The Independent

James Maddison has admitted it is "a little bit embarrassing" for Tottenham Hotspur to find themselves embroiled in a final-day relegation battle, but has unequivocally stated that Premier League survival is "non-negotiable" for the club.

Spurs squandered an opportunity to secure their top-flight status following a 2-1 defeat by London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday. Maddison featured for the final 21 minutes, marking only his second appearance since returning from a serious knee injury.

A single point from the fixture would have relegated West Ham United due to Tottenham’s far superior goal difference, but the fight for survival now extends to Sunday’s decisive match against Everton, where a win or a draw will guarantee safety.

"It’s non-negotiable. We have to (get over the line) for this club," Maddison asserted. "We’ve got to give everything for this club, for the badge and for our fans. It is unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we’re in this position as Tottenham Hotspur but it’s the reality unfortunately and it’s up to us to get out of it."

The midfielder also praised the club’s travelling support, adding: "Sunday is going to be a big day. We’re going to need everyone, we’re going to need our fans who were absolutely unbelievable today by the way.

“Even at 2-0 down you could just hear them and I genuinely think we’ve got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival."

At Stamford Bridge, Tottenham started brightly, with Mathys Tel hitting the post, before Chelsea took the lead through a superb 30-yard strike from Enzo Fernandez.

The first half remained evenly contested, but a costly wayward pass from Randal Kolo Muani in the 67th minute allowed Cole Palmer to break free, leading to Andrey Santos firing home Chelsea’s second goal.

Maddison was poised to enter the fray just before the second goal. Despite Richarlison pulling one back with 16 minutes remaining, Maddison himself was denied by an excellent Jorrel Hato block.

Tottenham were also controversially denied a penalty when visiting captain Micky van de Ven was brought down by Marc Cucurella, who received a booking. However, referee Stuart Attwell ruled the foul occurred before the ball was in play, ordering a retake of the corner.

Addressing his fitness and potential playing time for Sunday’s crucial match, Maddison, who suffered a rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament in August, told Sky Sports: "Well, anyone who has worked in football or has been through this injury, it is not as easy just to drop back in.

“It would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen and we weren’t safe or followed the protocols from the specialist, but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can.

“Obviously I’ve been out for a long time so I’m not going to be at my fluid and fluent best, but I feel good and I’ve just got to try to help the team with whatever many minutes I can."

The upcoming fixture against Everton at home represents a pivotal moment for Tottenham, with their Premier League future hanging in the balance.

Tottenham’s fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League will go to the final day of the season after they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to hand 18th-place West Ham a lifeline.

A point in southwest London would have put an end to the Spurs nightmare that still threatens to pull them into the second tier for the first time in 48 years but they succumbed to familiar frailties, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos scoring in each half for the Blues in entirely avoidable circumstances for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Richarlison got one back 16 minutes from the end to offer late hope and give the signal for a hugely tense finish, the jeopardy felt by home fans at potentially being denied a role in sending Spurs down igniting the atmosphere.

It was the most rambunctious noise they had generated here all season in support of their team, understandably following the coup this week of landing Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager, though there was plainly a delight in seeing their great rivals pushed possibly to within a defeat of the drop.

Chelsea fans never missed a beat all night in reminding Spurs of what may await them come Sunday, and next season.

It was a first Blues victory in the league since 4 March but the real winners here were West Ham. A victory for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team at home to Leeds coupled with a Spurs loss to Everton and the Hammers will be safe.

Tottenham needed a fast start to quieten an unusually boisterous crowd and they almost got it, Pedro Porro’s flighted ball into the box, and Mathys Tel’s flying header whacked the base of the post.

The opening goal was a mix of Chelsea brilliance and an abdication of responsibility in Spurs’ defence. Pedro Neto found Fernandez in an acre of room in midfield. No one in yellow made a move and from fully 30 yards the World Cup winner fired Chelsea into the lead.

It was his 14th of the season and he might have had another straight away but thudded the angle of post and bar from a free-kick way out near the touchline.

When Randal Kolo Muani spooned a cross horribly out of play, home fans responded with taunts of “that’s why you’re going down”. Cole Palmer came within an inch of making it two with a low drive on the stroke of half-time, lending those words an ominous ring.

Spurs grew into the game in the second half, with more possession and more of it around Chelsea’s penalty area. It was then entirely in keeping with the unfolding disaster of their season that they threw away another goal and with it hopes of securing survival on the night.

Kolo Muani played a pass to no one in midfield, Palmer took charge of the loose ball and clipped it up to Fernandez who knocked it across goal to the unmarked Santos for 2-0.

