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      Chelsea ratings: Jackson doubles goal tally for season but Fernandez struggles to impose himself in barnstormer

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      NICOLAS JACKSON’S late hat-trick finally sank nine-man Tottenham – yet it was still a mixed night for Chelsea’s costly signings.

      Spurs deserved their early deflected opener from Dejan Kulusevski – but their two sendings-off understandably turned a game of non-stop drama.

      Nicolas Jackson rounds off his late triple as possession finally told

      Enzo Fernandez had another disappointing evening for Chelsea

      Big summer signing Moises Caicedo had one of his best nights for Chelsea

      Cristian Romero’s reckless red-card challenge sparked Cole Palmer’s penalty leveller, before Destiny Udogie picked up his second careless yellow on 55 minutes.

      Jackson finally eased his own struggles for the season and Chelsea‘s on the night by slotting home on 75 minutes – before completing a counter-attacking treble and 4-1 Prem away win with a double in stoppage time. Here’s how the Blues rated on an incredible evening.

      ROBERT SANCHEZ  – 6

      Helpless for the opening goal but looked nervous early on and was guilty of dodgy distribution more than once. But made a decent late save in stoppage time to stop Son Heung-Min equalising.

      REECE JAMES  – 6 

      Happy to see Brennan Johnson sacrificed after Cristian Romero’s red card and took advantage of having less to worry about at the back by getting forward more. Went close just before the hour mark. 

      AXEL DISASI – 6

      Didn’t look happy under the early Spurs pressure and fortunate Son Heung-Min strayed just offside for what would have been 2-0. But grew into the game as his side enjoyed a man advantage.

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      THIAGO SILVA – 7 

      The most composed member of the Blues’ defence, but that wasn’t saying much at times in the early stages. Gave his team stability and calm when they needed it in a match which was utter chaos at times.  

      LEVI COLWILL – 4

      Horrible opening 15 minutes capped by turning his back on Dejan Kulusevki’s shot and so wrongfooting Sanchez with half-hearted block. Got in a row with Pape Matar Sarr and was hooked at half time for his own good. 

      MOISES CAICEDO – 7

      Typified Chelsea’s approach with some very robust challenges, on James Maddison in particular. On a night that called for hard running and some dark arts, he was more than happy to do his bit. 7

      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5

      Lost track of Pape Matar Sarr in build-up to opening goal and mostly looked nothing like a £100m midfielder. Caught horribly by Romero’s follow-through for the penalty and didn’t last long in second half.

      COLE PALMER – 6

      The calmest player on the pitch when converting his penalty after 20 minutes of madness. Did not have loads of touches, but barely wasted one. Should have put second-half effort on target and faded after break.

      CONOR GALLAGHER – 8

      Lined up in a No 10 position but did his best work off the ball, and it was no surprise to see him moved back into a deeper role when Fernandez went off. But still had energy to set up Jackson’s second to kill the game.

      RAHEEM STERLING – 8

      Up for it from the start, running past Pedro Porro for fun and creating chances for himself and others. Didn’t always make the right decision or pass but kept asking questions all night and then set up second goal. 

      NICOLAS JACKSON – 8

      It sounds mad, but until he put in a match-winning hat-trick, another performance to suggest he is not a first-choice PL striker, with a host of chances missed including a point-blank-range header, Maybe this is the turning point, for him and Chelsea.

      SUBS

      Reece James fires in a shot as the Blues struggled to get on top

      The return of Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino to old club Tottenham could hardly have been more dramatic but ended in victory

      Nicolas Jackson finally slotted Chelsea in front before a stoppage-time double

      MARC CUCURELLA (for Colwill, half time) – 5 

      Had some trouble with Kulusevski and failed to convert a really good chance to make it 2-1.

      MYKHAILO MUDRYK (for Fernandez, 58) – 4

      Coming on against nine men was a golden opportunity that he didn’t take.  

      MALO GUSTO (for James, 77) – 5

      Gave away needless free kick in dying minutes that almost cost his team.

