Respect for the champions is a great English tradition.

From the pre-match guard of honour through to the whole of Stamford Bridge rising to their feet when Leicester fans sang: Stand Up For The Champions, the feat of the Foxes was recognised and applauded by last season's winners


4. Terry fights back the tears


After 26 minutes, Chelsea fans held up No 26s and sang for their Captain, Leader, Legend.

The club captain stood and returned the applause as his eyes welled-up with emotion.

We await news on his decision on his contract offer


5. Schmeichel stars once again


Kasper Schmeichel could have won Player of the Year.

Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy have rightly won the individual awards this season.

But the Danish goalkeeper has been brilliant and he made four world-class saves in the first half before being beaten from the spot



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Express:

Chelsea 1 - Leicester 1: Champions finish with a point as Terry possibly waves goodbye

HE STOOD in tears on the pitch as the crowd chanted his name. John Terry that is, not Claudio Ranieri.

By TONY BANKS

It was Chelsea captain Terry's future that dominated every minute of the last game of a dismal campaign at Stamford Bridge - on the day their old manager brought his Premier League champions to his former stomping ground in his moment of triumph.

But it was Terry who sobbed as he addressed the thousands of fans calling for him to stay at the end of the match. He did though, keep Chelsea them guessing about his future in an emotional address on the pitch.

Terry, who sat on the bench suspended for the match itself, took the mic afterwards and insisted he wanted time to consider the new one year contract he has been offered.

The 35 year old, whose new offer, announced on Friday, is considerably less than the £150,000 a week he had been on and is appearance-based, said: "This season has been tough for me, very emotional. Chelsea is my life, as it is yours. The best moments of my life have been in this stadium.


Chelsea's John Terry appears to give an emotional farewell to the Stamford Bridge crowd after the Blues' 1-1 draw with Leicester City in their final game of the season


"We all want the same thing. I've said for a long time I want to finish my career here. I'll be speaking to the club over the next few days. I want to stay, the club knows that, the fans know that. I want to stay."

Terry - who also has lucrative offers from China and the Middle East - stopped short of saying he would stay as several times he choked up and was unable to continue speaking, but did admit the season had been a complete let down, with Chelsea finishing tenth.

He, as owner Roman Abramovich stood smiling and applauding in the stands, added: "This has been a difficult season. We've had some great times in recent years. We've all accepted things have not been good enough, but we'll be back next year and fighting for this title."

Chelsea gave Leicester a guard of honour as they came onto the pitch yesterday, and Ranieri was met in the tunnel with an embrace from Abramovich, the man who sacked him in 2004. He was then presented with a silver plate by his old club, as the crowd stood unanimous and sang his name.

The crowd also sang Terry's name throughout the match - and there was a massive banner reading "John Terry - Proper Chels." In the 26th minute - marking his shirt number - cards were held up by fans pleading for him to stay.

The player - who has been at the club since he was 14 - though appears to want to haggle over the offer, but the word is that Chelsea's figure is more or less take it or leave it.

At the players party last night at the "Under the Bridge" club at Stamford Bridge several events were expected to be staged in his honour - and Terry in any case has his own party at the ground on the pitch today - at no charge from the club. Most of his teammates, according to insiders, expect him to sign and stay, eventually.

As for the match, Kasper Schmeichel made several good saves to keep Chelsea out, but then sub Jeffrey Schlupp broguth down Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas stroked home the penalty.

But that only spurred Leicester into action, as Riyad Mahrez shot straight at Thibaut Courtois. Then Danny Drinkwater picked up a pass from Wes Morgan 30 yards out and crashed a glorious 30 yard onto the corner of the net for the equaliser, with nine minutes left. As befitted an almost charitable occasion, Ranieri was given a standing ovation at the end.

And then, as a tracksuited and emotional Terry led Chelsea's players on a lap of appreciation, he handed out shirts to fans. His teammates gave him the "bumps" as they left the field.


Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6; Azpilicueta 6, Cahill 6, Ivanovic 6(Tomori 59 6), Rahman 7; Matic 6, Fabregas 7; Pedro 6 (Loftus-Cheek 53 6), Willian 6, Hazard 6; Traore 6 (Abraham 53 6).

Goals: Fabregas pen 64.

Leicester (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel 8; Simpson 7, Wasilewski 7, Morgan 7, Fuchs 7; Drinkwater 7, Kante 7; Mahrez 7 (Albrighton 79 6), King 6 (Schlupp 46 6), Gray 6 (Okazaki 46 6); Vardy 6.

Goals: Drinkwater 81.

Referee: Craig Pawson


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Star:


Chelsea 1 Leicester 1: Champions end campaign with a draw after late equaliser

Leicester refused to be beaten as they finished their remarkable season with a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.


Cesc Fabregas's penalty saw Chelsea lead, but their successors as champions responded through Danny Drinkwater's long-range effort eight minutes from time.

Leicester, survivors 12 months ago, finished 10 points clear. Chelsea, their predecessors, ended a miserable campaign in 10th place and with doubt still surrounding the future of captain John Terry.

Owner Roman Abramovich inherited Claudio Ranieri as manager and sacked the Italian in favour of Jose Mourinho in 2004.

Ranieri and Leicester - opponents in the final game of Mourinho's second spell in December - received a guard of honour ahead of the contest, with the past, present and future of Chelsea high on the agenda.

Not least Terry's. The 35-year-old has made 703 appearances since his October 1998 debut and is mulling over the offer of a 12-month contract extension in a "different role".



He was serenaded by Chelsea supporters throughout, acknowledging first half adulation by beating the left side of his chest, over his heart and the club crest which adorned his t-shirt.

Terry lifted the Premier League trophy 12 months ago but was suspended for interim boss Guus Hiddink's final match in charge.

Both sets of supporters taunted Tottenham as visiting fans declared Eden Hazard as "one of our own".

The Chelsea playmaker scored the goal 13 days ago which ended Spurs' hopes and handed Leicester the title.

Finishing with a flourish was important to the Foxes, but Chelsea started the stronger.


Willian's appeal for handball against Christian Fuchs was dismissed and Pedro shot wide across goal, before Jamie Vardy fired wide at the other end.

Riyad Mahrez next played in Vardy. The striker, expected to be named in the England squad on Monday, beat Thibaut Courtois to the ball, but could only loop it wide.

Demarai Gray had a deflected effort and another saved by Courtois, before Kasper Schmeichel was called into action.

The Denmark goalkeeper saved well from Fabregas at his near post and then repelled a Willian shot.

Ranieri was continually gesticulating to his charges, keen for a win on his former stomping ground.

Chelsea had the lion's share of possession, but that has not stopped Leicester this season.


Danny Simpson flashed a shot wide on the break, but Chelsea countered.

Hazard slalomed into the Leicester box and passed to substitute Tammy Abraham, whose attempt to turn and shoot was blocked by Wes Morgan.

Nemanja Matic picked up the loose ball and surged forwards, but half-time substitute Jeff Schlupp mis-timed his tackle and a penalty was awarded.

Replays suggested there was minimal contact. Fabregas sent Schmeichel the wrong way.


Terry was a lone figure behind the dugout who stood up to applaud the goal. He appeared emotional, again.

Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were joined on the field by debutant Fikayo Tomori as Chelsea looked to the future under Antonio Conte. Terry was left in no doubt the fans' feelings on whether he should be part of it.

Mahrez shot straight at Courtois, who was beaten when Ngolo Kante laid the ball over to Drinkwater.

It was a fine strike from 25 yards as Leicester avoided a fourth loss of the season.

Liverpool 1-1

Independent:

Jurgen Klopp gifted late point as Christian Benteke heads late leveller

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1: Hazard's wonderful opener levelled at Anfield after a late Begovic mistake in Klopp's 50th Reds match

Simon Hughes


Since knocking out Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds has emerged as the anthem of Liverpool’s run to the Europa League final.

Each time it is played on Anfield’s public address system, it informs supporters, of course, that “every little thing, gonna be alright,” and then the majority of those present join in.

Maybe their season ultimately will be. Again here, Liverpool eked out a recovery when all indications pointed towards defeat.


This time next week Liverpool might be a Champions League club once again and this match will be forgotten about.

For that to happen, though, they will have to play a lot better than they did against a Chelsea team that contained John Obi Mikel as a makeshift central defender.

Never before has the Nigerian midfielder appeared so comfortable in a Premier League fixture on Merseyside.

Everything that Liverpool have been in games on this ground over the last month, they were not here. Chelsea, decimated by absentees, were seconds away from victory.


Chelsea’s lead could have been greater had Pedro released a more convincing finish from Eden Hazard’s perfect defence splitting pass with a few minutes to go.

Guus Hiddink, the acting Chelsea manager, claimed his players had almost executed “the perfect match” and he was right.

He then conceded that Chelsea’s only failure was to kill the game off and he was right about that too.

In injury time, indeed, just as it seemed as though Jürgen Klopp might spend the next few days concerned about momentum being lost with a European final looming, Christian Benteke capitalised on Asmir Begović’s mistake from Sheyi Ojo’s cross to steal a point.


There was more riding on this for Liverpool than there was for Chelsea, who would finish in their lowest league position in 20 years regardless of the result here.

Theirs was a skeleton side, with John Terry suspended, Branislav Ivanović and Diego Costa injured and Thibaut Courtois sitting in the directors’ box because of sickness.

Liverpool’s team, meanwhile, reflected Klopp's likely selection policy in next week’s Europa League final against Sevilla, with the same XI that started against Villarreal last Thursday in the semi-final featuring again.

There was no sense that this was a full scale-drill, however. It would be tempting to describe Hazard’s opener as a thing of beauty. The identity of the architect did not come as a surprise.


Throughout, neither Emre Can nor James Milner were able to regulate the Belgian’s movement from a central position and his display was the outstanding feature of the night.

Hazard's goal came from Chelsea’s left: slaloming, skipping and accelerating past four opponents before easing a shot past Simon Mignolet from the edge of the box.

Yet at no point did a home player apply necessary pressure to prevent the run and it reinforced the idea that Liverpool were preoccupied by other challenges.


Their best opportunity of the first half came when Daniel Sturridge released Roberto Firmino with a delightful pass.

From there, the Brazilian’s first, second, third and fourth touches were good.

The fifth ruined any chance of him scoring and the moment acted as another reflection of the way Liverpool were playing.

