Tuchel Plays Down Conte Altercation After Chelsea-Spurs Battle

Chelsea and Spurs played out an eventful 2-2 draw in an early season battle between last season's third and fourth placed sides.

Chelsea looked the better side for large spells of the game but Tottenham showed resilience to nick a point, albeit in controversial circumstances.

Kalidou Koulibaly gave the hosts the lead with a sweet volley in the 19th minute but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg equalised with a speculative drive from distance in the 68th minute, drawing a first clash between the two managers as Tuchel believed Kai Havertz had been fouled in the build up.

Reece James restored Chelsea's lead nine minutes later before Harry Kane headed in a corner in the dying seconds.

Tuchel refused to let go of Conte's hand in the customary post-match handshakes, leading to an angry bust up between the two which had to be broken up by players and technical men of both dugouts.

Both managers received red cards from referee Anthony Taylor but Tuchel insists nothing bad happened between the two.

"When you shake hands I thought we look into each others' eyes but Antonio had a different opinion… it was emotional," Tuchel told Sky Sports after the game.

"He was happy when they equalised and then it got a bit heated but nothing big. We both got a red card? I think it was not necessary. But a lot of things were not necessary, so that's another poor decision from the referee today.

"It's emotional. You like it. We don't need comments now, and it being heated up and heated up.

"Just look at it. It's the Premier League, it's the game. You love it, no? We love it. We are emotional coaches."

Asked whether he would seek Conte out to apologise for his role in the confrontation, Tuchel was non-committal, adding: "If we meet, we meet, If not, then not. It's not a problem, it's over a football match.

"Come on guys, it's between two competitors and nothing bad happened."