Conte took a huge gamble and it looked for a long time like it had gone awry. Batshuayi led the line in Costa's absence with Willian operating in the areas the Belgian usually patrols. It was not quite a makeshift Chelsea side, but it was some way from Conte's strongest XI. Against the team who have emerged as Chelsea's only serious challengers in the Premier League, it was a bold move. There has been rumbling discontent with Costa's attitude behind the scenes since interest in a move to China emerged in January. It was hardly a surprise that the striker had fallen out with his manager. Even so, if omitting Hazard was Conte's attempt to prioritise the league, it could have had dangerous consequences.  Defeat to Spurs, who are despised at Stamford Bridge, would linger longer in the supporters' memories than even winning the title. Batshuayi is some way from the finished article. Apart from the first-half header he wasted, he had little impact on the game. He worked hard but offered little else. It was a matter of time before Costa replaced him.

Willian was different. His quickness off the mark and tendency to run into dangerous areas made him one of Chelsea's better performers. It was a surprise when he was withdrawn for Hazard. The Brazilian went straight down the tunnel and may have picked up a knock. The man who bailed his manager out, though, was Hazard. His influence changed the match completely. Conte will think twice about leaving him out again. Antonio Conte's gamble to leave Eden Hazard and Diego Costa on the bench paid off as Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-2 in a compelling FA Cup semifinal. Hazard came off the bench with half an hour to go, and his compelling cameo changed the game. He scored the goal that sent Chelsea in front for the third time and then set up Nemanja Matic to score the fourth.

Chelsea go into next month's FA Cup final with a chance to win the Double. Hazard and Costa will also be relatively fresh for their team's Premier League match against Southampton on Tuesday, where a victory would bring the title a step closer. Willian gave Conte's team the lead twice in the first half. Harry Kane and Dele Alli both leveled with brilliant goals, but Hazard had the last word. The Belgian was lurking on the edge of the area for a rare Chelsea corner and was in the perfect position when a headed clearance dropped out of the air. Hazard took one exquisite touch that set up the ball perfectly and then rifled his shot into the far corner. Conte's team were in front with one injection of class. Matic made it safe for Chelsea with 10 minutes remaining with a splendid shot from 25 yards after Hazard teed him up. The Belgian went on a mazy run inside the box before rolling the ball to the midfielder, whose shot gave Lloris no chance and made sure Chelsea reached the final. Hazard made all the difference.