Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur: Santos strike keeps Blues’ European hopes alive as Spurs remain in danger
Chelsea claimed a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
The Blues are now in eighth place and could still qualify for Europe, while Spurs are 17th, two points above the relegation zone.
Mathys Tel had an early chance to put Spurs ahead, but was denied by the woodwork.
Chelsea responded quickly, with Antonin Kinsky tipping away Cole Palmer’s curling shot from the edge of the box.
Enzo Fernandez broke the deadlock in the 18th minute, rifling a powerful shot past Kinsky after receiving a pass from Pedro Neto.
The Argentine almost doubled the Blues’ lead on the half-hour mark from a free-kick, but was denied by the goal frame.
Spurs could not muster a response before the break, but started the second half well.
Richarlison forced Robert Sanchez to make a save just before the hour mark with a header from near the penalty spot.
Fernandez turned provider in the 67th minute, teeing up Andrey Santos, who swept the ball home to score his first Premier League goal and give the hosts a two-goal lead.
Richarlison made amends for his earlier miss as he halved the visitors’ deficit. The Brazilian bundled the ball home from Pape Sarr’s flick.
Chelsea had Jorrel Hato to thank as he produced a vital block to deny James Maddison a chance to complete the comeback late on.
