Cole Palmer scored two penalties included a cheeky Panenka as Chelsea came from behind to beat Spurs 4-3 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham made the perfect start when Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski capitalised on slips by Marc Cucurella – who later changed his boots – to race into a two-goal lead.
But Jadon Sancho replied with a well-taken goal, and after half-time Chelsea equalised when Yves Bissouma’s lunge was given as a clear penalty, and Palmer slotted from the spot.
Palmer’s jinking run then helped create for Enzo Fernandez to put Chelsea ahead, and another Spurs mistake – when Pape Matar Sarr bundled into the back of Palmer – gave up another spot-kick, which the playmaker dinked deftly down the middle.
Son Heung-min hit back near the close but it was too little, too late as the Blues moved to second in the Premier League.
Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE
- Spurs host Chelsea in the Premier League with kick off at 4.30pm | Sky Sports
- Tottenham: Forster; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
- Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Enzo Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson.
- GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea (Solanke, 5 min)
- GOAL! Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea (Kulusevski, 11 min)
- GOAL! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea (Sancho, 18 min)
- GOAL! Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea (Palmer, 61 min)
- GOAL! Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea (Fernandez, 73 min)
- GOAL! Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea (Palmer, 84 min)
Tottenham Hotspur FC 3 - 4 Chelsea FC
Carragher suggests Palmer has “done more than Zola already”
19:40 , Chris WilsonJamie Carragher made some interesting comments on Sky earlier regarding Palmer’s impact at the club.
“He gets the penalties and he is involved in the Enzo Fernandez goal as well. People fear when he has the ball,” he said.
“He hasn’t been playing for the best team. When you look at Chelsea over the years, you look at flair players you look at Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard. He has probably done more than Zola already in his 18 months at the club.
He is going to go down as one of the biggest players for Chelsea if he keeps doing what he is doing. He is a very special player, and that’s not just in the Premier League it is in Europe and world football as well.”
Cole Palmer pelted by Tottenham fans in heated London derby
19:25 , Chris WilsonCole Palmer was pelted with missiles by Tottenham fans as he tried to take corners during a heated London derby at the Tottenham HotspurStadium.
Chelsea and Spurs shared an entertaining first half as two quick goals for the home side were pegged back by one from the Blues’ Jadon Sancho.
But the game twice had to be stopped as stewards cleared up and contained fans when Palmer, Chelsea’s outstanding player this season, was bombarded with balls of paper which had been provided on seats for Spurs to make a mosaic before kick-off. There also appeared to be a bottle thrown among the objects aimed at the Chelsea player.
Up next
19:15 , Chris WilsonChelsea’s next game comes against Astana in the Conference League, before they host Brentford at 7pm on Sunday, 15 December.
Spurs’ next match comes at the same date and time, as they travel to Southampton.
Maresca: “Today they can be happy"
19:08 , Chris WilsonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca is last to speak to Sky.
“For the fans and for us, I said in the week that we were working to make the fans happy, and today they can be happy,” he said.
“To come this stadium against this team and be 2-0 down, but continue then with the same plan on and off the ball and then second half we changed things tactically. I think overall we deserved to win.”
On making changes at half time, he says: “First of all we had a problem with Romeo Lavia. That meant Malo Gusto came on and we moved Moi [Caicedo] and changed the attacking midfielder. The changes were good.”
On Cole Palmer: “I know Cole from a long time ago and I always trust him in every aspect. He is a fantastic guy. He is learning how to play games when he is marked man-to-man, [Yves] Bissouma was with him all the game.
“He is learning, improving and scoring goals. That makes him happy and makes us happy.”
“The plan or the idea is to not let the players slow down. They can not drop because they know another player is waiting to come in.”
“Arsenal, City and Liverpool probably don’t slide - like Cucurella did. To be serious, we are not ready, we are far from these teams but we focus on day-by-day and trying to improve the team.”
Son: “It was very disappointing”
19:00 , Chris WilsonSpurs captain Son says that the result was “very disappointing”.
“I don’t know what to say at the moment. We did such a good game in the first half an hour. We conceded very sloppy goals. It feels like we lost because of these small details.
“On such a big stage, you need to step up and score in these moments. I feel like I let the team down and I feel very sorry for the team.
“We can’t concede goals like this. We can’t dive into this situation. I can stay here all day talking about the mistakes but I’d rather blame me with the chance and I’d rather take the blame.
