Tottenham Hotspur head to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night knowing their Premier League survival hopes remain on the line, but Roberto De Zerbi must overcome more than just Chelsea if Spurs are to leave west London with a positive result.
For Tottenham supporters, Stamford Bridge has long been viewed as one of the club’s most difficult grounds. Mention Chelsea away to any Spurs fan and memories of frustration, missed opportunities and painful results quickly come flooding back.
In the Premier League era, Tottenham have managed just one victory away at Chelsea. That famous 3-1 win arrived back in 2018 during Mauricio Pochettino’s peak years, when Dele Alli scored twice after Christian Eriksen’s stunning strike cancelled out Alvaro Morata’s opener.
That victory ended a wait of nearly three decades for a league win at Stamford Bridge, but Spurs have failed to repeat the feat since. Across the Premier League era, Tottenham have suffered 21 defeats and recorded 11 draws at Chelsea’s home, underlining the scale of the challenge De Zerbi now faces.
The current Tottenham side is very different from the one that travelled there eight years ago. Gone are the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane, with Spurs instead finding themselves in the middle of a desperate relegation fight.
However, there have been signs of improvement since De Zerbi’s arrival. Tottenham are unbeaten in four matches, recording two wins and two draws, and the Italian has already begun restoring belief within the squad.
Those draws against Brighton and Leeds could easily have become victories if not for late defensive errors, while even De Zerbi’s narrow defeat at Sunderland was surrounded by controversy after the league’s Key Match Incidents panel later admitted Brian Brobbey should have been sent off before Cristian Romero suffered a serious knee injury.
Romero has remained around the squad despite his injury setback, determined to support the team during the survival battle, and that fighting spirit appears to be spreading through the dressing room.
The biggest issue for De Zerbi remains his lack of attacking options. Spurs are still without several important forwards, including Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski, leaving the Italian short of firepower ahead of the biggest game of the season.
There is at least some positive news for Tottenham. James Maddison has returned after a lengthy injury absence and could play a key role in the final matches of the campaign. The midfielder has previously enjoyed success against Chelsea and De Zerbi will hope his creativity can inspire Spurs at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham may also receive help before they even step onto the pitch. West Ham travel to Newcastle on Sunday, and Spurs supporters will be hoping Eddie Howe’s side can prevent the Hammers from climbing above them before Tuesday night’s London derby.
One advantage Tottenham do possess is preparation time. Spurs will arrive at Stamford Bridge after more than a week on the training ground, while Chelsea will have played an emotionally and physically demanding FA Cup final just three days earlier.
History may heavily favour Chelsea, but Tottenham have little choice now but to ignore the past. With survival at stake, De Zerbi’s task is clear — make sure Stamford Bridge finally becomes a place Spurs can overcome rather than fear.
