Analysis: Blues struggle after Penders errorpublished at 20:22 BST
20:22 BST
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
It was a troubled night for Xabi Alonso's side, who lost at home in the league for the first time this season.
The Blues, who would have moved level on points with third-placed Brighton had they won, created the better chances when the game was goalless but visiting goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky saved well from Cole Palmer, Jordan Henderson and Pedro Neto.
Chelsea handed 21-year-old Mike Penders his opportunity in the absence of Martinez and he did well to keep out Omar Marmoush's side-footed effort from Andy Robertson's left-wing cross and also denied Tel.
But the Belgian was to blame for the crucial opener, and may feel he should have also done better with Tottenham's second goal.
Chelsea missed injured striker Joao Pedro, with Morgan Rogers ineffective in a false nine role, while 19-year winger Geovany Quenda also struggled to have an impact as he started a league game for the first time since a £40m summer move from Sporting.
Boss Alonso will also have to make do without Palmer for Wednesday's Carabao Cup last-16 tie at Anfield against Liverpool after the forward's first career red card.
Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham: What Alonso saidpublished at 20:00 BST
20:00 BST
Xabi Alonso spoke to Sky Sports after Chelsea's defeat against Tottenham:"We are all disappointed with the result, with the performance collectively and individually we were not at our best level.
"It was about the first goal and it went their way and with 10 men it was difficult but we can do better.
"Chances were the main thing, they had few and we had few. We spoke at half time we had to be patient and be mature.
"We can do better.
"We wanted to have this fluidity in the middle. We wanted the pockets filed with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. There were situations but overall we have to do better."
On Mike Penders' own goal: "We feel for everyone, it is a team thing, a collective. We have to move on."
On Cole Palmer's two yellow cards: "I haven't seen them."
Did you know?
Chelsea have conceded eight goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season, double the amount of any other side.
Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham: How the players ratedpublished at 19:42 BST
19:42 BST
Chelsea starting XI:
Mike Penders: Assured was the word for the 21-year-old goalkeeper on his first start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez. That was until a cross came in and he calamitously punched a corner into his own net, before letting in Tel's strike at his near post. 4
Josh Acheampong: Having started seven of Chelsea's 10 games in all competitions this season, Acheampong is emerging as a reliable member of the backline. Defended well and seldom looked troubled. 6
Maxence Lacroix: The France international made several important interventions during spells when Chelsea were under pressure. 6
Levi Colwill: Colwill looked at his physical best as part of an increasingly settled backline. 6
Pedro Neto: Arguably Chelsea's standout performer. Excellent defensively, winning the ball back high up the pitch on several occasions, while also posing a threat going forward. Saw a well-struck effort saved in the second half. 7
Moises Caicedo: Like Neto, one of Chelsea's best performers. Constantly won possession and disrupted Tottenham's rhythm, particularly through his battles with James Maddison before the midfielder was forced off. 8
Jordan Henderson: Should perhaps have made more of Chelsea's best first-half chance in the 36th minute, but otherwise carried out his responsibilities effectively in midfield. 6
Jorrel Hato: A quiet evening in which he appeared more focused on containing Mohammed Kudus than supporting attacks. Taken off in the 65th minute. 5
Cole Palmer: Contributed well defensively and in Chelsea's press. Tested Kinsky with a curling effort and was involved in several promising moves, but could not provide a decisive moment. Palmer was sent off for a late tackle on Gallagher, having been booked for causing a flashpoint by pushing over Fernandes, in nine minutes of ill-discipline. 4
Geovany Quenda: Making his first Chelsea start in place of Joao Pedro, Quenda began on the left wing and won an early free-kick. However, he struggled to make a significant attacking impact and was taken off in the 72nd minute. 6
Morgan Rogers: Looked less effective operating as a striker but still combined well with Palmer and forced a good save. Like Palmer and Quenda, he lacked the decisive touch in the final third. 6
Substitutes:
Marco Palestra (on 65, Hato): The wing-back was involved in the physical battle. 6
Estevao Willian (on 72, Quenda): Immediately made an impact by hitting a shot into the side-netting. 6
Subs not used: Sharman-Lowe, Fofana, Gusto, Nicoll-Jazuli, Barco, Lavia, Welbeck
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Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Tottenhampublished at 11:08 BST
11:08 BST
We were talking on the Monday Night Club about what Chelsea could do this season without any European football.
Tottenham are not in Europe either, of course, but they don't look like they are going to be challenging at the top of the table the way Xabi Alonso's side are.
People keep saying how Chelsea's attack is so good, but their 2-0 win over Everton last time out was their first clean sheet of their campaign in the league, and that side of thing still needs to improve.
Spurs, meanwhile, do seem to be getting better, albeit slowly.
It was a big result for them to beat Coventry on Monday but they have an awful record at Stamford Bridge, with only one win there in the Premier League era.