The pattern did not change a great deal in the second half.


This was Klopp’s 50th game in charge of Liverpool. That it came just 217 days since his appointment last October meant that he had reached the landmark quicker than any Liverpool manager in history.

Having played so much, especially since Christmas, it seemed as though it might have been up to Klopp to determine whether this performance was a consequence of diverted attentions and players being afraid to commit to the high intensity levels that he usually demands in case of injury ahead of a big game, or, in fact whether Liverpool are getting tired at exactly the wrong time.

Perhaps Benteke’s intervention will stop that investigation happening. Perhaps Klopp will be happy to ride the momentum from here.


Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Touré (Ojo 86), Moreno; Milner (Allen 75), Can; Lallana (Benteke 75), Firmino, Coutinho; Sturridge. Subs not used: Bogdan, Lucas, Skrtel, Smith.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1) Begović; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Mikel, Rahman; Fabregas, Matić; Willian (Kenedy 57), Hazard, Pedro (Loftus-Cheek 90); Traoré (Abraham 73). Subs not used: Amelia, Pato, Palmer, Tomori.



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Guardian:

Liverpool’s Christian Benteke pegs back Chelsea after Eden Hazard’s stunner

Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea

Andy Hunter

A Belgium international belatedly illuminated Anfield, though it was not Christian Benteke with the injury-time equaliser that preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten home run. Eden Hazard rolled back the months with a display reminiscent of his role in Chelsea’s title victory last season but it is his country, not his club, that stands to benefit from his return to fitness and form.

Chelsea’s away support chanted for a new contract for John Terry and unveiled a banner showing the trophies won under his stewardship complete with a call to “sign him up”. Yet the performance of their mesmerising No10 showed there are other, younger assets that Stamford Bridge can ill-afford to lose this summer.

Hazard capped a fine evening with an outstanding individual goal, only his fourth in the Premier League this season, and his recovery comes just in time for Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign. But Guus Hiddink’s team paid the price for failing to kill the contest in the second half.

“He had a difficult year,” Hiddink, Chelsea’s interim manager, said of the Belgian.


“He was one of the best last year and this year he was falling into injury, coming back nearly, falling back into injury and that made him vulnerable physically. You get frustrated. The last few weeks he has been working on a programme to be fully fit and now steadily he has got his shape and then you can see what he is able to do. He has a lot of talent, is clever and can play one-on-one. He is conceding a lot of physical contacts but he goes on and it is nice to see. He is physically and mentally fit and it is a pleasure to see those sort of players.”

For Jürgen Klopp, there was an element of fortune in Liverpool’s unbeaten run at Anfield reaching game No13. A ninth Premier League defeat beckoned in the manager’s 50th match in charge until the Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was deceived by Sheyi Ojo’s cross and pushed the ball on to the head of the waiting Benteke. The combination of the two Liverpool substitutes for the equaliser reflected well on the team’s attitude and the manager’s decision to go for broke, but Klopp will need much more from what appeared his Europa League final side when it reconvenes against Sevilla next week.

Klopp said: “For the first 15 minutes we played wonderful football without scoring and I said after the game it was the most important game of the season. We showed in the first 15 minutes what we were capable of. There was not enough faith in our own quality and so we lost patience and when you lose patience it is always difficult and we lost formation.


“We didn’t defend together but we invested a lot and that made us tired. That was the problem of the game. Maybe they could have scored the second one but Simon Mignolet did brilliantly and Kolo [Touré] and Dejan [Lovren] saved our life at this moment. We had two or three really good moments and we used one to get a draw. The last 10 minutes it was not too lucky but we could have lost today.”

Hazard opened the scoring with a quite exquisite goal. There was minimal threat to the home defence when the playmaker collected possession deep in the Liverpool half and even after exchanging passes with Cesc Fàbregas. But then he accelerated past four weak challenges with a deft touch and a drop of the shoulder and, from the edge of the penalty area, swept an outstanding finish into the far corner of Mignolet’s goal. It served as a reminder of the form and talent that brought Hazard player of the year awards last season and has been sorely missed at Stamford Bridge for the majority of this campaign.

Bertrand Traoré, the youngster Tammy Abraham and Hazard all had chances to secure the away win but, with Mignolet saving well and opportunities wasted, Liverpool always had hope of a reprieve. Benteke provided it with a close-range header before Klopp led his squad on a lap of anticipation. It is now all about Sevilla.


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Telegraph:


Liverpool 1 Chelsea 1: Brilliant Eden Hazard goal cancelled out by late Christian Benteke equaliser


Chris Bascombe


Most players are thinking of their holidays at this time of the season. Eden Hazard appears to have just ended his.

It’s taken eight months but Chelsea’s superstar winger has belatedly decided to do a fair impression of last year’s world-class player. Hazard’s first-half strike at Anfield was a work of art. It would have been a match-winning contribution but for Christian Benteke’s injury-time header. This was a great night to be a Belgium fan and there may be plenty of them scurrying to the bookmaker this morning to back Marc Wilmots’ side.

There were moments when this resembled an exhibition of Hazard taunting Liverpool midfielders and defenders.


There is no finer sight than the Belgian mesmerising markers but his goal-of-the-season contender 32 minutes into this game must have been bittersweet for his club’s fans, who have not seen it enough lately.

Hazard evaded the challenges of four Liverpool players, slalomed to the edge of the penalty area, and then picked his spot beyond Simon Mignolet.


Sections of the home support were compelled to applaud. This was the kind of goal that was prompting comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi a year ago. It was not the kind of strike you’d expect from a guy who has been unable to inspire his side beyond ninth position, although his manager, Guus Hiddink, insisted fitness rather than disinterest was the main reason for Hazard’s late arrival in this campaign.

“He’s had a difficult year. He was one of the best last year and this year he is falling into injury, coming back nearly, falling back into injury and that made him vulnerable physically and you get frustrated,” said Hiddink.


“The last few weeks, he has been working on a programme to be fully fit and now, steadily, he has got his shape and then you can see what he is able to do. He has a lot of talent, is clever, and can play one-on-one. He is conceding a lot of physical contacts but he goes on and it is nice to see.

“He is physically and mentally fit and it is a pleasure to see those sort of players.


“I don’t know [if he has been hurt by criticism] – probably. Everyone has criticism, it is how you deal with that. It can be possible he will be affected a bit but it is always good to see the reaction and showing he is capable of playing as he did,” the Dutchman added.

Liverpool could not get near enough to Hazard to trip him or  stop him weaving extravagant patterns. Emre Can was eventually cautioned for using illegal means and Kolo Touré followed after the break. But the winger – given a free role to cause mayhem wherever he fancied – was proving the difference between the sides until a late Liverpool rally stole a point.

Both clubs were given an insight into what is needed next season and what’s gone wrong domestically in this one. There was quality to go with the flaws. Hazard has not produced such a contribution enough – some may say at all until a fortnight ago – while Chelsea carelessly succumbed due to a goal-keeping error in a game that they had thought was won.


Liverpool lost composure and patience too soon once the momentum shifted against them but they have more stamina under Jürgen Klopp, who could argue his side started the game with greater quality and intensity.

This fixture is usually filled with venom but it was rather like turning up to the pantomime to discover all the villains were otherwise disposed.


John Terry got himself suspended; Diego Costa injured; Jose Mourinho was last spotted outside Old Trafford with a “how dare you not give me a job”’ placard. Chelsea fans continued their obsessional singing about Steven Gerrard, rather like they’re struggling to get over the fact he’s gone as much as The Kop.

The Chelsea fans were missing their leading man just as much, making their feelings known about the possibility that they’ve seen their skipper for the last time.

“John Terry is our captain. Sign him up,” read the banner in the Anfield Road End.

“We want you stay,” they sang.

For Liverpool this was all about keeping the rhythm and maintaining form before the trip to Basel. Initially it seemed Asmir Begovic would be in for a hectic evening.


Philippe Coutinho, Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren all came close before Chelsea had even settled. Firmino’s was the easiest chance, sent through by Daniel Sturridge he miscontrolled just as he faced Begovic.

But once Hiddink’s side adjusted the verve of Liverpool’s start was just a memory, Sturridge opting to try to silence the taunts he was receiving from Chelsea fans with too many individual efforts from distance. One attempted chip from the centre circle prompted appreciative applause but it was a sign of his and his side’s growing desperation.


Too much of Lallana, Coutinho and Firmino’s magic was 40 yards from goal. Klopp summoned Joe Allen, Sheyi Ojo and Christian Benteke from the bench in a final effort to end his home campaign with at least a point and Liverpool’s Belgian obliged with the last meaningful contribution after Begovic misjudged young Ojo’s cross.

Liverpool may yet end the season with a European trophy, while matching their worst league placing of the Premier League era. A curious contradiction.

Neither Chelsea nor Liverpool will look fondly at their domestic campaign, yet both left Anfield feeling they had seen enough to believe their next meeting will be in more familiar territory at the right end of the table.

Mail:


Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Christian Benteke scores 93rd-minute equaliser to cancel out brilliant individual goal by Eden Hazard

By DOMINIC KING

First he jinked past Adam Lallana, then skipped away from Roberto Firmino. After that, he flummoxed James Milner and wrong-footed Emre Can before applying the coup de grace.
Using Dejan Lovren as a shield, he opened up his body and unleashed a right-foot shot that zipped into the net, racing past Simon Mignolet before the goalkeeper could react. It was glorious, a moment to illuminate a humdrum game.
It was, quite simply, Eden Hazard at his brilliant best. Too little, too late, many will argue and indeed, it wasn’t enough.

‘He had a difficult year,’ said Guus Hiddink, Chelsea’s interim manager. ‘He was one of the best last year and this year he is falling into injury, coming back, falling back into injury and that made him vulnerable physically, so you get frustrated.
‘The last few weeks he has been working on a programme to be fully fit and now steadily he has got his shape and then you can see what he is able to do. He is conceding a lot of physical contacts but he goes on. He is physically and mentally fit and it is a pleasure to see those sort of players.’

Not so long ago, when the fires were lit by Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez, this was the game of the season, with rancour guaranteed on and off the pitch. Both sides loathed each other but the contempt was actually a catalyst for some absorbing, draining collisions.
This game, however, had the feel of an inconvenience, something that both sides could do without. Liverpool, for all that Jurgen Klopp protests, cannot think of anything other than a date in Basle on May 18 and Chelsea simply want this wretched campaign to end.

