Chelsea held on for a huge 1-0 win over arch-rivals Tottenham in what ended up to be a nervy final few minutes at Stamford Bridge.
The result sees the Blues return to the top four of the Premier League, after there was plenty of pressure put on them by rival teams during this gameweek.
Enzo Maresca was able to welcome back Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson to his starting side, as well as Noni Madueke off the bench.
It was Palmer who turned provider for the only goal of the game, with Enzo Fernandez heading home from close range to seperate the sides.
Maresca will be delighted with the spirit of his players, as well as a rare clean sheet and impressive performance from Robert Sanchez between the sticks.
The Chelsea Chronicle have given out player ratings for the Blues claimed the bragging rights in this London derby.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Chelsea player ratings in 1-0 win over Tottenham
Robert Sanchez – 7/10
Robert Sanchez’s blushes were saved when a Spurs goal was disallowed in the second half, with the Spaniard no doubt feeling like he should have done better with the effort.
Outside of that, his long passing in particular was impressive as Chelsea held on for a rare clean sheet. Made a huge save at the end to deny an equaliser.
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Malo Gusto – 5/10
Struggled a little in possession, but did a good job keeping Heung-min Son relatively quiet as Reece James watched the majority of proceedings from the bench.
Whether Maresca sees James as a right-back or not, the England international’s case as their best possible option remains strong despite Malo Gusto’s performance.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7/10
Trevoh Chalobah was certainly fired up for the London derby, getting himself involved in a tussle late in the first half that saw him carded.
Given the news of another injury setback for Wesley Fofana, there could be some important minutes on the horizon for the Cobham graduate.
Levi Colwill – 6/10
Was part of a defence who kept former Blue Dominic Solanke very quiet. Levi Colwill was very strong in his duels up against one of the better strikers in the league.
After zero minutes during the international break, he will be delighted to be back involved in a big win for the Blues.
Marc Cucurella – 7/10
Chelsea’s most consistent defender carried on his excellent form in the 2024/25 season as Marc Cucurella impressed in both defence and attack again.
With no other recognised option in his position, there is an argument that the Spain international is the Blues’ most important player right now.
Enzo Fernandez – 8/10
So often popping up in the right position for Chelsea this season, Enzo Fernandez found the net early in the second half after his movement opened up an excellent goalscoring position.
A bustling performance in the middle of the park from Chelsea’s captain on the night, the first choice midfield pairing continues to go from strength to strength.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo – 7/10
After an early injury scare, Moises Caicedo was back to his brilliant best in the midfield, frequently cutting out attacks and getting Chelsea going.
Was fouled in the build up to what Spurs thought was an equalising goal, a decision eventually given by the referee and VAR.
Pedro Neto – 6/10
Pedro Neto worked as hard as ever at both ends of the pitch, however struggled to open up any real opportunities for a goal.
Made the switch back to the left wing after the introduction of Noni Madueke in the second half.
Cole Palmer – 7/10
No doubt keen to break the longest goal drought of his Stamford Bridge career, Cole Palmer turned provider for Fernandez with an excellent cross early in the second half.
The England international was everywhere for his side, with him frequently looking dangerous when combining with his fellow attackers.
Jadon Sancho – 5/10
Plenty of Chelsea attacks came down the left wing, however Jadon Sancho still looked as if he was lacking the confidence in his final actions.
Came closest for the Blues in the first half, pulling out a super save from Guglielmo Vicario to keep the game scoreless.
Nicolas Jackson – 7/10
Almost marked his return to football with a goal in the first minute, Nicolas Jackson showwd Chelsea fans exactly what they had been missing in the time he had been away injured.
The Senegalese star will be absolutely crucial in the run in to the end of the season, perhaps backed up by his early replacement.
Noni Madueke – 6/10
A first appearance after injury for Noni Madueke, who kept up the same levels of intensity that were apparent before his introduction.
Reece James – 6/10
Reece James brought an extra level of control to the game following his second-half introduction.
With plenty of big games coming thick and fast for Chelsea, managing his minutes is going to be a crucial part of Maresca’s job.
Tosin Adarabioyo – N/A
A late addition as Chelsea looked to shut up shop and protect the three points.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – N/A
Another late substitute, who in fairness gave everything to keep the Blues ahead.