Tottenham led the derby at Stamford Bridge, giving supporters a rare chance to celebrate on Chelsea’s home patch.
In a place that caused Spurs so much pain, Roberto De Zerbi’s side took control and left Chelsea scrambling for a response as they ran out 2-0 winners in the London derby on Saturday.
Mike Penders converted Mateus Fernandes’ corner in the 77th minute before Matys Tel sealed victory with a brilliant run and finish.
Cole Palmer’s dismissal added to Chelsea’s misery, but Tottenham have already done plenty to justify their lead.
They were brave with the ball and continued to ask questions of the home defence, a mammoth result supporting their 3-1 victory over Coventry City and giving De Zerbi back-to-back league wins after a miserable opening to the campaign.
Total | Tottenham | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
Objectives | 2 | 0 |
Ownership | 68.9% | 31.1% |
Expected goals (xG) | 0.74 | 0.47 |
Total Shots | 15 | 7 |
Shots on target | 4 | 4 |
Shots blocked | 7 | 2 |
Big chances were missed | 1 | 1 |
Corners | 6 | 4 |
Accurate transmissions | 569 | 215 |
Transmission accuracy | 87% | 74.7% |
The goalkeeper saves | 4 | 3 |
Fouls were committed | 14 | 14 |
Yellow cards | 3 | 2 |
Red cards | 0 | 1 |
Spurs had to wait until the Coventry game for their first Premier League win of the season, but followed it up with their first league win at Chelsea since 2018 within days.
Even if there is still a lot of work to do, this is an exceptional turnaround in mood and De Zerbi now needs his squad to continue this improvement.
Contributions from his bench helped and Lilywhites veteran Ben Davies provided a timely reminder that he can still make a difference.
The defender scored an extra-time goal against Coventry to end a nervy finish, then came on late at Chelsea as Spurs maintained their lead, Davies still proving useful after being linked with an exit earlier this year.
De Zerbi needs players who can come into the game, understand the job and help the team finish it.
Ben Davies is set for a regular Tottenham role as De Zerbi backs new deal
De Zerbi also has a bigger role for Davies.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, the defender will get more game time in the coming months and his report said he would support a further year being added to the Welshman’s stay at Tottenham, given De Zerbi’s leadership and behind-the-scenes influence.
His influence within the squad is an important part of this thinking.
Davies is now 33, but O’Rourke’s renewal suggests his manager still sees a clear role for him as Spurs try to climb the table. His current contract runs through next summer after signing an extension in June.
Another deal could therefore keep him in North London outside the current campaign.
Davies’ own options remain uncertain, so an extension is still something to be decided, but he’s certainly earned the right to be in that conversation.
Davies joined from Swansea in 2014 and is now in his 13th season at Tottenham, following repeated changes in the dugout.
The presence of Andy Robertson, Micky van de Ven and Marcos Senesi means Davies faces competition, but De Zerbi still sees value in finding opportunities for him.
Any manager needs reliable votes, as well as players who can deliver when selected. More playing time for Davies will give him a chance to show he can continue to contribute beyond this season.
Keeping that experience available for the Spurs could seriously help them cope with the demands ahead.