Mathys Tel’s solo strike seals Tottenham win and earns Roberto De Zerbi’s challenge

Mathys Tel scored a stunning solo goal as Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-0 Premier League derby victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

With Spurs holding a 1-0 lead and only three minutes remaining, Tel received the ball in his own half and surged beyond Josh Acheampong. The forward carried it towards the Chelsea penalty area, cut inside Maxence Lacroix and sent a low finish into the corner from 22 yards.

The goal completed an impressive display from Tottenham, who controlled large periods of the match and deserved their victory.

Tel was pleased with his performance, although the France forward said he still had plenty to improve.

“I’ve worked a lot on areas I had to work on,” he said. “Today, it’s a step forward. As a team, it’s a step forward, but also for myself.

“I’m very happy about my performance today. I think that I can still do better. I can always do better. I need to work, work, work, work and keep going.”

The 2-0 result also reflected Tottenham’s progress under manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to Tel, who said the team had shown it could compete confidently against a major opponent.

“I was very happy about the way we played,” he said. “We showed that even if it’s a big team in front of us, we can play, we can keep the ball, we can stay calm on the ball.

“We have a lot of qualities in this team. The manager already told everybody that there is quality. We just needed time to create something together and I think that today is a step forward.

“We have to be humble and keep going, but I’m very happy, very, very happy!”

De Zerbi welcomed Tel’s contribution but said the young attacker must continue working on his choices in the final third if he is to fulfil his potential.

“Yes, but he has to push, to push, to push, to keep going, because he’s a talent,” the Tottenham manager said when asked whether the goal could be a turning point in Tel’s development.

“He has to clean the last 30 metres, the last decision, the last pass, the shot. He has an unbelievable shot.”

The Italian also said he had strong belief in Tel, suggesting the forward’s confidence would be important to his continued development.

“I believe in Mathys, maybe more than he believes in himself,” De Zerbi said.

De Zerbi praised the wider Tottenham squad, pointing to both its footballing ability and the character of the players.

“I think Tottenham is lucky, and me as a coach, I’m lucky, because we have a great group of players, as a quality, but also as a people,” he added.

“I think the future of this club can be important if we keep this mentality, these behaviours.”

Tottenham will hope the victory provides further momentum before their next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.