Tottenham Hotspur

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Alan: I'm sorry, but that was just about the worst match this season. The defence is a total mess with no leader. Colwill just seems to run round in circles. We really need to offload Palmer - he is a liability and doesn't deserve his place in the team. Rogers was outstanding again, but had no support. All in all, they just need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are up to the job. There's still a lot of work to be done.

Chris: Pathetic performance from Chelsea and a petulant performance from that child, Cole Palmer. Hopefully now he will play Estevao in his place while he serves his suspension. Time to get tough with the children Xabi!

Terry: Absolute disgrace from start to finish. Wrong team selection, complete lack of discipline and hopeless in front of goal. No pride in wearing the badge. I have been a supporter since the mid 1950s and this is one of the worst performances I have ever seen.

Colin: How does the team have a great performance one week then a disaster the next like two different sides? There was no passion, they gave away too much and it was hard to watch. Penders did well until that mistake but that's what he will be remembered for. Palmer let the side down. Overall the whole team should be embarrassed. They must do better as a team if they want to be considered a title contender at some point. We pay good money to see a very poor performance like that.

Tottenham fans

Peter: I was at the game and it was quickly apparent that Chelsea were unable to stop the fast slick passing of the the Spurs players. All the team were playing great football and deserved the win. Onwards and upwards.

Rachael: I am really pleased with Tottenham's performance. They controlled the game throughout and took the game to Chelsea, who were second best for once. Every Spurs player played well.

Guru: About as good a performance and result that you could hope to get at Stamford Bridge. Practically everything seemed to click into place but it still feels like there is more that the team can give - which is a great feeling to have. No going to go wild and say that we're back but the road towards that place has begun.

Simon: What an absolute team performance. The defence was solid, midfield bossing the game, however, that ruthlessness when chances are created is still missing. However, I am confident it will come with time as the team are slowly gaining confidence and are beginning to gel. It's still early in that transition though.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Italian Roberto de Zerbi was appointed Spurs boss at the end of March 2026 with the club in crisis.

He arrived as the club's third manager of the campaign and, with seven games remaining, Tottenham were just one point clear of the drop zone.

After securing safety, albeit after a few scares, the club spent more than £300m on summer signings for the first time in their history as they backed De Zerbi to restore them to former glories.

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.

"Tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance," former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told BBC Sport.

"I thought [James] Maddison was magnificent in midfield. He's like the Artful Dodger, isn't he? That midfield is full of mischief, but he's brave against the ball.

"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.

"Spurs had almost 70% possession, which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table. I think what's changed for Spurs is the key personnel."

De Zerbi ran on to the pitch to celebrate with the travelling supporters at the final whistle, while his coaches and substitutes raced towards the players in the corner of the ground.

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.

It was fitting that Tel, who has attracted criticism from his own supporters since signing 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.

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.

"We created a lot of chances today. We walk out together, the goal is something special for me, I'm happy about it and let's keep pushing now."

Read more here

Tottenham's Sweden midfielder Lucas Bergvall, 20, is a target for Napoli and Barcelona. (Tuttomercato via Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

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For Tottenham, their position of 12th is their best in the top flight since a goalless draw at Brentford left them in that spot at the beginning of January.

Fans who saw their team win the Europa League in 2025 will still expect more, but back-to-back victories will provide encouragement and hope.

Spurs only stayed up on the final day of last season and were the last top-flight team to win a match in this campaign.

But Roberto de Zerbi's men showed they have the quality to rise up the table, with 68.5% of possession and 15 shots, compared to only seven from Chelsea, although both sides had four attempts on target each.

The only negative was another setback for midfielder James Maddison.

After a serious knee injury, he made his first start for Tottenham since May 2025 against Coventry on Monday, scoring in the crucial success against his former club.

However, after impressing in the first half at Stamford Bridge, Maddison only lasted five minutes of the second before he dejectedly walked off slowly with another problem.

Supporters will hope it is nothing serious, with Spurs having another London derby, at home to Crystal Palace, next Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Tottenham's victory against Chelsea: "I think we deserved to win. The players worked very well, prepared very well the game. This morning, yesterday, all days in the last week and the qualities of the players are very clear.

"I'm happy for the spirit of the players. I think we have to change the last part of the history of our club. I would like to follow in this way."