I don't see them getting anything this time, either.
Chelsea v Tottenham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:30 BST 23 October
19:30 BST 23 October
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
"Very professional, very serious and looking solid," was how manager Xavi Alonso evaluated Chelsea's win at Everton last weekend.
The 2-0 victory included what is becoming something of a Chelsea trademark – a quickfire goal, with Pedro Neto scoring at the very start of the second half. That was the third time in the Premier League this season that Alonso's side had scored in the opening minute of either half.
But it was what happened at the other end of the pitch that will have surely pleased the Spaniard most, with Chelsea keeping their first clean sheet in the league since January, a run of 23 matches.
Alonso pointed out that "it's just one game"; and although Chelsea are in the top four, only five clubs have let in more goals in this season's Premier League, while even two of the three sides in the relegation zone have conceded fewer.
The Blues are now aiming for back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since December, and will be hopeful of achieving that against a Tottenham side who have struggled this season, and scored just once away from home.
Chelsea have won their past six league matches against Spurs, and have lost just one of their past 16 London derbies at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham fans will be well aware that they have won just one of their past 36 league visits to the Bridge, and have picked up just two points in the past eight trips.
Given their record, it is probably never a good time to visit Chelsea, but Spurs did at least finally get a league win this season with their victory over Coventry on Monday.
Extra reason to celebrate was Omar Marmoush's first goal since his £59m move from Manchester City, along with the return from long-term injury of Dejan Kulusevski.
And the catalyst for the victory was James Maddison, who on his first start for 18 months needed just 14 minutes to make his mark, scoring Spurs' first first-half goal of the season.
Their three goals – all of which came from outside the box – doubled their Premier League tally for the season, and earned them just a fourth league win in 2026.
But Chelsea is not a happy hunting ground, and the away fans will be fearing Tottenham could lose a seventh consecutive London derby for the first time in their league history.
Chelsea are getting the best of both worlds from Netopublished at 18:00 BST 23 October
18:00 BST 23 October
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Just as they did 10 years ago, Chelsea are thriving after moving a winger into a wing-back role, with Pedro Neto the latest player to benefit.
A decade ago, it was Victor Moses who made the switch, adapting to Antonio Conte's then-innovative system and helping Chelsea to a 13-match winning run en route to the Premier League title in 2017.
Neto scored twice from wing-back in Chelsea's 2-0 win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Perhaps Xabi Alonso saw something in Neto that the player did not initially see in himself and now the Blues are getting the best of both worlds.
Despite operating as a wing-back, he is averaging 5.3 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes compared with 3.6 last season.
His successful dribbles have risen from 1.6 to 1.8 per 90 minutes, while his dribble success rate has increased from 43.5% to 52.6%. He is also creating more chances, with his average climbing from 1.8 to 2.0 per 90, including an increase in open-play chances created from 1.5 to 1.8.
His defensive responsibilities have also increased significantly, with tackles rising from 0.7 to 2.0 per 90 and possessions won increasing from 2.9 to 3.9, all in the Premier League.
It owes to Neto's athleticism, which he has previously attributed in part to growing up in a family of roller-hockey players, allowing him to impact both ends of the pitch.
A decade ago, Moses transformed himself under Conte to great effect. Neto has not had to change quite as much. Instead, his switch from winger to right wing-back under Alonso has amplified the qualities that were already there.
Alonso on Penders replacing Martinez and 'special' first taste of Spurs rivalrypublished at 14:43 BST 23 October
14:43 BST 23 October
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge (17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Alonso began by providing an update on the fitness of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who suffered a broken jaw in the win over Everton last weekend: "He's doing better. He had the surgery. Day by day he's feeling better, but we have to wait. A few weeks, hopefully less than more, but we need to wait. The good thing is he is feeling better. We need to listen to the specialists. Considering it was a bad one he is doing good."
The Blues boss added Malo Gusto is "fine" and available, while fellow full-back Pep Chavarria is "still training a little bit more but he is not going to make it".
On Emmanuel Emegha, who is yet to make his debut after arriving from Strasbourg in the summer: "He's feeling better but we need to wait."
On 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, who will start in place of Martinez on Saturday: "He is ready. He has been training well, played a couple of cup games where he has showed he has a good level. In a few minutes against Everton he showed his personality and qualities. That's why we have a squad for these situations, and we are fully convinced Mike can play very well."
Asked about Penders not being considered ready to be first choice in the summer, Alonso responded: "We wanted to have the best possible options so we moved for Emi. Mike is a keeper for now and for the future, learning with an experienced keeper like Emi. We are happy with Mike, he is prepared."
On comparisons being made between Penders and international team-mate and former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois: "A lot. Not just for the nationality - for the stature, both left-footed, both dominant in the air. I spoke with Thibaut at the World Cup and even he said he can see similarities with Mike."
