Spurs were left ruing a missed opportunity to open up a four-point gap on West Ham after their midweek stumble against Leeds United. However, Sunday brought welcome relief when the Hammers were beaten 3-1 at Newcastle, shifting the mood around the club considerably.
That result sets up a pivotal visit to Stamford Bridge in fine fashion, with growing confidence within the squad that safety is now well within touching distance. The players were clearly monitoring proceedings at St James’ Park, and midfielder Yves Bissouma hinted as much with a post-match Instagram story featuring a white heart, crossed fingers, and praying hands — symbols that supporters quickly read as a nod to West Ham’s defeat.
Spurs now hold a commanding position over the Hammers, and the maths are increasingly in their favour. A single point against Chelsea could come close to confirming their top-flight status mathematically, helped significantly by a 13-goal advantage in goal difference. That buffer puts Tottenham firmly in the driving seat as the season enters its final stretch.
Even so, fans will be eager to wrap things up at the Bridge rather than carry the tension into a final-day fixture against Everton. The worry is that an unresolved survival battle could weigh heavily on nerves the longer it lingers.
There are reasons for optimism, though. De Zerbi’s side head to west London off the back of two consecutive away wins, and if they can replicate the focus and defensive discipline shown in those performances, belief is building that they can seal the job and put the relegation fight to bed once and for all.