On fight spiriting: "Football is the quality of the play, the quality of the players, for sure, but it is a competition. It is a fight. You have to run, you have to fight, you have to arrive first to the second ball. You have to win the duels and we did."

On tactics: "We knew Chelsea play very well, they have clear organisation, clear structure on the pitch. We prepared our players with two midfielders and James Maddison with freedom, where he smells the right position."

On James Maddison injury: "He played very well while he was on the pitch then [Conor] Gallagher played with different characteristics. Different style but he played very well.

"James is a different player. He feels football, he understands football. It is easier for me when you have a player of his talent.

"I think it is not a big problem. We have to see."

On Mathys Tel: "Mathys needs to play to understand football, become calmer but he is a big talent."

Best performance? "With Tottenham, of course."

Did you know?

• Spurs have beaten Chelsea in all competitions at Stamford Bridge while keeping a clean sheet for the first time since December 1986 (also 2-0).

Image source, Getty Images

Mathys Tel spoke to Sky Sports after Tottenham's victory against Chelsea: "It's 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."

"We created a lot of chances today, we walk out together, the goal is something special for me, I'm happy about it and lets keep pushing now."

Mateus Fernandes added: "It takes time, I always believe in me and my team-mates. We always play well, but when we play like this we're very happy."

"We are here to change the club's mentality, we want to beat the top teams, and make this victory for the fans."

On his first game since becoming a dad: "I want to give a big support to my family, my girlfriend and my new son. I'm very happy like I said, something I have worked to be ready for."

Tottenham starting XI:

Antonin Kinsky: Two poor kicks put his side under pressure in the first half and he almost let a Rogers shot slip through his grasp in the rain, but got away with it. 5

Archie Gray: A solid performance without catching the eye, although the midfielder-turned-defender kept Quenda quiet for much of the game. 6

Jan-Paul van Hecke: Particularly assured on the ball despite the difficult conditions, bringing composure to those around him in defence. The big defender put pressure on Penders for the goal. 7

Micky van de Ven: Equally impressive in possession and the most adventurous member of the backline when carrying the ball forward. 7

Andy Robertson: On his 300th Premier League start, the Scotland full-back looked shaky early on but grew into the game and made an impact at both ends of the pitch. 7

Mateus Fernandes: Gave the ball away in a dangerous area for Chelsea's first effort on goal, but deserves credit for his work as the deepest midfielder in a controlled away performance against top-six opposition. His corner led to the goal. 7

Sandro Tonali: Blazed a long-range effort over the bar late in the first half and was steady without ever truly influencing the contest. 6

James Maddison: Struggled to impose himself in the number 10 role in a fast-paced encounter and found it difficult to shake off the attentions of an aggressive Caicedo. His evening ended with injury in the 51st minute. 5

Mohammed Kudus: The Ghana winger curled a good effort wide in the first half and linked play effectively in attack. 6

Omar Marmoush: The Egypt forward squandered a good opportunity in the 29th minute with a mis-kick. More generally, he looked indecisive in the final third. 5

Mathys Tel: Scored a wondergoal for his first Premier League goal of the season to seal victory against 10-man Spurs. He had played well in the run-up to the big moment. 8

Tottenham substitutes:

Conor Gallagher (on 51, Maddison): Added a competitive edge to the midfield in his time on the pitch, involved in Palmer being sent off, a good impact from the bench. 7

Dominic Solanke (on 65, Marmoush): Stretched Chelsea with his ability to run in behind the defence. 6

Pedro Porro (on 65, Gray): A quiet outing on his return from a hamstring injury. 6

Subs not used: Dubravka, Senesi, Davies, Olusesi, Kulusevski, Williams-Barnett

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.

There are four games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Manchester City (12:30)

• Arsenal v Everton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Coventry City v Fulham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Chelsea v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated.

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We were talking on the Monday Night Club about what Chelsea could do this season without any European football.

Tottenham are not in Europe either, of course, but they don't look like they are going to be challenging at the top of the table the way Xabi Alonso's side are.

People keep saying how Chelsea's attack is so good, but their 2-0 win over Everton last time out was their first clean sheet of their campaign in the league, and that side of thing still needs to improve.

Spurs, meanwhile, do seem to be getting better, albeit slowly.

It was a big result for them to beat Coventry on Monday but they have an awful record at Stamford Bridge, with only one win there in the Premier League era.