“I had a bit of a different thinking when I was running to the ball. I’m also human and I miss. I feel the pain because it’s such an important moment of the game. The team tried.
“We got to stick together in such difficult moments, it’s very important and it’s why we need big support. The players are very young and they need support more than before and more than we had.
“The fans were always supporting amazingly but I think it’s time the players also need to step up. We need some big support and big cheering up.”
Postecoglou: “It’s a sore one"
18:52 , Chris WilsonOn Sky, Spurs manager Postecoglou says “it’s a sore one for sure, it’s painful”.
“We started the game really well and then we lose Cristian Romero and we had to reshuffle. We still had some big moments to get a third and finish it off.
“The second half was a ding-dong for long and then they scored. The two penalties weren’t great, we need a bit of discipline in the box.
“It’s a key point when you lose a key player in the first 20 minutes, He couldn’t continue so it’s not ideal.
“We didn’t play well in midweek but we did today. They’re a top side, you have got to give credit to them. We got distracted in key moments. We need to realise we are tough to stop when we do play our football. The two penalties were poor. When you’re playing these top teams, the momentum shifts quickly.
On the Caicedo tackle, he says that he hasn’t “seen the replays. I thought a couple of decisions were poor. We have to accept it and move on.”
On injuries, he adds that Van de Ven “felt a bit tight. He was only meant to play 60 or 70 minutes. Hopefully it’s not too bad because you could see the difference.
“I’m hoping Romero isn’t too bad. We’re thin on numbers and if we’re thin in January, we’ll be looking to add to the squad because they need some help.”
Palmer reacts
18:46 , Chris WilsonPalmer adds that Chelsea “knew it was going to be tough so to win is good.”
On his Panenka, he says: “When I stepped back and looked at the clock I thought it’s a bit frantic, the game is all over the place and I thought the keeper was ready to dive so I just chipped it.
“I’m just trying to score and thankfully it went in.”
“We knew with Arsenal and City drawing that we needed to win and we did.”
Palmer and Colwill react
18:43 , Chris WilsonChelsea defender Levi Colwill is speaking to Sky Sports, along with Cole Palmer. He says “it means everything to beat our rivals. It was a great win”.
“We knew it was going to be tough but we trust that when we play our football it will be fine.
“We have amazing players like Cole. When he scores big goals, he calms us down and hopefully it continues in the future.
“We were 2-0 down but none of the players were panicking, we knew we would create chances.”
On being in the title race, he adds: “We have still got a lot to improve on, when we’re ready to push for a title we won’t be 2-0 down in the first 10 minutes. That’s the level we need to be at and that’s what we need to keep working on.”
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
18:39 , Chris WilsonSo, what a game for the neutral! Chelsea take three points yet again from Tottenham, with the pressuring piling onto Ange Postecoglou after his side give away a two-goal lead and end up losing 4-2!
The Blues move into second place in the table, on 31 points, four behind Liverpool (who have a game in hand now).
Spurs are in 11th, with 20 points from 15 games.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
18:33 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
18:28 , Chris WilsonAnthony Taylor blows the final whistle, and Chelsea move into outright second place in the table! Four points in it at the top after an intriguing game in the capital.
Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
18:27 , Chris Wilson98 min: Sanchez gets a yellow card for time-wasting. Must be a matter of seconds left...
98 min: That should be that, as Werner clips a ball in but it runs past Son at the back post.
GOAL! Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
18:26 , Chris Wilson96 min: GOAL! But once again, too little too late for the hosts!
They get forward well and Maddison does brilliantly to skip past a challenge by the byline, and he feeds a great cutback to Son, who fires low into the back of the net!
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:24 , Chris Wilson95 min: Porro’s free-kick isn’t great but his shot from the rebound is, and it flies narrowly wide for a corner.
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:23 , Chris Wilson94 min: Spurs do go close as Werner slips in a lovely pass for Son, but Sanchez was off his line quickly to make the save.
Moments later, Spurs win a free-kick near the edge of the box, but it’s too little too late for Postecoglou’s side.
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:21 , Chris Wilson91 min: There’ll be seven minutes of added time here, as Maddison is fed by Werner before firing a shot well over.
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:19 , Chris Wilson89 min: Badiashile slips and loses it to Werner, who plays it on to Solanke, but the striker’s shot is quickly blocked.
