Chelsea hand West Ham survival lifeline with victory over Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Randal Kolo Muani (right) stand dejected after Chelsea's Andrey Santos scored his side's second goal. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Has there ever been a worse day to be a Tottenham fan? Spurs supporters were already fearing the worst when they checked their phones after an hour at Stamford Bridge to find Arsenal had won the title; but a tepid performance in a 2-1 defeat at hated rivals Chelsea has far more serious consequences.
It leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s side still in a relegation fight, only two points above third-from-bottom West Ham with just one more game to go - at home to Everton on Sunday - to save their Premier League skins. With West Ham playing Leeds United at the London Stadium the same afternoon, anxiety is sweeping through the ranks.
There was also anger in the away end when Marc Cucurella was shown a yellow card for fouling Micky van de Ven at a late corner as they chased an equaliser – but referee Stuart Attwell failed to give a penalty, insisting the ball was not yet in play when the foul was committed. Which rather summed it all up for a Spurs team that waited too long to wake up.
The target for Spurs here was clear. They began the match two points ahead of relegation rivals West Ham and with a 13-goal advantage on goal difference. Even a point would keep them up and ensure the turnaround under new manager Roberto De Zerbi would be completed.
The fact they were playing a Chelsea side that had won just twice in their last 13 matches and was on an emotional low after losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City last weekend, made them favourites to do exactly that.
But that didn’t take into account the unusual rivalry between these two clubs.
It’s a mutual hatred that is fan-driven, genuine and febrile.
As a result, Stamford Bridge hasn’t been happy a place to play for Spurs, who arrived in west London having won just once there since 1990. Not exactly ideal when Premier League survival is on the line.
Chelsea supporters, after a thoroughly miserable season that has seen two managers sacked, smelled an opportunity to wallow in someone else’s misery instead.
An announcement that Xabi Alonso will be in charge next season added to the mix, although this game was not his show – he won’t arrive until July.
Chelsea, who left out Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill despite starting last weekend at Wembley, appeared roused by a chance to beat their rivals and lift some of the gloom in west London skies.
Tottenham did come agonisingly close to opening the scoring with a diving header from Mathys Tel which hit the inside of the post and then was somehow kept out by Chelsea’s much-maligned goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
But minutes later, Cole Palmer tested Antonin Kinsky from long range and that was a warning sign that Tottenham failed to heed.
In the 18th minute, Chelsea tried again – through Enzo Fernandez from a similar spot – and this time the effort flew too easily past Kinsky as Spurs fans sunk back into their seats.
That’s 16 goals and six assists this season for the Argentina international, who has faced his own deluge of criticism since arriving in west London – and he almost made it 17 goals with a free-kick that grazed the crossbar soon after.
Tottenham fans must have expected an improved performance after the break with the enigmatic De Zerbi famous for his half-time grillings; but the improvement was not to the level they hoped for.
Chelsea looked relatively comfortable with their lead, without seriously threatening to extend it, and were able to enjoy a rate positive atmosphere at the Bridge as the expected fire and passion from their opponents failed to arrive.
De Zerbi finally lost his patience in the 67th minute, preparing to bring on three subs. But he had waited too long – because as Spence, Sarr and Maddison stood on the sidelines, Andrey Santos slid home at the far post for 2-0, with Fernandez the provider.
There was hope after 74 minutes, however, when a flowing move, and a back-heel from Sarr, set up Richarlison for 2-1. But it was too little, too late, despite a sudden burst of passion in the final minutes.
Tottenham now face an agonising final day of the season, although at least the outcome is in their own hands (and it never really felt that way in this match).
For Chelsea, the win was bittersweet in that Bournemouth’s draw against Manchester City means they can no longer qualify for the Champions League, despite moving up to eighth above west London rivals Brentford.
But there is hope of a Europa League or Conference League spot as they head to Sunderland for a European showdown on the final day.
Not exactly what they set out to achieve this season but a silver lining on a day when Tottenham fans were experiencing very different emotions.
Sanchez 6; Acheampong 6 (Chalobah 74; 6), Fofana 7 (Sarr 81; 6), Hato 7, Cucurella 6; Caicedo 7, Andrey Santos 7; Palmer 7 (Essugo 89; 5), Fernandez 8, Neto 6 (Garnacho 89; 5), Delap 5 (Mhueka 89; 5)
Kinsky 7; Porro 6, Danso 6, Van de Ven 6, Udogie 5 (Spence 69; 6); Gallagher 6, Palhinha 5 (Sarr 69; 7), Muani 5 (Maddison 69; 6),Bentancur 5, Tel 6; Richarlison 5
Stuart Attwell
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
