Interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane has heaped praise on Enzo Fernandez after the Argentine’s match-winning performance in Tuesday night’s 2-1 derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. The skipper put in a fine performance, scoring a lovely goal and setting up another as he helped the Blues to victory in their penultimate Premier League game of the season.
And the 25-year-old opened the scoring in the 18th minute, when he latched onto a ball from Pedro Neto and fired home a thunderous effort from outside the box that left Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky with no answer. He was provider after the break, cushioning down a deep Neto cross into the path of Andrey Santos, who turned the ball home from close range before Richarlison pulled one back to peg the scoreline back to 2-1.
Speaking about the vice-captain, McFarlane said:
“I thought Enzo was exceptional tonight. I thought his goal was brilliant. His assist as well, he’s obviously made a massive impact. I don’t think there was anyone you could name on our team that didn’t give absolutely everything to get the win.”
The Argentine, who has captained the side in the absence of Reece James, was one of the standout performers on the night.
Chelsea’s European Fight & Spurs’ Survival Nightmare
The win lifted Chelsea to eighth in the Premier League table, while Tottenham were left staring at the threat of relegation. The Blues had a horror run of form leading into this fixture, claiming only one point from their last seven outings, scoring two goals and conceding 15.
The defeat at the Bridge could not have come at a worse time for Spurs, definitely. The north London outfit, who appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their head coach during the international break, now need to win their final fixture to guarantee top-flight survival after years of European football.
Chelsea end their 2025/26 season with a visit to the Stadium of Light to play Sunderland, with incoming permanent boss Xabi Alonso, now confirmed as their next manager, no doubt watching on with keen interest. McFarlane will hope his side can sign off in style before the Spaniard officially takes the reins this summer.