Chelsea claimed a crucial Premier League victory in the London derby on 3 April 2025, defeating rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1–0 at Stamford Bridge in a match defined by intensity, controversy, and a decisive moment of quality from Enzo Fernández, Softfootball reports.
The Blues, coming off an inconsistent run of form, delivered one of their grittiest performances of the season. Enzo Maresca’s side dominated key stretches of the match, pressing aggressively and controlling the flow of play, while Tottenham struggled to break down Chelsea’s structure under the bright London lights.
After a tense first half that featured near misses, heavy tackles, and back-to-back bookings for Trevoh Chalobah and Cristian Romero, the breakthrough arrived five minutes into the second period. Cole Palmer delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Enzo Fernández rose above the Spurs defence to steer a powerful header beyond Guglielmo Vicario. The goal sent Stamford Bridge into uproar and ultimately proved enough to secure all three points.
Tottenham attempted to respond, with Heung-min Son and Dominic Solanke pushing higher up the pitch, but Chelsea’s back line—anchored by Levi Colwill and Chalobah—remained composed. Spurs did find flashes of hope, including a disallowed effort following a VAR intervention and a penalty appeal overturned in the final minutes, but nothing stood.
As the game grew more frantic, the yellow cards piled up. Chelsea received five bookings, including cautions for Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Marc Cucurella, and Cole Palmer, while Tottenham matched their intensity with their own five cards, adding to the heated derby atmosphere.
Late substitutions from both sides added fresh energy but not a breakthrough for Spurs. Reece James, Noni Madueke, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all came on for Chelsea, helping the hosts see out the final minutes despite Tottenham piling bodies forward.
By the time referee Craig Pawson blew the final whistle—after more than 14 minutes of stoppage time—Chelsea had secured a hard-fought and emotionally charged win that strengthens their pursuit of European qualification.
For Tottenham, the defeat adds pressure in a congested top-half battle and extends a frustrating run in major derby fixtures. Brentford manager Thomas Frank, now leading Spurs, will surely reflect on missed moments and the fine margins that defined this clash.
Chelsea, meanwhile, walk away with pride, a clean sheet, and a derby-night victory fueled by determination, defensive resilience, and Enzo Fernández’s decisive header.