Pape Sarr came off the bench and immediately put a flicker of life back into his side, back-heeling to Richarlison who showed rare alertness to prod it past Sanchez.

James Maddison, another substitute, had the chance to seal Spurs’ survival seven minutes from the end but was denied brilliantly by Jorrel Hato.

PA

Tottenham Hotspur’s survival fight will go to the final day after they missed out on the chance to seal survival against Chelsea.

With West Ham two points behind and with just one game left, victory at Stamford Bridge would have made certain of a Premier League place next season for Spurs – and a draw would almost certainly have sufficed, too, given their vastly superior goal difference.

But having been beaten 2-1 by their London rivals, Roberto De Zerbi’s side face an anxious final day encounter with Everton with West Ham taking on Leeds simultaneously.

The situation might have been different, though, had a late penalty appeal been given by referee Stuart Attwell.

With a corner about to be taken, Attwell blew his whistle and brandished a yellow card in the direction of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, who appeared to wrestle Micky van de Ven to the floor.

The incident occurred in the 85th minute after Richarlison had halved the deficit for the visitors, and several Spurs players seemed to wonder why Attwell did not point to the penalty spot having deemed the incident worthy of a caution.

However, IFAB Law 12, which covers fouls and misconduct, clearly states that direct and indirect free-kicks, and penalty kickss, can only be awarded for offences committed in “when the ball is in play”. As the corner had not yet been delivered, as was determined by video assistant referee John Brooks, that was not the case in these circumstances.

The Premier League relegation battle will be decided on the final day with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United battling to avoid the drop.

Spurs had the chance to seal their safety with a game to spare, but were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

One point would, barring a mighty goal difference swing, be enough for Roberto De Zerbi’s side, with both they and their relegation rivals at home on the final day.

Tottenham host Everton while West Ham take on Leeds at the London Stadium with a thrilling battle set to go to the wire.

With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.

Position: 17th | Played: 37 | Points: 38 | GD: -10

Remaining fixtures:

One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with a game to go. Everton have little to play for – though David Moyes may wish to keep his former club up.

Position: 18th | Played: 37 | Points: 36 | GD: -22

Remaining fixtures:

There is just one game to come for West Ham, though they are, at least, not relegated before they play it. West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs take a point, it will require a goal difference swing that is surely beyond Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

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Liveupdated

Chelsea vs Tottenham LIVE: Spurs behind but fighting back in bid to seal Premier League survival and relegate West Ham

West Ham will be relegated if Spurs win at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham, 75 minutes

Trevoh Chalobah is introduced for Josh Acheampong as Chelsea look to protect their lead and West Ham’s survival chances.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:47

GOAL! Chelsea 2-1 TOTTENHAM (Richarlison, 73 minutes)

There is one back! Tottenham finally find some cutting edge, though there is a stroke of luck involved – Pedro Porro works to the byline and cuts back for Pape Matar Sarr, who is surely aiming for goal as he spins and backheels.

His skew, and it does look a skew, is perfectly placed for Richarlison to tap home. Remember, a draw would almost certainly do for Spurs...

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:46

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham, 71 minutes

Tottenham are at home on the final day, of course, which would usually be a boost – although their away form has been far better this season.

Conor Gallagher gets a leg to a cross from Pedro Porro but can’t beat Robert Sanchez, safely behind it.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:43

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham, 69 minutes

Roberto De Zerbi locks the stable door. On come Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence and James Maddison for Joao Palhinha, Destiny Udogie and Randal Kolo Muani, who I think was at fault for the giveaway that led to the goal.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:41

GOAL! CHELSEA 2-0 Tottenham (Andrey Santos, 68 minutes)

About that! Tottenham give the ball away in midfield and Chelsea pounce, doubling their lead through Andrey Santos.

It’s a neatly-taken goal, a cross from the right looping to Enzo Fernandez, who cushions it down nicely. Santos arrives with ideal timing to scuff the ball home.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:40

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, 66 minutes

A triple change is being readied for Tottenham, but they must be careful not to concede in the meantime...

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:39

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, 65 minutes

There is just so little quality in the final third from Spurs. Randal Kolo Muani is the latest culprit, playing a pass to no-one in particular having driven towards the outer reaches of the 18-yard box.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:37

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, 63 minutes

It is a surprise that Roberto De Zerbi hasn’t gone to his bench yet. How many minutes could James Maddison manage?

Destiny Udogie is a third member of the visiting back four to be booked.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:35

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, 61 minutes

Now it’s Chelsea’s chance to load the box with a free kick on the right, but Wesley Fofana is whistled for a foul as the ball comes in.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:33

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham, 58 minutes

Richarlison troubles Robert Sanchez from the set-piece, though there isn’t enough oomph in his header to really test the goalkeeper. A first effort on target of the night for Tottenham.

Harry Latham-Coyle19 May 2026 21:30

Tottenham Hotspur could secure Premier League safety with a game to spare after West Ham were left on the brink of relegation.

After a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the bottom three as a crucial opportunity was missed to put the pressure on Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi’s side travel to Chelsea on Tuesday night.

Spurs need just one point, realistically, to make certain that they will avert disaster and remain in the top-flight next season.

They have a vastly superior goal difference to their relegation rivals, who looked resigned to their fate after the loss at St James’ Park.

With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.

Position: 17th | Played: 36 | Points: 38 | GD: -9

Remaining fixtures:

One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with two games to go. It could be done and dusted by the final day totally, of course, if a win is achieved at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, before they host an Everton side with little to play for.

Position: 18th | Played: 37 | Points: 36 | GD: -22

Remaining fixtures:

There is just one game to come for West Ham, who could be down before they play it. If Tottenham are beaten in both of their final games, West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs nick a point in either fixture, it will require a goal difference swing surely out of reach.

Chelsea vs Tottenham betting tips

Tottenham Hotspur can secure their Premier League future if they can secure a rare win at Stamford Bridge tonight (8:15 pm, Sky Sports Premier League).

They are currently two points clear of West Ham with two games to play and have a goal difference of -9, compared to the Hammers’ -22, meaning even a point tonight would all but see off the threat of relegation.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side have a terrible record against Chelsea, but they go into this one as the form team after two wins and two draws from their last four matches and betting sites are offering 14/5 on a Spurs win.

While Chelsea are without a league win in their last seven, they did end a six-game losing streak at Anfield just over a week ago when they picked up a 1-1 draw.

They faced more cup final disappointment on Saturday, though, when they lost out in the FA Cup final for a fourth successive appearance, losing 1-0 to Manchester City.

Chelsea vs Tottenham: Spurs to send Hammers down

Despite that result at the weekend, the club and fans will be buoyed by the appointment of new manager Xabi Alonso, who will take charge from 1 July but will no doubt be keeping an eye on events at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs have won just one of their last 35 away games against Chelsea, drawing 11 and losing the other 23. That victory came way back in 2018 when Dele Alli scored twice to help Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a 3-1 win.

In a normal season, we would expect that to be reflected in tonight’s game, but Chelsea are not the team we have been used to seeing in recent years.

Except for the FA Cup games, they have struggled in front of goal with just two in their last seven league matches.

Spurs, on the other hand, have improved significantly since the arrival of De Zerbi and have scored six in the five games he’s been in charge - and will still feel aggrieved about the penalty they weren’t awarded last time out against Leeds.

The Blues haven’t lost their final home game of the season in any of their last 23 campaigns, winning 16 and drawing seven, since a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in May 2022. Given Chelsea’s recent inability to get over the line in games and Spurs’ desperation not to lose, a draw looks a strong option on football betting sites.

Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction 1: Draw - 11/4 Betfred

Fernandez to keep up his record against Spurs

Enzo Fernandez has scored two goals in his last three appearances against Spurs, with the winner at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s third goal in the 4-3 success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season.

He also scored the Blues' goal against Liverpool at Anfield, to cancel out Ryan Gravenberch’s early opener. That goal, 10 minutes before the break, was his 14th of the season, and he’s 9/4 on betting apps to add to his tally tonight.

The Argentine, who has been named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the World Cup, has scored the last goal nine times this season, and you can get 15/2 on that happening again.

Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction 2: Fernandez to score at any time - 11/5 William Hill

Chelsea vs Tottenham team news

Chelsea vs Tottenham predicted line ups

Chelsea: Sanchez; Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Delap

Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

Free bets for Chelsea vs Tottenham

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Once the bet is settled, Betway will credit customers with £40 in free bets immediately, with a further £20 in free bets arriving on June 11, the first day of the World Cup.

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Chelsea host Tottenham in the Premier League this evening for one of the penultimate fixtures of the season. The teams will meet at Stamford Bridge and the outcome of their clash will have consequences at both ends of the table.

For Chelsea, they are targeting a place in European competition next season and must finish inside the top eight in the table to have a realistic chance of qualifying. Calum McFarlane’s team are currently 10th but two wins from their last two games could see them rise as high as sixth to secure a spot in the Europa League. A defeat this evening, however, puts those hopes at risk.

Things are worse for Spurs who are in serious danger of being relegated. They sit 17th in the table, two points clear of West Ham. Victory over Chelsea but keep Spurs in the Premier League with one game to go but defeat at Stamford Bridge would mean Roberto de Zerbi’s men enter the final match of the season with relegation still a possibility.