      LESLEY UGOCHUKWU (for Sterling, 90+1 ) – 5.

      Not used: Petrovic, Badiashile, Madueke, Ugochukwu, Maatsen, Washington. More

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      Jackson treble seals ‘maddest game ever’ with five goals disallowed, two sent off and two forced off

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      IT was difficult to know who to feel the most sorry for after this night of utter lunacy. Ange Postecoglou, who lost his unbeaten Premier League record and four key players to red cards and injury. 
      Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick helped Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Cristian Romero was one of two Spurs players sent offCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      VAR John Brooks, who was worked as hard as a Victorian chimney sweep in disallowing FIVE goals and reviewing several more controversies. 
      Or the 61,726 paying punters who paid their hard-earned money to be here, but were left staring at big screens informing them of VAR checks for vast periods of the night as Brooks pored over the decisive incidents across London at Stockley Park. 
      This match lasted for 113 minutes. The ball found the net on ten occasions. One of the worst players on the pitch, Nicolas Jackson, ended up with a hat-trick. 
      There were two sendings-off – the first when Cristian Romero was dismissed for attempting to clear the ball – and there could have been a couple more dismissals too. 
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      It was one of the weirdest games of football you could ever see. 
      Yet there was also a stirring sense of the old school about Tottenham’s nine men holding Chelsea at bay before Jackson’s late strikes.
      And they even pressed hard for an unlikely equaliser before the Colombian sealed the deal with a double in injury-time. 
      Postecoglou will look back on the mayhem with frustration and pride – but the Aussie will look to the immediate future with dread. 
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      Destiny Udogie was also dismissed by Michael OliverCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Nicolas Jackson took his tally for the season to five goalsCredit: Reuters
      The Spurs boss saw Romero and Destiny Udogie sent off, while James Maddison and Micky Van de Ven hobbled off injured – leaving him without four of his best players for Saturday’s trip to Wolves.
      Tottenham are only a point behind leaders Manchester City but they are suddenly decimated. 
      Their central defensive duo of Romero and Van de Ven have been magnificent, while Maddison has been his team’s chief creative influence. 
      For Mauricio Pochettino – returning to the club he led to a Champions League final for the first time since he was sacked four years ago – this may represent a turning point. 
      His young Chelsea side have not managed as many points as they had deserved until now, so this was certainly a welcome change in fortune.
      Jackson missed two sitters and was one of three Chelsea players to have first-half efforts ruled out, but his three late strikes may ignite his confidence and revive his team’s faltering campaign. 
      Pochettino’s return, much discussed, was largely ignored by the Tottenham faithful. 
      And why should they have paid much attention? Their team had been flying, they were hardly going to boo their best manager of the last 40 years and were certainly not going to be given any hero’s reception to a Chelsea boss. 
      It was a busy night for VAR with five goals disallowed as well as the red cardsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The bedlam did not take long to unfold, Spurs taking the lead inside six minutes, thanks to a sweeping pass from Maddison to pick out Pape Matar Sarr, who fed Dejan Kulusevski. 
      The Swede’s shot took a massive deflection off Levi Colwill, who had turned his back and left Robert Sanchez helpless. 
      Soon it was over to Brooks to chalk off four goals in 20 minutes.
      First Son Heung-Min was inches offside when he poked home Brennan Johnson’s cross. 
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      Udogie survived a VAR check for a two-footed challenge on Sterling, who was soon ploughing past a flailing Pedro and netting, only for Brooks to spot that he had handled en route. 
      In the build-up to that one, Romero escaped punishment for kicking out at Colwill.  
      Moises Caicedo was the next to be denied by Brooks, the £115million man firing home but Jackson offside and interfering with play.  
      That ‘let-off’ was a double-edged sword for Spurs, though, as Romero was red-carded for clattering countryman Enzo Fernandes as he tried to clear. 
      Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten start is overCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Michael Oliver was sent to his monitor, pointed to the spot and handed Romero a straight red – the home crowd screaming their disapproval. 
      Cole Palmer equalised from the spot – Vicario pushing onto the inside of the post before it nestled in the opposite corner.
      On came the lesser-spotted Eric Dier, just in time for Jackson to turn in a cross from Sterling, who had been offside.
      By this stage, Chelsea fans had pretty much given up celebrating their team’s ‘goals’. 
      Still, the misery continued for Spurs when Van de Ven pulled up with a hamstring injury. 
      He and Maddison, who had turned an ankle, were withdrawn by Postecoglou – whose half-time must have been spent wondering what on Earth had happened and who was left available.
      During 12 minutes of injury-time, Brooks allowed Reece James to get away flailing arm in Udogie’s face.
      But the next dismissal was all Oliver’s own work – Udogie sent packing for a wild challenge on Sterling for a second yellow. 
      From the resulting free-kick, Jackson’s weak header was turned over by a combination of the heroic Vicario and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. 
      The nine men were being roared on by a defiant home support and Chelsea were continually duffing crosses and being caught offside. 
      When Vicario made an extraordinary block to deny Marc Cucurella, both the keeper and Yves Bissoouma went down for treatment. 
      Spurs had used all five subs and were briefly contemplating going down to seven. 
      When the breakthrough finally arrived on 75 minutes, Sterling sprung Tottenham’s high-line offside trap and centred for Jackson to stroke home and there was an inordinately long VAR check from Brooks who must have felt he had been out of the game for too long. 
      Read More on The Sun
      Extraordinarily, the nine men thought they had immediately equalised when Dier volleyed past Sanchez, only for Brooks to eventually rule him offside from Rodrigo Bentacur’s flick-on. 
      But after Son had been denied an equaliser by Sanchez, Jackson side-footed home a second from Gallagher’s pass and twisted the knife with his third. 
      Cole Palmer had equalised for Chelsea before Jackson’s hat-trickCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Tottenham 1 Chelsea 4 LIVE RESULT: Jackson’s hat-trick sinks nine-man Spurs in chaotic derby with FIVE disallowed goals

