Enzo Fernandez scored as Chelsea beat Tottenham to move into the Premier League’s top four and boost their hopes of Champions League football next season.
Defeat for Spurs piled more pressure on head coach Ange Postecoglou – whose side stay 14th, and remain on course to finish outside the top 10 for the first time since 2008.
The Blues, boosted by the returns from injury of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, dominated proceedings at Stamford Bridge, but they were frustrated by a goalless first-half having missed plenty of opportunities.
They carried the same threat after the interval and were rewarded in the 50th minute when Fernandez headed home Palmer’s inch-perfect delivery.
Moises Caicedo swept a crisp volley past Guglielmo Vicario moments later, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside in the build-up following a four-minute VAR review.
Tottenham then had an equaliser ruled out after substitute Pape Matar Sarr fired in from 20 yards out.
Referee Craig Pawson, advised by VAR to have a look at the pitchside monitor, overturned his decision after watching the Spurs midfielder catch Caicedo with his studs before taking aim.
The result moves Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League, knocking reigning champions Manchester City down to fifth and Newcastle to sixth.
