Football news - Kepa dropped as Chelsea bounce back to beat Tottenham

Kepa Arrizabalaga was dropped as Chelsea bounced back from their defeat in the Carabao Cup final to beat a below-par Tottenham 2-0.

The Spanish keeper was on the bench following the substitution row at Wembley on Sunday and his replacement Willy Caballero had little to do in a largely scrappy game.

Gonzalo Higuain had the home side’s best chance in the first half after hitting the post while Spurs’ best opportunity fell to Harry Winks whose long-range dipper rattled Caballero’s crossbar.

The visitors were put in a pretty anaemic effort against a side who played 120 minutes against Manchester City on Sunday. And they were punished when Pedro got the better of Toby and fired the ball through Hugo Lloris’ legs.

French World Cup winner Lloris was at fault again for the Blues’ second after running off his line only for Kieran Trippier to slot the ball past him into his own net.

The result dents Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s faint title hopes as they stay in third, four points ahead of Arsenal who they face on Saturday lunchtime, while Maurizio Sarri’s men remain in sixth.

Did Wily Caballero stake a claim to replace Kepa long-term? The Argentine had little to do with Spurs’ front three of Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min subdued by some impressive defending from David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger, helped by N'Golo Kante. He punched the ball away from danger at times but most importantly did not make a clanger. It will be interesting to see who Sarri picks for the next game against Fulham and in the Europa League campaign. And the horror show from opposite number Lloris means he will be the target of Thursday's headlines.

David Luiz(Chelsea): The Brazilian had a point to prove after a woeful performance against Spurs in November and the defeat in the Carabao Cup final. And he was at his best to nullify Kane along with Rudiger. He was fired up from the start but kept his head while his positioning was top draw.

6’ - WOODWORK! Higuain with a well-taken strike from inside the box which strikes the post after Sissoko fails to clear.

44’ - WOODWORK! Winks with a dipper from 30 yards which rattles the bar after a good challenge on Kane from Azpilcueta.

57’ - GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham. Pedro from a tight angle, wriggles past Alderweireld and fires the ball through Lloris' legs at the near post.

65’ - CHANCE FOR KANE! A cross is fired in from the left and Kane can only put it wide from eight yards.

84’ - OWN GOAL BY TRIPPIER! After a flick on, Trippier beckons Lloris to come forward which he does then he slots it into the net.

Chelsea: Caballero 6, Azpilcueta 8, Rudiger 9, Luiz 9, Alonso 8, Jorginho 5, Kante 7, Kovacic 6, Pedro 8, Higuain 7, Hazard 5. Subs: Willian 5, Loftus-Cheek n/a, Giroud n/a.

Tottenham: Lloris 3, Alderweireld 5, Sanchez 5, Trippier 5, Davies 7, Winks 6, Sissoko 6, Eriksen 5, Lamela 4, Son 5, Kane 5. Subs: Llorente 5, Moura n/a, Rose n/a.