Chelsea bring off Palmer and Cucurella for Joao Felix and Renato Veiga.
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:17 , Chris Wilson87 min: The game is over as a contest but Spurs are still trying to press, though there are no gaps in the Chelsea defence now.
Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:14 , Chris Wilson85 min: Neto is booked for a late challenge and he then comes off for Madueke.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea
18:13 , Chris Wilson84 min: GOAL! Palmer makes no mistake, clipping a lovely panenka past Forster, who went the wrong way.
PENALTY! Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:12 , Chris Wilson83 min: PENALTY TO CHELSEA! This could be it!
Another ridiculous challenge from a Spurs player, as Sarr runs into the back of Palmer, who was running towards the byline!
Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:11 , Chris Wilson81 min: Spurs get forward now and Werner wins a corner, but it come to nothing.
Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:09 , Lawrence Ostlere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium“Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again,” sing the delirious Chelsea fans in the far corner of the ground. They are loving this.
On the touchline below us, Ange Postecoglou is standing with his arms folded, stoney faced. This has been a nightmare half for Spurs and right now they don’t look like summoning a response. Son Heung-min’s big miss feels so key to this game.
Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:08 , Chris Wilson79 min: Spurs make some changes as Bissouma, van de Ven and Kulusevski come off for Gray, Bergvall and Maddison.
Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:06 , Chris Wilson77 min: Sancho has a great chance as he works some space before Porro does well to block his shot.
Van de Ven is down and he looks like he’ll have to come off...
Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:04 , Chris Wilson76 min: Jackson comes off for Christopher Nkunku.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-3 Chelsea
18:03 , Chris Wilson73 min: GOAL! The away side have grabbed another one!
Palmer picks the ball up and weaves in and out of a few challenges before seeing his cross blocked. It takes a fortunate bounce and runs into the path of Fernandez, who rifles an effort low an into the corner!
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea
18:00 , Chris Wilson71 min: That chance has breathed some life into Spurs, and now Kulusevski wins a free-kick on the right-hand edge of the box.
It’ll be Porro with the delivery...it’s a great ball, but van de Van heads wide with a glancing effort.
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea
17:58 , Chris Wilson68 min: Almost a ridiculous goal, as Solanke plays a pass to Udogie, who was well offside. The Chelsea players look to have given up as Udogie was going to latch on, but he gets a shout from Son and the South Korean gets onto it. He’s clean through and tries to find the far corner, but he fires wide!
That would’ve been extremely controversial.
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea
17:55 , Chris Wilson66 min: Spurs haven’t created much at all this half – just three touches in the opposition box and no shots at all. It’s the visitors providing all the attacking threat at the moment.
Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea
17:52 , Chris Wilson64 min: Chelsea are dominating now, with Spurs struggling to get out of their half at the moment.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-2 Chelsea
17:50 , Chris Wilson61 min: Palmer steps up to take and makes no mistake, sending Forster the wrong way as he side-foots into the corner.
The away side have started the second half the brighter of the two sides, and they are deservedly level!
PENALTY TO CHELSEA! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:48 , Chris Wilson59 min: PENALTY! Stone wall.
Very simple, as Sancho slips in a pass and Caicedo gets to it first, knocking it past Bissouma, who comes flying in with a late challenge.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:47 , Chris Wilson58 min: Spurs think they have a great counter chance but Kulusevski blatantly fouls Gusto.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:46 , Chris Wilson55 min: Gusto has a go from distance after a Chelsea short corner, and he forces Forster into a save. From the set-piece, the full-back gets into the box before winning another set-piece.
Cole Palmer pelted by Tottenham fans in heated London derby
17:44 , Chris WilsonCole Palmer was pelted with missiles by Tottenham fans as he tried to take corners during a heated London derby at the Tottenham HotspurStadium.
Chelsea and Spurs shared an entertaining first half as two quick goals for the home side were pegged back by one from the Blues’ Jadon Sancho.
But the game twice had to be stopped as stewards cleared up and contained fans when Palmer, Chelsea’s outstanding player this season, was bombarded with balls of paper which had been provided on seats for Spurs to make a mosaic before kick-off. There also appeared to be a bottle thrown among the objects aimed at the Chelsea player.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:41 , Chris Wilson53 min: Brennan Johnson has to come off, and former Chelsea man Timo Werner is on.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:40 , Chris Wilson51 min: It’s Chelsea applying all the pressure at the moment, though a Spurs counter does end with Kulusevski firing an early cross that Sanchez collects.
