3 of the Most Memorable Spurs vs Chelsea Clashes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur is one of London’s fiercest, and matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have delivered some unforgettable moments. Let’s dive into three of the most memorable clashes between these two giants at Spurs’ stunning new home ground.

1) Tottenham 0-2 Chelsea (Premier League, December 2019) 

The inaugural Premier League meeting between these sides at the newly built Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a match filled with drama, controversy, and moments of brilliance. José Mourinho, then in charge of Spurs, faced his former club Chelsea, managed by Frank Lampard, in a game that carried extra weight due to the manager's history. Chelsea came into this game in inconsistent form, having lost four of their last five matches, but they started like a team possessed. Right from kickoff, Lampard’s side imposed themselves on the game, with a tactical tweak that caught Spurs off guard. Deploying a 3-4-3 system, Chelsea completely nullified Tottenham’s attacking outlets, particularly the usually deadly Heung-min Son and Harry Kane. 

The first breakthrough came in the 12th minute, and what a goal it was. Willian collected the ball near the edge of the box after a short corner. With a deft touch to create space, he curled a stunning effort into the far corner, leaving Spurs’ goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga rooted to the spot. The away fans erupted, and Mourinho’s scowl told the story of a manager outfoxed by his protégé.Spurs tried to rally but lacked cohesion. Chelsea’s midfield duo of N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho ran the show, breaking up play and distributing the ball with precision. Harry Kane, feeding off scraps, barely had a sniff at goal in the first half. 

The game’s turning point arrived just before halftime. In a moment of sheer madness, Gazzaniga attempted to clear the ball but ended up wildly clattering Marcos Alonso in the box. Initially, referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free kick to Spurs, but VAR intervened to correctly award Chelsea a penalty. Willian stepped up and coolly converted, doubling Chelsea’s lead and further deflating the home crowd. 

The second half saw more controversy when Son was sent off for kicking out at Antonio Rüdiger following a tangle on the ground. While some Spurs fans felt the decision was harsh, the red card summed up their frustration on a night where little went right. Chelsea cruised through the remainder of the match, securing a vital 2-0 win that not only restored their top-four momentum but also gave Lampard the bragging rights over his former boss. For Spurs, it was a bitter pill to swallow—a home defeat that highlighted their struggles under Mourinho. 

2) Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea (Premier League, February 2023) 

This clash had a distinctly different flavor, coming during a period when both teams were undergoing transitions. Antonio Conte, managing Spurs, was up against his former side Chelsea, now led by Graham Potter. Both teams were desperate for points, but it was Spurs who emerged victorious. The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to find rhythm. Chelsea dominated possession but lacked penetration, a recurring theme under Potter. Spurs, meanwhile, were compact and looked dangerous on the counter, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min linking up well. 

The breakthrough came early in the second half, and it was courtesy of an unlikely source—Oliver Skipp. The Spurs academy graduate latched onto a poor clearance from Enzo Fernández just outside the Chelsea box and unleashed a thunderous strike that flew past Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted as Skipp celebrated his first-ever goal for the club, and what a stage to do it on. Chelsea tried to respond, with Raheem Sterling and Joao Félix both testing Fraser Forster, who was standing in for the injured Hugo Lloris. However, Spurs’ defense, marshaled by Cristian Romero and Eric Dier, stood firm, frustrating Chelsea’s attacking stars. 

The game was sealed in the 82nd minute, and fittingly, it was Harry Kane who delivered the knockout blow. From a corner, the ball fell perfectly to the England captain at the far post, and he made no mistake, volleying it home to double Spurs’ lead. It was Kane’s 18th goal of the season, and it further cemented his status as the club’s talisman. The victory was significant for Spurs, who continued their push for a Champions League spot, while Chelsea’s defeat only deepened the questions surrounding Potter’s tenure. 

3) Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea (5-4 on penalties) (Carabao Cup, September 2020) 

Chelsea came into the game after a disappointing comeback draw against West Brom in the Premier League, while Spurs were juggling a packed fixture schedule, having played just two days prior. Despite this, José Mourinho fielded a competitive lineup, keen to prove a point against his former club. The game started with Chelsea on the front foot, dictating the tempo through their dynamic midfield trio of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovačić, and Jorginho. Their early pressure paid off in the 19th minute when Timo Werner opened his account for the club. The German forward received a clever pass from César Azpilicueta on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful low drive into the bottom corner, leaving Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with no chance. 

Chelsea’s high press continued to trouble Spurs throughout the first half. Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi caused problems on the flanks, while Werner and Olivier Giroud linked up well in the attack. However, despite their dominance, Chelsea failed to add to their lead, leaving the door slightly ajar for Tottenham. The second half saw a rejuvenated Spurs side take to the pitch, spurred on by Mourinho’s halftime adjustments. Spurs began to exploit Chelsea’s vulnerabilities at the back, particularly in wide areas. Sergio Reguilón, making his debut, impressed with his overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses. Chelsea’s defense, led by Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori, had to withstand waves of pressure as Tottenham pushed for an equalizer. 

The breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute. A lofted cross from Reguilón found its way into Chelsea’s box, and after a defensive lapse, Lamela pounced, slotting the ball past Édouard Mendy to level the score. With the match finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, penalties were needed to separate the two sides. Both teams held their nerve in the shootout, with the first nine spot-kicks perfectly dispatched. Then came the decisive moment—Chelsea’s Mason Mount stepped up but rattled his effort against the post. Spurs secured a 5-4 victory in the shootout, booking their place in the next round. It was a sweet moment for Mourinho, who couldn’t hide his delight after defeating his former team. 

Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates