LONDON, Nov 2 — Joao Pedro finally ended his Chelsea goal drought as the Brazilian striker sealed a 1-0 win to extend Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal home record yesterday.

Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead when Joao Pedro netted late in the first half of the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was his first goal in nine games in all competitions, dating back to his last strike against Fulham on August 30.

The 24-year-old has scored only three times for the Blues since signing from Brighton in a £60 million (US$78 million) move in the close season.

Chelsea’s third win in their last four Premier League games lifted them into fourth place, behind third-placed Tottenham on goal difference.

Tottenham have not won at home in the league since beating Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August.

Their poor home form in 2025 began under former manager Ange Postecoglou, and successor Thomas Frank has yet to find a solution.

Although Spurs lost in the League Cup fourth round at Newcastle in midweek, they have fared better away from home, with an emphatic 3-0 win at Everton in their previous top-flight game.

However, Tottenham fans are beginning to show signs of discontent at Frank’s pragmatic tactics, which contrast with the club’s “to dare is to do” ethos.

Frank suffered an early setback when Lucas Bergvall sustained a head injury and was replaced by concussion substitute Xavi Simons.

Bergvall appeared to plead with the medical staff to remain on the pitch, and when refused, angrily pushed one of them before Frank intervened to calm the situation.

Sloppy Spurs

Alejandro Garnacho carried Chelsea’s main threat in the first half, testing Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario from distance.

Vicario went down with a knee injury midway through the half but continued after treatment and soon denied Joao Pedro from close range.

Pedro, however, made amends in the 34th minute when Moises Caicedo harried Simons and Micky van de Ven on the edge of the box, winning possession and poking the ball to the Brazilian, who smashed into the roof of the net from six yards.

Frank was furious with Tottenham’s sloppy defending, kicking a water bottle in frustration on the touchline.

Having ended his barren run, Joao Pedro almost doubled Chelsea’s lead when he met Malo Gusto’s pass with a fierce strike that Vicario tipped over.

Rodrigo Bentancur was fortunate to escape with a booking after a reckless challenge on Reece James was deemed “not serious foul play.”

Tottenham finally forced Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez into action just before half-time with a Mohammed Kudus drive, but the Spaniard saved well.

Soon after the interval, Enzo Fernandez headed wastefully over from James’ cross when unmarked 10 yards out.

Spurs continued to lose possession cheaply, and their lack of attacking impetus left fans visibly frustrated as Vicario was again forced to tip over Pedro Neto’s powerful effort.

Tottenham never seriously threatened a late comeback. — AFP