Chelsea boosted their Champions League qualification hopes on Thursday with a 1-0 Premier League win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernandez’s second-half header proved the difference as Chelsea secured a crucial win over Tottenham in a match defined by fast-paced action and lengthy VAR interventions.

The Blues struck the post within the first minute and dominated the early exchanges, with Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto, and Fernandez all going close. Spurs, largely subdued in the first half, only tested Chelsea late through Son, who was denied.

After the break, Fernandez nodded in Cole Palmer’s pinpoint cross for the decisive goal. Chelsea appeared to double their lead when Moises Caicedo volleyed home, but VAR disallowed it for offside after a four-minute review. Moments later, Spurs had a goal of their own ruled out when Pape Sarr was deemed to have fouled Caicedo before scoring.

Robert Sanchez redeemed an earlier near-blunder with a crucial late save from Son, preserving Chelsea’s slender lead.

“Tonight was very important, first of all because of the performance. We know how important it is in this moment to win games, but since we started we try to win games in the way we want and I think tonight the performance as very good and we are happy,” said Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca after the game.

With the win, Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League with 52 points, surpassing Manchester City (51 points). However, Newcastle remain in contention with a game in hand.

The Blues will face Brentford on Sunday in their next league match.

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