With a 1-0 victory for Tottenham, Joseo Pedro finally ended his Chelsea goal drought, prolonging the club’s miserable home record on Saturday.
When Joao Pedro scored late in the first half of the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead.
His first goal in nine games, which came against Fulham on August 30; it was also his first in all competitions.
Since leaving Brighton in a £60 million ($78 million) move in the close-season, the 24-year-old has scored just three goals for the Blues.
Chelsea moved into fourth place in the Premier League after winning third place behind third-placed Tottenham in goal difference with a third straight victory.
Since beating Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August, Tottenham haven’t won at home in the league.
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Their miserable home league performance in 2025 began with Frank’s successor Ange Postecoglou, but the former Brentford boss has not yet found a solution.
Tottenham have performed much better on the road this year, winning 3-0 at Everton in their previous top-flight match despite losing in the League Cup fourth round at Newcastle in midweek.
However, Tottenham fans are beginning to express dissatisfaction with Frank’s prosaic tactics, which contrast sharply with the club’s “to dare is to do” philosophy.
When Lucas Bergvall suffered a head injury and was replaced by Xavi Simons, a concussion replacement, Frank was struck by an early injury blow.
Bergvall pleaded with Tottenham’s medical staff to allow him to remain on, but when they refused, he enraged one of the doctors before Frank intervened to calm the situation.
Sloppy Spurs,  
Chelsea’s main threat came in the first half when Alejandro Garnacho fired a distance challenge on Guglielmo Vicario from the distance.
Midway through the second half, Vicario suffered a knee injury, but he was able to continue after receiving treatment and immediately came to Tottenham’s aid.
Vicario stood up to repel his low strike as Pedro Porro’s clearance rebounded off Garnacho to Joao Pedro inside the area.
However, Joao Pedro was not let down by his 34th minute opener, which made amends for that mistake.
On the edge of the Tottenham area, Moises Caicedo tenaciously harried Simons and Micky van de Ven before winning possession and directing the ball to Joao Pedro, who fired into the roof of the net from six yards.
Tottenham’s poor defending caused Frank to kick a water bottle out in disgrace on the touchline.
Joao Pedro almost struck again after taking Malo Gusto’s pass and unleashing a powerful effort that Vicario tipped over.
After the ugly challenge on Reece James was declared “not serious foul play,” Rodrigo Bentancur may consider himself fortunate to escape with a booking.
Robert Sanchez was equal to it when Tottenham finally made contact with him on the stroke of half-time with a Mohammed Kudus volley.
Unmarked, Enzo Fernandez headed wastefully over James’ cross shortly after the break.
Frank’s side admitted to giving up possession far too easily, and their supporters became increasingly frustrated as a result of their lack of attacking momentum.
Tottenham never seriously threatened a late escape, but the fans’ anger increased as Vicario’s temper grew.
Source: Channels TV
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