Tottenham win at Stamford Bridge as Cole Palmer is sent off

Tottenham beat Chelsea 2-0 in the league, claiming a second win in a week and their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2018. An own goal by Mike Penders put Spurs ahead, before Cole Palmer was sent off and Mathys Tel sealed the result. Chelsea also struggled to adjust to their 4-2-4 formation.

The breakthrough came from a Mateus Fernandes corner. Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, deputising for Emi Martínez, punched the ball into his own net. The Guardian described a failed intervention by the young goalkeeper, whose inexperience proved costly for Chelsea. The London club also struggled without João Pedro leading the line.

Chelsea did not respond straight away. Kinsky had to recover after losing the ball to Henderson, but Chelsea created little before half-time. Their attacks later came in bursts, with Neto among those to test Kinsky. Fernandes, described as the best player on the pitch, dictated play for Tottenham.

Tempers rose after a clash between Palmer and Fernandes prompted exchanges between the benches. Palmer, already booked after the confrontation, received a second yellow card for a challenge on Gallagher, shortly after the own goal. Chelsea were down to 10 and faded. The Guardian noted that it was Chelsea’s first red card of the season.

Tottenham extended their lead when Tel cut in from the left and finished with a low shot. Chelsea could not get back into the match after the own goal. Changes followed, with Solanke and Pedro Porro among the attacking moves for Tottenham. Estêvão also came on for Chelsea in place of Quenda.

For Chelsea, the home defeat was a significant setback: Xabi Alonso suffered his first home loss of the season. The Guardian said fortune played a part in Tottenham’s result, while judging Chelsea’s display among their least convincing since the Spanish coach’s arrival. For Tottenham, the win ended the wait for a victory at Stamford Bridge dating back to 2018 and made it two league wins in a week.