Chelsea held off a spirited Tottenham comeback to claim a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernández and Andrey Santos scoring to secure three crucial points in the Premier League.
Chelsea entered the match sitting 10th in the table with 49 points from 36 games. Tottenham arrived in 17th place with 38 points, desperate for a positive result. The Blues had stumbled recently with four consecutive losses, while Spurs showed mixed form heading into this London derby.
Chelsea struck early and decisively. Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in the 18th minute, giving the home side a commanding start. The Argentine midfielder's finish sent Stamford Bridge into raptures and set the tone for the opening period.
Tottenham struggled to gain a foothold in the first half. Porro received a yellow card in the 28th minute for a reckless challenge. Van de Ven followed suit in the 43rd minute, picking up a caution as Spurs grew increasingly frustrated.
Chelsea controlled possession for much of the opening 45 minutes. The home team's passing accuracy reached 84 percent, with 424 total passes completed. Tottenham dominated the ball statistically, yet Chelsea's clinical approach proved more effective early on.
The second half began with Tottenham applying greater pressure. However, Chelsea extended their lead in the 67th minute when Andrey Santos fired home a well-taken goal. Santos' finish appeared to have settled the contest at 2-0.
Spurs refused to surrender. Richarlison pulled one back in the 74th minute, sparking hope of a dramatic turnaround. The Brazilian's goal set up a tense finale as Tottenham pressed forward in search of an equalizer.
Udogie received a yellow card in the 63rd minute as Tottenham's frustration mounted. Chelsea's defense held firm despite Spurs' late pressure. The visitors created chances but could not find the breakthrough.
Chelsea accumulated four yellow cards in the closing stages as they defended their narrow advantage. Hato, Cucurella, Delap, and Essugo all received cautions. Tottenham's expected goals total of 1.72 exceeded Chelsea's 0.63, yet the home side converted their chances more efficiently.
Fernández delivered an outstanding performance, earning a rating of 8.6 and completing an assist alongside his goal. Santos matched his midfield partner's quality with a rating of 8.0 and decisive finishing. Richarlison's goal kept Spurs in the contest but ultimately proved insufficient.
The statistics revealed a tightly contested match. Both teams managed nine total shots, though Chelsea's accuracy proved superior. Possession favored Tottenham at 56 percent, yet Chelsea's efficiency made the difference.
This victory lifts Chelsea to 52 points, maintaining their mid-table position. Tottenham remains in 17th place with 38 points, their relegation battle intensifying. The result reflects Chelsea's improved form after recent struggles.
