Tottenham dragged into final-day survival scrap after narrow defeat at Chelsea
Chelsea claimed a 2-1 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The visitors carved out the first opportunity 11 minutes into the game when Pedro Porro found Mathys Tel at the back post, but his diving header struck the post.
At the other end, Cole Palmer could’ve fired the Blues ahead after he was teed up by Jorrel Hato, but his curling effort was palmed away by Antonin Kinsky.
In the 18th minute, Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in style, firing a stunning long-range effort into the top corner after being found by Pedro Neto.
Moments later, Liam Delap had a big chance to extend the Blues’ advantage as he connected with Marc Cucurella’s delivery, only to steer his shot off target.
On the half-hour mark, Fernández almost added a second, but his powerful free-kick crashed back off the crossbar.
Just before the break, Tel saw his curling effort float well over the bar before Palmer dragged his effort wide at the other end.
Shortly after the restart, Richarlison wasted two golden opportunities to bring Spurs level, first heading wide before failing to trouble Robert Sánchez with another close-range effort.
In the 67th minute, Andrey Santos doubled Chelsea’s lead, finishing off Fernandez’s pass from close range.
Seven minutes later, Richarlison pulled one back for the visitors after he tapped home Pape Matar Sarr’s backheel pass at the back post.
Deep into stoppage time, James Maddison could’ve sealed Spurs’ safety from a free kick, but he sent his effort well over the bar.
Chelsea move up to eighth and will travel to Sunderland on the final day with European qualification still in their sights, while Tottenham host Everton, needing a result to guarantee Premier League survival.
