Grant angers Drogba

Sportsmail can reveal that the Chelsea striker approached a leading club official in the tunnel area at White Hart Lane and expressed his frustrations with the decisions that rocked the club's title aspirations.

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Drogba was particularly upset by the timing of Joe Cole's substitution. The Chelsea winger had scored a wonder goal that seemed to have won the game for Grant's side and he had clearly been the best player on the pitch.

Despite Cole's immense contribution to a thrilling game, he was replaced by Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack in the 82nd minute. Shortly afterwards, Robbie Keane scored Tottenham's third equaliser and left Chelsea trailing Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester United by five points.

Drogba, who scored Chelsea's opener, was also understood to be frustrated by the decision to bring on Alex as a sweeper.

Chelsea boss Grant reacted when Tottenham brought on Darren Bent and Alex was clearly seen to be told by Dutch coach Henk ten Cate to play as part of a 'back three' when he replaced Salomon Kalou in the 72nd minute. The decision to play Alex as a libero immediately backfired and it invited Tottenham to pile pressure on Chelsea's creaking defence.

Drogba spoke to assistant manager Steve Clarke as the players left the field on Wednesday night and demanded to know 'what was going on?'

That continued when he walked down the tunnel and he sought a leading club official for an explanation on how the club had 'thrown away' maximum points.

Although Grant's use of substitutes was put under the spotlight, former Chelsea defender Paul Elliott believes Chelsea's position in the Premier League can be linked to an adventurous approach — but one which can leave the team exposed.

Elliott said: "We can all get a little bit too analytical, too numerical about things. Chelsea have always had the capacity to grind out results, but their football has been a little bit different under Grant.

"They have let down the handbrake a little bit, but then again they are playing catch-up on Manchester United and Arsenal, so they know they have to win games and they can't afford to be defensive-minded. If you look at the Champions League tie against Olympiakos, because they started on level terms, they could play more of a calculated, measured game — a comfortable 0-0 away from home, then a comprehensive win at home. A manager will always work with a system that yields results.

"You have to look at Wednesday as just one of those games. Attacking-wise, Tottenham are as good as any team in the Premier League. They have more goals in their games than any other team in the League.

"Chelsea lost John Terry for periods of time and while Ricardo Carvalho and Alex have been outstanding, Terry is the daddy of the situation. He's so vital to the run-in with the experience he brings. The whole presence of John Terry is absolutely critical."

Elliott says Grant, whose side take on second-placed Arsenal on Sunday and next month face United in the League and Fenerbahce in the Champions League quarter-finals, will be judged on silverware, not style.

Elliott added: "I like Grant. I believe he has made an impact. But he's got to win a major trophy. He's got a good chance of doing it as well. It could come down to how Chelsea, United and Arsenal use their squads. That may be the key. And Chelsea have a big squad."