Tottenham Hotspur are showing signs of genuine revival under manager Roberto de Zerbi, climbing to 12th in the Premier League — their highest position since 2 January — following a commanding 2-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday.

The result was only the second time Tottenham have won back-to-back league games in 42 attempts, and it marked the first time since April 2025 that the club dominated possession to the tune of 68 percent in a match. A clean sheet at Stamford Bridge, the first since 1986, added further weight to what is becoming an encouraging run of form.

Tel and Maddison shine in west London

James Maddison and Mathys Tel were the standout performers in what was a polished away display. Tel, the 21-year-old French forward who arrived from Bayern Munich for £30m in June 2025, silenced his critics with a stunning low finish after a driving run to seal the win — Tottenham's second league victory at Chelsea in 36 years.

"It is very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win," Tel told Sky Sports. "We showed great mentality today and we need to enjoy this win. Let's keep pushing now."

Maddison, returning from a serious knee injury that kept him out for almost all of last season, again impressed before being withdrawn in the second half with a suspected groin problem. De Zerbi moved quickly to downplay the concern: "I don't think it is a very important problem. He is a special player for us. We need him."

Chelsea hand Spurs a helping hand

Chelsea certainly contributed to their own downfall. Goalkeeper Mike Penders punched the first goal into his own net, and Cole Palmer was dismissed after collecting two yellow cards — leaving De Zerbi's side to play the second half against ten men.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, was effusive in his praise: "A dream afternoon for Tottenham. They looked controlled, looked at ease, they looked comfortable on the ball. Results like this galvanise a side."

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown echoed that sentiment on BBC Sport: "Tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance. I thought Maddison was magnificent in midfield — he's like the Artful Dodger. Tel was magnificent out on the left, Mohammed Kudus on the right was also really effective. Spurs had almost 70% possession, which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table."

A turning point off the pitch

De Zerbi, appointed as Spurs' third manager of the campaign at the end of March 2026 with the club hovering a single point above the relegation zone, has spoken openly about transforming the mood within the squad. A frank team meeting following the 1-1 draw at Manchester United proved significant.

"After the Manchester United game, we had a big meeting," he explained. "We removed the masks and spoke honestly and clearly in front of ourselves. From that moment, I think something started to change within us."

The club also arranged a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, which included a visit from heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.

Summer recruits making an impression

Three of Tottenham's headline summer signings — centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, Matheus Fernandes from West Ham, and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle — all caught the eye against Chelsea. De Zerbi singled out Tonali for particular praise, describing it as his best performance since joining the club.

Fernandes, 22, summed up the collective mood: "We are here to change the club's mentality, we want to beat the top teams, and make this victory for the fans."

Tottenham remain unbeaten in three games, though goals remain in short supply — just eight in as many matches. De Zerbi's rebuild has further work ahead, but after this derby triumph, the foundation looks more solid than it has in some time.