Roberto De Zerbi restores Spurs' smile at Stamford Bridge
After a very difficult start to the season, Roberto De Zerbi gave the Spurs a decisive victory at Stamford Bridge, seeing them win 2‑0 against Chelsea thanks to an own goal by Mike Penders in the 77th minute and a strike from Mathys Tel three minutes later.
Match timeline
The Spurs dominated the first half, but it was in the final quarter-hour that the match opened up. In the 77th minute, Mike Penders scored an own goal, giving Tottenham the lead. Three minutes later, the dismissal of Cole Palmer reduced Chelsea’s numbers to ten men. Mathys Tel, the French striker, capped the evening by scoring the second goal, sealing the 2‑0.
This victory ends a black run of six consecutive defeats to the Blues in the Premier League, a sequence that weighed on the Spurs’ confidence. The result brings three valuable points after a laborious start to the campaign. The supporters praised the late comeback, hoping it will spark a new momentum.
De Zerbi’s comments
During the press conference preceding the derby, the Italian coach said: « No, non credo. Ho giocato contro il Chelsea solo una volta da quando sono allenatore del Tottenham. Questo dovrebbe essere una motivazione in più per noi ». He added that the past should not weigh on the players: « Non sono stato l'allenatore del Tottenham in passato. Non credo sia un problema. Abbiamo già molti problemi, ma questo non è uno di quelli ».
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De Zerbi also recalls that he has already experienced a similar evening at OM, when a big win at Metz had freed the team. This experience, according to him, shows that a benchmark success can revive a struggling group.
Despite this success, the Marseille‑born coach acknowledges that the difficulties are not fully resolved. He believes the result provides a breath of fresh air and a solid foothold for the rest of the campaign.
Penders' error condemns Chelsea and revives Tottenham
With the negative run against the Blues now erased, the planets finally seem better aligned for Tottenham. The Spurs hope to turn this momentum into regular performances in the upcoming fixtures.