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JOãO PEDRO’S STRIKE PROVES ENOUGH AS CHELSEA SURVIVE LATE SPURS PRESSURE

João Pedro's first-half goal, set up by Moisés Caicedo, gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Tottenham. Spurs recorded their lowest expected goals (xG) in over a decade, offering little threat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

João Pedro’s strike proves enough as Chelsea survive late Spurs pressure
Pedro finish secures Chelsea victory - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Enzo Maresca's team defeated Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday, with João Pedro scoring the game's first goal since August to give Chelsea all three points.

At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Moisés Caicedo's outstanding play in the 34th minute to win the ball twice before setting up his colleague was all the Blues needed to defeat a Spurs team that did not seem particularly motivated in the last third.

During the entire game, Thomas Frank's team managed just three shots and one on goal, which is the fewest they have had this season.

Spurs' xG total of 0.05 in their 504th Premier League game at that time was their lowest on record (since 2012–13).

With a win or draw, Tottenham might have moved up to second position, but instead they are now in third place, behind leaders Arsenal and Bournemouth, while Chelsea moves up to fourth place and is tied with Spurs (17).

Early on, Xavi Simons replaced Lucas Bergvall, who had been forced after sustaining a knock to the head, dealing a setback to the home team.

Early in the game, however, there was not much movement in front of the goal; neither team's first non-blocked attempt came until Reece James struck a long, long shot in the 19th minute.

When Pedro Porro threw the ball away immediately after the break, João Pedro should have given Chelsea the lead, but Guglielmo Vicario stopped the Brazilian, and a few seconds later, Mohammed Kudus sent Spurs' first attempt over the bar from the edge of the Chelsea box.

However, a few minutes later, Caicedo did well to regain the ball from Micky van de Ven for Chelsea on the outskirts of the Tottenham penalty area, then locate his colleague for a straightforward finish, ensuring João Pedro would not be denied.

It was not the first careless blunder the hosts had made this season; in the Premier League in 2025–26, only Wolves (4) have committed more mistakes that resulted in goals for the opposition than Tottenham (3).

When João Pedro was on the receiving end of a cross from Malo Gusto, he had another chance, but Vicario tipped his first-time attempt over the bar.

Spurs had the first attempt on goal in the first half, but Kudus forced a save from Robert Sánchez in stoppage time but The home team was behind at halftime. That was not encouraging because Tottenham have lost 13 of their previous 15 Premier League games while behind at halftime (D2).

However, anything was possible because Chelsea, along with Brentford, has lost more Premier League points than any other team this season (eight).

João Pedro took Kevin Danso out of his own box as Chelsea pressed Spurs high in the second half, but Pedro Neto's subsequent shot went directly at Vicario.

In the 74th minute, James sent a shot over the crossbar after Neto was again denied.

Frank's team nearly paid for it when the visitors countered, but Jamie Gittens blasted over after João Pedro set him up for a spectacular chance. The boos came from the stands as the hosts hesitated to hit a deep free-kick into Chelsea's half in stoppage time.

The fact that Chelsea managed to secure the victory, however, will worry Spurs the most because there was never much chance that this match would end in anything other than an away victory.

LIAM ROSENIOR’S "DETAILED TALKS" WITH CHELSEA LEADERSHIP REVEAL AGGRESSIVE SUMMER TRANSFER STRATEGY

Liam Rosenior confirms no Chelsea players want to leave, including Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer, despite UCL exit.

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Liam Rosenior Shuts Down Enzo Fernandez Exit Rumours Before Vital Everton Clash

Liam Rosenior is currently engaged in thorough discussions with Chelsea’s leadership about their plans for the summer transfer window. Interestingly, none of the players has approached him expressing a desire to leave.

After Chelsea’s exit from the Champions League last-16 against Paris Saint-Germain, speculation swirled around Enzo Fernandez’s future, while names like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo have also been linked with moves away since Rosenior took charge in January. Ahead of their trip to Everton, Rosenior addressed questions about possible departures if the team misses out on Europe’s top competition again. He also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring new players in.

“We're having very detailed talks about where we need to strengthen,” he said, referring to conversations with the sporting director team, headed by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart. “I’ve shared my thoughts on what’s needed, and we’re mostly aligned on the approach, which is encouraging. But the priority is also handling the present properly. It’s crucial to be in a good spot now. Planning is important, but so is winning in the moment. That’s why I’m here, and I’m having positive discussions with ownership and the sporting directors about it.”

Rosenior emphasised that key players like Enzo Fernández want to remain at Chelsea. After Fernandez’s recent interview with ESPN Argentina, where he was noncommittal about his future following the heavy loss to PSG, Rosenior reached out to him personally.

“Our plans don’t hinge solely on qualifying for the Champions League; there are many variables,” Rosenior explained. “We need to make the best of the situation we’re in and stay as strong as possible. I maintain a close relationship with the players; we talk beyond football about their families and their lives. I’m particularly close with Enzo and the others. Since I arrived, no one has told me they want to leave in the summer. The focus is really on improving together as a team and figuring out what it takes to win right now.”

When asked specifically if that applies to Fernandez, Palmer, and Caicedo, Rosenior was clear: “They love it here.”

WHY ENZO FERNANDEZ REFUSES TO COMMIT TO CHELSEA’S FUTURE PROJECT

Enzo Fernandez has sparked Chelsea exit fears after refusing to commit to his future following a 2-8 defeat to PSG.

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Real Madrid And PSG Monitor Enzo Fernandez

Chelsea fans barely had time to process a brutal 8-2 Champions League thrashing by PSG on Tuesday when vice-captain Enzo Fernandez stirred things up even more. ESPN Argentina asked him about his future, and instead of assurance, Fernandez left everyone guessing about whether he’d still be at Stamford Bridge next season.

His answer? “I don’t know. There are eight games left, and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup, and then we’ll see.” Not exactly what supporters needed to hear after a rough night. Honestly, Enzo, now’s probably not the best time for uncertainty.

People have been gossiping about Fernandez’s next move for a while now. Real Madrid and PSG keep cropping up as possible destinations, despite Chelsea sources insisting they won’t sell him. He’s locked into a contract until 2032, but if he pushes for an exit, who knows if that changes.

Fernandez holds a hefty price tag of £107 million; when he arrived in January 2023, it was a British record at the time. He’s backed it up this season, stacking up 12 goals, 6 assists, and playing more minutes than anyone else on the squad.

Still, Chelsea has been searching for someone who can play that No. 10 role where Fernandez has spent most of the season. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is on their wishlist, though nothing’s happened yet. Rogers, 23 and once a Manchester City academy kid, has been lighting it up at Villa lately. He signed a contract extension in November, but rumours about his future just won’t die.

Rogers is definitely on Chelsea’s radar. If Fernandez leaves this summer, and really, that’s still wide open; Rogers could be a target.

You can expect Chelsea to be busy in the market soon. They need a centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in January. Douglas Luiz was briefly considered but wound up at Villa, so midfield is still in the mix. Plus, given their attacking troubles this season, they’ll be looking to upgrade up front too.

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