Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, boosting their chances for European competition and significantly hindering their London rivals’ prospects for next season’s Champions League qualification.
Trevoh Chalobah initiated the scoring with a robust header from a Conor Gallagher free-kick midway through the first half. The goal stood following a prolonged VAR review for a potential obstruction by Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella on Brennan Johnson.
Tottenham struggled to forge opportunities, with Cristian Romero missing their best chance by heading wide from close range in the first half.
Chelsea solidified their lead in the 71st minute when Cole Palmer’s free-kick hit the bar, allowing Nicolas Jackson to nod in the rebound.
The win lifted Chelsea to eighth place, just two points shy of Newcastle in seventh, which could lead to a European slot.
Tottenham now sits seven points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, although they have a game in hand. Their loss also ensured that Liverpool secured their spot in the 2024-25 Champions League.
Chelsea’s strong home form continues
Chelsea had suffered only one defeat in their previous 17 home matches across all competitions, a loss to Wolves back in February.
They delivered another strong performance in this match, with Nicolas Jackson proving a significant threat to the Spurs defense.
Early in the game, Jackson had a promising opportunity when he broke through but his shot was partially blocked by Guglielmo Vicario, and Micky van de Ven cleared it from the line.
Van de Ven’s clearance landed directly with Cole Palmer, who was unable to convert from close range.
With 14 first-team players sidelined due to injuries and a bench brimming with youth — 21-year-old Cesare Casadei being the eldest — manager Mauricio Pochettino had to depend heavily on his starting lineup to secure a win in his 400th game managing in English football.
Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke frequently troubled Tottenham with their counterattacks, although they struggled to deliver the final pass that could have extended Chelsea’s lead to three goals.
Interim captain Conor Gallagher, who had assisted the opening goal, delivered a commendable performance, much to the delight of the fans who had shown their support with a pre-game banner.
Gallagher, whose contract is up for renewal next year, is on the market, with Tottenham among the potential suitors showing interest.
Tottenham slip further behind in race for fourth
Ange Postecoglou made five changes from the team that was defeated in the north London derby last weekend, but the adjustments failed to spark his Tottenham side into action.
The Australian appeared visibly frustrated during the first half, directing much of his displeasure towards midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Tottenham’s recent form has seen them lose three consecutive Premier League games, diminishing their hopes and chances of securing a Champions League spot.
They now find themselves seven points behind Aston Villa, who can clinch fourth place by winning two of their remaining three matches, even if Tottenham manage to win their remaining four.
Moreover, Tottenham has struggled defensively, maintaining just two clean sheets in their last 25 Premier League matches and conceding from another set piece in this game.
Player of the match: Conor Gallagher