With all eyes on Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night time, Chelsea reasserted native bragging rights in opposition to their historic rivals with a nail-biting 2-1 win in west London.
In what was the definition of a must-win showdown for each groups, a red-hot Enzo Fernandes took the lead after simply 18 minutes with a sensational 30-yard strike to offer Chelsea their first Premier League win since March 4.
The Blues doubled their lead with Brazilian teenager Andrei Santos scoring from shut vary with 23 minutes remaining, as information broke forward of Tuesday’s conflict that Xabi Alonso had been appointed as the most recent new supervisor within the west London dugout.
Richarlison might have sealed a grandstand end at Stamford Bridge with a backstick aim moments later, however Roberto Di Zerbi’s aspect suffered one other Premier League defeat in SW6 and the battle for top-flight security is formally over.
Forward of an extremely nerve-wracking battle between England’s fiercest rivals on Tuesday night time, we take a fast take a look at the important thing speaking factors.
Alonso’s arrival offers Chelsea a lift
Many had been left questioning what Chelsea would seem like upon their return to west London on Saturday afternoon, after struggling a heartbreaking late defeat within the FA Cup at Wembley, the place they finally misplaced 1-0 to Manchester Metropolis.
After seeing Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca go away the membership this 12 months, the Blues discovered themselves within the midst of a social disaster, breaking one undesirable document after one other.
Certainly, whereas Tuesday’s intense derby showdown started with them having picked up only one level of their final seven successive Premier League appearances, in addition they had an enormous battle to guide any European adventures for subsequent season.
Nevertheless, hours earlier than Tuesday’s conflict got here the shock announcement that former Actual Madrid supervisor Xabi Alonso had put pen to paper for a deal in SW6, with the Spanish tactician seeing his soon-to-be new group declare key reinforcements right here.
Chelsea will journey to Sunderland on Sunday afternoon to conclude their 2025/26 season after placing their European desires again on monitor with an astonishingly dominant efficiency in opposition to Spurs.
Tottenham missed a possibility to formally set up themselves
After watching West Ham endure a deserved 3-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, Tottenham traveled throughout the capital right here assured they may formally prolong their Premier League standing and keep away from the notorious relegation.
Di Zerbi’s aspect had been dreaming of a repeat efficiency once they arrived at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night time after back-to-back wins outdoors north London, with a 2-1 victory over Europa League finalists Aston Villa their final win on the highway.
But it surely was one other memorable night time for Spurs as they missed out on what they’d hoped can be a possible alternative to formally keep away from relegation and declare bragging rights in opposition to their historic opponents. The Premier League’s look ahead to security will prolong till the ultimate weekend.
Holding only a two-point buffer from being leapfrogged by probably the most notorious fad, Tottenham carry the load of the world on their shoulders and welcome European outsiders Everton to north London for what is likely one of the most vital showdowns of their historical past.
The previous Brighton supervisor will know that he has no time to sympathize together with his struggling aspect, who as soon as once more fell brief in SW6 and as soon as once more highlighted the group’s elementary contradictions.
Fernandes’ sensational marketing campaign in SW6
Fernandes might have been handed a two-match inside suspension by Chelsea bosses following his feedback in the course of the March worldwide break, however the Argentina worldwide has loved a sensational home marketing campaign in SW6.
The previous Benfica starlet has scored 29 objectives (16 objectives, 13 assists) immediately for membership and nation this season, with many query marks remaining over his future at Stamford Bridge and with the likes of Spanish giants Actual Madrid reportedly eager followers.
It is no surprise the Blues are eager to signal the 25-year-old from west London to a profitable new contract, after placing in one other man-of-the-match efficiency on the coronary heart of Chelsea’s midfield as he opened the scoring with a shocking strike on Tuesday night time.
Fernandes, whose inventory soared after scoring the winner within the FA Cup semi-final in opposition to Leeds at Wembley on April 26, can be anticipated to play a number one position for Argentina because the South American giants look to formally defend their World Cup crown this summer season.
Becoming a member of summer season recruit and former Brighton star Joao Pedro as the one gamers to attain in double figures within the Premier League this season, the previous River Plate teenager may additionally show himself to Alonso earlier than becoming a member of completely within the coming days.
Match report
Chelsea: Sanchez, Acheampong, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Andrei Santos, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Fernandez, Delap.
Sub: Sar, Charova, Esgo, Garnacho, Muca
Tottenham: Kinski, Polo, Danso, Van de Ven, Ubogui, Bentancur, Parinha, Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Inform, Richarlison.
Sub: Madison, Searle, Spence
the aim: Chelsea: Fernandes (18′), Andrei Santos (67′) – Tottenham: Richarlison (74′)
Yellow card: Chelsea: Delap, Hato, Cucurella, Essgo – Tottenham: Polo, Van de Ven, Udogi
Purple card: Not relevant
Referee: stuart atwell
