Chelsea push Tottenham closer to relegation trouble after Stamford Bridge defeat
Chelsea kept their European qualification hopes alive and pushed Tottenham Hotspur deeper into relegation danger with a dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos secured the win for Chelsea, while Tottenham’s survival fight now heads into the final day of the Premier League season.
The defeat extended Spurs’ miserable record at Stamford Bridge, where they have won just once in 41 league visits.
Chelsea stay alive in European race
Despite recent struggles, including defeat in the FA Cup final, Chelsea produced one of their more composed performances under interim boss Calum McFarlane.
The result keeps the Blues mathematically alive in the race for European football ahead of incoming manager Xabi Alonso taking charge this summer.
Chelsea started nervously, with Tottenham threatening early through Mathys Tel and Jorrel Hato.
However, Fernandez broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a powerful long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.
The Argentine midfielder nearly doubled the advantage later in the half when his free-kick crashed against the crossbar.
Santos goal leaves Spurs in danger
Tottenham improved little after the break and were punished again in the second half.
A misplaced pass from Randal Kolo Muani allowed Cole Palmer to launch a quick attack before Pedro Neto provided the assist for Santos to calmly finish.
The second goal looked to have ended Spurs’ resistance before substitute Richarlison pulled one back late on after a fortunate deflection from Pape Sarr.
Tottenham pushed forward desperately in the closing stages, with James Maddison going close to an equaliser, but Chelsea held firm.
Final-day survival battle awaits Tottenham
The result means Tottenham’s relegation battle will now be decided on the final day of the campaign.
West Ham United remain within touching distance despite their recent poor form, leaving Spurs needing a positive result against Everton to secure survival.