Before kickoff there was even talk that a Tottenham Hotspur victory at Stamford Bridge could see Antonio Conte's side put pressure on third-placed Chelsea in the Premier League.
After a 2-0 defeat, however, it was painfully clear that the height of Tottenham's ambitions will be to win the race with Arsenal, West Ham United and Manchester United for fourth spot.
Conte was unbeaten in nine league games since arriving at Tottenham in November including Wednesday's incredible 3-2 victory at Leicester City — but just as in the League Cup semifinal, Chelsea showed how big the gap is between the sides.
Seventh-placed Tottenham remain well in the mix for fourth spot, being just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games in hand and also having games in hand over West Ham and Arsenal.
But on the evidence of Sunday's defeat, they will need some signings in the January transfer window if an opportunity to return to the Champions League is not to pass them by, as all three of their rivals have more quality at their disposal.
“There is not one transfer market to close the gap. The last few years this gap became very big and now it is not simple to find a solution in a short time,” Conte said.
“I'm only focused on the next four months to try to give everything, but if we think we solve with the transfer market the situation, it is not the reality.
“You need many years, but for sure we have to start. I am enjoying my time at Tottenham, we have four months to work and get the best possible result. I am proud of the effort. Sometimes you can push 100% but it is not enough.”
Goals by Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva settled the issue at Stamford Bridge, though Tottenham did have a goal by Harry Kane ruled out in the first half.
Kane fired home but he was adjudged to have levered Thiago Silva off the ball — a ruling that baffled Conte.
“You know very well I don't like to comment on the referees’ decisions. But to disallow this goal in England, was incredible for me,” he said.
“Maybe in Italy 50-50 but not in England. It's incredible.” — Reuters
No quick fix, says Conte, after Tottenham's top-four ambitions get reality check
Image: DAVID KLEIN / REUTERS
Before kickoff there was even talk that a Tottenham Hotspur victory at Stamford Bridge could see Antonio Conte's side put pressure on third-placed Chelsea in the Premier League.
After a 2-0 defeat, however, it was painfully clear that the height of Tottenham's ambitions will be to win the race with Arsenal, West Ham United and Manchester United for fourth spot.
Conte was unbeaten in nine league games since arriving at Tottenham in November including Wednesday's incredible 3-2 victory at Leicester City — but just as in the League Cup semifinal, Chelsea showed how big the gap is between the sides.
Seventh-placed Tottenham remain well in the mix for fourth spot, being just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with two games in hand and also having games in hand over West Ham and Arsenal.
But on the evidence of Sunday's defeat, they will need some signings in the January transfer window if an opportunity to return to the Champions League is not to pass them by, as all three of their rivals have more quality at their disposal.
“There is not one transfer market to close the gap. The last few years this gap became very big and now it is not simple to find a solution in a short time,” Conte said.
“I'm only focused on the next four months to try to give everything, but if we think we solve with the transfer market the situation, it is not the reality.
“You need many years, but for sure we have to start. I am enjoying my time at Tottenham, we have four months to work and get the best possible result. I am proud of the effort. Sometimes you can push 100% but it is not enough.”
Goals by Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva settled the issue at Stamford Bridge, though Tottenham did have a goal by Harry Kane ruled out in the first half.
Kane fired home but he was adjudged to have levered Thiago Silva off the ball — a ruling that baffled Conte.
“You know very well I don't like to comment on the referees’ decisions. But to disallow this goal in England, was incredible for me,” he said.
“Maybe in Italy 50-50 but not in England. It's incredible.” — Reuters
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