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S return to Tottenham has been nothing short of chaotic – but his Blues side have come out on top.Dejan Kulusevski’s heavily deflected strike rolled past Blues keeper Robert Sanchez to put the hosts ahead.
      However, two Spurs red cards and FIVE disallowed goals later, Nicolas Jackson’s hat-trick fired the Blues to an emphatic win after Cole Palmer’s equaliser.

      RESULT: Chelsea 4-1 Tottenham
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
      Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson; Son
      Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Caicedo, Enzo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling; Jackson

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      Follow ALL the action from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below…
      That’s all from North London
      How do you sum up a game like that? The truth is you can’t, but it doesn’t matter as it’s sure to be a match that is replayed, replayed and replayed for years to come.
      And the good news about a neatly-edited highlights package is that it won’t involve a breathless blogger desperately trying to keep pace with every box-office incident taking place on the pitch.
      In fact, the only person stretched to their limits more than us minute-by-minuters this evening was surely VAR official John Brooks, who had to make nine calls on this crazy night in the capital.
      The history books will show a Chelsea 4-1 win, but it will need a novel the size of War and Peace to fully do justice to everything that occurred at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      We did our best though, and we appreciate you joining us for the ride.
      Goodnight.
      Quick hits on crazy night
      Before we sign off for the night, here are a few more statistics following this evening’s classic encounter, courtesy of the nerds at Opta.

      Chelsea secured their 15th Premier League away win over Tottenham, with no side enjoying more wins on the road at Spurs than the Blues (15 level with Man Utd).
      Cole Palmer is the first Chelsea player to score his first three goals in the Premier League all from the penalty spot and just the eighth player from any side to do so.
      Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson netted three goals in this game, one more than he managed in his previous nine appearances in the Premier League. It was also his first-ever hat-trick in the big five European leagues (45th game).
      Tottenham saw two of their players sent off in a home Premier League game for the first time ever and for just the fourth time in the competition at any venue (August 2001 v Everton, October 2008 v Stoke and May 2019 v Bournemouth).
      Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski (10) is just the seventh Swedish player to hit double figures for goals in the Premier League (Ljungberg 48, Larsson 26, Elmander 19, Ibrahimovic 17, Isak 16, Alexandersson 12).

