Tottenham Hotspur secured a significant 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, a result that propelled the club to 12th in the Premier League standings.
This climb marks the side’s highest league position since January 2 and provides a much-needed morale boost following consecutive 17th-placed finishes. And, after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes, there are growing signs Roberto de Zerbi’s side are showing there is real light at the end of a pretty dark tunnel. Italian De Zerbi was appointed Spurs boss at the end of March 2026 with the club in crisis.
The victory represents only the second time in 42 attempts that the club has achieved back-to-back league wins. But could Spurs finally be on their way back, whisper it quietly. Yes Maddison got injured and he’ll be a question mark over the next few weeks, but players coming back, momentum coming back – you feel, and say it quietly, Tottenham might just be coming back, when you look at the players coming back. With seven games remaining, Tottenham were just one point clear of the drop zone, he arrived as the club’s third manager of the campaign and. And, after a slow start to the campaign and still lacking firepower in attack, the long-suffering Tottenham fans will be left feeling more positive than they have done for a long time. Which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table, spurs had almost 70% possession. He has previously spoken of how he inherited players that cried after matches and lost all confidence – and believed his unprecedented control over the summer transfers was vindication for Spurs from last season. Who missed almost all of last season with a serious knee injury, was key in Monday’s 3-1 home victory over Coventry City – and he again looked impressive before being withdrawn in the second half with a suspected groin injury, the return of Maddison. Including Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski, who are making comebacks from lengthy absences, maddison is part of a returning group of players.
The performance was characterized by dominant possession, with the team controlling 68% of the ball—a milestone not reached since April 2025. While Chelsea’s goalkeeper Mike Penders contributed to the deficit by punching the opener into his own net, the win was viewed by observers as a deserved statement of progress. The result also marked the first time Tottenham kept a clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since 1986. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green added on Radio 5 Live: “A dream afternoon for Tottenham. Looked at ease, they looked like they were comfortable on the ball, they looked controlled. Isn’t he, he’s like the Artful Dodger. I thought Tel was magnificent out on the left-hand side, [Mohammed] Kudus on the right was also really effective, and everybody really managed to handle the ball really well on the night. I think it was Tonali’s best game since joining Tottenham.
Key Match and Club Updates
- Match Possession: Spurs recorded 68% possession, their highest mark since April 2025.
- Defensive Milestone: The team secured their first clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since 1986.
- Summer Investment: The club invested over £300m in new signings during the summer, a record in their history.
- Managerial Tenure: Roberto de Zerbi took charge in late March 2026, inheriting a team then fighting to avoid relegation.
- Player Status: James Maddison, instrumental in the recent run, was substituted with a suspected groin injury.
- Recent Form: Spurs are now unbeaten in three matches, including a draw at Manchester United and two consecutive wins.
- Personnel Notes: Mathys Tel and summer arrivals Jan Paul van Hecke, Matheus Fernandes, and Sandro were highlighted for their contributions.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi noted a shift in the internal culture at the club following a candid team meeting held after the Manchester United fixture. “We removed the masks and spoke honestly and clearly in front of ourselves,” he explained.
De Zerbi emphasized that the recent improvement stems from building different relationships within the squad and changing the group’s overall spirit, specifically citing the maturity of Archie Gray and the performance of Mathys Tel. Especially some of the more fragile players, maybe the younger players, we have changed the spirit of the group and improved the performances of the players.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised the performance, highlighting the impact of James Maddison, whom he described as “magnificent” in midfield.
While Maddison remains a concern due to his second-half injury, De Zerbi expressed hope that the issue is not severe. Despite another injury setback for Maddison, it left De Zerbi glowing with positivity.
The manager also commended his new signings, specifically Jan Paul van Hecke, Matheus Fernandes, and Sandro, for their roles in the current defensive and tactical structure. It was notable Fernandes, 22, was criticised by his manager last month.
The club’s summer recruitment saw them twice break their transfer record as they sought to provide De Zerbi with the tools to restore the team to form.
Forward Mathys Tel, who has faced criticism since his £30m arrival from Bayern Munich in June 2025, played a starring role in the win. Following the final whistle, De Zerbi celebrated on the pitch with the traveling supporters, signaling a turning point in his rebuild. While his coaches and substitutes raced towards the players in the corner of the ground, de Zerbi ran on to the pitch to celebrate with the travelling supporters at the final whistle. Who has attracted criticism from his own supporters since arriving from Bayern Munich for £30m in June 2025, provided the decisive moment to seal just a second league success in 36 years at Chel, it was fitting that Tel.
Matheus Fernandes reinforced the goal of changing the club’s trajectory, stating, “We are here to change the club’s mentality; we want to beat the top teams.” Despite the long-term challenges of rebuilding a squad that struggled with confidence, the atmosphere following the derby victory suggested that the first phase of De Zerbi’s project is gaining momentum.
Important Details
- The French forward, 21, told Sky Sports: “It is very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win. We showed great mentality today and we need to enjoy this win.
- The goal is something special for me, I’m happy about it and let’s keep pushing now, we created a lot of chances today. We walk out together.
