RANIERI DEFENDS LE SAUX

Chelsea claimed a late win thanks to Marcel Desailly`s injury-time goal, but it was a number of incidents during the game that caught Blues boss Claudio Ranieri`s attention.

Le Saux reportedly confronted Taricco in the tunnel after the game, and Ranieri has defended his player, saying: "Le Saux was punched in the game and was very angry."

Ranieri also commented on what he saw as inconsistent refereeing by Steve Dunn.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was dismissed after a clash with Chris Perry, and The Blues` boss was far from happy with the ruling, although he admitted that the former West Ham youngster needs to curb his temper.

"What I couldn't understand was that as well as that punch, Perry pushed Lampard who pushed back and yet it was only Lampard who went out of the game.

"Frank is a young player and I will speak to him. Hopefully, in the future, he will be calmer," Ranieri added.

Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who scored two goals, has denied that he dived to win a penalty during the game.

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle claimed there was no contact and that the Dutchman merely 'stubbed his toe', but Hasselbaink claims Ledley King touched him and the rules say that it is a penalty.

Speaking on SkySports, Hasselbaink said: "I did not dive.  The defender touched me and yeah the rules say that it is a penalty. 

"Why would I dive, I would have been one-on-one with Sullivan (Spurs keeper Neil) and I want to score goals."

Hoddle was unhappy with the referee, saying: "He (Hasselbaink) didn't dive. I've watched the replay four or five times and it is clear he just stubbed his foot and fell over.

"There was no contact at all by Ledley. He didn't tackle. But if refs and their assistants can't see that from where they are, then we've got problems.

"It was just a poor decision and it has cost us again."