Chelsea vs Tottenham lit up Stamford Bridge in classic London derby fashion, with everything from stunning goals and VAR drama to emotional fan reactions.
In the end, it was Chelsea who walked away with the all-important three points, while Tottenham’s troubles deepened and pressure mounted on manager Ange Postecoglou.
The only goal of the game came from Enzo Fernández, whose second-half header was enough to seal victory for the Blues and push them into the Premier League’s top four.
It was a well-deserved win for Enzo Maresca’s side, who dominated large spells and showcased their growing maturity as a team chasing Champions League football.
From the first whistle, Chelsea vs Tottenham delivered the kind of high-intensity action fans expect from this fierce rivalry. The Blues were aggressive, confident, and on the front foot, while Spurs looked anxious, passive, and disconnected.
Cole Palmer, back in the starting XI, was electric in the final third, linking up beautifully with Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho. Palmer’s clever footwork and vision kept Spurs on the back foot, while Moisés Caicedo and Fernández ran the midfield like a well-oiled machine.
Tottenham, meanwhile, couldn’t keep possession and repeatedly misplaced passes. Ange Postecoglou’s game plan never really took shape, and the fans let him know it.
Enzo Fernández Delivers When It Matters
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute. Palmer whipped in a dangerous cross from the right, and Enzo Fernández — unmarked in the box — powered a header past Guglielmo Vicario. It was a deserved goal after Chelsea had spent much of the match probing and pressing.
The Argentina international was everywhere: defending, creating, and leading by example. In a game filled with tension, Enzo’s composure stood out. His goal was the defining moment in this Chelsea vs Tottenham battle, pushing the Blues back into the Premier League top four.
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VAR Chaos and Fan Fury
No Chelsea vs Tottenham match would be complete without some controversy. Spurs thought they’d equalised when substitute Pape Sarr rifled a long-range shot past Robert Sánchez, sparking wild celebrations from the away end.
Postecoglou, under fire from his own supporters for taking off young midfielder Lucas Bergvall, even turned to the fans and cupped his ears in a moment of open defiance.
But VAR had the last say.
After a lengthy six-minute review, it was ruled that Sarr had fouled Caicedo in the build-up. The goal was disallowed, Sarr was booked, and Postecoglou’s rage simmered on the touchline. It was a gut-punch for Spurs — and a huge let-off for Chelsea.
Chelsea vs Tottenham: Key Match Stats
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Final Score: Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham
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Goal Scorer: Enzo Fernández (50’)
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Possession: Chelsea 53% – Tottenham 47%
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Shots on Target: Chelsea 6 – Spurs 2
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VAR Decisions: Two disallowed goals (Caicedo and Sarr)
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Fouls: Chelsea 16 – Spurs 7
Chelsea’s Top Four Dream Very Much Alive
For Enzo Maresca, this win is massive. With key players like Palmer, Jackson, and Sancho returning and clicking, Chelsea are starting to look like a real top-four contender.
Their press was coordinated, their defence solid, and their control in midfield absolute. While they’ll regret not killing the game off sooner — Vicario’s stunning save from Sancho in stoppage-time was world-class — they showed enough grit to hold on.
This was win #1 of the six Maresca believes will secure Champions League qualification. If they play like this, few will bet against them making it.
Spurs’ Season in Tatters?
For Tottenham, it was another painful chapter in a season that’s quickly slipping away. This was Postecoglou’s fourth straight defeat to Chelsea and yet another game where Spurs lacked identity and structure.
Despite having most of their stars available, the team looked lost. Son Heung-min barely got a sniff. James Maddison was a passenger. Their only true attacking threat came during Chelsea’s brief late wobble.
Worse still, the fans have started to turn. Chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” aimed at Postecoglou tell the story. His future now likely hinges on Europa League success, with a crucial quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt looming.
This Chelsea vs Tottenham clash was a tale of two clubs moving in opposite directions. Chelsea are finding rhythm, confidence, and tactical identity under Maresca. Spurs, meanwhile, are spiraling and losing the trust of their fanbase.
With Fernández shining, Palmer returning, and the top four in sight, Chelsea look poised for a strong finish. Spurs? They need answers — and fast.
If you’re a Chelsea fan, the road ahead suddenly looks full of promise. If you’re a Spurs supporter, this derby defeat cuts deep — not just because of the result, but because of what it says about where the club is heading.
