Support from Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) sent from across the continent did not work. Tottenham Hotspur failed to secure Premier League survival. Ultimately, Tottenham must achieve at least a draw against Everton in the final match to stay up on their own.
Tottenham lost 1-2 in the 2025-2026 Premier League round 37 away match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in London, England, on the 20th (Korea time). With this result, 17th-place Tottenham remained on 38 points with 9 wins, 11 draws and 17 losses ahead of the final round 38. The gap with 18th-place West Ham United (36 points) remains two points.
If Tottenham had added points in this match, they could have secured survival early and prepared comfortably for the final match. However, they missed the chance after a disappointing lapse in concentration and defeat. Conversely, Chelsea kept hopes of qualifying for European competition next season alive by rising to seventh with 52 points.
Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Heung-min Son, Matys Tel-Connor Gallagher-Richarlison, Youssef En-Nesyri, Palinha-Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie-Micky van de Ven-Kevin Danso-Pedro Porro, Antonin Kinsky started.
Under interim manager Callum McFadzean, Chelsea also started with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Liam Delap, Enzo Fernandez-Kol Palmer-Pedro Neto, Moises Caicedo-Andreas Santos, Marc Cucurella-Yorell Hato-Wesley Fofana-Josh Achiampong, Robert Sanchez were in the starting lineup.
Before the match, Tottenham legend Son Heung-min sent a message of support. Playing in the U.S., he told the BBC, "I've been catching up on all of Tottenham's matches throughout this season whenever I can. I watch highlights and try to watch as many full matches as possible. Of course, due to the time difference it's sometimes difficult to watch from start to finish, but I am cheering with all my heart."
Son Heung-min also shouted, "I hope they get a good result against Chelsea and stay in the Premier League. They fully deserve it. I'm cheering from the other side of the world. I love this team and I love the fans. I wish the players the best of luck. Everyone stay strong, come on Spurs."
In the early stages it even looked like Tottenham were responding to Son Heung-min's wishes. In the 11th minute of the first half, Tottenham won the ball in midfield and launched a quick counterattack. Tel ran into the box and connected Porro's early cross with a header, but the ball hit the post.
But after that it was Chelsea's momentum. Tottenham, who survived a crisis with Kinsky's save, conceded the opening goal in the 18th minute of the first half. Enso, who received the ball outside the box, boldly took a long-range shot. The ball curved and was drawn precisely into the corner of the net.
Chelsea's offensive continued. With Tottenham pushing up their defensive line in need of an equalizer, Chelsea exploited the space behind with organized passing play. In the 29th minute of the first half, Enso almost scored a second. From a free kick won on the left flank, he aimed at goal with a surprise shot, but it struck the crossbar.
Tottenham's attack lacked sharpness. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Kolo Muani's cross inside the box absurdly went over the goal line, and in the 37th minute Tel's shot inside the box soared over the crossbar. In the end, Tottenham finished the first half without a single shot on target in 45 minutes.
Chelsea also controlled the game in the second half. With concise link-up play and high pressure up front, they troubled Tottenham and showed efficient attacking. Conversely, Tottenham squandered the occasional chance they had with blunt finishing.
Chelsea pulled two goals clear. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Kolo Muani made a backpass mistake near the halfway line. Chelsea, who intercepted it, did not miss the opportunity. On the ensuing counterattack, Enso calmly laid the ball off and Santos finished lightly to make it 2-0.
Tottenham's bench, cornered, made moves. De Zerbi brought on James Maddison, Pape Sarr and Djed Spence for Kolo Muani, Palinha and Udogie in an attempt to change things.
Tottenham swallowed their disappointment. In the 27th minute of the second half, Sarr delivered a low cross from the right. Gallagher got a foot to it and looked to aim at his former team's goal, but with insufficient power it was easily collected by the goalkeeper.
Tottenham pulled one goal back. In the 29th minute of the second half, Porro cut into the right side of the box and delivered a cutback pass. Sarr connected it with a clever back-heel to Heung-min Son, who was in front of goal, and Son easily pushed it in to make it 2-1.
But it was not enough to change the result. In the 39th minute of the second half, Maddison played a one-two with Heung-min Son and suddenly found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but Hato's decisive tackle stopped him and he held his head in his hands. Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, but no more goals came. The match ended with Tottenham losing by one goal.
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