Tottenham Hotspur’s 2‑0 victory over Chelsea last Saturday marked a turning point for a club that has struggled to find form this season. The win, achieved at Stamford Bridge, was the first Spurs triumph in that venue in any competition since December 1986 and the second overall in 34 Premier League meetings with the Blues. The result lifted the team three points out of the relegation zone and brought them closer to the top six, raising hopes that the new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has finally unlocked the squad’s potential.
The season began with Tottenham languishing in 17th place, having secured only a single win against promoted Coventry. Early defeats, including a 3‑0 loss to Aston Villa in which the team failed to score until the 86th minute, suggested that the new signings would need time to gel. Since the international break, however, Spurs have shown marked improvement, drawing 1‑1 at Manchester United and winning 3‑1 at Coventry in a match that, despite an 0.86 expected‑goals (xG) tally, demonstrated their growing confidence. The Chelsea match further highlighted the team’s progress, with Spurs dominating possession (68.9 %) and creating numerous dangerous positions, even though their xG remained low at 0.74.
A key factor in the win was the performance of summer acquisition Mateus Fernandes, who started at the base of the midfield for the first time. Fernandes, who had been sidelined by injuries and a recent family event, was instrumental in controlling the game, recording 124 touches, 92.2 % pass completion, and five tackles. He also executed 27 line‑breaking passes, 21 of which were made under pressure, a feat unmatched in the league so far. His presence allowed Spurs to press Chelsea effectively and transition the ball from defense to attack with greater reliability, a quality De Zerbi has long sought.
Despite the positive momentum, Tottenham still face a mixed schedule. Their next five fixtures—against Crystal Palace, Leeds, Ipswich, Sunderland, and Fulham—are statistically the easiest in the league, offering a chance to extend the winning run. A string of victories here could see Spurs achieve a seven‑game winning streak, a feat only Aston Villa managed last season. However, the team will then confront a challenging sequence against Arsenal, Liverpool, Brighton, Bournemouth, and Manchester City, which could test the resilience they have begun to build.
De Zerbi praised the team’s mental and tactical development, noting improvements in player relationships and on‑pitch performance. While Tottenham remain three points from the relegation zone, they are now just two points shy of the top six, signalling a shift from survival to ambition. The club’s recent success at Stamford Bridge suggests that, with continued consistency, Spurs can continue to climb the table and fulfill the vision set out by their new manager.