      Postecoglou: we will always have a go
      Ange Postecoglou has praised his players for their efforts in defeat, and defended his decision to maintain a high line and press despite being down to nine men.
      In the aftermath of Tottenham’s 4-1 defeat to Chelsea, the Spurs boss has come underfire for his approach, labelled naive by some online killjoys. Not that the Australian cares one jot.
      I am very proud of the players. Right to the end they were trying to create something for us. They couldn’t give any more than they did. A huge part of this game is will, effort and determination, and they showed that. It is who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. Even if we go down to five men, we will still have a go…Ange PostecoglouSky Sports

      Poch enjoys return to Spurs
      It may have taken a while, and a whole heap of drama, but Mauricio Pochettino managed to mark his return to Tottenham with a win.
      In doing so, the Argentine has become the fourth manager to beat Spurs in the Premier League, having previously taken charge of them.
      He joins an illustrious list that includes Chris Hughton, Martin Jol and…erm… Tim Sherwood.
      Only Southampton, Chelsea (both 7) and Newcastle (6) have had more former managers beat them in the Premier League.

      Romero sees red (once again)
      There’s no doubting that Cristian Romero is an excellent defender, but his lack of discipline evident time and time again proves he is also one of the daftest.
      Since his debut season of 2021-22, the Argentine has received more red cards (4) in all competitions than any other player in the Premier League.
      Meanwhile, only Craig Dawson, Lewis Dunk and Wilfred Ndidi have conceded more penalties (all 5) than the Tottenham centre-back in that period.

      Ange’s unbeaten run comes to an end
      The upshot of a crazy evening is that Tottenham have become the last side to lose in the Premier League this season.
      It is their first defeat in 12 league games since losing another London derby – 3-1 at Brentford in May – and the first since Ange Postecoglou took charge.
      And for Postecoglou, it marked a first home defeat in British football at the 43rd attempt, following an unbeaten spell in front of his own fans while at Celtic.
      Match stats from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
      When you devalue a thrilling night of football with some numbers.

      Full time – Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea
      Beaten 4-1, Tottenham’s players – those that made it to the end – depart to a standing ovation from the home fans.
      It’s been that kind of night and a game that will inevitably go down as a Premier League classic.
      Five goals, five disallowed, a hat-trick, a penalty, two red cards, nine yellow cards and a shedload of VAR talking points.
      And even then, it doesn’t even tell half the story.

      Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea
      90+7. It may be one of the more bizarre hat-tricks in Premier League history, but the much-maligned Nicolas Jackson will be walking off with the matchball this evening.
      It will surely act as a huge confidence boost for the striker, who even looks short on belief as he races through for his third goal.
      Pondering whether to square to Mykhailo Mudryk, Jackson stumbles and then recovers to beat Guglielmo Vicario and roll into the empty net.
      Will this bizarre, barmy, surreal night be the making of the Senegalese forward in the Premier League?

      Hat-trick!

      Tottenham 1-3 Chelsea
      90+5. In a weird way, I think we may have learnt more about Tottenham this evening than Chelsea.
      Either way, Mauricio Pochettino, his players and supporters will take heart from a London derby success, regardless of the events that led to it.
      Tottenham 1-3 Chelsea
      90+4. Two goals for Nicolas Jackson and three points for Chelsea!
      It’s almost a carbon copy of their second too, this time with Conor Gallagher exposing Tottenham’s high line by bursting down the left.
      The England midfielder has all the time in the world to pick out Nicolas Jackson in the middle, who buries first time beyond Guglielmo Vicario.
      The nine men of Tottenham have given this a real go, but have finally been undone by some sensible Chelsea play.

      Game over!

