Key Takeaways:
- Enzo Fernández scored the only goal as Chelsea defeated Spurs 1-0 at Stamford Bridge
- Two goals — one from each side — were overturned by VAR decisions during a thrilling contest
- Chelsea climbed to fourth place on 52 points, overtaking Manchester City temporarily
Match Analysis
Chelsea claimed a vital 1-0 victory over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a pulsating clash at Stamford Bridge, reclaiming a spot in the Premier League’s top four. The match’s decisive moment came in the 50th minute, when Cole Palmer sent a pinpoint delivery into the area that Enzo Fernández met with a glancing header, leaving Guglielmo Vicario rooted to the spot.
The contest was far from short of drama, as both sides had goals chalked off following lengthy VAR reviews. Chelsea found themselves denied a second goal after Moisés Caicedo’s promising strike was pulled back due to Levi Colwill interfering from an offside position. Tottenham, too, thought they had found a way back through Pape Sarr, only for VAR to rule that he had fouled Caicedo in the build-up.
First-Half
The home side nearly broke the deadlock seconds after kick-off when Nicolas Jackson went one-on-one with Vicario, but the Italian keeper stood firm. The danger wasn’t over, however, as Micky van de Ven’s attempted clearance deflected off Jackson and crashed against the post.
Spurs responded swiftly, with Son Heung-min testing Chelsea’s defence, only to be blocked by Marc Cucurella. Moments later, Malo Gusto unleashed a thunderous drive from outside the area, narrowly missing the target as Chelsea controlled early territory in the final third.
The tempo remained relentless throughout the first half. One of the clearest chances came just before the interval when Pedro Neto’s lofted ball released Jadon Sancho inside the area. The winger’s tight-angled strike forced a fine stop from Vicario, preserving the goalless score heading into the break.
3 – Enzo Fernández is the third Chelsea midfielder to score home and away against Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League season after Roberto Di Matteo (1996-97) and Gus Poyet (1998-99). Trio. pic.twitter.com/unUz4DvGdk
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 3, 2025
Second-Half Drama and VAR Controversies
The turning point arrived just five minutes into the second period. Cole Palmer, integral once more for the Blues, swerved in a beautiful cross that Fernández timed perfectly, nodding in a clinical finish for his sixth goal of the campaign in all competitions.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Chelsea piled on pressure and appeared to double their advantage via Caicedo’s composed finish from just outside the box after a poorly cleared free-kick. However, VAR intervention ruled that Colwill was interfering from an offside position — despite inconclusive camera angles — prompting a lengthy delay before disallowing the goal.
Tottenham finally appeared to claw their way back in the 70th minute when Pape Sarr lashed in a blistering strike after dispossessing Caicedo. But VAR once again took centre stage, ruling that the ball had been gained via an illegal challenge, and referee Craig Pawson overturned the equaliser after reviewing the monitor.
Closing Moments and Table Impact
Tottenham came inches away from salvaging a point in stoppage time. Brennan Johnson escaped down the right and picked out Son Heung-min, who met the cross with a crisp effort. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez reacted sharply to smother the attempt just before it crossed the line.
With this result, Chelsea move into fourth on 52 points, one ahead of Manchester City and five adrift of third-placed Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Tottenham extend their winless run and sit 14th, still stranded on 34 points.