Tottenham suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, which pushes their Premier League survival battle to the final day of the season. Despite West Ham’s slip-up handing Spurs the perfect opportunity to secure their status with a single point, Roberto De Zerbi’s side squandered it in the most painful fashion, with Randal Kolo Muani’s moment of madness gifting Chelsea their decisive second goal. Richarlison’s late consolation was too little too late, and Tottenham must now beat Everton on Sunday to guarantee their survival.
Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings
Antonin Kinsky (5/10): Could have done better for Chelsea’s opener. However, it’s too much to ask for since you can’t take away the brilliance of Enzo Fernandez’s screamer. Didn’t have much to do in the second half as Chelsea looked lackluster in attack as well until Andrey Santos scored the second.
Pedro Porro (6/10): Was solid, although he was occasionally troubled by Cucurella’s pace. Did well offensively as well, but none of the crosses into the box actually proved fruitful.
Kevin Danso (4/10): Looked relatively solid for much of the second half alongside Van de Ven as the Spurs backline kept Chelsea relatively quiet after the break. Had a half-chance from a corner in the first half that never really threatened. Cannot be blamed for Kolo Muani’s error that led to the second goal, but was powerless to prevent the resulting damage.
Micky van de Ven (5/10): One of Tottenham’s better performers on the night. Was solid throughout the game and also kept Chelsea’s attack quiet.
Destiny Udogie (4/10): Struggled to make an impact both offensively and defensively. His overlapping runs were ill-timed and the service into his runs was inconsistent, leaving him unable to contribute the attacking threat that De Zerbi has come to rely on from the left side. One of the more subdued performances of his recent run in the team.
Joao Palhinha (4/10): A rather poor outing for the experienced vet. While he did start a bit brightly, thwarting Chelsea’s turnovers, his impact didn’t last long. He was nowhere near Fernandez when the Chelsea man struck for the opener, failing to close down a shot that he should have at least made more difficult.
Rodrigo Bentancur (4/10): Was kept quiet for a large part of the game by Moises Caicedo. Never really got going – a dismal outing for the Uruguayan.
Conor Gallagher (4/10): A disappointing display in the number ten role for the former Chelsea man, particularly in the first half where his influence was minimal. Had a shot on goal, but it was a tame effort.
Mathys Tel (5/10): Had Tottenham’s best chance of the first half but was unable to take it. Faded as the game progressed and was unable to create or find clear-cut opportunities in the second half when Spurs were pushing for an equaliser. A night that reflected the inconsistency that has characterised his campaign.
Richarlison (6/10): Yet another Richarlison goal in a losing cause. While he wasn’t very impactful otherwise, he was there when needed, converting Sarr’s hardwork to momentarily give the Lilywhites hope.
Randal Kolo Muani (2/10): A horror show from start to finish until he was substituted. Kolo Muani looked totally out of place.
Substitutes
James Maddison (5/10): Came on to replace Kolo Muani after the fatal error and immediately provided the creativity and intelligence Tottenham had been desperately lacking. Came close with a blocked effort following neat link-up play with Richarlison and brought a sense of calm purpose that the team had been sorely missing. Could have done better with the late freekick attempt.
Pape Matar Sarr (6/10): Came on and offered genuine attacking threat, getting into dangerous positions and providing the assist for Richarlison’s consolation. One of the more positive impacts from the bench on an otherwise miserable night.
Djed Spence (5/10): Came on and slotted into a left wing role as Spurs reshuffled in search of a goal, playing a part in the move that led to Tottenham’s goal. A decent cameo in difficult circumstances.