      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      90+2. Moments after nearly wriggling free in the box, Son almost brings the house down with a wonderful solo run and shot.
      Sanchez gets down low to push the ball away, and another chance – perhaps Spurs’ last one – passes.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      90. There will be nine minutes of stoppage time to be played, and – this will sound insane – Chelsea are hanging on somewhat.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea – Mudryk yellow card
      88. Now another Chelsea substitute goes into the book.
      This time it’s Muydrk, who leaves a foot in on Vicario as the keeper sweeps up for the umpteenth time this evening.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      86. So close! So, so close!!
      Another wicked free-kick from the left has Chelsea all of a panic, and Bentancur almost punishes them at the far post.
      The Uruguayan almost appeared in two minds as to whether to go with his head or his foot, and that split second delay may have cost him.
      Stooping low, the midfielder bundles wide of the post with the goal gaping.

      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea – Gusto yellow card
      85. Like a vulnerable person being scammed by a fraudster, Malo Gusto has just been tricked into committing the dopiest of fouls on the far touchline when there was absolutely no need.
      It’s a booking for the substitute, on ten minutes ago for Reece James, and Spurs have another set-piece in a dangerous position.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      83. Tottenham are committing more men forward.
      Perhaps more men that they actually have left on the field.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      81. It’s another long, long VAR check.
      “It’s either going to be the fourth goal of the night, or the fifth to be disallowed,” ponders commentator Peter Drury, as befuddled as the rest of us.
      Finally, the signal comes in that it’s the latter, and Chelsea breathe another huge sigh of relief.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      79. Wow!!
      Eric Dier volleys in a rocket and the nine men are level!!
      But hold that thought because the offside flag is up once again.
      The Tottenham centre-back drifted in around the back as a set-piece was launched towards the penalty area from the left, and then connected with a brilliant first-time effort across Robert Sanchez and into the net.
      Onside in the first instance, Dier may have just been off as the delivery was flicked on, but – once again – it is very right.
      Over to you, John Brooks.

      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      77. Now, what can the nine men of Tottenham do?
      Nothing, surely, but then this is Ange’s Tottenham.
      Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
      75. At last!
      Chelsea finally have their noses in front, and their fears of further embarrassment are over.
      In the end, it’s such a simple, well-worked goal with exactly the kind of move that they should have been deploying since Tottenham had their first player sent off.
      Raheem Sterling is sent down the right after holding his run on halfway, and then follows up by holding his nerve to square for Nicolas Jackson to find the empty net.

      Finally!

      Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
      72. Mauricio Pochettino is cutting a very frustrated figure on the touchline. More

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      Postecoglou blanks Udogie after ‘mad’ moment sees Tottenham reduced to NINE men

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      DESTINY UDOGIE was blanked by Ange Postecoglou after being sent off for Tottenham.The full-back was shown a second yellow card after a rash lunge on Raheem Sterling during the clash with Chelsea.
      Ange Postecoglou blanked Destiny Udogie following his sending offCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Udogie’s moment of “madness” saw Spurs go down to nine men after Cristian Romero’s earlier dismissal.
      Having been lucky to avoid a red in the first half, the Italian slid in on Sterling in an attempt to win the ball back.
      However, the Chelsea man beat him to the ball, with Udogie appearing aware he was set to be sent off by Michael Oliver.
      As he trudged off the pitch and down the tunnel, though, his manager Postecoglou did not react.
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      The Spurs boss remained focused on the action on the pitch as he blanked the 20-year-old defender.
      Meanwhile, Gary Neville described Udogie’s tackle as “madness” following the incident.
      His dismissal came after Spurs had already been reduced to ten men in the first half.
      Romero was shown a straight red card after a VAR review penalised him for a foul on Enzo Fernandez.
      Most read in Football
      Udogie was shown a second yellow card for his challenge on Raheem SterlingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The challenge also resulted in a penalty for the visitors, with Cole Palmer scoring to pull his side level.
      Spurs had been in front through Dejan Kulusevski before the two red cards forced them into a defensive approach.
      But they ended up losing 4-1 after a Nicolas Jackson hat-trick sealed three points for the Blues. More

