Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 triumph over Chelsea on Saturday has moved the club to 12th in the Premier League, their highest position since January 2. But could Spurs finally be on their way back, whisper it quietly. Yes Maddison got injured and he’ll be a question mark over the next few weeks, but players coming back, momentum coming back – you feel, and say it quietly, Tottenham might just be coming back, when you look at the players coming back. Italian De Zerbi was appointed Spurs boss at the end of March 2026 with the club in crisis. With seven games remaining, Tottenham were just one point clear of the drop zone, he arrived as the club’s third manager of the campaign and. Which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table, spurs had almost 70% possession.
Following consecutive 17th-place finishes, the victory provides tangible evidence that manager Roberto de Zerbi’s ongoing rebuild is beginning to take root. And, after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes, there are growing signs Roberto de Zerbi’s side are showing there is real light at the end of a pretty dark tunnel.
This result marks only the second time in 42 attempts that Tottenham have achieved back-to-back league wins, building on a recent resurgence. Saturday’s impressive win at Stamford Bridge was just the second time they have won two league games in a row in 42 attempts – inspired by starring roles from James Maddison and Mathys Tel. From that moment, I think something started to change within us. Looked at ease, they looked like they were comfortable on the ball, they looked controlled. And, after a slow start to the campaign and still lacking firepower in attack, the long-suffering Tottenham fans will be left feeling more positive than they have done for a long time. Isn’t he, he’s like the Artful Dodger. I thought Tel was magnificent out on the left-hand side, [Mohammed] Kudus on the right was also really effective, and everybody really managed to handle the ball really well on the night.
The performance at Stamford Bridge was bolstered by 68% possession, the highest figure for the team since April 2025.
Tottenham, who failed to score a single goal until September 1 this season, look significantly transformed. The breakthrough win came after a challenging start, with the team currently unbeaten in three matches following a hard-fought draw against Manchester United and a 3-1 victory over Coventry City earlier this week. He has previously spoken of how he inherited players that cried after matches and lost all confidence – and believed his unprecedented control over the summer transfers was vindication for Spurs from last season.
Key Match and Tactical Developments
- Result: 2-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
- Clean Sheet: First league clean sheet at Chelsea since 1986.
- Positional Shift: Climbed to 12th in the Premier League.
- Attacking Figures: Mathys Tel provided the decisive goal, while James Maddison delivered a notable performance.
- Management Background: Roberto de Zerbi took charge in March 2026, inheriting a team fighting against relegation.
- Investment: The club committed over £300m in summer signings to support the squad overhaul.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi credited the upturn in form to a candid team meeting held prior to the Manchester United fixture.
Reflecting on the shift in culture, De Zerbi noted that the squad had removed their masks to speak honestly with one another, fostering better relationships and a sharper competitive spirit. We had a big meeting,” he said. “We removed the masks and spoke honestly and clearly in front of ourselves, before Manchester we spoke a lot. But different relationships with the players, different relationships within the group, not a different attitude. Especially some of the more fragile players, maybe the younger players, we have changed the spirit of the group and improved the performances of the players.
While the manager expressed concern over a suspected groin injury to James Maddison, who was substituted in the second half, he remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green suggested the result could serve as a catalyst for the remainder of the season. He noted that despite the uncertainty surrounding Maddison’s fitness, the return of momentum could signal a true turnaround for the club. Analysts including Martin Keown praised the performance, highlighting the impact of summer arrivals like Mathys Tel and the tactical effectiveness of the midfield. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green added on Radio 5 Live: “A dream afternoon for Tottenham. According to tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance,” former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, Sport.
French forward Mathys Tel, who moved to the club from Bayern Munich for £30m in June 2025, expressed his delight at securing such a long-awaited result at Chelsea. Who has attracted criticism from his own supporters since arriving from Bayern Munich for £30m in June 2025, provided the decisive moment to seal just a second league success in 36 years at Chelsea – a stunning low finish after a driving run, it was fitting that Tel.
His teammates share this sentiment, with summer signing Matheus Fernandes emphasizing the collective drive to challenge top-tier sides and improve the club’s overall mentality.
The victory was finalized with an own goal from Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders, and a red card for Cole Palmer further hampered the hosts, cementing a historic afternoon for the visiting supporters. Although Chelsea certainly gave them a helping hand with goalkeeper Mike Penders punching the opener into his own net and Cole Palmer sent off for two yellow cards, the win was deserved too. While his coaches and substitutes raced towards the players in the corner of the ground, de Zerbi ran on to the pitch to celebrate with the travelling supporters at the final whistle.
Important Details
- The French forward, 21, told Sky Sports: “It is very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win. We showed great mentality today and we need to enjoy this win.
- The goal is something special for me, I’m happy about it and let’s keep pushing now, we created a lot of chances today. We walk out together.
