The 2015 League Cup Final

The big day had come. The 2015 League Cup Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. As a supporter it is almost never easy to sleep the night before, and in cases of disappointment, the night after. Both teams had worked tirelessly to put themselves in this position, and now only ninety minutes could decide who deserved to win. Finals at Wembly show what a club, a supporter, and even an individual player are made of. The stage was finally set and we had quite a show.

NY Spurs Fans watching the match at Flannery's

On the one hand there was Tottenham Hotspur. Currently 7^th in the Premier League and hoping to win their first piece of silverware in seven years. It might sound like time was against them, but history wasn’t. The last trophy Tottenham won was the 2008 League Cup. Who did they beat you ask? Chelsea. This year, as well as back then, Tottenham were considered to many as the underdog. But now with fan favorites Harry Kane in attack, Hugo Lloris in goal, and Christian Erikson in midfield, Spurs looked to restore a sense of pride within their club.  New York Spurs members and Tottenham supporters from all over the five boroughs gathered at Flannery’s Bar on west 14^th Street and 7^th avenue to watch, and hope, for a glorious déjà vu. All would love to lift a trophy in front of the Chelsea Supporters, the New York Blues, just a few uptown subway stops away.    

The New York Blues in celebration

On the one hand you had Chelsea. 1^st in the Premier League, currently in the Round of 16 in the Champions League, and now this League Cup Final. Favorites by far. Unlike Tottenham, many of the Chelsea players had already held a piece of silverware while playing at the club. Their last trophy came in 2013 with a win over Benfica, of Portugal, in the Europa League. With the likes of John Terry in defense, Cesc Fabreags in midfield, Diego Costa in attack, and lead by manager Jose Mourinho, this Chelsea side could tear into any opposition. They were, however, without key midfielder Nemanja Matic due to a suspension from a red card just a week earlier causing some nerves for supporters everywhere. The New York Blues were anxious, but confident of the ability in their side. Supporters poured into Football Factory at Legends to cheer on the Blues and perhaps watch history be rewritten.

So fans of both clubs anxiously watched anywhere they could. The lucky 89,294 who got tickets packed into Wembly. They were treated to some great atmosphere and wonderful Football. Both clubs traded shots on goal with in the first half, but just before half time Chelsea took the lead thanks to a John Terry goal. Tottenham were down, but not out as both teams continued to give their best during the second half. Spurs would eventually concede a second goal, an own goal, from their defensemen Kyle Walker making the score 2-0 early in the second half. It appeared history would not be on Tottenham’s side this year as they tried to rebound but failed. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned victors. One of the more cruel truths about sport, for every smile someone else is frowning. There was elation inside Football Factory and sorrow inside Flannery’s. Both clubs can now turn their attentions back to the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham now have a game in hand since the rest of the league played without them. Tottenham will make up for this on Saturday March 7^th against Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea will play Leicester on April 29^th.

And hey, only five more months till the League Cup starts up again!