There was ambivalence in the away end — save for the banner making clear their disgust that John Terry is being allowed to leave this summer and songs urging the board to reconsider their decision — and it was only 30 minutes in that the Kop found its voice to liven the atmosphere.
By that point they had seen Liverpool make a bright start. Klopp, overseeing his 50th match in charge of Liverpool, showed how much he wanted a top-six finish by naming a team that won’t be far away from the one that he selects for duty in Basle next week.

Only a lunging tackle from Baba Rahman prevented Liverpool racing into a fifth-minute lead — the Ghanaian threw himself in front of a goal-bound shot from James Milner — and they came close in the next attack, when Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho both had shots saved by Asmir Begovic.
Given that Chelsea’s team looked hotchpotch — Jon Mikel Obi took the suspended Terry’s place and Bertrand Traore deputised for the hamstrung Diego Costa — it seemed likely Liverpool would find a way through but, much to Klopp’s frustration, they kept choosing the wrong ball when it mattered.

Then, though, the one-way traffic turned spectacularly when Hazard set off on a run. And what a run. Graceful and nimble, showing speed and strength, Hazard slalomed in and out of red shirts with the ball glued to his feet as if he was controlled by a computer joystick.
His finish matched the stunning work that had gone before, whipped past Simon Mignolet into the far corner. Hazard — never a soul who has struggled for self-confidence — celebrated in front of the Kop and looked very pleased with himself.

Hazard was vilified after Mourinho was sacked last December but there was no lingering discontent among the travelling fans, who gleefully sang his name and it was clear to see how much confidence he took from the moment.
Every pass found a blue shirt, every ball played in to him stuck to his dancing feet and every time he set off on one of those scurrying, speedy runs where his feet hardly seem to leave the floor, panic spread through Liverpool’s defence.

Chelsea were the better team from then. Nemanja Matic had his swagger restored; Pedro — such a disappointment in his first year — caused headaches and Cesc Fabregas oozed class.
Even when Liverpool got into threatening positions, they never convinced; Sturridge, for one, saw a glorious opportunity spurned on the hour when Begovic smothered a drive from close range.
That fired Liverpool’s belief and though they had to withstand some Hazard-inspired counters, they kept going and, deep in injury time, the reward arrived when Sheyi Ojo crossed for Benteke to power in a header at the back post.
‘As long as it is 1-0 it is the best result to draw,’ said Klopp. ‘We changed and we had the most offensive formation that we could in the last 15 minutes. It was wonderful we did not lose.’

MATCH FACTS, PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE AND MATCH ZONE BY JACK GAUGHAN FROM ANFIELD

Liverpool (4-4-1-1): Mignolet 6; Clyne 6, Toure 6 (Ojo 86), Lovren 6, Moreno 6; Can 7, Milner 6 (Benteke 78 7), Lallana 6.5 (Allen 78 6), Coutinho 6.5; Firmino 6; Sturridge 6
Subs not used: Lucas, Bogdan, Skrtel, Smith,
Booked: Can, Toure, Milner
Goal: Benteke 93

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Begovic 5.5; Azpilicueta 7, Mikel 6, Cahill 7, Baba Rahman 6; Fabregas 6.5, Matic 7; Pedro 6.5, Willian 6 (Kenedy 56 6), Hazard 8.5; Traore 6.5 (Abraham 72 6)
Subs not used: Pato,Amelia, Loftus-Cheek, Palmer, Tomori
Goal: Hazard 31
Booked: Azpilicueta
Referee: Michael Oliver

Man of the match: Hazard
Attendance: 43,210

Sunderland 2-3

Independent:

Jermain Defoe scores crucial winner in comeback win

Sunderland 3 Chelsea 2

John Terry would have pictured his Chelsea farewell somewhat differently. Sent off deep into stoppage time, he was sat in the away dressing room reflecting on 18 years at a club with which he has become synonymous as the final whistle blew and the Stadium of Light erupted with a mixture of joy and relief at the prospect of a fourth consecutive great escape.

Two yellow cards in the space of five minutes, the second for upending Sunderland goalscorer Wahbi Khazri at the end of an extraordinary contest, proved to be the 35-year-old's final act for a team he has served with such distinction for almost two decades. A two-game suspension will preclude him from Chelsea's final games of the season this week, and with his contract set to not be renewed, the England defender will seek a new challenge as he considers lucrative offers from China and North America.

Having also unwittingly diverted Sunderland's second equaliser into his own net as the hosts produced a stirring comeback to seal a victory which went a long way to securing a 10th consecutive season of top flight football on Wearside, it's safe to assume Terry will not remember his 489th and in all probability final Premier League appearance with any great fondness.

"The referee was too close to the incident and for me it was an impulsive reaction to show a yellow," Guus Hiddink, the Chelsea manager said in a bizarre critique of Terry's second yellow card, which rules him out of the midweek trip to Liverpool and the final game at home to Champions Leicester City. The Dutchman refused to confirm Terry has played his last game for the club, but he added: "If he doesn't play for Chelsea again, it is sad.

"Of course, we don't know what his future but for this season it's sad it. It would have been lovely to have the last game at home against the Champions and having a very nice 'party game', so it's sad he's not participating in that. I've not had chance to speak to him yet, everyone was just sitting and staring in the dressing room afterwards."

Unlike Terry, Sunderland will recall this dramatic 90 minutes with rather more relish if it provides the springboard for their latest Houdini act. Newcastle's unfathomable failure to beat Aston Villa means the Wearside club will seal their escape if they beat Everton at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. Anything less, and it will go to the final day, when they travel to Watford, Newcastle host Tottenham, and Norwich, who remain in with a chance of survival, face Roberto Martinez's side.


"Our destiny is in our own hands and we'd be gutted if we didn't manage it now," Sam Allardyce, the Sunderland manager, said. "We're in a good position and must take advantage of that. We've still got to be very professional on Wednesday to make sure when we finish that game we're safe and hopefully we'll not jangle our nerves any longer than we need to."

Chelsea had perhaps expected a routine victory when Diego Costa broke the deadlock midway through the first-half by beating Vito Mannone from a narrow angle. Sunderland's equaliser, their first goal at home since March 1 five minutes from the break was certainly worth the wait. Both John Obi Mikel and Gary Cahill failed to nullify the danger with attempted headed clearances from Patrick van Aanholt's free-kick into the box, and from the second of those, Khazri sent a stunning 20-yard volley past Courtois and into the top corner for a truly memorable leveller.

Sunderland were in the ascendency, and that will have made the way they tamely surrendered parity against the run of play all the more galling as first-half injury-time approached. A hopeful upfield punt from Cesc Fabregas caused far more problematical to clear than it should have, and when the ball fell to Nemanja Matic in the box, the midfielder calmly fired the ball under Mannone to restore Chelsea's lead.

Mannone produced three vital saves after the break to provide a platform from which Sunderland pushed on for a priceless victory, twice blocking from Costa and tipping a Willian free-kick over. Fabio Borini sparked the comeback, claiming a second leveller as he drove the ball home from the edge of the area with the aid of a significant deflection off Terry, who was stood in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Before Chelsea had time to recover, they were behind for the first time on an afternoon of high drama, the visitors failing to deal with De Andre Yedlin's 70th minute cross to allow Jermain Defoe the luxury of a first touch a dozen yards from goal. With the second, the forward found the bottom corner for his 15th goal of the season.

Terry departed shortly before the end, and Chelsea were a beaten outfit. "We've not come from behind to win all season," Allardyce added (they have done so, once). "That was the magnitude of the task."

Sunderland: Mannone, Yedlin, Kone (O'Shea 55), Kaboul, Van Aanholt, Kirchoff (Watmore 64), Borini, Cattermole (Larsson 71), M'Vila, Khazri, Defoe

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic (Rahman 68), Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Mikel (Traore 83), Matic, Willian (Oscar 80), Fabregas, Hazard, Costa

Referee: Mike Jones

Man of the match: Vito Mannone (Sunderland)

Match rating: 8/10

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Guardian:

Jermain Defoe downs Chelsea to give Sunderland hope of escaping drop

Sunderland 3 - 2 Chelsea

Roger Chapman at the Stadium of Light

Jermain Defoe’s instinctive and incisive finish settled an enthralling contest with last season’s Premier League champions and lifted Sunderland to within a victory of guaranteed Premier League survival.

Their first opportunity to do so will come on Wednesday, when an Everton side clearly focused on the distractions of summer travel to the Stadium of Light, but given the latest failings of Newcastle and Norwich it is entirely possible that Sam Allardyce already has enough points in the bag to be sure of continuing his proud record of never having been relegated as a manager from the top division.

“I’d be gutted if we didn’t stay up from this position,” said the Sunderland manager. “But still we’ve got to be professional and driven on Wednesday night and make sure when we finish that game, we’re safe.

“Our destiny is in our own hands and hopefully we won’t jangle the nerves any longer than we need to. So many people – staff, fans – were biting their nails in the last few minutes.

“But we needed that today and it was a miraculous way to get a victory, given the circumstances, the pressure we’re under and the team we’re playing.”

That team they were playing are a pale shadow of the Chelsea side that strode to last season’s title and their miserable season was neatly summed up deep in injury-time when John Terry, possibly in the final month of his Stamford Bridge career, fouled Wahbi Khazri and was sent off for a second bookable offence which will carry a two-match suspension – as it is his second dismissal of the season – and end his campaign.

“We don’t know what his future is but, for this season, it’s sad,” said the outgoing interim manager Guus Hiddink. “We would have liked to have him in our last game at home to Leicester, the champions, and having a nice ‘party’ game.”

Terry had already played an underwhelming part in Chelsea’s second-half surrender, although it owed as much to the forward Diego Costa, who twice found himself alone in the Sunderland area, with his team leading 2-1, and twice struck the ball too close to the impressive home keeper Vito Mannone.

In the 67th minute, Sunderland, picking up a head of steam from their intense following, equalised as Fabio Borini was found by Patrick van Aanholt’s neat pass and scored from just inside the area with a shot that Thibaut Courtois, unsighted by Terry, could only help into his own net.

