Premier League: Relegation battle goes down to final day as Spurs lose at Chelsea
London, May 20
Tottenham Hotspur's battle against Premier League relegation will go down to the wire after they lost 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Roberto De Zerbi's men knew a point would have been enough to all but confirm their top-flight status due to their superior goal difference over West Ham United, but Spurs now must beat Everton on the final day to guarantee their Premier League status, or match the Hammers result on the final day.
Chelsea, who this week confirmed Xabi Alonso will be their new manager starting from July, were in complete control when Enzo Fernandez's excellent finish in the 18th minute was followed up by Andrey Santos' first Premier League goal midway through the second half, Premier League reports.
However, Richarlison threatened a grandstand finish when he tucked home in the 74th minute.
Spurs, though, could not forge a comeback, and stay two points above West Ham, who host Leeds United on Sunday. Chelsea, meanwhile, snapped a seven-game winless run in the league, and are up to eighth on 52 points, boosting their European ambitions.
A fast Spurs start was almost rewarded in the 11th minute when Pedro Porro's inviting cross into the Chelsea penalty area picked out Mathys Tel, but his header crashed against the near post.
But it was a bolt from the blue that gave Chelsea the lead, with Fernandez lashing in from 25 yards out.
Fernandez then saw his audacious attempt from a free-kick on the left-hand side clatter against the crossbar before Cole Palmer dragged a shot just wide in first-half stoppage time.
And Spurs' troubles worsened when Santos' 67th-minute finish doubled Chelsea's advantage, but swiftly Richarlison hit back for the visitors when he finished from close range after being found by Pape Matar Sarr's clever flick.
Spurs threw everything at trying to get an equaliser, but James Maddison was denied by a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Jorrel Hato, before the playmaker fired over from a free-kick in stoppage time.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a neutral Indian football fan, this relegation drama is better than many Bollywood movies! 😂 West Ham fans must be praying hard. And Xabi Alonso coming to Chelsea? Interesting choice – let's see if he can fix that defense. For now, Spurs need to win against Everton or it's curtains.
Heartbreaking for Spurs fans. That Richarlison goal gave hope, but they just couldn't find the equalizer. De Zerbi's tactics were poor today – too defensive after going behind. Now they need a miracle. On a positive note, Chelsea finally ended their winless run. Fernandez and Santos were superb.
Honestly, I feel for Tottenham. They've been inconsistent all season, and now it's come to this. But credit to Chelsea – they played with intensity. Fernandez's strike was a rocket! 🚀 And Richarlison? Bhai, he needs to start scoring regularly. Last day against Everton is going to be nail-biting. India mein subah 3 baje match dekhna padega! 😴⚽
A bit of respectful criticism: Spurs' midfield was completely overrun in the second half before the goal. Maddison tried, but he can't do everything alone. And Porro's crossing was off today. 🤷♀️ Still, I love the drama of the Premier League. The relegation battle is more exciting than the title race sometimes! Last day is going to be epic.
What a match! Chelsea finally showing some fight under the interim manager. Xabi Alonso will have a solid base to work with
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.