Tottenham Hotspur 2–1 Chelsea
Premier Division — Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
In a fiery London derby under the bright summer skies, Kevin Strootman’s Tottenham halted the Chelsea machine with a dramatic 2–1 victory. Though the Blues had already secured the Premier Division title, their slip at Spurs served as a reminder that form and pride still matter in the run-in to a European final.
Legendary striker Logan Granger looked set to continue his formidable scoring streak, giving Chelsea an early lead in the 9th minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box. However, after a VAR check, the goal was initially ruled out before being overturned, confirming Granger’s 38th league goal of the season.
The joy was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Spurs midfielder Nahuel Rubinich rose highest to meet a cross and sent a thundering header past Joby Holwell to equalise. Rubinich, who put in a commanding display, was later named Player of the Match with a 7.9 rating and a 91% pass completion rate.
Both sides exchanged blows in a midfield-heavy encounter, with Chelsea seeing more of the ball (58% possession) and registering 11 shots. Yet it was Tottenham who delivered the telling blow. In the 70th minute, midfielder Gláuber Veloso calmly dispatched a penalty after Zoubir Reibai was judged to have fouled in the area. VAR was again used to confirm the spot-kick.
Calin Dimario’s side attempted to claw back, but their attacks lacked cohesion, with key players such as Joseph Haigh and Pele struggling to influence the game. Chelsea’s xG of 1.16 suggested they were close, but Tottenham edged them on quality of chances with an xG of 1.24.
“I am absolutely delighted,” beamed Spurs boss Kevin Strootman in the post-match press conference. “Beating your rivals is always special — especially when they’re this good.”
Despite the defeat, Chelsea’s dominance over the league remains undisputed, having secured the title with a 21-point cushion. But with the UEFA Champions League final looming against Hertha Berlin, this result may serve as a wake-up call.
Match Stats:
Shots: Spurs 6 / Chelsea 11
Possession: Spurs 42% / Chelsea 58%
xG: Spurs 1.24 / Chelsea 1.16
Player of the Match: Nahuel Rubinich (Tottenham) — 7.9 rating
All eyes now turn to Olympiastadion, where Chelsea will attempt to defend their European crown. But after this loss, Dimario’s men will need to regroup — and fast.