Then three minutes later, Defoe, who had previously scored only three home goals this season, was on hand 12 yards out to meet a DeAndre Yedlin cross, touched into his path by Mikel John Obi, before again scoring via a touch off the Chelsea keeper, his 15th goal of an extraordinary season.

“For a team in the bottom three for most of the season, that’s a miraculous return for Jermain,” said Allardyce. “He hasn’t been starved of service but, for me, the pleasing factor is he scores goals continuously while playing up front on his own. People have suggested all his career that he couldn’t do that and he’s proved everybody wrong.‚“

There had been no sign of the second-half fightback to come as Sunderland capitulated late in first half injury-time, gifting Chelsea a second goal within minutes of scoring a superb equaliser through Khazri.

Deep into stoppage time, Allardyce’s defence showed the same nervousness about which he had complained in last weekend’s draw at Stoke, failing to deal either with Cesc Fàbregas’s upfield punt or the header from César Azpilicueta that played in Nemanja Matic who finished neatly past the advancing Mannone.

Khazri’s equaliser had comfortably been the best goal of an entertaining contest as he latched on to a headed clearance from Yann M’Vila’s deep free-kick and beat Courtois with a stunning right-foot volley from the edge of the Chelsea area, a goal which had been sorely needed, cancelling out Costa’s 16th goal of the season after 14 minutes.

It again featured a clinical finish and, again, some uncertain home defending as Eden Hazard started a move which was continued by Gary Cahill, via a deflection off Yedlin, for Costa to complete the move expertly from a tight angle.

“Today, for me as a manager, this game had everything,” said Allardyce. “The thrills and spills, the worries and the tensions you get at this level of football. But we’re in a good position now. Newcastle drawing, Norwich losing, has put us in a very good position.”


================

Telegraph:

Sunderland 3 Chelsea 2: Jermain Defoe completes remarkable comeback to boost survival hopes

Jason Meller, stadium of light

This was not how John Terry had envisaged his Chelsea farewell.

Sat in the away dressing room as the final whistle blew and the Stadium of Light erupted with a mixture of joy and relief at the prospect of a fourth consecutive great escape. A clutch of yellow cards in the space of five minutes, the second for upending Sunderland goalscorer Wahbi Khazri at the end of an extraordinary contest proved to be the 35-year-old's final act for a team he has served with such distinction for almost two decades.

A two-match ban will preclude him from the final games of the season this week, and with his contract set to not be renewed, the England defender will seek a new challenge as he considers lucrative offers from North America and China. Guus Hiddink felt referee Mike Jones too hasty in brandishing a second yellow deep into stoppage time, compounding a miserable afternoon for the Chelsea skipper, who had inadvertently diverted Sunderland's second equaliser into his own net as the hosts staged a stirring comeback after the break.

Unlike Terry, Sunderland will recall this dramatic 90 minutes with rather more relish if it provides the springboard for their latest Houdini act. Norwich losing at home to Manchester United, and Newcastle's inability to beat Aston Villa means the Wearside club will seal their escape if they beat Everton at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. Anything less, and it will go to the final day, when they travel to Watford, Newcastle host Tottenham, and Norwich, who remain in with a chance of survival, face Roberto Martinez's side.

"Our destiny is in our own hands and we'd be gutted if we didn't manage it now," Sam Allardyce, the Sunderland manager, said. "We're in a good position and must take advantage of that. We've still got to be very professional on Wednesday to make sure when we finish that game we're safe and hopefully we'll not jangle our nerves any longer than we need to."

Chelsea had perhaps expected a routine victory when Diego Costa broke the deadlock midway through the first-half by beating Mannone from a narrow angle. Sunderland's equaliser, their first goal at home since March 1 five minutes from the break was certainly worth the wait. Both John Obi Mikel and Gary Cahill failed to clear the danger with headers from Patrick van Aanholt's free-kick into the box, and from the second of those, Khazri sent a stunning 20-yard volley past Courtois and into the top corner for a memorable leveller.

Sunderland were in the ascendency, and that made the way they tamely surrendered parity against the run of play all the more galling as first-half injury-time approached. An upfield punt from Cesc Fabregas caused far more problematical to clear than it should have, and when the ball fell to Nemanja Matic in the box, the midfielder calmly fired the ball under Vito Mannone to restore Chelsea's lead.

Mannone produced three vital saves after the break to provide a platform from which Sunderland pushed on for a priceless victory, twice blocking from Costa and tipping a Willian free-kick over. Fabio Borini sparked the comeback, claiming a second leveller as he drove the ball home from the edge of the area with the aid of a significant deflection off Terry, who was stood in front of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.


Before Chelsea had time to recover, they were behind for the first time on an afternoon of high drama, the visitors failing to deal with De Andre Yedlin's 70th minute cross to allow Jermain Defoe the luxury of a first touch a dozen yards from goal. With the second, the forward found the bottom corner for his 15th goal of the season.


After Terry's departure, Sunderland held out comfortably enough for a victory, the enormity of which they hope to underline on Wednesday. "We'd come from behind only once all season to win," Allardyce added. "That was the magnitude of the task we faced and it was a massive result."

================

Mail:

Sunderland 3-2 Chelsea: Jermain Defoe fires Black Cats out of the relegation zone as Sam Allardyce's side edge five-goal thriller

By CRAIG HOPE FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

As an unseasonal and bitter fog descended on the Stadium of Light, suddenly everything was warm and clear for Sunderland.

One more win, from a home game against Everton on Wednesday or their final-day trip to Watford, and they will be playing Premier League football come August.

The latest estimates have membership of the top flight worth an extra £100million from next season — and that is just about the value Sam Allardyce would place on Jermain Defoe's head right now.

And so he should. Defoe was again the match-winner here as Sunderland came from behind to win at home for the first time this season.

Defoe's contribution — 15 league goals — has made the difference to the tune of 14 points. Without him Sunderland would have been relegated in March.

As his former England team-mate John Terry was sent off in the dying seconds in what is almost certainly his final game on these shores, Defoe was celebrating the probability of another campaign in the Premier League. On this evidence, the 33-year-old could carry on for another five seasons, as is his wish.

Allardyce said: 'That's 15 in the league and 18 in all competitions from Jermain in a team that's been in the bottom three most of the season. That is a miraculous return.
'It's pleasing that he scores continuously while he plays up front on his own. He plays that role so well.'

The roar that met his 70th-minute winner was almost strong enough to lift the mist that had swept in at half-time, for it had looked gloomy for the hosts at the break.

Wahbi Khazri had cancelled out Diego Costa's opener with a stunning volley but Nemanja Matic stole in during first-half stoppage time to restore Chelsea's lead.

Later came a frenzied three minutes to turn the game — and the fight for survival — on its head.
It started with former Chelsea forward Fabio Borini equalising before Defoe produced a typically predatory finish from inside the area. Cue bedlam on the terraces.

'The fans roared us to a victory and that affected the players to run a bit harder and give more,' said Allardyce. 'It's a miraculous way to get a victory. Our destiny is in our own hands and we have turned it around with a big victory. I would be gutted if we blew it from here.

'We have to be very professional and very driven, but hopefully we will not jangle our nerves any longer than we have to and will finish the job before the final game.'

Sunderland's task could have been made easier had Gary Cahill been dismissed inside the first 60 seconds. Defoe scampered clear with Cahill in pursuit and it looked as if the Chelsea defender had recovered to nick the ball.

Referee Mike Jones, however, was not happy with the earlier tug on Defoe's shirt and blew for a foul before reaching for his top pocket and producing yellow; the covering Terry saved him from a red.

Buoyed by that escape, Chelsea gained control and Costa pounced on a loose ball after Cahill had forged a way into the penalty area and produced a delightful finish over Vito Mannone from a narrow angle. It was Costa's 12th league goal of the season, a dreadfully poor return when considering he had a dozen by December last season.

A Sunderland goal looked unlikely and it took a stupendous 25-yard volley from Khazri to bring them level four minutes before the break when Chelsea had failed to clear after a game of head tennis inside the area.

The stadium was still reverberating from that late contender for goal of the season when the visitors broke to restore their lead as Cesar Azpilicueta slipped in Matic and he did the rest with a cool finish through the legs of Mannone.

Chelsea could have been out of sight soon after half-time but paid the price for Costa twice failing to convert good chances. Sunderland levelled when Patrick van Aanholt broke down the left and squared for Borini, lurking on the edge of the area, whose low blast was deflected in off Terry.

Then DeAndre Yedlin escaped on the right flank and, when his cross was deflected to the feet of Defoe by Baba Rahman, the striker took one touch to control and one to dispatch into the bottom corner.

Terry was then sent off following a clash with Khazri and left the field wearing a sorrowful expression.
Defoe, meanwhile, was crying. Only those were tears of joy.

Sunderland (4-1-4-1): Mannone 7; Yedlin 7, Kone 6 (O'Shea 55mins, 6), Kaboul 6, Van Aanholt 7; Kirchhoff 6 (Watmore 64, 6); Borini 7.5, Cattermole 6.5 (Larsson 71, 6), M'Vila 6, Khazri 7; Defoe 7.5
Subs not used: Pickford, Rodwell, N'Doye, Lens
Scorers: Khazri 41, Borini 67, Defoe 70
Bookings: Kaboul, Cattermole, Defoe, Larsson
Manager: Sam Allardyce 7

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois 6; Ivanovic 6 (Baba 67, 5), Cahill 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 6; Mikel 5.5 (Traore 83), Matic 6.5; Willian 5.5 (Oscar 80) Fabregas 7, Hazard 7; Costa 5
Subs not used: Begovic, Pato, Kenedy, Loftus-Cheek
Scorers: Costa 14, Matic 45
Bookings: Cahill, Terry
Sent off: Terry
Manager: Guus Hiddink 6

MOM: Jermain Defoe
Att: 47,050
Ref: Mike Jones 6



==============================


Mirror:

Sunderland 3-2 Chelsea: Defoe strikes winner to take Black Cats to brink of safety - 5 things we learned

BY SIMON BIRD

The England striker completed a stunning second-half fight back with Sunderland now needing a win over Everton to ensure survival

Jermain Defoe fired Sunderland to the brink of safety amid jubilant scenes at the Stadium of Light.

The striker completed a stunning second half fight back by Sam Allardyce's side and a win against Everton in midweek could complete their survival mission.