Here’s everything you need to know from tonight’s match:

Chelsea vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 8.15pm BST on Tuesday, 19 May at Stamford Bridge, London.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League with coverage starting at 7pm. Subscribers can also stream the game live on Sky Go.

Team news

Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia could be fit to feature despite picking up a knock that kept him out of the FA Cup final last weekend. Levi Colwill returned for that game after a long lay off and could start but McFarlane is wary of pushing him too far too soon. Benoit Badiashile and Mamadou Sarr are doubts.

No.1 goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is fit again and available to start meaning De Zerbi must choose between him and Antonín Kinsky for Tottenham. James Maddison is also a doubt having missed two training sessions following his comeback against Leeds last week. Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons, Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Ben Davies all remain out.

Predicteded line-ups

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison

Latest odds

Unsurprisingly given Spurs’ recent form but bettings sites have Chelsea as favourites to win tonight’s match meaning Spurs would remain at risk of relegation come Sunday’s Premier League finale.

Chelsea to win - 19/20

Draw - 5/2

Tottenham to win - 27/10

Latest odds by William Hill.

Roberto De Zerbi has issued a stark warning to Tottenham, insisting they still have work to do to secure their Premier League status ahead of Tuesday’s crucial trip to rivals Chelsea.

Spurs realistically require just one point from their final two fixtures to avoid relegation. This follows 18th-placed West Ham’s loss in their penultimate match at Newcastle on Sunday, leaving them two points adrift of the north London club with an inferior goal difference.

However, De Zerbi was quick to dispel any notion on Monday that Tottenham were relaxed and already planning for the summer.

"We can’t forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet," De Zerbi stated amid a flurry of questions about the future. "It is not correct if I answer you now.

“Before answering your question, we have to make a point in the Premier League and especially in the Premier League to make one point, you have to fight and play very well. We have to keep focused on the game and then we can answer and make a big press conference…but now is not the right time."

De Zerbi’s immediate focus is on his starting goalkeeper for the Stamford Bridge clash. First-choice Guglielmo Vicario has returned to training following hernia surgery at the end of March. Yet, with Antonin Kinsky having produced a string of fine displays since his recall last month, the Spurs boss hinted the young Czech stopper would continue.

"Viciario is available to play. I decide tomorrow," De Zerbi added. "No, it’s not difficult. It’s easy. Yes, Vicario is number one but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum, everything, but I have a big relationship with Antonin Kinsky and Vicario as well and there will not be any problem."

In other team news, Dominic Solanke (hamstring) will miss the Chelsea fixture, where Spurs boast an awful record of just one win in 35 league meetings.

James Maddison, who made his first competitive appearance in 375 days in the 1-1 draw with Leeds last Monday, is primed for another cameo off the bench despite a "small problem".

De Zerbi confirmed: "At the beginning of this week, he didn’t work for a small problem, but yesterday and today, James is working very well. Now he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can."

De Zerbi acknowledged the challenge of playing at Stamford Bridge. "Stamford Bridge is difficult. Tough stadium because the players of Chelsea in this last 30 to 25 seasons have been fantastic. But tomorrow is a new game."

There was also praise for injured Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who has resumed individual training after a knee problem.

De Zerbi lauded him, saying: "Cristian Romero is a big player. He is an amazing guy because he has been a great captain in my time even though he didn’t play."

However, he refused to discuss Romero’s future beyond this season, reiterating: "It is a good question (about Romero’s future) but it is the wrong timing no? First of all now, the focus is Chelsea."

Tottenham Hotspur could secure Premier League safety with a game to spare after West Ham were left on the brink of relegation.

A 3-1 defeat at Newcastle kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the bottom three as a crucial opportunity was missed to put the pressure on Spurs.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side now face Chelsea on Tuesday needing only a single point, realistically, to make certain that they will avert disaster and remain in the top-flight next season.

They have a vastly superior goal difference to their relegation rivals, who looked resigned to their fate after the loss at St James’ Park.

With Wolves and Burnley both relegated, here are the permutations.

Position: 17th | Played: 36 | Points: 38 | GD: -9

Remaining fixtures:

One point would surely do for Spurs now, their goal difference 13 better than that of West Ham with two games to go. It could be done and dusted by the final day totally, of course, if a win is achieved at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, before they host an Everton side with little to play for.

Position: 18th | Played: 37 | Points: 36 | GD: -22

Remaining fixtures:

There is just one game to come for West Ham, who could be down before they play it. If Tottenham are beaten in both of their final games, West Ham will have to win against Leeds to have any hope; if Spurs nick a point in either fixture, it will require a goal difference swing surely out of reach.