Chelsea looking forward to challenge Spurs again, says Zola

Gianfranco Zola insists Chelsea's clash with Tottenham in the EFL Cup semi-finals will be different to its recent Premier League meeting.

Published : Dec 20, 2018 15:40 IST

Bournemouth fought hard but Eden Hazard's late winner gave Chelsea a win to set up London Derby with Spurs.
Bournemouth fought hard but Eden Hazard's late winner gave Chelsea a win to set up London Derby with Spurs.
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Bournemouth fought hard but Eden Hazard's late winner gave Chelsea a win to set up London Derby with Spurs.

Chelsea remains eager to exact revenge on Tottenham for the "football lesson" it received in the Premier League last month, according to Gianfranco Zola. 

The two clubs will meet in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup in January after coming through tricky last-eight ties on Wednesday. 

Eden Hazard's late winner gave the Blues a hard-earned 1-0 win over Bournemouth and set up a London derby date with Spurs, while Manchester City will meet minnows Burton Albion in the other tie.

Tottenham ended Maurizio Sarri's unbeaten start in English football back in November, storming to a dominant 3-1 victory at Wembley Stadium, and Chelsea's assistant coach revealed that result remains a source of frustration.

READ: EFL Cup draw: Tottenham take on Chelsea, Manchester City get Burton Albion

"We're happy because some time ago they gave us a football lesson and we're looking forward to challenging them again," Zola told reporters. 

"I'm sure it'll be a different game. There are a lot of proud players and they want to play this game and show that we were not the ones that played that game. 

"Too many players underperformed and were hurt. We are pleased that we will play them and we can't wait."

Hazard's deflected 84th-minute finish ended Bournemouth's resistance at Stamford Bridge and boosted the forward's haul to 99 goals in all competitions for the club. 

Zola, a firm favourite during his playing days, hopes the 27-year-old will resist any advances to leave and instead continue to enhance his reputation at Chelsea. 

"He is certainly one of the players who has given this club a lot of satisfaction," the Italian said. 

"And, considering he is only 27, if he stays a long time he can be only bigger. I hope he achieves great things for us in the future."

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