Moments after, Neto latches on to Sancho’s great ball across goal, but no Chelsea player can get a shot away, and Fernandez fires narrowly wide with an effort from outside the area.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:38 , Chris Wilson47 min: SAVE! Great save from Forster, as Sancho and Cucurella combine before the former manages to squeeze a shot in. From the corner, Jackson rises highest but he glances a header wide.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:33 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway in the second half.
Lavia has made way for Malo Gusto for the away side.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:27 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an intriguing game in north London, with both sides looking threatening in attack but jittery at the back.
Chelsea have grown into the game and have probably looked the better of the two sides since Sancho’s goal, but Spurs have looked threatening too.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:23 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:18 , Chris Wilson47 min: The referee blows the half-time whistle and Spurs have a one-goal lead at the break.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:17 , Chris Wilson46 min: Half a chance for Spurs now as Kulusevski gets forward down the left, and it’s two-v-two, but the Sweden man can’t find Son with his early cross.
There’ll be two minutes of added time here, as Lavia is down after being caught by Kulusevski’s elbow.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:15 , Chris Wilson44 min: From the corner, Forster parries away, but Chelsea come again as Fernandez’s cross is put behind my van de Ven.
Palmer takes again and his follow-up cross is a good one, before Cucurella fires over from distance.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:13 , Chris Wilson42 min: Pretty end-to-end here, with both sides giving away possession too easily at times.
The away side have half a chance as Palmer threads a pass into Jackson, but Dragusin does brilliantly to slide in an divert the shot over.
There’s a delay in play again as fans are throwing things onto the pitch.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:10 , Chris Wilson39 min: A chance out of nowhere for Chelsea as Udogie gives it away and the visitors pour numbers forward, before Jackson’s shot is deflected behind.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:08 , Chris Wilson37 min: Now it’s Chelsea’s turn to attack, as Palmer’s cross is hooked away by van de Ven, before Neto is flagged for offside,
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:06 , Chris Wilson35 min: OFF THE BAR! Son’s corner is great delivery, and Sarr heads it against the bar at the near post! He probably should’ve scored from that distance.
Moments later, the hosts attack again and Son breaks into the box before finding Solanke with the cutback, but the England international can’t get clean contact on the finish.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:04 , Chris Wilson33 min: Caicedo goes in late, studs up, just over the ankle on Sarr, but there’s not even a card given. Strange.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:03 , Chris Wilson31 min: CLOSE! Chelsea get forward and Palmer sees the space opening up in front of him, so he tests Forster with a low effort that the ‘keeper gets down well to save. From the rebound, Neto cuts back inside and forces another good save from the ‘keeper.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:02 , Chris Wilson30 min: Poor from Badiashile as his pass goes straight out of play, but the visitors win it back. Sancho leads the attack and plays in Jackson, whose cutback narrowly misses a teammate.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
17:00 , Chris Wilson28 min: Chelsea do get the foul this time as Neto is dragged down. From the set-piece, Fernandez’s ball in goes out for a goal kick.
At the other end, Sarr is booked after a late challenge on Cucurella.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
16:58 , Chris Wilson26 min: Kulsevski gets forward in the box but he handles it as he bursts through. At the other end, Chelsea want a foul as Jackson is dragged down near the box, but nothing doing for the referee.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
16:54 , Lawrence Ostlere23 min: A mistake by Badiashile, who lets Solanke roll him too easily, and the striker feeds Son Heung-min running beyond him towards the box. Son checks back inside on to his right foot before aiming a shot at the far corner, but it’s just too high.
Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea
16:51 , Lawrence Ostlere21 min: A slick move by Chelsea ends in disappointment as Sancho tries to cross first time with his left foot and skews the ball behind the Spurs goal.
A moment later, Cole Palmer makes a shocking error, air kicking from eight yards with the goal gaping. That should have been 2-2.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea (Sancho, 18 min)
16:48 , Lawrence OstlereWhat a response this is by Chelsea. Jadon Sancho collects the ball on the left wing and is allowed to dribble inside and into space. He takes the invitation before firing a low shot in off the far post! Brilliant finish.
Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea
16:46 , Lawrence Ostlere14 min: Now then – a problem for Spurs, as Cristian Romero, back today from a hamstring injury, appears to have done himself some damage in these early moments and he’s been replaced by Radu Dragusin.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea (Kulusevski, 11 min)
16:42 , Lawrence OstlereOh my – another disaster for Cucurella, who slips once more and Spurs steal it again. This time Dejan Kulusevski drives inside on to his left foot, dummying the shot once, and then twice, before firing back into the bottom right corner.
Cucurella rushes over to the sideline to change his boots for longer studs, presumably. But the damage is done.
Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea
16:40 , Lawrence Ostlere8 min: Chelsea are on the back foot right now, shown in how Sanchez makes a panicked off the field under pressure from Solanke. The home crowd are enjoying this.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea (Solanke, 5 min)
16:36 , Lawrence OstlereMarc Cucurella slips on the ball and Brennan Johnson pounces, racing down the right side before crossing for Dominic Solanke, who dives in at the near post and diverts the ball into the top corner. Brilliant goal, capitalising on a disaster for the Chelsea defender.
Tottenham 0-0 Chelsea
16:34 , Lawrence Ostlere4 min: Chelsea earn a corner and as Cole Palmer reaches the quadrant, he’s hit with a barrage of paper balls from Spurs fans. No need for that. A well-worked short corner doesn’t quite end in a header on target, but Chelsea are applying some pressure here.
Kick-off! Tottenham 0-0 Chelsea
16:32 , Lawrence Ostlere2 min: A bright start by Spurs, who drive forwards with Kulusevski through the centre. He finds Solanke on the right of the box but the striker’s cross is blocked, and Chelsea deal with the corner.
Tottenham v Chelsea
16:28 , Lawrence OstlereThe players are out, hands have been shaken, Sandstorm is blasting out around the stadium, and we’re nearly ready for kick-off...
Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE
16:27 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel now, so we’re a few moments from kick-off.
Tottenham v Chelsea – line-ups
16:23 , Lawrence OstlereKick-off is just around the corner. A reminder of how the two sides line up today:
Tottenham: Forster; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Subs: Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, Lankshear.
Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Enzo Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson.
Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, Nkunku.
Match facts
16:15 , Chris WilsonChelsea have won 35 Premier League games and scored 116 Premier League goals against Tottenham, more than they have vs any other opponent.
The Blues have won five of their seven games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions (D1 L1), the most wins any visiting side has picked up at the ground since Spurs moved there in 2019.
Nicolas Jackson has scored four goals in his two Premier League games for Chelsea against Tottenham, netting a hat-trick in this exact fixture last season.
Maresca: Chelsea are "ahead of my expectations"
16:10 , Chris WilsonSpeaking in his pre-match conference, Maresca said that he had “nothing to add” on talk regarding his side being in the title race.
“I said I don’t think we are there and ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and City. We are not thinking about April, May or June. It’s too early. Things can change quick in football.
On his expectations, he said that Chelsea are “ahead of my expectations”, adding: “In terms of points and how we want to play on and off the ball, I was convinced we’d reach that moment but not so early. It’s because the players are doing fantastic.”
On Spurs, he added: “First of all they have good players and a good manager.
“It’s very clear what they want to do on and off the ball. What kind of problems they have, I don’t know. You have to be there to understand. A fantastic team - they beat City 4-0 two weeks ago.”
Chelsea’s December fixtures
16:05 , Chris WilsonChelsea’s winter fixtures are altogether more easy to navigate, though there could be some difficult matches in there:
12/12 - Astana v Chelsea, 3.30pm
15/12 - Chelsea v Brentford, 7pm
19/12 - Chelsea v Shamrock Rovers, 8pm
22/12 - Everton v Chelsea, 2pm
26/12 - Chelsea v Fulham, 3pm
30/12 - Ipswich v Chelsea, 3pm
Match facts
16:00 , Chris WilsonTottenham were unbeaten in their first four Premier League London derbies under Ange Postecoglou (W2 D2) but have lost seven of their last 13 (W4 D2). Five of their six London derby wins under the Australian have been at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however.
Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in their last 22 Premier League home games (4-0 v Everton this season), a run which started with a 4-1 loss against Chelsea last November.
Since the start of November 2023 no side currently in England’s top four tiers have recorded fewer home league clean sheets than Spurs.