I don't see them getting anything this time, either.

Sutton's prediction: 3-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

"Very professional, very serious and looking solid," was how manager Xavi Alonso evaluated Chelsea's win at Everton last weekend.

The 2-0 victory included what is becoming something of a Chelsea trademark – a quickfire goal, with Pedro Neto scoring at the very start of the second half. That was the third time in the Premier League this season that Alonso's side had scored in the opening minute of either half.

But it was what happened at the other end of the pitch that will have surely pleased the Spaniard most, with Chelsea keeping their first clean sheet in the league since January, a run of 23 matches.

Alonso pointed out that "it's just one game"; and although Chelsea are in the top four, only five clubs have let in more goals in this season's Premier League, while even two of the three sides in the relegation zone have conceded fewer.

The Blues are now aiming for back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since December, and will be hopeful of achieving that against a Tottenham side who have struggled this season, and scored just once away from home.

Chelsea have won their past six league matches against Spurs, and have lost just one of their past 16 London derbies at Stamford Bridge.

Tottenham fans will be well aware that they have won just one of their past 36 league visits to the Bridge, and have picked up just two points in the past eight trips.

Given their record, it is probably never a good time to visit Chelsea, but Spurs did at least finally get a league win this season with their victory over Coventry on Monday.

Extra reason to celebrate was Omar Marmoush's first goal since his £59m move from Manchester City, along with the return from long-term injury of Dejan Kulusevski.

And the catalyst for the victory was James Maddison, who on his first start for 18 months needed just 14 minutes to make his mark, scoring Spurs' first first-half goal of the season.

Their three goals – all of which came from outside the box – doubled their Premier League tally for the season, and earned them just a fourth league win in 2026.

But Chelsea is not a happy hunting ground, and the away fans will be fearing Tottenham could lose a seventh consecutive London derby for the first time in their league history.

Melissa Edwards
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Lucas Bergvall and Savio are both unavailable. De Zerbi also said he does not know if James Maddison will be fit after the midfielder missed the "first three days" of team training following the victory over Coventry City. Similarly, Dejan Kulusevski held an individual training session and De Zerbi said for all his players, he does not want to take risks.

• However, Pedro Porro is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up before the last international break. Andy Robertson is also available despite being forced off in the 69th minute against Coventry.

• Since 1990, Spurs have beaten Chelsea just once in 41 matches at Stamford Bridge, but De Zerbi believes his side can utilise that record. He said: "It's not just this negative record, there are many, many negative records. For me, it's one motivation more and [also] for the players. I want this negative record to give us more motivation and more mentality, more energy to win a game and play a good game. We have enough qualities to win this game."

• He added: "It's against one very good team and a very good coach. They have a clear style of play with great players. But also the Tottenham players are very good; the level of the players is high. We have to show together as a team as well as individuals."

• On managing the derby after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off in the match against Manchester United for a headbutt: "The balance is always difficult to fix - a balance between the energy, spirit, mentality. If you have confidence in the players, you leave the players to decide the behaviour, to decide the reaction. For sure, I prefer one 'too strong' reaction, than one player without blood, without reaction."

• Chelsea's frontline of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have scored 11 goals and produced three assists in the Premier League so far season. On the link-up, De Zerbi said: "One of the best, for sure. Three big talents. They also have Pedro Neto, another very good player. They have Jordan Henderson and [Danny] Welbeck. They have Estevao. [So it's] More than three players but these three players are in the best moment of their careers."

Listen to Saturday's full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 17:30

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Spurs supporter Ebony Riddell Bamber from Women of the Lane says there was a "huge sense of relief" after Tottenham's 3-1 win against Coventry City.

Roberto de Zerbi's side picked up their first win of the season on Monday and scored as many goals as they had in the campaign to date.

Reflecting on the performance, Bamber told BBC Radio London: "There was a huge sense of relief and it was great to walk home with a massive smile on my face.

"All-in-all it wasn't plain sailing, but there are plenty of positives for us to take into the next very big fixture against Chelsea.

"The subs made a difference because it felt like the energy levels were dropping a little bit and they got us over the line."

Hear more from Ebony Riddell Bamber below or listen here on BBC Sounds

Tottenham and Spain right-back Pedro Porro would "seriously consider" the chance to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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