The rule change that cost Spurs a place in the Carabao Cup final

Tottenham Hotspur crashed out of the Carabao Cup semi-final last night on penalties to rivals Chelsea.

After taking a one goal lead into the second leg, Tottenham went 2-0 down at Stamford Bridge in the first half.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side got themselves back into the tie five minutes after half time when Fernando Llorente got his head on a superb cross from the left flank from substitute Danny Rose.

Llorente’s goal brought the tie level on aggregate at 2-2 and despite further chances for both sides, it remained that way until the final whistle.

Tottenham fans may feel aggrieved that for the first time since 1980, the away goals rule has not applied in the League Cup semi-finals, meaning that in previous years the 2-2 scoreline would have been enough for Pochettino and co to book their place in the cup final.

Regulation 14.5 of the tournament states: “In the Semi-Final ties, if the aggregate score is level at the end of the second game no extra time shall be played and the tie shall be decided by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark in accordance with procedures as approved by IFAB.”

Instead, the tie went straight to penalties and missed spot kicks from Eric Dier and Lucas Moura saw Chelsea book a Wembley date with Manchester City, instead.

Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Have something to tell us about this article? Let us know