Sunderland were 2-1 down at half time after Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic scored wither side of Wahbi Khazri's volley. Chelsea has chances to stretch their lead, but Sunderland came roaring back.

A tactical switch to 4-4-2 from Allardyce immediately paid off as Fabio Borini was pushed forward and he blasted home from 20 yards.

Moments later they were ahead when Patrick Van Aanholt's cross found Defoe , who took a touch and volleyed home.

The roar produced by both goals shook the stadium, as they celebrated their first win against Chelsea in 16 years.



1. What are Sunderland's chances of survival?


They are on the brink of safety after this win and Newcastle's failure to beat Aston Villa.

A win against Everton in midweek would mean they stay in the league and condemn North East rivals Newcastle to the Championship.

Even if they don't win they have another chance next weekend against Watford.

There have been some shaky moments, but this was Sunderland's biggest win of the season, and almost completes the job.

Bravo to Allardyce and his players for shouldering the pressure and coming up with the points.


2. Defoe knows how to grab a big goal


Where would Sunderland be without the former England international. Yet another stunning goal to add to his 15 in the league this season – only four of which have been at home.

He has repeatedly grabbed crucial strikes for Sunderland, and this was his first on Wearside since January 2.

Questions were asked when Sunderland signed him from Toronto on big money, but he has been the difference between relegation and what looks now to be Sunderland reclaiming their place in the top flight.

Defoe is a class act.


3. Stunners from Khazri and Borini


The Tunisian international thumped home a brilliant 22 yard strike to get Sunderland back in the game.

He is one of the January signings that have kept his side in with a fighting chance of staying up. Khazri buzzes around and can be a threat, but has lacked an end product, until this game.

His only other goal was in mid-February against Gary Cahill made a weak defensive header as the ball pin-balled in and out of the box, and Khazri reacted quickest with a sweet volley past Thibault Courtois.

The roar from the Stadium of Light crowd was primal. Fabio Borini's equaliser to 2-2 wasn't bad either!

And it sparked another stadium shaking cheer.


4. Costa more effective as a footballer


The Spaniard netted the opener after 15 minutes with a lethal, cool finish.

The snarling madman from the previous Chelsea game against Spurs was replaced by a footballer making clever runs and linking play.

The goal, curled in from six yards and a tight angle, was his 16 in all competitions this season.

He had two other good second half chances that would have given the score a polished look.

He looks an intimidating beast without the antics, and should concentrate on his skills and movement rather than starting fires.


5. Is Matic leaving Chelsea?

The powerhouse midfielder grabbed his side's second goal with a good finish through on keeper Vito Mannone.

But the lack of celebration told a story. He turned away from goal and walked back to the half way line.

His teammates mobbed him, but he showed absolutely no emotion.

He is one of the players who would want Champions' League football next season and has been linked with Juventus.



====================


Express:


Sunderland 3 - Chelsea 2: Deadly Defoe seals stunning comeback to boost survival hopes

JERMAIN DEFOE left Sunderland one win away from Premier League safety as Sam Allardyce’s side completed an astonishing comeback.

By CLIVE HETHERINGTON


Twice they trailed before Fabio Borini and Defoe – with his 18th goal of the season – struck in the space of three second-half minutes.

A Wahbi Khazri wonder goal – the Tunisia midfielder’s second since his £9million January arrival from Bordeaux – hauled Sunderland level four minutes before the break after Diego Costa’s 14th-minute opener.

Nemanja Matic restored Chelsea’s lead just before half-time and it looked too tall an order for Sunderland until Borini and Defoe netted on 67 and 70 minutes.


And Chelsea skipper John Terry, already booked for a foul on Defoe, was sent off in stoppage time for a high challenge on Khazri.

With rivals Newcastle held to a 0-0 draw at relegated Aston Villa and Norwich losing 1-0 at home to Manchester United, victory over Everton at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday is enough for Sunderland.

Chelsea had a let-off in the first minute when Gary Cahill was booked for holding back Defoe, with Sunderland claiming the centre-back was the last man.

But Chelsea, with Eden Hazard recalled to the starting line-up after his point-saving display in the dramatic 2-2 home draw with Tottenham, soon looked dangerous.


When the breakthrough came, it carried a slice of good fortune as Cahill’s ball cannoned off DeAndre Yedlin and broke kindly for Costa.

The finish, though, was clinical as the Spain striker steered the ball inside the far corner from an acute angle for his 16th goal this season.

Yedlin came close to equalising on 26 minutes when he met Defoe’s left-wing cross with a close-range header, but Thibaut Courtois – back in the Blues’ goal after a two-match ban – blocked.

Costa was only inches from a second goal moments later as he stretched but couldn’t reach Branislav Ivanovic’s brilliant delivery.


Sunderland were back in it with a bolt from the blue when Chelsea failed to clear Patrick van Aanholt’s free-kick and Cahill’s header fell to Khazri, who thundered home a deflected right-foot volley.

But Matic seized on Cesar Azpilicueta’s header to slip the ball past keeper Vito Mannone.

Sunderland turned the game on its head when Borini’s drive from Van Aanholt’s drag-back proved too hot for Courtois to handle.

And Defoe finished after Chelsea failed to deal with Yedlin’s centre and the striker took a touch before shooting home on the turn.


SUNDERLAND: Mannone 7; Yedlin 6, Kone 5 (O’Shea (55th) 5), Kaboul 5, Van Aanholt 6; Kirchhoff 5 (Watmore (64th) 5); Borini 7, M’Vila 6, Cattermole 5 (Larsson (71st) 5), Khazri 7; Defoe 8.

MAN CITY: Courtois 6; Ivanovic 6 (Rahman (68th) 5), Cahill 6, Terry 5, Azpilicueta 6; Mikel 5 (Traore 83rd), Matic 7; Willian 6 (Oscar 80th) Fabregas 6, Hazard 7; Costa 7.

May 11: SUNDERLAND v Everton May 11: Liverpool v CHELSEA May 15: Watford v SUNDERLAND May 15: CHELSEA v Leicester

Referee: M Jones

Attendance: 47,050



=========================


Star:

Sunderland 3 Chelsea 2:

Defoe completes Black Cats comeback to boost survival hopes

JERMAIN DEFOE left Sunderland one win from Premier League safety as Sam Allardyce’s side completed an astonishing comeback.


By Clive Hetherington


Twice they trailed before Fabio Borini and Defoe – with his 18th goal of the season – struck in the space of three second-half minutes.

A Wahbi Khazri wonder goal – the Tunisia midfielder’s second since his £9million January arrival from Bordeaux – hauled Sunderland level four minutes before the break after Diego Costa’s 14th-minute opener.

Nemanja Matic restored Chelsea’s lead just before half-time and it looked too big a task for Sunderland – until Borini and Defoe netted after 67 and 70 minutes.

It was Sunderland’s first home league win over Chelsea for nearly 16 years and boss Allardyce said he would be “gutted” if his side blew it now.

“It’s a miraculous way to get a victory considering the circumstances and pressure we’re under,” he said.

“To come back against a side the size of Chelsea when we are fighting relegation showed great character.


“Our destiny is in our own hands and we must take full advantage.

“The finishing was fantastic. Jermain has got 18 goals in a team that has been in the bottom three most of the season. It’s a miraculous return.

“People suggested he couldn’t play up front on his own but he’s proved everyone wrong.

“The contribution for the win, though, falls to Vito Mannone as much as it does Borini or Defoe – he made a couple of crucial saves from Costa.”


Chelsea skipper John Terry – already booked for a foul on Defoe – was sent off in stoppage time for a high tackle on Khazri.

And with the defender yet to sign a new deal, that could well be his last piece of the action for the Blues as he now faces a two-match ban, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

With rivals Newcastle held to a 0-0 draw at relegated Aston Villa and Norwich losing 1-0 at home to Manchester United, victory over Everton at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday is enough for Sunderland.

Chelsea had an early let-off when Gary Cahill was booked for holding back Defoe, with the Black Cats claiming the centre-back was the last man.



But Guus Hiddink’s side – with Eden Hazard back in the starting line-up after his point-saving display in the 2-2 home draw with Tottenham last week – soon looked dangerous.

When the breakthrough came, it had a slice of good fortune about it as Cahill’s ball cannoned off DeAndre Yedlin and broke kindly for Costa.

The finish, though, was clinical as the Spain striker steered the ball into the far corner from an acute angle for his 16th goal this season.

Yedlin came close to equalising after 26 minutes when he met Defoe’s left-wing cross with a close-range header but Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – back in goal after a two-match ban – managed to block.


Costa was only inches from a second goal moments later as he stretched but he could not reach Branislav Ivanovic’s brilliant delivery.

Sunderland got back into it with a bolt from the blue when Chelsea failed to clear Patrick van Aanholt’s free-kick and Cahill’s header fell to Khazri, who thundered home a right-footed deflected volley.

But Blues midfielder Matic seized on Cesar Azpilicueta’s header to slip the ball past keeper Vito Mannone.

Sunderland turned the game on its head when Borini’s drive from Van Aanholt’s drag-back proved too hot for Courtois to handle.

And Defoe finished after Chelsea failed to deal with Yedlin’s centre, taking a touch before firing in on the turn to send the Black Cats fans into ecstasy



==============================

Tottenham 2-2

Independent:

Chelsea comeback sees Leicester win the Premier League title

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2: Harry Kane and Son Heung-min gave Tottenham a two goal lead but second half goals from Gary Cahill and then Eden Hazard saw the match end level - enough for Leicester to win the title
Mark Ogden Stamford Bridge

It has taken almost nine months, but Eden Hazard finally allowed his actions to speak louder than his words by ending Tottenham’s title hopes with a stunning goal to preserve Chelsea’s 26-year unbeaten home record against their bitter London rivals.
But while Hazard’s goal sent the Premier League trophy heading up the M1 to Leicester, the Belgian’s strike was a mere footnote to a tempestuous clash at Stamford Bridge which saw two multi-players brawls, eleven yellow cards and likely FA charges for Mousa Dembele, for attempting to gouge Diego Costa’s eye, and the Chelsea forward appearing head-butt Jan Vertonghen. Costa, Danny Rose and Michel Vorm were then involved in a melee after the full-time whistle.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri, due to land in London from Italy as the game progressed, probably saw sparks flying above the King’s Road as the two teams fought out a passionate derby which will be remembered for so many reasons, good and bad.
But it will never be forgotten in Leicester, with the 2-2 confirming the title for the Foxes, who will now receive the trophy at home to Everton on Saturday.