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      Tottenham fans fume as Reece James escapes red card after Chelsea man catches Udogie with elbow in face

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      TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS’ fans have been left fuming after a chaotic first half against Chelsea ended without a red card for Reece James.The incident took place in the eleventh minute of added time with the game tied at 1-1 thanks to an early goal from Dejan Kulusevski before Cole Palmer levelled things up for Chelsea.
      Reece James (L) appeared to hit Destiny Udogie (R) with his elbowCredit: Getty
      In the 55th minute, Chelsea right-back James appeared to catch Spurs left-back Destiny Udogie with his elbow.
      Leaping through the air to win a header towards the touchline, James raised his arms, with his left appearing to hit Udogie across his face.
      But after a tense, if brief, VAR check James was allowed to continue.
      Spurs fans swiftly flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share in their anger at the decision.
      Read More on Football
      One claimed that Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero’s earlier red card was “clearly wrong,” going on to say: “VAR clearly wrong for that red card, “Reece James should be sent off also.”
      A second said: “Clear red card. VAR shocking.”
      While a third tweeted: “Reece James should be off aswell,” adding: “Games lost the plot.”
      The manic game reached halftime with Spurs down to ten men, having also lost centre back Micky Van De Ven and midfielder James Maddison to injuries.
      Most read in Football
      Van De Ven went down shouting in pain as he grabbed his hamstring mid-run, before hobbling off the field.
      Spurs also had one goal disallowed, while Chelsea saw three wiped out.
      And Udogie too was lucky to escape a red card during the first half after a double-footed lunge on Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling.
      Former Manchester United defender turned Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville berated the challenge, saying: “That’s the one the footballers, the professionals hate.
      “You don’t do that. That tackle went about 15, 20 years ago. You just don’t do that any more.”
      Micky van de Ven (L) and James Maddison (R) both went off injured in the first halfCredit: Getty More

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      Spurs leave their own fans raging after showing controversial replay of Romero red card during Chelsea game

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      TOTTENHAM left their own fans fuming during their clash with Chelsea.Home supporters were left raging after a replay of Cristian Romero’s challenge on Enzo Fernandez was shown on the big screen.
      Tottenham broke Premier League protocol against ChelseaCredit: Reuters
      Romero was shown a straight red card by Michael Oliver after his foul was picked up by VAR.
      Following the review, the defender was dismissed and Chelsea were awarded a penalty.
      After Cole Palmer had converted the spot-kick, a replay was shown on the big screen at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
      Fans could be heard jeering and booing after seeing that Romero had made contact with the ball before his follow-through on Fernandez.
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      The incident was shown twice on the screen to the dismay of home fans.
      Romero’s dismissal came after a frantic passage of play which also included a disallowed Chelsea goal.
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      Cristian Romero was sent off for his challenge on Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
      Moises Caicedo had lashed the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
      Nicolas Jackson was in an offside position in front of Guglielmo Vicario and obstructing the goalkeeper’s view.
      Most read in Football
      As a result, the goal was disallowed by VAR, who then awarded a penalty for Romero’s foul earlier in the move and advised the referee to send him off.
      Spurs will now be without the World Cup winner for their next three Premier League matches. More

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      Cristian Romero SENT OFF for horror challenge on Enzo Fernandez just minutes after ‘Beckham moment’ on Levi Colwill

