Joao Pedro ends goal drought as Chelsea pip Tottenham
Joao Pedro ended his 10-game goal drought to give Chelsea a deserved victory as Tottenham were booed off after another dismal home performance.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who has been struggling for both fitness and form, confidently chipped in the winner after persistent pressing by Moises Caicedo forced defender Micky van de Ven into a mistake inside his own box.
Pedro could have scored three by half-time but for two fine saves by Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who dived low to his right to deny him before reacting quickly to tip away a volley.
In the end, that solitary goal was enough to beat a Spurs side that lacked creativity and registered just three shots on target.
Spurs were poor in attack, with only Mohamed Kudus having efforts of any note—shooting over in the 33rd minute from long range before finally testing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea could have won by more, but Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez wasted good opportunities, while Vicario again denied Pedro and substitute Jamie Gittens blazed a close-range effort over the bar.
The Blues have now risen to fourth, level with Spurs on 17 points but behind their London rivals on goal difference.
However, Spurs’ home form continues to hurt them—they have managed just three wins in their past 19 games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium across the tenures of former manager Ange Postecoglou and current boss Thomas Frank.
