Tottenham claimed the Sydney Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea as Richarlison struck deep into stoppage time to settle an entertaining pre-season London derby.
Sandro Tonali had given Spurs an early lead with his first goal for the club, but Estevao headed Chelsea level before the break.
Tottenham then played more than 40 minutes with 10 men after Kevin Danso was sent off just three minutes into the second half, only for Richarlison to snatch victory after Jamie Donley’s effort struck the post.
No such thing as a friendly
The match had all the intensity of a competitive fixture despite its friendly status, with an early booking for Conor Gallagher setting the tone after a series of robust challenges.
Chelsea enjoyed the better of the early openings, with Cole Palmer blazing over from close range and created several more chances.
However, it was Tottenham who struck first after 17 minutes. Manor Solomon found Tonali on the edge of the area and the Italian’s low effort took a significant deflection before nestling into the bottom corner, leaving Teddy Sharman-Lowe helpless.
Chelsea responded positively and were back on level terms four minutes later. Palmer sparked a swift counter-attack before releasing Jamie Gittens, whose inviting cross was met by Estevao.
Kinsky managed to push the Brazilian’s header onto the post, but the rebound bounced over the line for his first Chelsea goal.
The remainder of the first half remained evenly contested. Joao Pedro forced another smart save from Kinsky after Andy Robertson’s under-hit backpass, while Tottenham threatened through Mathys Tel, whose powerful run ended with Sharman-Lowe saving from a tight angle.
Spurs down to 10
Chelsea thought they had the perfect opportunity to take control shortly after the restart when Danso endured a nightmare introduction.
Having only just come on as a substitute, the defender miscontrolled the ball before hauling down Joao Pedro as the Brazilian raced through on goal, leaving the referee with little choice but to show a straight red card.
Despite their numerical advantage, Chelsea found Kinsky in inspired form. The Spurs goalkeeper produced an outstanding save to tip Estevao’s powerful strike onto the crossbar before denying the Brazilian again moments later, while Palmer also failed to beat him with efforts from distance.
Tottenham, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter. Tonali tested Sharman-Lowe from range before Rio Kyerematen crashed an effort against the crossbar with six minutes remaining.
With penalties looming in front of a crowd of more than 80,000 at Accor Stadium, Spurs found a dramatic winner in stoppage time.
Donley’s low drive cannoned back off the post and Richarlison reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range, sealing the Sydney Cup despite Tottenham’s long spell with 10 men.