On his first taste of the rivalry with Spurs: "Every derby is special, you feel the energy and excitement from the stands. We need to use that energy on the pitch because we need to connect well. We need to have good emotional control as well because there is a lot of passion and commitment from both sides. Playing football with heart is what we want."
On opposition coach Roberto de Zerbi, he added: "He has very clear ideas. It is still early days with many things to play in the season. We will see tomorrow."
Asked if he is aware of Chelsea's strong Premier League record against Tottenham: "I knew about it, but tomorrow is another game. We need to prove again that we can continue that run and knowing it is a special game so we need to play with heart, head and intelligence."
Bournemouth the 'right place' for Scott - Foleypublished at 16:12 BST 22 October
16:12 BST 22 October
Image source, Getty Images
Owner Bill Foley believes Bournemouth is the "right place" for midfielder Alex Scott to be and says the Cherries have not given up hope of the midfielder signing a new contract.
The 23-year-old England international has a £100m asking price after a £64m offer from Chelsea was rejected in the summer.
Speaking to Talksport, Foley said: "At this point, we're convinced we're the right place for Alex to be and to stay, and we'll keep on addressing the contract issues with Alex as we move through this year.
"We'd love to have Alex stay here and sign a new contract and be part of this team for the long haul.
"We haven't given up, but sometimes players get stars in their eyes and they think that Chelsea or Manchester City is the right place to go."
Scott, who is sidelined with a thigh injury suffered on England duty, is contracted to Bournemouth until June 2028.
Acheampong giving Alonso decision to makepublished at 12:10 BST 21 October
12:10 BST 21 October
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Josh Acheampong has started six of Chelsea's past nine matches in all competitions.
Only four players - attackers Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, and defenders Levi Colwill and Maxence Lacroix - have played more than his 581 minutes under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Much of that has stemmed from Xabi Alonso settling on a more consistent side.
Chelsea had conceded a league-high 12 goals before the international break but have let in only one since, including recording their first clean sheet of the season away at Everton on Saturday.
Acheampong, 20, has operated as a roaming centre-back in a back three alongside more fixed options Colwill and Lacroix, stepping into midfield or moving wide to perform the role of a traditional full-back when in possession.
He has also developed a promising understanding with right wing-back Pedro Neto, combining with him in the move that led to Joao Pedro's goal against Bournemouth, while keeping £75m signing Wesley Fofana out of the side.
Alonso has been keen to emphasise Chelsea's defensive improvement as a collective effort, with the return of Moises Caicedo from injury and his partnership alongside 36-year-old Jordan Henderson adding greater stability.
During a pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, Alonso also hammered home his policy of giving minutes to those who most deserve it, rather than on reputation.
It's in this environment Acheampong has begun featuring regularly, while also starting eight of England Under-21s' past 10 matches.
Increasingly, the young defender appears to be knocking on the door of a senior call-up should manager Thomas Tuchel seek a versatile option on the right side of defence.
'Chemistry will be built if Alonso keeps playing the same XI'published at 08:03 BST 21 October
08:03 BST 21 October
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea fan Nina Hristova says there is "no reason to tinker" for Xabi Alonso after his side secured their second impressive win in two games following the international break against Everton on Saturday.
The Blues followed up their 5-1 victory over Bournemouth with a 2-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jorrel Hato coming in for the injured Pep Chavarria the only change Alonso made to his starting XI.
"The victory over Everton wasn't about entertaining," Hristova told BBC Radio London.
"It was about managing a difficult match away from home against a team that doesn't ship a lot of goals, is physical, disciplined, very well equipped to frustrate and was unbeaten.
"I am delighted with the win. Getting a first clean sheet after 22 games would have been impressive against any team at this point, but doing it against that opponent in those conditions after an ill-tempered first half was more impressive than any performance this season.
"We managed to stay cool, score goals and not crack under pressure. Much credit to Alonso for his team selection, keeping it as close as he could to the team that beat Bournemouth.
"It is so important for this team to be granted time to gel and grow together. There is no reason to tinker with the starting XI. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
"This chemistry will be built if we keep playing the same XI."
Title hopefuls - pundits consider Chelsea's credentialspublished at 09:58 BST 20 October
09:58 BST 20 October
Media caption,
BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club pundits have been discussing Chelsea's Premier League credentials.
Xabi Alonso's side are currently fourth in the table, having taken 13 points from seven games, but former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned against getting "so excited and giddy" about the prospect.
The Observer's Rory Smith said: "If Chelsea don't make the Champions League spots this season, with their squad and no European football, it would be a mere calamity.
"Given the way they are improving and the rate that Xabi Alonso is solving problems, if Arsenal dip a bit and Manchester City are docked points, there is a world in which Chelsea could at least challenge for the title."
