Chelsea fell to a 2-0 home defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, a result that ended their recent dominance in the fixture. Cole Palmer was sent off, while goalkeeper Mike Penders was at fault for the opening goal.
The Blues entered the match, their eighth league game of the season, with confidence, having beaten Spurs in the last six encounters between the sides. Chelsea had recorded 83 wins in all competitions against Tottenham, more than against any other club, and had lost only one of their previous 16 home London derbies.
Penders error and Palmer red card
With Emi Martínez still recovering from a broken jaw sustained at Everton, Mike Penders started in goal, becoming Chelsea's youngest Premier League keeper at 21. His misfist gifted Spurs their opener, a blow to the young goalkeeper's confidence.
Cole Palmer, hoping to score his 50th league goal for Chelsea, was instead shown a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh. Already booked, Palmer was sent off for a lunge on Conor Gallagher.
Spurs capitalise on Chelsea's struggles
Without João Pedro up front, Palmer and Morgan Rogers failed to pose a real threat, and Spurs took full advantage. Mathys Tel sealed the win with a second goal in the 87th minute.
Before the match, Xabi Alonso had praised his team's emotional control, but he faced criticism for tactical failings. Chelsea might have found an equaliser before Palmer left the field, but Danny Welbeck came on too late to change the outcome.
The victory was only Tottenham's second in 35 attempts in this fixture. Chelsea next face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge following midweek cup action against Liverpool.
