Maurizio Sarri reveals Chelsea players asked him to change ‘Sarri-ball’ tactics in Tottenham win.. and he obliged

MAURIZIO SARRI was forced to ditch his infamous "Sarri-ball" tactics after his players pleaded with him to change things during Chelsea's win over Spurs last night.

Despite playing 120 minutes in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, the Blues kept the race for the top four alive with an impressive 2-0 victory over their London rivals.

Pedro opened the scoring in the second half before Kieran Trippier scored a humiliating own goal.

The win has eased the pressure on the Italian boss who has come under heavy fire for his predictable tactics this season.

He also showed his authority by axing keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after he remarkably refused to be subbed at Wembley.

And he admitted he followed the advice of his players to secure the three points.

Speaking after the contest, the Italian boss said: "At the beginning of the match, we pressed really very high,

“Then it was really very difficult for us because we played 120 minutes three days ago, so the players asked me to press a little bit lower.

“Of course I agreed because they defended really very well. But we defended very well in the final as well against City.

“In the match against Malmo, in the last three matches we've defended very well with a level of application and attention higher than before.

“But I think that the level of aggression we have was good.”

Chelsea will hope to make it two league wins from two when they travel to struggling Fulham at the weekend.

And the Cottagers may head into the fixture manager-less with Claudio Ranieri on the brink of receiving the axe.