Chelsea produced one of their most complete performances of the season to beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a result that sees the Blues leap from ninth to fourth in the Premier League table.
Joao Pedro’s 34th-minute finish, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Micky van de Ven, ultimately decided a one-sided London derby that showcased Chelsea’s growing maturity and attacking fluidity under Enzo Maresca. While the scoreline remained narrow, the gulf in quality was significant Chelsea registered 2.92 expected goals to Tottenham’s 0.05, and might have run up a much larger score but for the heroics of Guglielmo Vicario in the Spurs goal.
The contest began in cagey fashion, with both sides struggling to establish rhythm in a scrappy opening 20 minutes. But once Chelsea settled, they took control through midfield dominance, led by Reece James in an advanced central role and the tireless Moisés Caicedo breaking up play.
Chelsea’s opener arrived after a passage that summed up their intensity. Caicedo twice dispossessed Tottenham players in succession before Van de Ven’s loose touch gifted possession to Joao Pedro. The Brazilian made no mistake, rifling into the top-left corner past the helpless Vicario to make it 1-0.
From there, Chelsea took charge. Garnacho and Neto both went close before half-time, while James continued to dictate play with precision passing and composure. Tottenham, by contrast, were disjointed and uncharacteristically flat, managing just a single meaningful effort through Mohammed Kudus which Robert Sanchez palmed away comfortably.
The second half followed the same pattern Chelsea relentless in possession, Tottenham chasing shadows. Neto, Fernandez, and Gittens all had chances to double the lead, only for Vicario to keep the home side alive with a series of outstanding stops. Even in stoppage time, the Italian denied Joao Pedro again one-on-one to prevent a heavier defeat.
Tottenham’s best moment after the break came from Rodrigo Bentancur’s half-chance inside the box, but Reece James’ block summed up Chelsea’s defensive resilience. The hosts’ frustration grew, with Kudus and Sarr both wasteful when rare openings appeared.
For Enzo Maresca, this was a statement win a tactical masterclass in control, pressing, and patience. His side have now won all three London derbies this season, and their fifth league victory puts them firmly back among the early top-four contenders.
Tottenham, meanwhile, extended their winless home run to four matches. Thomas Frank’s men looked bereft of ideas and intensity, and though they remain third on goal difference, the pressure is mounting ahead of a testing run of fixtures.
The North London crowd could only watch as Chelsea’s young side dictated proceedings, their energy, balance, and attacking cohesion a reflection of Maresca’s clear philosophy taking shape. On this evidence, the Blues’ ambitions of rejoining the Premier League elite are rapidly becoming reality.