Sutton interjected to ask: "Why are you getting so excited and giddy about Chelsea? They beat Everton, who haven't got any players, and they beat Bournemouth, who hadn't won a game up until last weekend and had a better xG on the day.
"They have also lost to Brentford 3-0 this season, so I don't understand what you're getting so excited for?"
"However, Alonso has an attack that works really well with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro, and Moises Caicedo being back in contention is really important because he is potentially their best player.
"There is a question mark over the defence, but Alonso has solved problems in his first two months of being manager so there is plenty of reason to be excited as a Chelsea fan."
Everton 0-2 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 09:43 BST 19 October
09:43 BST 19 October
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Everton and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
Robert: Another disappointing performance. It's clear we need a top forward and have done for some time, but whoever is in charge never seems to rectify this glaring issues.
Paul: When top teams play well, like Chelsea did in the second half, we are going to struggle. That's just where we are. But if we took our chances in the first half, then it's a different game. We desperately need to try something different upfront. Charly Alcaraz, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George or the young lad Braiden Graham must be worth a go. It isn't all bad, we are still in a good place, and have been picking up points, so there is plenty of optimism still.
Alex: That was not a good team performance, especially at home. Merlin Rohl and Harrison Armstrong were the standout players. Mykolenko and Tarkowski were pretty solid, too. It was on off day for both Dewsbury-Hall and Garner who made very little impression on the game. The usual issues with Thierno Barry will come back to haunt us. The fact that we still haven't sorted out the issues up front since Lukaku left is embarrassing.
Chelsea fans
George: It's this type of performance that signals the new era for Chelsea - solid, mature and resolute. Xabi Alonso has galvanised a group and created a structure for the team to express themselves as a collective. Clean sheet, chances and becoming difficult to beat. Alonso seems to have a plan which is well-thought-out, methodical, and progressive. I'm now excited and not nervous.
Tristan: Stunning. Finally getting a clean sheet and what a place to get it. That was the best game I have seen Pedro Neto play. I feel a bit anxious because we're getting injuries like Reece James and Emiliano Martinez but that win for me keeps Chelsea's title hopes alive.
Chris: Chelsea need to ditch Cole Palmer. The world thinks he is a dream, six shots on goal, and he missed every one of them. He was simply not reliable enough. Always starts the season with a whoosh and a bang, but returns to the inconsistencies that lost him his England place.
Martinez to return in 'a few weeks' after jaw operationpublished at 09:15 BST 19 October
09:15 BST 19 October
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he will be back "in a few weeks" after breaking his jaw in the 2-0 Premier League win at Everton on Saturday.
The 34-year-old Argentina international and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite clashed heads in the second half at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Martinez needed treatment for eight minutes before leaving the pitch on a stretcher. He was taken to hospital, where Chelsea said he had "successful" surgery.
On Sunday, he posted a photo of himself wearing a hospital gown on social media.
"Thanks to everyone for the messages. The operation went well," he wrote.
"The most important thing is that we won, and kept a clean sheet. In a few weeks we'll be back."
Who is Martinez replacement Penders?published at 08:23 BST 19 October
08:23 BST 19 October
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
With difficult matches to come, there will be questions over whether Mike Penders, who became Chelsea's youngest goalkeeper to play in the Premier League at the age of 21, is ready for the demanding run of fixtures ahead.
That concern would be heightened if tests confirm Emiliano Martinez suffered a concussion, with Premier League protocols typically requiring a minimum 14-day return-to-play process.
Chelsea signed Penders from Genk for £17m in 2024 before loaning him back to the Belgian club. He then spent last season on loan at sister club Strasbourg, where he impressed in both the Conference League and Ligue 1.
Genk have developed a reputation for producing elite goalkeepers, and Penders is frequently compared to Thibaut Courtois by those who know him best.
Like the Real Madrid goalkeeper, Penders stands at 6ft 7in and has recently served as his understudy in the Belgium national team set-up.
He has worked with the same legendary youth goalkeeping coaches, Guy Martens and Gilbert Roex, who also helped develop Koen Casteels, Maarten Vandevoordt, now at RB Leipzig, Lucca Brughmans, who will join Liverpool next summer from Genk, and Nordin Jackers of Club Brugge.
They specialise in developing goalkeepers who are good with their feet, including Penders, who recorded the highest average position while playing out from the back under Rosenior at the Ligue 1 club early last season.
Roex, who has known Penders since his academy days, believes he is capable of matching Courtois' level of success at Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.
He said: "We have produced a lot of great goalkeepers, but Mike is the one with the potential to reach the same level as Thibaut. His sense of calm is gold in goalkeeping."
Germany's Florian Wirtz, 23, has no intention of leaving Liverpool as reports suggest possible interest from Chelsea, who are coached by his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso. (CaughtOffside), external
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