Chelsea vs Tottenham: Fernandez goal gives hosts lead – and Palmer provides first assist for four months

Cole Palmer returned from injury to provide his first assist since December 1 as Enzo Fernandez headed Chelsea in front at home to Tottenham to put the Blues on course for fourth place in the Premier League.

Chelsea top scorer Palmer found Fernandez in space in front of goal to break the deadlock in the 50th minute and give his side a deserved lead after Tottenham failed to have an attempt on target before the break.

Former Chelsea midfielder criticised Spurs defenders Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven for their parts in their side falling behind.

Enzo Fernandez gets on the end of a Cole Palmer cross and Chelsea take the lead! pic.twitter.com/yMLBCYoexm

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2025

Chelsea vs Tottenham: Fernandez ‘peels in

“It is a great ball in but you need players who are prepared to gamble in the box,” Townsend told Premier League Productions.

“Enzo peels in behind Van de Ven and Udogie doesn’t get close enough. Spurs don’t deny the cross or stay with the runners, and now they are one down.”

The hosts made a brisk start in a first half of few chances, hitting a post when Van de Ven’s clearance hit Jackson after Vicario had denied the returning forward from Trevoh Chalobah’s clever pass.

Vicario came to the rescue again to brilliantly tip Jadon Sancho’s angled drive from close range over the crossbar shortly before half-time.

Tensions spill over at Stamford Bridge pic.twitter.com/KU1ibAveCC

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2025

Caicedo goal ruled out by VAR

Moises Caicedo thought he had smashed Chelsea 2-0 ahead when the midfielder’s precise volley from a partial clearance found a corner of the net in the 56th minute, only for a lengthy VAR check to deem Levi Colwill offside.

Should they win, Chelsea will move a point above Manchester City into fourth, while only victory would move Tottenham up a place to 13th.

Moises Caicedo’s goal is ruled out by VAR pic.twitter.com/Kb3D7qhwpD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 3, 2025

Cole Palmer ends assist drought

Van de Ven returned from injury for Spurs, with playmaker James Maddison and forward Son Heung-min also back in their starting line-up.

Palmer had missed Chelsea’s previous match through injury as Enzo Maresca’s team lost 1-0 at Arsenal on March 16 to continue their dismal away form.

The England international ended a 16-game wait for an assist, last setting up a goal in a 3-0 home win over Aston Villa on December 1.