Ange Postecoglou has lost each of his two league games against Chelsea but has only lost his first three top-flight league meetings with three clubs: Adelaide City (1996-97) and Sydney United (1996-97).
Among teams he has played 1,000+ minutes against, Tottenham forward Son Heung-Min’s worst minutes per goal rate in the Premier League is against Chelsea, netting just twice in 16 appearances.
Postecoglou: “I don’t need support"
15:55 , Chris WilsonIn his pre-match press conference, Ange Postecoglou emphasised that he doesn’t “need support”, nor does he “worry about contracts”.
“I don’t worry about support. I just want to set out to achieve what I wanted to and that’s to bring success to this football club.
“[Fans] aren’t behind me, they are behind the club. I have got no interest in who is behind me. You have to figure the fans who travel to Bournemouth are fairly hardcore supporters. They weren’t happy with what they saw and they felt like they needed to give some feedback.
“The disappointment last night was that there was a repeat cycle of us going into games, starting well enough but then allowing the opposition to get a grip on it by either conceding a sloppy goal or not taking our opportunities. It was a disappointing night and we have a lot of work to do.
“Chelsea are going really well, they are in a good space at the moment with a fairly healthy squad and in good form. It is always a tough game against them but we are at home and we need to make sure we produce a performance like we have in the other games.”
Spurs’ December fixtures
15:50 , Chris WilsonThe busy winter period means it doesn’t get any easier for Spurs, who have some tough fixtures around Christmas. Their remaining fixtures this month include:
12/12 - Rangers v Spurs, 8pm
15/12 - Southampton v Spurs, 7pm
19/12 - Spurs v Man United, 8pm
22/12 - Spurs v Liverpool, 4.30pm
26/12 - Nottingham Forest v Spurs, 3pm
29/12 - Spurs v Wolves, 3pm
Match facts
15:45 , Chris WilsonTottenham have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Chelsea (D2 L8), picking up a 2-0 home win in February 2023.
After a run of just two wins in 13 Premier League away games against Tottenham between 2006 and 2018 (D5 L6), Chelsea have now won four of their last five visits to Spurs (L1).
Ange Postecoglou defends Tottenham’s controversial transfer strategy: ‘It will bear fruit’
15:40 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has defended the club’s summer transfer policy and insisted the decision to sign a number of teenagers will eventually bear fruit.
Spurs are in the middle of a difficult period after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night and also lost Ben Davies to a hamstring injury, which made it eight players unavailable.
Barely a fortnight on from a remarkable 4-0 victory at Manchester City, Postecoglou received abuse from a section of Tottenham’s travelling support on the south coast and his task does not get any easier, withLondon rivals Chelsea set to visit on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou defends Spurs’ controversial transfer strategy: ‘It will bear fruit’
Head-to-head
15:35 , Chris WilsonThese two teams have met a total of 161 times, with the first meeting dating back to 1909. Overall, Chelsea have won 72, Spurs have won 50 and 39 have ended as draws.
Chelsea won both encounters last season, winning 2-0 at home and earning a 4-1 win away in a crazy match that involved two red cards for Spurs.
Enzo Maresca loving chants of ‘we’ve got our Chelsea back’ after climbing to second
15:30 , Chris WilsonEnzo Maresca savoured chants of ‘we’ve got our Chelsea back’ from travelling fans following a 5-1 Premier League thrashing of 10-man Southampton at St Mary’s.
Blues supporters also sang the name of head coach Maresca during the closing stages of an emphatic success sealed by goals from Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho.
Bottom club Southampton briefly levelled through Joe Aribo but were a man down from the 39th minute after captain Jack Stephens was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella.
Enzo Maresca loving chants of ‘we’ve got our Chelsea back’ after climbing to second
Tottenham v Chelsea: Team news
15:28 , Lawrence OstlereWell that’s a suprise – Spurs’ first-choice centre-back partnership is back as both Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven return to the side. A huge boost for the home side.
Enzo Maresco makes seven changes again after the midweek win over Southampton. The manager has decided to drop Malo Gusto back to the bench, so Moises Caicedo starts at right-back, with Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez paired in midfield. Jadon Sancho is back on the wing, while Benoit Badiashile comes into defence.
Tottenham v Chelsea: Confirmed line-ups
15:18 , Lawrence OstlereTottenham: Forster; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Subs: Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, Lankshear.
Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Enzo Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson.
Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, Nkunku.
