Penders own goal and Palmer red card help Spurs to rare Stamford Bridge win
Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders scored an own goal on his first Premier League start and Cole Palmer was sent off as Tottenham won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Mathys Tel sealing victory.
Tottenham secured a 2-0 victory at Chelsea on Sunday, only their second win in 42 visits to Stamford Bridge. The game turned on a calamitous own goal by Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders, making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez. The 21-year-old punched a corner into his own net under pressure from Jan-Paul van Hecke, undoing an otherwise assured debut until that moment.
Chelsea's hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow when Cole Palmer was sent off for a late tackle on Conor Gallagher. Palmer had already been booked for pushing over Mateus Fernandes in a nine-minute spell of ill-discipline. Spurs made the numerical advantage count in the 87th minute when Mathys Tel produced a spectacular dribble and finish to score his first Premier League goal of the season and seal the win.
Despite the defeat, Chelsea had strong performers in Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto. Caicedo constantly won possession and disrupted Tottenham's rhythm, particularly in his battles with James Maddison, who was forced off injured in the 51st minute. Neto was arguably Chelsea's standout player, excellent defensively and a threat going forward. However, Chelsea lacked a decisive touch in the final third, with Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda unable to make a significant impact.
Tottenham's defence impressed, with Jan-Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven assured on the ball and composed under pressure. Andy Robertson, making his 300th Premier League start, grew into the game after a shaky start. Mateus Fernandes, despite giving the ball away for Chelsea's first effort, controlled the midfield and his corner led to the opening goal. Mathys Tel was the standout with his late wonder goal.
Supporters' player ratings echoed the views of our correspondent. Chelsea fans were critical of Penders and Palmer, while praising Caicedo and Neto. Tottenham supporters were delighted with Tel's impact and the defensive solidity of Van Hecke and Van de Ven, though some expressed concern over Maddison's injury. The win lifts Spurs above Chelsea in the early-season table, while the Blues will be left to rue individual errors and a lack of cutting edge.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
