Chelsea’s defensive frailties and a costly red card led to a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League. The result ended Spurs' long wait for a victory at Stamford Bridge, their first since 2018, and marked a difficult night for manager Xabi Alonso.

Two critical errors defined the match. Goalkeeper Mike Penders, making his Premier League debut, scored a calamitous own goal from a corner in the 77th minute. At 21 years and 85 days old, he became the second-youngest goalkeeper to score an own goal in the competition's history. Ten minutes later, Mathys Tel sealed the win with a solo effort, capitalising on a Chelsea side reduced to ten men.

Red card milestone

Cole Palmer was sent off for a second bookable offence after a late tackle on Conor Gallagher. It was the first red card of his career and, significantly, the 100th shown to a Chelsea player in the Premier League era. His first booking had come earlier in a clash with Mateus Fernandes. The dismissal left Chelsea with a mountain to climb, and they managed only seven attempts on goal, their fewest in a home league game this season.

Set-piece struggles continue

The own goal highlighted a persistent weakness for Alonso's side. Chelsea have now conceded eight goals from set pieces this season, double the amount of any other Premier League team. This vulnerability, combined with a lack of cutting edge up front, proved fatal. Chelsea started without a recognised striker and did not introduce Danny Welbeck until the 88th minute when already two goals down.

Manager Xabi Alonso offered support to his young goalkeeper in the aftermath. "We win, we lose together," Alonso said. "We support Mike and we support the rest of the team. He will learn from that." He also described Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, as "a complete team" who deserved their victory.

For Tottenham, the win was marred by an injury to James Maddison, who was forced off just six minutes into the second half in only his second start after 18 months out with an ACL injury. Chelsea's next league fixture is away to Everton, a match where they will be without the suspended Palmer.

Read the full report at theguardian.com