Harry Kane in the 96th minute equalized the score and saved a 2-2 draw for Tottenham from a hard-fought London derby vs Chelsea on Sunday.
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Both managers Antonio Conte and Thomas Tuchel were removed after the main whistle a second physical altercation match.
Chelsea looked set to make the best possible start to a new era at Stamford Bridge as they twice took the lead through Kalida Koulibaly and Rhys James.
Tottenham were far from the level they need if they want to live up to their hopes of challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the title, but showed the new character instilled by Conte to fight back for a point.
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The Italian and Tuchel were booked after Pierre-Emile Heubjerg equalised.
Tempers then flared again during the handshake after Kane nodded in virtually the last action of the game.
Tottenham have won just once at Stamford Bridge in 32 years in the league, but Conte will be happy to take a share of the spoils against his former club.
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Chelsea’s new chairman Todd Boely was greeted with a huge banner from Chelsea’s support and saw a quick return on almost £170m of investment in the transfer market after he sanctioned a £2.5bn takeover to buy the club from Roman Abramovich.
Despite the dramatic changes in the boardroom, on the pitch it was like the old days under Abramovich, with Chelsea outscoring, outplaying and outscoring Spurs in the opening 45 minutes.
Chelsea’s two new signings combined for the first goal as Koulibaly found space to tap home from Marco Cucurella’s corner.
Conte again resisted the temptation to start any of his six new signings, but it wasn’t until the introduction of Richarlison just before the hour mark and a formation change that Tottenham began to threaten.
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Kane had a great chance to equalize when he uncharacteristically dribbled wide, only to beat Edouard Mendy.
Spurs equalized with 22 minutes remaining in controversial fashion to ignite a spark between the two managers.
Rodrigo Bentancourt appeared to foul Kai Haverca before Tottenham surged ahead and the ball eventually found its way to Hojbjerg, who fired low and powerfully past Mendy.
Thomas Tuchel reacted violently to the decision and Conte’s overzealous celebration.
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The German was fighting fire as he raced down the touchline to celebrate as James smashed home Raheem Sterling’s cross to restore Chelsea’s lead after 13 minutes.
However, Kane had the last word when he headed home Ivan Perisic’s corner in stoppage time.
Garin Lambley © Agence France-Presse