Tottenham Hotspur secured their first victory at Stamford Bridge since 2018 by beating Chelsea 2-0, courtesy of a Mike Penders own goal and a stunning solo effort from Mathys Tel.

After a goalless first half, Roberto De Zerbi’s side broke the deadlock in the 77th minute through a Mateus Fernandes corner, which Chelsea shot-stopper Mike Penders attempted to punch clear but mistimed, sending the ball into his own net. The home side’s evening went from bad to worse when Cole Palmer was sent off in the 80th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a naughty challenge on Conor Gallagher.

Mathys Tel then sealed the victory in the 87th minute with a brilliant solo effort, picking up the ball near the halfway line before driving forward, weaving past two Chelsea defenders and rifling the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending the travelling Tottenham fans into delirium.

Mathys Tel expresses “special” feeling to beat Chelsea

The Frenchman was handed a start against Chelsea on Saturday. He was deployed on the left wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The 21-year-old frustrated at times with his decision to go backwards and not take on his man in the first half, but he grew as the game progressed.

Besides scoring a wonderful solo goal, Tel was a constant threat for the hosts with his unpredictability, dribbling, movement and pace. He won the individual battle with Josh Acheampong, beating the Chelsea defender for pace before skipping past Maxence Lacroix and scoring Tottenham’s second goal that wrapped up the points.

When asked to sum up the performance and result, Tel said it was “very special” to win at Stamford Bridge. He also praised his teammates for showing great mentality.

“It’s a very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win. We showed great mentality today, and we need to enjoy this win,” Tel said in an interview to Sky Sports (h/t BBC Sport).

“We created a lot of chances today, we walk out together, the goal is something special for me, I’m happy about it and let’s keep pushing now.”

Tel has opportunity to cement his spot in the Spurs XI

Tel has endured an uneven start to the 2026/27 season, but at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, he produced a performance that justified why he is rated so highly across Europe. De Zerbi has been critical of the France Under-21 international’s decision-making and lack of end product, but he has always maintained the winger is a “big talent”.

The Sarcelles-born forward was lively, industrious, direct and decisive in attack. His off-the-ball work was just as important. A mature showing from a player who hasn’t largely managed to convince the Tottenham fans thus far. Hopefully, Tel manages to build on the weekend’s display and cement his spot in De Zerbi’s first XI.