This fixture was always going to be a hazardous one for Tottenham, even before Leicester’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford turned it into a must-win fixture for Pochettino’s team.
The failure to win at Stamford Bridge since February 1990 has weighed heavier on Spurs with every passing year, but all records are there to be broken, so what better time to erase that statistic from the history books than the night when a victory is required more than ever before?
But if winning at Chelsea has always proved difficult since 1990, Spurs were faced with a hugely motivated home team, urged on by a set of supporters who were determined to see their bitter rivals’ title hopes extinguished in west London.

Guus Hiddink’s players did not need reminding of the animosity towards Spurs from the Chelsea supporters judging by their recent comments suggesting that they would do everything possible to prevent the Premier League trophy making the short journey from Stamford Bridge to White Hart Lane.

But the vitriol from the stands was tangible even before kick-off, with vocal and pointed chants directed at Chelsea’s opponents – ‘We f***ing hate Tottenham’ being the most direct and cutting.
Then there the banners, with one Chelsea supporter unveiling one which read ‘Let’s do it for Ranieri,’ making clear the support for the Leicester City manager whose time at Stamford Bridge continues to be remembered with fondness.
But while the anti-Tottenham sentiment appeared to have spiced up the home side’s approach – it needed some injection of passion after an abject defence of the title – the febrile atmosphere also added devil to Tottenham’s play.

The visitors were clearly determined to fight fire with fire and Mousa Dembele clashed with Cesc Fabregas, Jon Obi-Mikel and Diego Costa before the game was even ten minutes old.
Dembele’s sixth minute spat with Fabregas, when he appeared to stand on the Spaniard, may yet prompt retrospective action by the Football Association.

But while the game did not lack intensity, it was light on early attempts on goal until Fabregas side-footed wide from 18 yards after being teed up by Costa on 27 minutes – seconds after Kyle Walker had earned a booking for a wild challenge on Pedro.

Just as the game seemed to be settling into a tense stalemate, however, Kane gave Spurs renewed hope of a late surge to the title by opening the scoring with his 25th goal of the season.
The England forward had been quiet, largely due to some robust marking by Gary Cahill and John Terry, but he escaped the pair of them on 35 minutes when he sprung the offside trap to run onto Erik Lamela’s throughball.
In space, Kane controlled the ball and rounded goalkeeper Asmir Begovic before stroking the ball into the empty net from 12 yards.

It was a goal that would have halted all of those title parties in the East Midlands, but worse was to come for Leicester, with Son doubling Tottenham’s lead one minute before half-time after running onto Christian Eriksen’s perfectly weighted throughball.

Unmarked in the penalty area, Son beat Begovic from close range to put Spurs 2-0 ahead.
But despite their lead, Spurs began to lose their heads. Rose sparked a 20-man touchline brawl with a heavy challenge on Willian which Pochettino attempted to break-up before players from both sides rushed to the scene.
Inevitably, one was Dembele, who was caught on camera scraping his fingers across Costa’s left eye.
If the Belgian escapes punishment for the Fabregas incident, he will be fortunate to avoid censure for the clash with Costa.

Statistically, the half-time whistle suggested that Chelsea were dead and buried having never previously won a Premier League game when trailing 2-0 at the interval – drawing once and losing the other 30.
And with Tottenham making the brighter start to the second-half, a third Spurs goal appeared inevitable.

Kane should have delivered it on 50 minutes when he let Begovic off the hook with a soft right-foot strike after being put through by Lamela, who was booked sixty seconds later for the game’s latest late challenge on Fabregas.
But after being bullied and outplayed by Spurs, Chelsea dragged themselves back into the game shortly before the hour mark when Cahill made it 2-1.

The Chelsea defender capitalised on a loose ball from Willian’s corner to send a left-foot strike past Lloris and spark a tense final thirty minutes.
With time running out for Chelsea, Hazard hauled them level, and crushed Tottenham’s hopes, when he played a one-two with Costa before curling an unstoppable strike beyond Lloris.
The midfielder milked the moment, sliding on his knees in celebration in front of the Spurs fans, just over a week after insisting Chelsea were desperate to derail their title dream.
And Chelsea did just that.

==================

Guardian:

Leicester celebrate first title after Chelsea recover for Tottenham draw
Chelsea 2 - 2 Spurs

Amy Lawrence at Stamford Bridge

The cry went up suddenly, raucously and steeped in the incredible. “Leicester! Leicester!” The supporters of Chelsea soon allowed that chant to segue into another one, a spine-tingling one: “Champions! Champions!” A touch of the surreal enveloped Stamford Bridge as the greatest story football might have etched reached its wondrous completion after a tumultuous occasion on which a record nine Tottenham players were booked.

How extraordinary that Claudio Ranieri, once of this parish, a man who was removed from the Chelsea job during Roman Abramovich’s first year of ownership, perhaps because of the reputation that he was not combative enough to win major honours, should experience the finest moment of his career thanks to events at Stamford Bridge. Mamma Mia. Even Claudio’s 96-year-old mother, with whom he shared lunch on this astonishing day, could not have seen many tales quite like this.

Leicester City are Premier League champions. They were helped over the line by the deposed title-holders as Chelsea showed the kind of defiant streak they seldom mustered this season to pierce a briefly buoyant Tottenham. Leicester’s closest challengers, 2-0 up at half-time, brimmed with intent to fight to the last. But Chelsea’s second-half riposte cut them down. The equalising goal, a superb arrowing strike from Eden Hazard, brought a theatrical end to it all. Guus Hiddink fielded a phone call from Ranieri shortly after the final whistle to hear heartfelt thanks. The Italian’s voice was trembling.

As climaxes go, this was of the purest nerve-shredding, tension-fuelled variety. It was also malevolent – as brutal physically as it was emotionally. Chelsea’s role as kingmakers during this title finale provoked them into some spark and spite. That was the dominant tone for a feisty encounter that was on the limit of control from the moment the ball began rolling. At times provocation and reactions crashed over the line of acceptability and when the dust settles both teams may well face consequences.

As Tottenham’s fading league hopes evaporated their discipline lapsed completely. Twice Mauricio Pochettino, who spent most of the evening pacing his technical area like a coiled spring, raced on to the pitch to deal with altercations. At the end of the game chaos engulfed the route into the tunnel and Hiddink ended up sprawling. The Dutchman took it in good spirits. His Argentinian counterpart did his utmost to explain it all away as one of those things under the circumstances. “This is the end of the season, the emotion, we are human,” he said.
Hiddink, who played the role of peacemaker frequently, had some sympathy. “There was a lot at stake for them and for us prestige was at stake. It was an emotional game between two big clubs. I had to come in between a lot of people.”

The worst of the episodes involved Mousa Dembélé, who gouged at Diego Costa’s eyes during a wider mêlée sparked by a confrontation between Danny Rose and Willian. Retrospective punishment is likely to be on the agenda. Cesc Fàbregas accused Érik Lamela of stamping on his hand. Some of the tackles were more suited to rugby by the end. Frankly it was almost impossible for Mark Clattenburg to keep up, and there were 12 yellow cards (it could have easily been worse). Frantic is something of an understatement.

The hostilities were helterskelter, with a screeching tempo in front of a salty atmosphere. Somewhere amid this ferocity Tottenham’s mission was to find composure. The game’s pendulum swung in the 33rd minute as they broke to seize the lead. The move was based on slick build-up play on the edge of the box as the ball was pinged from Christian Eriksen to Lamela, who prodded forwards to Harry Kane. Tottenham’s top scorer, who found time in possession hard to come by during this breathless wrestle, was suddenly handed one of those moments where the clock almost slowed. Played onside by John Terry, Kane enjoyed a moment of clarity. He sidestepped Asmir Begovic and planted the ball in the net. The England striker was elated to claim his 14th goal in his last 15 games.

The Tottenham celebrations increased shortly before half-time when they doubled their lead. Kane won the ball in midfield and there was Eriksen, who orchestrated beautifully once again. His subtle pass, shifting play forwards and into Son Heung-min’s path, unlocked the door for the South Korean to finish crisply.

Chelsea did not appear to have the quality to match from a technical point of view, and at half-time Hiddink introduced Hazard for the largely ineffective Pedro. The home team found refreshed verve. Just before the hour mark they found a method to finally make a footballing impact. Willian’s floated corner fell for Gary Cahill, who escaped Toby Alderweireld to unleash some of Chelsea’s frustration bylashing the ball past Hugo Lloris.

The mood changed. A minute later Costa raced goalwards only to tumble before he could shape to shoot. Chelsea sensed an opportunity to sting their old foes. Willian was the next with a chance but Lloris saved capably. Chelsea threatened again when a ball flashed across the face of goal and Walker just managed to clear as Costa lurked for a tap-in.
Then came Hazard’s blistering coup de grace. “After the whole season and the dream to be champion it is difficult to take off this feeling,” said Pochettino. “Our players are disappointed and sad we need to feel that for the future.”
On Sunday 15 May the visitors here at Stamford Bridge will be Leicester. Claudio Ranieri. The champions.

=======================

Telegraph:

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2: Eden Hazard screamer makes Leicester City champions after feisty draw

An Eden Hazrad goal wins the title for the second successive season - this time for Leicester City

Jason Burt, chief football correspondent, at stamford bridge

Scenes, as Jamie Vardy says. There were plenty of scenes at Stamford Bridge as Leicester City were crowned Premier League champions after an extraordinary night in an even more extraordinary season.

Leicester’s glorious achievement, a true underdog’s tale, is undeniably now the greatest football story ever to unfold, possibly the greatest ever sporting story, but it was sealed on a night of drama, controversy and ugliness as Tottenham Hotspur lost a two-goal lead and lost their heads as well as their title hopes away to the outgoing champions.

Vardy is having that party, the images were beamed around the world of the Leicester striker and his team-mates celebrating wildy as they gathered in his Melton Mowbray home, and it appeared on Monday night that the whole world was joining in as well. This achievement was one that seemed to touch everyone, that transcended sport and entered into the fabric of society. The world was watching, listening, wondering.

There was a tearful phone call at the final whistle from Claudio Ranieri to the Chelsea manager, Guus Hiddink; a call of thanks – thanks given five times over, Hiddink relayed – as the Leicester manager landed back from his brief trip to Rome to have lunch with his 96-year-old mother. Ranieri’s feet did not touch the ground last night even if his plane did.

Leicester’s Thai owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, and his son Top were at Stamford Bridge and rumours swirled prior to kick-off that Ranieri would be taking an earlier flight to join them. But he did not. Instead there was that call, there were those tears and there was the incredible irony that the nearly man of managers, horribly ridiculed as an old failure by the former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, had won his first league title – as well as Leicester’s first title in their 132-year history – at the home of the club that sacked him 12 years ago.

Oh the irony, the rich incredible irony. Football; bloody hell. This could not, this cannot, be scripted whatever Hollywood is planning. And yet there was more. Chelsea have mounted the most impoverished title defence in league history but roused themselves in an incredibly brutal encounter with the vital equalising goal scored by Eden Hazard, who has epitomised the poverty of it all this campaign as he has slid from being player of the year to a struggling, confidence-shredded substitute. And yet he scored a brilliant goal and transformed this match when he came on at half-time.

The fairy-tale – the Eden that Eden has helped Leicester reach – came to its glorious conclusion. But the party will run and run. As will the repercussions from this match. Goodness knows where the Football Association’s disciplinary department will begin to deal with all of this.

The game had it all. It seemed out of control at times with referee Mark Clattenburg struggling to contain the raw emotions and, frankly, the violence.

The Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino, may well be among those in trouble as he entered the field of play more than once and although he will argue that he acted as peacemaker it became heated too often for that to stick. The biggest villain appeared to be Mousa Dembélé who seemed to attempt some kind of eye gouge on Diego Costa while Cesc Fabregas accused Érik Lamela of stamping on his hand.

Fabregas was no angel. Hiddink tried to usher him aside at the end and it developed into another angry scrum with the Chelsea caretaker manager being pushed over as everyone crowded around the tunnel. It was ugly, unseemly and over the top. There is nothing wrong with a full-blooded committed encounter but on this occasion the blood rose and never lowered.

At the end the Chelsea fans gloated, as expected, as their team denied Spurs a first victory at this stadium since 1990 and ended their slim hopes of winning a first title since 1961. “Leicester, Leicester,” they chanted although, in the cold light of day, they may also be wondering why their team have not shown this kind of fight before May.

“What a game ... makes me look like an angel,” tweeted the rugged – to say the least – former Chelsea and now Leicester defender Robert Huth, who may receive a ban on Tuesday for his hair-pull on Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford on Sunday. It was a light touch on an otherwise torridly heavy evening.

It was a horrible night for Spurs but it has been a great season for them also although their manager will have to reflect coolly on how the pressure did eventually tell on him as well as his young players. This was not a Spursy performance, that legendary lilywhite capacity to stuff it up, but they were two goals to the good at half-time and appeared poised to take the title race to at least its penultimate weekend.

Both goals were brilliantly constructed and said everything about what Spurs are at under Pochettino. Although most of his players eventually lost their heads one did not – even if he was also booked – and that was Harry Kane, who scored one goal and helped create the other.

The league’s top scorer claimed his 25th goal as Spurs cut Chelsea open with Eric Dier finding Christian Eriksen who quickly moved the ball on to Lamela. The Argentine picked out the run of Kane who had stayed onside and nimbly rounded goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to slide the ball into the net.

Then Kane won the ball back, intercepting Branislav Ivanovic’s lazy pass, with John Obi Mikel caught out, and turned it to Eriksen who quickly released Heung-Min Son. Through on goal Son slipped the ball beyond Begovic.

Chelsea were stunned but a flare-up between Danny Rose and Willian seemed to stir them. On came Hazard and the game changed with Willian’s corner falling to Gary Cahill, who Toby Alderweireld, of all people, had failed to track, and he poked the ball home. Then Alderweireld erred again, losing the ball, and Hazard exchanged passes with Costa before arcing a wonderful shot around Hugo Lloris to cue scenes. Incredible, wonderful scenes. But also some more ugly ones as well.

Mail:

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham: Eden Hazard seals Premier League glory for Leicester City and ends Spurs' title dream as Belgian's wonder strike secures draw in vicious London derby

By MARTIN SAMUEL FOR THE DAILY MAIL

At least the locals acknowledged the real heroes of the night. ‘Leicester,’ they chanted. ‘There’s only one Ranieri.’

A few of the more misguided ones will see this as Chelsea’s triumph, too. It wasn’t. All things considered it was something of a disgrace. The level of unchecked aggression and violence was unacceptable, and as for Chelsea’s performance, well, where has that been all season?

The fight? The intensity? If Chelsea had played like this they wouldn’t be mid-table, wouldn’t be the poorest champions in Premier League history, wouldn’t be out of Europe next season. And Jose Mourinho would still be manager.

When the joy of denying Tottenham one last tilt at this season’s title has subsided, when the elation of handing the prize to Claudio Ranieri in absentia has faded, maybe the locals will come to see this for what it is. The worst good result of the season. A game that does not reflect well on any of the participants.

Chelsea arrived ready for battle, Tottenham foolishly engaged. They had the game won at half-time and then lost it — the result was a draw but, considering what was at stake it will have felt like defeat — because indiscipline muddled their heads. The FA will be looking at this game and if the clubs, plus several players from both sides, do not receive additional punishments it will be a big surprise. The question is, where to start? There is a list of miscreants that could stretch the length of Wembley Way.

It was a dire night for Tottenham. They were always an outside bet for the title, but two goals up at half-time, they must have thought they would at least test Leicester’s resolve without one or two key players against Everton. See if they blink. Instead, Tottenham blinked.

The problem that cursed them against West Bromwich Albion, defending from set-pieces,  resurfaced and allowed Chelsea back into the game. From there, the home team had all the momentum, roared on by a crowd that was unashamed in treating this like the season’s cup final.
The equaliser was gorgeous, but also left an aftertaste, players who have been mired in inertia for Chelsea this season rallying to revisit the form of a year ago. For one night only — as the billboards say.

Chelsea’s second-half comeback was as inexplicable as their dismal, mid-table title defence. From the 58th minute, when Gary Cahill pulled one back, the game began shifting away from Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino’s defenders must learn from this next season. Willian whipped in the corner and it was allowed to pitch in the area and fall at the feet of Cahill, who had time to control and fire home.

That doesn’t happen at Leicester: and that’s why they’re champions.
The equaliser, seven minutes from time, was delightful but troubling, the sort of fine forward play that has been missing here all season. Eden Hazard laid the ball to Cesc Fabregas and ran — actually made a hard, lung-bursting run — for the return, which arrived with precision. He curled it past Hugo Lloris and the title was won. By Leicester.

The celebrating Chelsea fans should perhaps stop to think about that. It may have felt like a triumph, but was really nothing like it. Where has Hazard been all season? Where has Fabregas been? And Chelsea?

They even started stronger, Tottenham’s goals coming against the run of play. Harry Kane’s opener, though, 35 minutes in, was beautifully taken. Christian Eriksen found Erik Lamela in midfield and his neat, short, pass allowed Kane to get in behind Chelsea’s defence, his finish belying the magnitude of the occasion, skipping around Asmir Begovic before slotting the ball coolly into the now empty net.

In the 44th minute, the kind of lazy play that led directly to Mourinho’s dismissal infected Chelsea yet again. Branislav Ivanovic played a sloppy pass to Kane in midfield, he moved it on to Eriksen, and the Dane picked out Son Heung-min on the right of the area. His low shot was smart and firm and left Begovic with no chance. That should have been it. That should have been the game and the title moved to match 37. Instead, Tottenham chose to fight fire with fire and ended up incinerated.

It is hard to describe quite how ill-tempered this game became to someone who did not see it. This was a throwback, prehistoric, like watching a rerun of the 1970 FA Cup final — Chelsea versus Leeds — through trembling fingers. There were more brawls than on the undercard at York Hall. It didn’t need a referee but a squad of rangers with tranquiliser guns. There was even an episode of eye-gouging, scarcely heard of in football.

Matches like this are described as battles, wars — but metaphors from combat dignify it. This was a disgrace, really. Chelsea up for a fight in a way they haven’t been all season, Tottenham responding when there was really no need.

Mark Clattenburg, the referee, is also culpable, having opted to play a version of the rules as officials sometimes do in this country. He may have been regretting that by the end, the game concluding with a giant scuffle between players, managers, coaches, substitutes and staff at the mouth of the tunnel. It was the third melee in a matter of minutes after Fabregas claimed a Tottenham man had stamped on his hand, and Eric Dier took Hazard out at the knee.

It had been bubbling up from the moment Mousa Dembele and John Mikel Obi got involved minutes into the game. There was a little bit of pushing and a slap aimed by Dembele that missed. Clattenburg spoke to both players but no cards were issued. Pity. That might have put a stop to it, early.

Instead, the aggravation built, as did the tension, and the tackles grew nastier and more reckless. In the 16th minute, Ivanovic hit Danny Rose high and heavy. It was a booking all day long. Clattenburg gave him one of those lectures that referees deliver when their prime concern is keeping numbers on the field. Start handing out cards now, Clattenburg may have been thinking, and it will end up seven a side.

So Ivanovic escaped. As did Kyle Walker when he kicked Pedro off the ball. And so it continued until finally Walker transgressed a second time, tripping Pedro and was deservedly booked. By then it was too late. The pot was now boiling. In the 37th minute, Jan Vertonghen and Diego Costa tussled, the Tottenham defender manhandling Costa to such an extent his shirt ripped. He ran, screaming, after Clattenburg and players on both sides surrounded the official, who calmed them down and issued a second yellow card of the night.

And then the pot boiled over. Willian on Rose. Maybe Rose on Willian. It really doesn’t matter, both teams were by then so far over the line it was hard to tell the sinned against from the sinner. As they went at it, in front of the dug-outs, Mauricio Pochettino — an Argentina centre-half in his playing days, and therefore never mistaken for a ray of sunshine — got involved, ostensibly as peacemaker.

The problem was, he made peace by grabbing hold of the Chelsea player, not his own, so what may have been good intentions provoked only further fury. Every player within sprinting distance became involved in a carousel of pushing, shoving, holding.

