Joao Pedro once again learns how to score and crushes a pale Tottenham

In one of this round’s Premier League derbies, higher-quality football was expected at Tottenham Stadium. However, what we saw was a match with few clear chances and little flair, highlighted only by Joao Pedro’s goal giving the visitors a 1–0 lead.

Chelsea took a slender 1–0 lead into halftime against Tottenham after a first half that was largely dominated by the visitors.

The early stages saw Chelsea probing from distance. In the 19th minute, Reece James tried a long-range effort, but it drifted well wide of goal — a reminder that shooting from that distance can be risky. A minute later, Garnacho found space inside the box and took a shot, but it lacked power and was comfortably held by Vicario.

Chelsea’s chances continued to mount, and in the 31st minute, Tottenham’s defense faltered. Joao Pedro found himself one-on-one with Vicario but ended up shooting straight at the keeper, missing a great opportunity. Mohammed Kudus also tested the keeper in the 32nd minute with a powerful strike from around 20 yards, but it went over the crossbar.

Finally, Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. Moises Caicedo pressed Tottenham’s defense, won the ball, and played a perfect pass to Joao Pedro, who had the simple task of slotting it past Vicario to make it 1–0. The goal is HERE!

Tottenham nearly responded before the break, but Vicario was alert. In the 43rd minute, he produced a brilliant reflex save to deny a close-range header from Joao Pedro after a crowded cross into the box. In added time, Kudus had another chance from the edge of the box, firing a powerful shot that was heroically parried by Robert Sanchez, keeping Chelsea’s lead intact.

The second half between Tottenham and Chelsea saw several opportunities, but no goals were added, leaving Chelsea in control with their 1–0 lead from the first half.

Early in the half, Enzo Fernandez tested the waters in the 48th minute, taking advantage of some space to shoot, but his effort lacked power. A few minutes later, in the 53rd minute, he went close again with a header from a Reece James cross, but the ball sailed over the bar.

Chelsea had their own chances to extend the lead. In the 56th minute, Pedro Neto found himself one-on-one with Vicario and opted to shoot to the keeper’s right side, but Spurs goalkeeper reacted like a cat to make a fine save.

In the 74th minute, Chelsea created two opportunities in quick succession. First, Neto received a good ball at the edge of the box and fired, but Vicario was alert to block it. The rebound fell to Reece James, who attempted a shot over the bar.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 10

Saturday

Brighton - Leeds 3-0 (1-0)

/Welbeck 11, Gomez 64, 70/

Burnley - Arsenal 0-2 (0-2)

/Gyokeres 14, Rice 35/

Crystal Palace - Brentford 2-0 (1-0)

/Mateta 30, Collins 51 (og)/

Fulham - Wolverhampton 3-0 (1-0)

/Sessegnon 9, Wilson 62, Mosquera 75 (og)/

Nottingham Forest - Manchester United 2-2 (0-1)

/Gibbs-White 48, Savona 50 - Casemiro 34, Diallo 81/

Tottenham - Chelsea 0-1 (0-1)

/Pedro 34/

23.00: (1.65) Liverpool (4.50) Aston Villa (5.00)

Sunday

17.00: (5.25) West Ham (4.15) Newcastle (1.65)

19.30: (1.53) Manchester City (4.80) Bournemouth (5.80)

Monday

23.00: (2.85) Sunderland (3.20) Everton (2.75)

***odds are subject to change***