Joao Pedro finally ended his Chelsea goal drought as the Brazilian striker’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, prolonging their North London rivals’ miserable home form on Saturday.
Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead late in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Joao Pedro found the net, marking his first goal in nine matches across all competitions — his last coming against Fulham on 30 August.
The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in a £60 million move during the summer, has now scored just three goals for the Blues since his arrival.
Chelsea’s third win in their last four Premier League outings lifted them to fourth in the table, level on points with third-placed Tottenham but behind on goal difference.
Tottenham’s dreadful home league form continues; they have not won at their own ground since defeating Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August.
The slump began under Ange Postecoglou earlier in the year, and new boss Thomas Frank has yet to find a solution. While Spurs have shown signs of promise away from home — including a 3-0 victory at Everton in their previous league fixture — frustrations are mounting among supporters weary of Frank’s cautious approach, which starkly contrasts with the club’s famous “to dare is to do” philosophy.
Frank’s afternoon started badly when Lucas Bergvall suffered a head injury and had to be replaced by concussion substitute Xavi Simons. Bergvall appeared reluctant to leave the pitch, pleading with medical staff to continue, before angrily shoving one of them. Frank quickly intervened to calm the situation.
Sloppy Spurs –
Chelsea’s main attacking threat in the first half came from Alejandro Garnacho, who tested Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from long range.
Midway through the half, Vicario went down clutching his knee but was able to carry on after treatment, immediately denying Joao Pedro with a smart save after Pedro Porro’s clearance ricocheted kindly into the Brazilian’s path.
Joao Pedro, however, was not to be denied for long. In the 34th minute, Moises Caicedo’s relentless pressing dispossessed Xavi Simons and Micky van de Ven on the edge of the area before nudging the ball to Joao Pedro, who thumped his shot high into the roof of the net from close range.
A furious Frank kicked a water bottle in frustration at Tottenham’s slack defending.
With his confidence restored, Joao Pedro almost doubled Chelsea’s lead moments later when he met Malo Gusto’s pass and unleashed a fierce strike that Vicario acrobatically tipped over the bar.
Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur was fortunate to escape with only a booking following a reckless challenge on Reece James that the referee deemed not to constitute “serious foul play”.
Just before half-time, Mohammed Kudus tested Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with a stinging effort, but the Spaniard parried it comfortably.
After the interval, Enzo Fernandez missed a golden chance to extend Chelsea’s lead, heading over unmarked from James’ inviting cross.
Tottenham continued to look lethargic in possession, repeatedly surrendering the ball under minimal pressure. Their lack of creativity drew groans from the home crowd, who watched in growing frustration as Chelsea controlled proceedings.
Vicario was once again called into action to deny Pedro Neto’s powerful drive, tipping it over the bar, but Tottenham never truly looked capable of salvaging a point.
For Chelsea, it was a night of relief and renewed belief — and for Tottenham, another painful reminder of their ongoing struggles at home.
