Joao Pedro ended his 10-game goal drought to hand Chelsea a deserved 1–0 victory over Tottenham, whose fans voiced their frustration after another lacklustre home display.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, battling to regain form and fitness, scored the decisive goal midway through the first half, calmly chipping over Guglielmo Vicario after Moises Caicedo’s relentless pressing forced Micky van de Ven into a costly mistake inside his own box.
Pedro could easily have had a hat-trick before half-time, denied twice by Vicario’s sharp reflexes.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Chelsea had to settle for a narrow win against a Spurs side that created almost nothing going forward.
Tottenham managed just three shots all game, all from Mohamed Kudus.
His long-range effort flew over the bar in the 33rd minute before finally testing Robert Sanchez deep into first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea wasted several chances to extend their lead, with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez both missing good opportunities, while substitute Jamie Gittens blazed over from close range.
The result lifted the Blues to fourth, level on 17 points with Spurs but behind them on goal difference.
Tottenham’s home woes, however, continue - they have now won just three of their last 19 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under Ange Postecoglou and current boss Thomas Frank.
Spurs fans made their displeasure clear, booing the team off at both half-time and full-time, particularly from the 17,500-strong South Stand.
Their frustration was understandable: Tottenham’s expected goals (xG) of 0.05 was their lowest ever in a Premier League match.
All three shots came from Kudus, while attacking options like Xavi Simons, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Randall Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert failed to register a single attempt.
Simons’ ineffective display saw him substituted just 17 minutes before the end, despite coming on early for the injured Lucas Bergvall.
None of Thomas Frank’s substitutions changed the game, and Spurs looked devoid of ideas or energy.
Only a Chelsea sending-off seemed capable of altering the outcome, as the Blues coasted to their 10th win in the last 12 meetings between the sides.
For Chelsea, Pedro’s goal could mark a turning point. Having last scored in August against Fulham, he ended a 705-minute drought across all competitions.
Manager Enzo Maresca, who has been carefully managing the forward’s fitness, will be encouraged by the Brazilian’s lively performance.
Pedro was a constant threat, creating chances for teammates and pressing from the front.
He also set up a clear opportunity for Gittens, who squandered the chance to make it 2–0.
With Cole Palmer sidelined until December, Pedro’s return to form comes at a crucial time.
And while the forward took the headlines, Caicedo’s tireless pressing once again proved decisive - his energy and aggression directly led to the winning goal.
Chelsea’s victory not only extends their dominance over Spurs but also reaffirms their growing momentum under Maresca, while Tottenham are left to reflect on another toothless and frustrating night at home.
