Tottenham Hotspur finally conquered Stamford Bridge yesterday, beating Chelsea FC by 2 goals to nil halting an 8-year winless run at the Bridge.
An own goal from Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders and a stunning solo effort from Mathys Tel sealed all three points for Roberto De Zerbi’s side in heavy rain yesterday.
The victory gives Spurs consecutive Premier League wins and renewed belief after a difficult start to the campaign following a major summer rebuild.
Spurs came into the game buoyed by Monday’s win over Coventry City, but this was a very difficult test against fierce rivals, and they passed it.
Tottenham produced an encouraging first half but reached the interval without reward.
De Zerbi’s side moved the ball confidently, with James Maddison helping them navigate Chelsea’s press and control the midfield.
Chelsea offered an early warning when Cole Palmer forced Antonin Kinsky into a diving save. Mohammed Kudus curled wide for Spurs before they created their best chance in the 29th minute.
Andy Robertson combined with Tel down the left to find Omar Marmoush, but his close-range effort was saved by Penders, keeping the game goalless at halftime
Tottenham suffered an early setback after the restart when Maddison was forced off injured just after his return with Conor Gallagher replacing him.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute. Mateus Fernandes delivered a corner and under pressure from Jan Paul van Hecke, Penders punched the ball into his own net.
Chelsea’s response quickly unravelled. Cole Palmer, already booked after an altercation with Fernandes, received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Gallagher, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Tel then settled the contest in spectacular fashion in the 87th minute, collecting the ball inside his own half, surging past the Chelsea defence, and drilling a low finish past the Belgian number two.
The win means Tottenham have now recorded their 2nd victory at Stamford Bridge in 37 league meetings played at that venue making it a memorable derby victory for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
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Story by Xavier Mensah|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by John Foh
