Chelsea have unlikely hero to thank as fuming Ange Postecoglou feels the heat after defeat

An angry Ange Postecoglou watched on in horror as his Tottenham Hotspur side suffered a killer blow to their hopes of finishing inside the Champions League positions. It’s now just one win since the turn of the century for Spurs away to London rivals Chelsea.

Trevoh Chalobah proved the unlikely hero for Chelsea, as the centre-back popped up with the opener after 24 minutes. Rising highest in the penalty box, Chalobah’s header looped over the top of a helpless Guglielmo Vicario in the Spurs goal.

Set pieces proved to be Tottenham’s nemesis throughout the evening, with Nicolas Jackson also capitalising on some lax defending from the Lilywhites. Cole Palmer’s original effort had cannoned back off the crossbar, but a sleepy Spurs backline failed to react, allowing Jackson to nod home Chelsea’s second.

It leaves Postecoglou’s men a whopping seven points off fourth-placed Aston Villa, and while they do hold a game in hand over their Champions League rivals, Spurs will now require a major slip-up from Unai Emery’s side. As for Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino is still clinging to hopes of sneaking into seventh place. The two-time European champions are two points behind Newcastle United – the side currently occupying the final continental qualification spot.

Angry Ange loses rag at disappointing Spurs duo 

It wasn’t a g’day for Spurs boss Postecoglou, whose side once again struggled against high-quality opposition at Stamford Bridge. And during the first half, the Australian made no attempt to hide his emotions, as he lost his rag at two Tottenham stars.

The television cameras spotted Postecoglou berating both Pape Matar Sarr and Cristian Romero, with the tactician unhappy about his team’s approach both in and out of possession. It marked a change in approach, at least publically, for Postecoglou, who has previously cut a calm and collected figure on the touchline.

A sign the pressure of Spurs’ Champions League run-in is taking its toll perhaps?

Postecoglou comments leave Spurs boss red-faced 

It’s less than one week since Postecoglou made a tongue-in-cheek dig at Arsenal’s reliance on set-pieces. The ex-Celtic man suggested he would’ve spent more time in training working on defending them if he knew it would’ve aided Spurs’ hopes of a North London derby result.

However, in their second cross-city clash of the week, set pieces once again haunted the 2019 Champions League runners-up. Both Chelsea goals came from set-piece situations, with Postecoglou likely left with no choice but to address the issue in training.

Chalobah showing sends clear message to Boehly and co. 

Chalobah put together one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt, as he helped strengthen the Blues’ – albeit slim – European hopes. The defender broke the deadlock midway through the first period, while helping protect his side’s lead with a brave block just before the half-time break.

Todd Boehly and co. have sanctioned over £200million worth of defensive signings since taking charge in 2022, but Chalobah’s showing against Spurs was a timely reminder that Chelsea still boast one of Europe’s best academies. Food for thought ahead of the summer transfer window.

New foe haunts Tottenham at the Bridge 

For several years, it was Chelsea legend Didier Drogba who haunted Tottenham, with the Ivorian having netted seven goals against Spurs during his Blues career. However, Chelsea’s latest marksman is already following in Drogba’s footsteps.

On the back of his hat-trick earlier in the season, Jackson was once again on target for the two-time European champions. It means a hefty 38 per cent of Jackson’s Premier League goals this season have come against Tottenham.

Chelsea fans make opinion clear about Gallagher sale

Chelsea supporters made their opinion about academy ace Gallagher clear before kick-off, with a banner draped across the Shed End. Depicting an image of the 24-year-old, the display read ‘Chelsea Since Birth’.

Gallagher has been linked with a move to Tottenham in the past, with the north Londoners said to be an admirer. Given Chelsea’s precarious financial situation, it’s been mooted Chelsea could be forced into selling Gallgher, given all funds raised would go down as profits on the balance sheet.

However, the show of faith from the Blues faithful will likely send a clear message to the Chelsea hierarchy. Gallagher has been one of few standout players for the capital club this season, with the England international having provided more Premier League assists than Kai Havertz, Alexis Mac Allister, Marcus Rashford and Mohammed Kudus this season.