On the fringes, Dembele used the opportunity to gouge the face of Costa. If Clattenburg had seen it, even with his Zen approach to disciplinary matters, he would surely have had to send him off.
So that’s another one for the FA to review.

The bookings mounted. Lamela, Dembele, Ryan Mason, Mikel. The final score: Tottenham nine cautions, Chelsea three, meaning Spurs will be charged with failing to control their players. In truth, Chelsea haven’t controlled theirs all season - that was why this performance was so out of character with the rest of it.

CHELSEA: Begovic 6, Ivanovic 5, Cahill 6.5, Terry 6.5, Azpilicueta 6, Mikel 6, Matic 6 (Oscar 78,), Willian 7, Fabregas 6, Pedro 5 (Hazard, 46, 7), Costa 6.
Subs not used: Baba, Traore, Kenedy, Amelia, Loftus-Cheek.
Booked: Ivanovic, Mikel, Willian
Goals: Cahill 58, Hazard 83
Manager: Guus Hiddink 

TOTTENHAM: Lloris 6.5, Walker 6.5, Alderweireld 7, (Chadli 90), Vertonghen 7, Rose 7.5 (Davies 82), Dier 6.5, Dembele 6.5, Lamela 7.5, Eriksen 7.5, Son 7.5 (Mason 65, 6), Kane 8.
Subs not used: Vorm, N'Jie, Wimmer, Carroll
Booked: Walker, Vertonghen, Rose, Dier, Dembele, Mason, Eriksen, Lamela, Kane
Goals: Kane 35, Son 44
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Attendance: 41,545

===========================

Mirror:

Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham: Leicester crowned champions after Eden Hazard stunner - 5 things we learned
BY DARREN LEWIS

It had to be Hazard, after an abject season from the PFA Player of the Year, the man who claimed Chelsea didn't want Spurs to win the league, who finally denied them

Chelsea stunned Tottenham at the death to deny history and hand Leicester the Premier League title.
Harry Kane struck the opener before Heung-min Son added a second to put Spurs in the driving seat.

Mousa Dembele avoided immediate sanction for an ugly gouge on Diego Costa prior to the break before Gary Cahill fired in to halve the deficit and ratchet up the pressure.
And then it had to be Eden Hazard, after an abject season from the reigning PFA Player of the Year, the man who claimed Chelsea didn't want Tottenham to win the league, who finally denied them.
Here are 5 things we learned from a wild one at Stamford Bridge:

1. Spurs couldn't take it to the wire

The Leicester players watching at Jamie Vardy’s house and must've thought at half time that this wasn’t going to be their night.
Spurs literally scrapped at times with Chelsea to try and end the defending Champions’ 26-year hoodoo but they couldn't do it.
Finally their superb and sensational season is over.

2. Pochettino's Tottenham fear no one

They are bang in trouble with the FA though. If anything it was the north Londoners bullying the Blues at times. Kyle Walker kicked Pedro.
Danny Rose caught Branislav Ivanovic and sparked that brawl with his tug on Willian along with his subsequent reaction. And Mousa Dembele gouged Diego Costa in the eyes.
The FA will also be examining Willian’s second half arm on Rose, a first half elbow from Terry and Cesc Fabregas’s kick on Mousa Dembele.
They’ll be busy.

3. It is looking ominous for Terry
Still no new contract from the Chelsea captain, leader and legend.
The manner in which both Kane and Son swept through to score both goals didn’t do him any favours whatsoever.

4. Where have this Chelsea been this season?
The started well, melted to concede twice then rallied - albeit impressively - after the break to score twice.
Perhaps if they'd played like this all season they wouldn't have turned in such an abject title defence.
Hazard's goal was brilliant. But where has he - and the team of tonight been - all season?

5. Alderweireld's omission from player of the year shortlist. Hmmmm
The leadership shown by the Belgian centre-back was key as Chelsea dominated the early exchanges and threatened to burst Tottenham’s bubble.
He has had an outstanding first campaign at White Hart Lane and has been one of the signings of the season.

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Express:

Chelsea 2 - Tottenham 2: Hazard equaliser hands Premier League title to Leicester

EDEN HAZARD made himself a Leicester legend tonight, snatching victory from Tottenham and handing the Foxes their first ever Premier League title.

By JAMES CAMBRIDGE

Harry Kane opened the scoring for Spurs on 35 minutes, rounding Asmir Begovic to slot home into an empty net.
And Son Hueng-Min doubled the north London side's lead just before half-time as tempers started to flare.
Gary Cahill then got one back for the Blues after the restart to set up a shaky second-half for Tottenham and Leicester fans alike.

And Eden Hazard then wrote himself into Leicester folklore, snatching an equaliser with seven minutes to go to hand the title to Claudio Ranieri's side.
The game was hard fought right from the whistle and referee Mark Clattenburg must have known he was in for a busy night, brandishing four yellow cards in the first half.

Chelsea had the best of the early opportunities with Gary Cahill coming close with a headed effort from a corner and Cesc Fabregas firing just past Hugo Lloris' post on 27 minutes.
However, it was the visitors that lit the touch paper with the first goal - sending Stamford Bridge into uproar as Kane grabbed his 25th goal of the season.

The England striker was threaded through by Erik Lamela, and despite the offside cries of John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta, kept his head to round Begovic and fire into an empty net.
Son then came close to doubling Spurs' advantage just before half time, when a rebounded effort from Lamela fell into his path, but he couldn't get his shot away.

But the South Korea international made amends just minutes later, Christian Eriksen slotting a well-weighted pass to the winger who finished smartly to the near post on 44 minutes.
The importance of the match on this year's title race was then plain to see as tempers flared following a late challenge on Willian by Danny Rose.

The pair clashed, sending both benches into a frenzy with Pochettino getting involved and Mousa Dembele appeared to poke Chelsea's Diego Costa in the eye and could consider himself fortunate not to get a red card.

The second half started in similar fashion, and it took just six minutes for Clattenburg to be reaching for his cards again - showing Lamela yellow for a bad foul on Costa.
However, it was the Blues who seized the initiative in the second half, grabbing a goal back on 59 minutes through Cahill from a corner.

The ball found its way to the England defender, who calmly took the ball down in the box and had the composure to finish with a left-foot volley through a crowded six-yard box.
Chelsea were then in the ascendancy, Willian coming close to levelling things up on 62 minutes, but his shot found only the grateful arms of Lloris after some good work from Costa.
And Guus Hiddink's men were then almost handed an equaliser as a whipped in ball from Pedro deflected just past Tottenham's post off the back off Kyle Walker with 15 minutes to play.

Then up stepped Hazard.
The Belgian had completely changed the game for the Blues in the second half and his 83rd minute equaliser - a curled finish into the top right-hand corner - broke the hearts of Tottenham fans and handed Leicester their first ever Premier League title.

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Star:

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 2: Blues battle back to end Spurs' title hopes
IT HAD to be Eden Hazard, didn’t it?

By Paul Brown

The Chelsea forward had stoked up this bitter rivalry by admitting just how much his side wanted to stop Tottenham winning the title in the build-up.

And it was his equalising goal with eight minutes left of this nailbiting and nasty London derby which finally killed off the Spurs dream in dramatic and self-destructive fashion.
Amazingly, it was the former Footballer of the Year’s first goal at Stamford Bridge since the title winner he scored here against Crystal Palace last season.

And Chelsea fans enjoyed it almost as much, piping up with a chant of “Leicester! Leicester!” as the reigning champions helped deliver this season's championship to former boss Claudio Ranieri.
But in truth Spurs threw this one away quite spectacularly. Leading 2-0 through Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son, they were on the verge of a first win here in 26 years.

It wasn’t to be. Gary Cahill pulled one back, and the stage was set for Hazard, a half-time substitute, to score the killer goal.

He was pelted with missiles as he celebrated provocatively, sliding on his knees in front of the away fans. But worse was to come.
It was a match which could easily have seen three or four red cards and included an outrageous eye gouge by Mousa Dembele on Diego Costa.

So it was almost no surprise it ended it an almighty scrum as the two teams tried to leave the pitch, with Danny Rose and Costa right in the thick of things.
By then Spurs had utterly lost their heads, and the Football Association’s disciplinary department will be a busy place this week.
You could sense the bad blood between the teams right from the off when Cesc Fabregas reacted to a full-blooded tackle from Dembele with a petulant kick.

Moments later Dembele was involved in another spat, this time with John Obi Mikel. Both players seemed to take a little swing at each other, and were lucky not to connect.
Referee Mark Clattenburg quickly had a word with both captains to try and calm things down. But with so much at stake there was little chance of that happening.
                 
In between the argy bargy, Cahill headed a Fabregas corner just wide and Dany Rose fizzed a 30-yarder over the crossbar.

You could tell how much it meant to Chelsea. They fought for every ball. If they had shown half as much passion the rest of the season they might not be in the mid-table mess they are now.
The rough stuff continued with Branislav Ivanovic getting away with a bad foul on Rose and Kyle Walker having a little kick at Pedro.
It was a minor miracle Clattenburg kept his cards in his pocket as long as he did, finally booking Walker for an ugly tackle on Pedro in the 27th minute.

Fabregas shot wide at one end. Son at the other. But the away end erupted when Kane broke the deadlock in the 35th minute.
Eric Dier had time to find Christian Eriksen who played a nice first-time ball to Erik Lamela, and his pinpoint pass split a dodgy Chelsea offside trap for Kane to round Asmir Begovic and slot home.

When the second came, it was Chelsea hitting self-destruct, with Ivanovic gifting the ball to Eriksen, who slipped in Son for a sweet low finish.

Then came the real ugliness, with Mauricio Pochettino on the pitch to separate Rose and Willian and Dembele then aiming an eye gouge at Costa in the resulting melee.
The second half started in exactly the same vein, with Lamela lucky to escape with just a booking for a two-footed lunge at Fabregas.

And then Chelsea nicked one. Costa won a corner, Willian swung it in, and Cahill eluded Toby Alderweireld to stab home a goal which gave Spurs the jitters.
Hazard started the move for his equaliser by spinning away on the halfway line and scampered forward, exchanging passes with Costa before curling a beauty past Lloris.

After that Spurs lost the plot completely, with Lamela deliberately stepping on Fabregas’s hand and a late tackle by Eric Dier on Hazard sparking another melee.

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