North London Blues: Chelsea Extend Dominance Over Tottenham
In a tense and highly anticipated London derby, Chelsea emerged victorious against Tottenham Hotspur with a 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match, played on Saturday, November 1, 2025, saw Chelsea continue their stronghold over their rivals, adding another chapter to the storied rivalry between the two clubs.
The decisive goal came in the first half when Joao Pedro capitalized on a defensive error to put Chelsea ahead. Moises Caicedo dispossessed Micky van de Ven, setting up Pedro who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Guglielmo Vicario. Despite opportunities to extend their lead, Chelsea had to settle for a single goal, but it proved sufficient to secure the win.
Tottenham, playing at home, struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the match. Their attack was toothless, recording an expected goals (xG) of just 0.05, their lowest since 2012/13. The home crowd voiced their frustration with loud boos at the final whistle, as their team suffered their 12th loss in the last 19 league games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Chelsea's victory was well-deserved, with a dominant display that showcased their tactical prowess. Enzo Maresca opted to start Reece James in midfield alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, a move aimed at controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. The strategy worked, as Chelsea dominated the early stages and largely contained Tottenham's counter-attacking attempts.
While Chelsea's defense remained solid, thwarting any serious threat from Tottenham, their attack could have been more clinical. Pedro missed an earlier opportunity, denied by Vicario, and substitute Jamie Gittens squandered a late chance to seal the victory. Vicario's saves kept the scoreline respectable, preventing Chelsea from increasing their lead.
The match wasn't without controversy. Rodrigo Bentancur's challenge on Reece James sparked debate, with some arguing that the Tottenham midfielder was lucky to escape with just a yellow card. The referee's leniency frustrated Chelsea players and added to the tension of the derby.
With this win, Chelsea moved into the top four of the Premier League, level on points with Tottenham. The victory marks Chelsea's fifth consecutive win against Tottenham, highlighting their recent dominance in this London rivalry. Historically, Chelsea holds the upper hand with 80 wins compared to Tottenham's 54. This latest encounter reinforces Chelsea's position as the more successful club in this fixture.
The rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham dates back to the early 20th century, intensifying after the 1967 FA Cup final. Matches between the two are always fiercely contested, with both sets of fans displaying intense passion and animosity. The "Battle of the Bridge" in 2016, where a 2-2 draw ended Tottenham's title hopes, remains a memorable and particularly heated clash in the history of this rivalry.
As the 2025/26 season progresses, Chelsea's victory over Tottenham will undoubtedly boost their confidence and strengthen their position in the league. For Tottenham, the defeat is a setback, and they will need to address their attacking woes if they are to challenge the top teams. The Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry is sure to produce more thrilling encounters in the future.