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      CRISTIAN ROMERO has been sent off in Tottenham’s drama-packed London derby with Chelsea.The defender gave away a penalty in the 31st minute for a foul on Enzo Fernandez which was judged by VAR to be serious foul play.
      Romero has been sent off for Spurs after the intervention of VARCredit: Getty
      Romero followed throgh on his tackle on FernandezCredit: Getty
      Oliver sent Romero off after going to the monitorCredit: EPA
      The incident came after Moises Caicedo thought he had opened the scoring for Chelsea with an excellent shot from distance.
      But, the goal was ruled out due to Nicolas Jackson being offside when Caicedo struck the ball, and the referee deeming him to be interfering with play.
      Chelsea’s reprieve came when VAR showed Romero had fouled Fernandez in the lead-up to the disallowed goal.
      Romero had taken the ball in the challenge, but his follow-through was so high that it was near to the knee of Fernandez by the time he made contact.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The VAR replay was roundly booed by Spurs fans at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with the home fans feeling as though Romero had won the ball.
      Chelsea’s Cole Palmer duly converted from the spot, despite Vicario getting close to saving the pen.
      Romero had narrowly avoided a red-card earlier in the first-half after kicking out at Levi Colwill.
      Again, the VAR review came after Chelsea thought that they had found an equaliser.
      Most read in Football
      Romero kicked out at Colwill earlier in the game in an incident compared to Beckham’s kick in the 1998 World CupCredit: Twitter
      Both players lay down injured in the aftermath of the kick-outCredit: Getty
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      Sterling had the ball in the net in the 23rd minute after an excellent solo run.
      But the goal was ruled out after Sterling’s initial shot was blocked by Porro and ricocheted back off Sterling’s hand.
      Gary Neville said Romero was “lucky” not to have been sent off for his petulant kick which he said: “Reminded me of Beckham’s kick” against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup.
      The kick-out was fresh off the back of Spurs narrowly escaping ANOTHER red card, this time for Destiny Udogie in the 18th minute.
      Spurs’ left-back went flying with a scissor kick motion into to win the ball from Raheem Sterling.
      While Udogie took the ball, Neville said he could have “snapped” Raheem Sterling had he made contact with the Chelsea winger.
      However, the full-back was sent off in the second half after another lunge went wrong.
      THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Gary Neville says ‘you just don’t do that any more’ as Destiny Udogie escapes red for horror lunge in Spurs Chelsea game

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      GARY NEVILLE fumed at Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie following his horror tackle on Raheem Sterling – which resulted only in a yellow. The defender dived in with both feet and his studs up on Sterling, who managed to pull out of the challenge just in time.
      Destiny Udogie escaped red with his tackle on Raheem SterlingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Replays revealed just how close Udogie was to making full contact on Sterling.
      Commentator Neville said: “That’s the one the footballers, the professionals hate.
      “You don’t do that. That tackle went about 15, 20 years ago. You just don’t do that any more.”
      Despite a VAR check, Udogie escaped with just a yellow card.
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      It was just one of many crazy incidents in the action packed first half in North London.
      Dejan Kulusevski opened the lead for Spurs after just six minutes and Son Heung-min thought he doubled it shortly after.
      But there was an offside in the build up and VAR – not for the first time in the match – chalked off the goal.
      Udogie later walked away with just a booking while Cristian Romero faced a red card himself.
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      He kicked out at Chelsea’s Levi Colwill after a coming together but no card was shown.
      On 27 minutes, Premier League record signing Moises Caicedo thought he had levelled with a stunner from outside the box.
      But it was taken away due to striker Nicolas Jackson standing in front of keeper Guglielmo Vicario in an offside position.
      The drama continued as the goal was ruled out by VAR but a penalty was eventually given for a Romero foul on Enzo Fernandez.
      Romero’s studs were high on the leg and gave referee Anthony Taylor no choice but to show red.
      Cole Palmer converted from the penalty spot but he needed the post to do so.
      The rollercoaster half was not over there though as Jackson also found the back of the net following a counter attack.
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      But VAR again intervened to deny Chelsea from leading the game.
      Despite Udogie getting away with an early red, he was eventually sent off for a second yellow having wiped out Sterling.
      England forward Sterling helped put Chelsea ahead against the nine-men host’s as a counter attack was squared to Jackson, who finished.
      Tottenham amazingly looked to have made it 2-2 as sub Eric Dier volleyed home following a free kick but the flag was up.
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      It was the FIFTH goal in the match to be denied upon a further look.
      Eventually, Jackson wrapped up the game with a further two goals with the hat-trick sealing a stunning 4-1 London derby.
      Nicolas Jackson grabbed a Chelsea hat-trickCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More