Enzo Fernandez scored the only goal as Chelsea returned to fourth place in the Premier League after edging out Tottenham 1-0.
The Blues skipper headed home the winner from Cole Palmer’s 50th-minute cross, moving Enzo Maresca’s side back into UEFA Champions League qualifying positions.
Spurs were given a scare inside the opening 60 seconds, when Micky van de Ven’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Nicolas Jackson and back off the post.
Guglielmo Vicario then came to the visitors’ rescue in first half stoppage time, producing a magnificent reflex save to tip over Jadon Sancho’s goalbound drive.
However, the Tottenham goalkeeper was helpless as Chelsea broke through five minutes after the restart. Palmer delivered a delightful cross for an unmarked Fernandez to power home a header.
The Blues thought they had doubled their lead in the 56th minute when Moises Caicedo volleyed home, but his sweet strike was ruled out following a VAR review, with Levi Colwill having strayed offside during the build-up.
VAR also thwarted Tottenham, who appeared to have equalised out of nowhere through Pape Sarr. However, a subsequent review ruled he had fouled Caicedo before Robert Sanchez parried his long-range effort into the net.
Ultimately, Fernandez’s goal proved the difference as Tottenham were condemned to a 16th league defeat of the season, while heaping further pressure on Ange Postecoglou.
Eurosport