Team news
15:10 , Chris WilsonHere’s a reminder of the early team news – we’re expecting line-ups to be announced in five minutes.
Ben Davies was forced off against Bournemouth with injury and faces a scan, leaving Radu Dragusin as Tottenham’s lone fully-fit recognised centre-half. Versatile teenager Archie Gray filled in at the Vitality Stadium but Cristian Romero has been back in training and may be forced to feature. Rodrigo Bentancur remains banned while Guglielmo Vicario is a long-term absentee. Heung Min Son is likely to be recalled to the starting side.
Enzo Maresca rotated his Chelsea forward line at Southampton in midweek, with Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix all impressing. It is possible, though, that Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto are all recalled, while Moises Caicedo might revert to a right-back role he fulfilled impressive against Aston Villa.
How the table looks
15:05 , Chris WilsonThat loss to Bournemouth meant that the Cherries climbed above Spurs in the table, with Postecoglou’s side now in 11th, with 20 points.
Chelsea sit second, above Arsenal on goal difference, on 28 points.
Ange Postecoglou explains heated incident with furious Tottenham fans at Bournemouth
15:00 , Chris WilsonAnge Postecoglou was booed by furious Tottenham fans as the manager confronted the away end after the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Tottenham were outplayed at the Vitality Stadium and fell to 10th in the table - with the 4-0 victory at Manchester City their only win in the last six games in all competitions.
Postecoglou went to applaud the away end at full-time but was then involved in an exchange with Spurs supporters. The Australian nodded his head and pointed to his chest, appearing to ask “me?” before raising his thumb. Postecoglou said he received some “pretty direct feedback”, which he said could not repeat, but added that he did not like what he heard.
Ange Postecoglou explains heated incident with furious Tottenham fans at Bournemouth
Ange Postecoglou determined to get more consistency from Tottenham
14:55 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou is determined to break Tottenham’s current cycle of inconsistency.
Spurs tasted defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night to continue their Jekyll and Hyde results this season amid unsavoury scenes as a minority of the club’s away support hurled abuse at Postecoglou at full time.
Outstanding wins over Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City have been coupled with flat displays in defeats to Crystal Palace and Ipswich during a run of seven victories from their last 14 matches in all competitions.
Ange Postecoglou determined to get more consistency from Tottenham
Tottenham vs Chelsea predicted line-ups
14:50 , Mike JonesHere’s how we see both teams lining up today based on previous matches and updated injury lists:
Tottenham XI: Forster; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Caicedo, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
What is the early team news?
14:45 , Mike JonesBen Davies was forced off against Bournemouth with injury and faces a scan, leaving Radu Dragusin as Tottenham’s lone fully-fit recognised centre-half. Versatile teenager Archie Gray filled in at the Vitality Stadium but Cristian Romero has been back in training and may be forced to feature. Rodrigo Bentancur remains banned while Guglielmo Vicario is a long-term absentee. Heung Min Son is likely to be recalled to the starting side.
Enzo Maresca rotated his Chelsea forward line at Southampton in midweek, with Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix all impressing. It is possible, though, that Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto are all recalled, while Moises Caicedo might revert to a right-back role he fulfilled impressive against Aston Villa.
How can I watch it?
14:40 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channels from 4pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via Sky Go.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Tottenham vs Chelsea?
14:35 , Mike JonesTottenham vs Chelsea is due to kick off at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday 8 December at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham vs Chelsea
14:30 , Mike JonesTottenham Hotspur risk slipping out of the race for a European place as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to bounce back from defeat at Bournemouth in a London derby against Chelsea.
A draw at Fulham last weekend was followed by a disappointing performance at the Vitality Stadium, with Postecoglou involved in an angry confrontation with Spurs supporters after the game.
It has been an uneven Premier League campaign for the club with injuries beginning to bite, but Postecoglou will hope to return his side to the level they showed in thrashing Manchester City a fortnight ago.
They may have to find that sort of form against a Chelsea side that has impressed against both Aston Villa and Southampton in the last seven days.
Good afternoon!
10:53 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action as Tottenham host Chelsea in the late kick off.
It promises to be a scintillating London derby, and our veryown Lawrence Ostlere will be on hand to provide the latest updates and analysis as the Blues find themselves firmly involved in the title race.
We’ll have all the latest team news, line-ups and more throughout the day so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 4.30pm.
