Joao Pedro finally ended his goal drought as Chelsea defeated Tottenham 1-0 on Saturday, prolonging Spurs’ miserable home form.
The Brazilian striker scored late in the first half at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking his first goal in nine matches across all competitions, his last coming against Fulham on August 30.
The 24-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Brighton in a £60 million deal, has managed just three goals for the club this season. Nonetheless, his strike secured Chelsea’s third win in four Premier League outings, moving them up to fourth, level on points with third-placed Tottenham but behind on goal difference.
Tottenham’s home woes continued, as they have failed to win a league match at home since the opening weekend against Burnley. Their struggles, which began under former boss Ange Postecoglou, have persisted under Thomas Frank, who is yet to reverse the club’s fortunes despite some promising away performances, including a 3-0 victory at Everton last week.
The atmosphere in North London is growing tense, with fans growing impatient over Frank’s pragmatic tactics that contrast sharply with Tottenham’s famed attacking philosophy, “to dare is to do.”
Tottenham suffered an early setback when Lucas Bergvall sustained a head injury, leading to his substitution for Xavi Simons under concussion protocol. Bergvall reacted angrily, pushing a medical staff member before Frank intervened to calm him down.
Chelsea looked the more composed side, with Alejandro Garnacho posing a constant threat. The Argentine tested Guglielmo Vicario from range, forcing the Tottenham goalkeeper into several saves. Vicario himself picked up a knock midway through the half but managed to continue and denied Joao Pedro with a strong save after a rebound fell kindly to the striker.
However, Joao Pedro soon got his reward. In the 34th minute, Moises Caicedo hustled Xavi Simons and Micky van de Ven near the Tottenham box, winning the ball and slipping it to Joao Pedro, who rifled into the roof of the net from close range. Frank’s frustration was evident as he kicked a water bottle on the sideline.
Joao Pedro nearly doubled Chelsea’s lead later in the half after receiving a pass from Malo Gusto, but Vicario tipped his effort over the bar. Rodrigo Bentancur was lucky to escape a red card after a reckless challenge on Reece James was judged “not serious foul play.”
Tottenham’s first real chance came on the brink of halftime when Mohammed Kudus fired a shot that was well-saved by Robert Sanchez. Early in the second half, Enzo Fernandez squandered an opportunity to extend Chelsea’s lead, heading over from James’ cross.
Tottenham’s lack of creativity frustrated the home crowd as they continued to lose possession cheaply. The visitors looked the stronger side, with Pedro Neto forcing Vicario into another save late on. Spurs failed to muster a serious threat in the closing stages, as Chelsea held firm to claim a deserved victory.
What you should know
Joao Pedro’s lone goal against Tottenham not only ended his personal goal drought but also lifted Chelsea into the Premier League’s top four.
Tottenham’s home struggles continued under Thomas Frank, who is yet to inspire consistency since taking charge. Despite bright moments on the road, Spurs’ cautious approach and lack of attacking edge have begun to test the patience of their supporters.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are showing signs of growing stability under Enzo Maresca, with Joao Pedro’s performance highlighting the potential that prompted his £60 million move from Brighton.
