Tottenham’s lack of depth could prove more costly than Wembley with time running out in the transfer window

Tottenham cannot blame Wembley by itself. To do so would be to naively ignore shortcomings that need to be addressed if Spurs are to take the final step towards becoming Premier League champions.

They are not far away. Mauricio Pochettino’s side dominated this game and deserved at least a draw against a stubborn Chelsea team that defied talk of crisis to emerge well-organised, focused and committed.

For much of the second half in particular, the Blues were so compact, their entire team were condensed into a 30-yard space which Spurs were charged with breaking down.

Marcos Alonso’s brilliant 24th-minute free-kick put them ahead, fortifying them for the long periods of defending necessary to keep Spurs at bay.

Spurs probed repeatedly - and looked most likely to find parity through the industry of Harry Kane - but their equaliser eight minutes from the end came at a time when Pochettino had already played his hand and his players were running out of ideas.

Tottenham clearly possess one of the best starting line-ups in the division but their lack of strength in depth remains a concern that must be addressed before the transfer window closes.

Spurs are not particularly struggling with injuries and yet a glance at Pochettino’s options on the bench suggests they look short of match-winning alternatives. A lack of pace is another issue.

Heung-min Son performed well in the second half of last season but Moussa Sissoko has rarely looked anything other than a curious signing, Kevin Wimmer is likely to leave and Vincent Janssen has failed to make an impact, with youngsters Harry Winks and Kyle Walker-Peters completing the outfield group.

Relying on Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen and Kane to perform each and every week is asking a lot when considering the vast array of attacking players Manchester City, Manchester United and the rest can call on.

It was, therefore, not without irony that Tottenham’s equaliser came as a result of an intervention from one of Chelsea’s substitutes rather than their own - having introduced Son and Sissoko in an effort to re-energise their play.

Michy Batshuayi’s own goal put Spurs level but after Alli had needlessly fouled David Luiz for Alonso’s first goal, his second came as a result of Victor Wanyama carelessly conceding possession and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris folding too easily at his near post - mistakes which, again, had nothing to do with the stadium they occurred in.

Tottenham’s dreadful Wembley record - seven defeats from their past nine visits - requires immediate improvement, especially considering Spurs dropped just four points at home in the whole of last season and here are three gone before the end of August.

​Pochettino insisted talk of a “jinx” must stop and dismissed the now familiar refrain about the increased pitch size but there was a reason why the club asked to have the dimensions reduced to something approximating the tighter surface at White Hart Lane - a move that was rejected by the Premier League.

After all, Chelsea’s caution may have been atypical for them but Tottenham can expect to face it a lot this season. Those familiar with Wembley often claim the surface is on the slow side, making Pochettino’s high-intensity style more taxing on his players. Therefore, strength in depth will become ever more important.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s claim Wembley will inspire opponents is simply something Spurs will have to get used to as a big club.

The same can be said for Old Trafford, Anfield, Emirates Stadium - anywhere with scope and tradition in its favour. Tottenham should expect the new White Hart Lane to evoke a similar mixture of awe and inspiration.

Although there was enough in this performance to suggest Spurs will eventually settle into their new environs, Pochettino’s tactical tweak to a 4-3-3 was not a total success as Luiz excelled in a midfield spoiler role alongside debutant Tiemoue Bakayoko and N’Golo Kante.

Leicester City’s miraculous title success of 2015-16 was founded on defensive resilience complemented by devastating counter-attacking, yet this is not a template Chelsea will follow.

Nor is it likely to be Conte’s preferred deployment, however, as Chelsea’s tactical caution here was the product of existing squad limitations which they, too, must address before the deadline passes in 10 days’ time.

Conte celebrated with typical vigour at full-time. This was a vital result in what increasingly appears to be a power struggle at Stamford Bridge between those watching the purse strings and a manager desperate to strengthen to stay ahead of the pack.

The Italian praised his “fighters”, while simultaneously dropping another reminder that the club must focus on transfer-market pursuits.

The final throes of the transfer window are often chaotic - a troubling proposition for Chelsea, who have redoubled their efforts to become more economically prudent.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is from the same parish yet revels in the thrust and parry of such brinkmanship. A busy time for both lies ahead.