Joao Pedro’s first goal in ten games sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win for Chelsea, deepening Tottenham’s struggles and sparking boos from the home crowd at full-time.
The Brazilian forward, who has battled for both form and fitness, showed composure when it mattered most capitalising on Moises Caicedo’s relentless pressing that forced Micky van de Ven into a costly mistake before coolly chipping past Guglielmo Vicario.
Pedro could have had a hat-trick before the break but for two excellent saves from the Spurs goalkeeper, while Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto also missed chances to extend Chelsea’s lead.
Substitute Jamie Gittens then fired over late on as the Blues failed to make their dominance count.
Spurs, meanwhile, were lifeless in attack, managing just three efforts on goal. Mohamed Kudus came closest, but Robert Sanchez remained largely untested as frustration grew in the stands.
The win lifts Chelsea into fourth, level on 17 points with Spurs, who continue to endure a torrid run at home, now with just three wins in their last 19 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium across the reigns of Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank.
