Tottenham picked up a massive 2-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday, propelling them to 12th in the Premier League. That’s their highest league position since January 2, and after two straight seasons finishing 17th, this feels like real light breaking through a long, dark tunnel for the club.
A Stamford Bridge Victory That Felt Different
This wasn’t just any win. It was only the second time in 42 attempts that Tottenham has managed to win two league games in a row. It was a deserved victory, too, even if Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders accidentally punched the opening goal into his own net and Cole Palmer picked up two yellow cards. The performance itself showed a level of control we haven’t seen in a while, with Spurs enjoying a staggering 68% possession, something they haven’t done since April 2025. James Maddison and Mathys Tel were absolutely key, turning in starring roles that grabbed everyone’s attention.
Manager Roberto de Zerbi was buzzing, despite another injury setback for Maddison. He talked about putting “something different into Tottenham in the last period,” not just a new attitude, but “different relationships within the group.” De Zerbi believes he’s “changed the spirit” and “improved the performances of the players, especially some of the more fragile players, maybe the younger players.” He specifically called out Mathys Tel as one of the best on the pitch and Archie Gray as a mature young talent with the right mentality. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green even said it was a “dream afternoon for Tottenham.” He saw a side that “looked controlled, looked at ease, they looked like they were comfortable on the ball.”
De Zerbi’s Project Is Finally Showing Its Teeth
De Zerbi took over as Spurs boss in March 2026, when the club was in total crisis, their third manager of that campaign. They were just one point above the drop zone with seven games left. After securing safety, the club went all-in, backing De Zerbi with over £300m in summer signings, a first in their history. Even after a slow start this season, and still needing more firepower up top, the long-suffering Tottenham faithful have to feel more positive than they have in ages.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown highlighted the significance, calling it “a big statement in a really convincing performance.” He raved about Maddison, saying he was “magnificent in midfield. He’s like the Artful Dodger, isn’t he? That midfield is full of mischief, but he’s brave against the ball.” Keown also praised Tel’s “magnificent” play on the left, Mohammed Kudus’s effectiveness on the right, and how well “everybody really managed to handle the ball.” He pointed out that almost 70% possession was “remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table.” Keown firmly believes “what’s changed for Spurs is the key personnel.” De Zerbi clearly agrees, celebrating with the traveling supporters at the final whistle. He previously spoke of inheriting players who cried after matches and lost all confidence, so this resurgence has to feel like vindication for his unprecedented control over the summer transfers.
This team is starting to look like a real unit, playing with confidence and a clear vision. While Maddison’s injury is a definite question mark for the next few weeks, the momentum is undeniably building. Rob Green summed it up perfectly: “Results like this galvanise a side. When you look at the players coming back, yes Maddison got injured and he’ll be a question mark over the next few weeks, but players coming back, momentum coming back , you feel, and say it quietly, Tottenham might just be coming back.” This is the kind of performance that makes you look forward to what’s next.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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