Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was furious after his side threw away a fantastic opportunity to close the gap on Manchester United.

 

The 1-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur was all the more galling for the Dutchman as the 30 minute delay to the start of the game meant that he knew United had lost to Fulham well before full time at White Hart Lane. Luka Modric was unmarked when he finished from Aaron Lennon’s cross and Hiddink’s annoyance at his sides sloppy defending was evident.

"To lose the goal as we did, ten minutes after half-time and with so many professionals and internationals in our side, is bad for us," said Hiddink, "when there is a fire in the kitchen, you have to know when to flood that fire.”

Hiddink has also pleaded with owner Roman Abramovich to plan longer-term for Stamford Bridge. Although he remains committed to quitting at the end of the season, seeing the extended contract offered and now signed by Rafa Benitez at Liverpool has spurred the former South Korea manager to implore the Russian billionaire to think about the long run stability and continuity at the club.