Enzo Fernandez sent Chelsea back into the Champions League qualification positions with a second-half header that secured a 1-0 win over Tottenham in a typically feisty Premier League derby between the London rivals on Thursday.
The Argentina midfielder got in between defenders to nod home Cole Palmer’s cross in the 50th minute at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea climbed above Newcastle and Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League, which should have five spots in next season’s Champions League. There are eight rounds left in the league.
This fixture has been wild and chaotic in recent years and while the latest edition was hardly a classic, there were 10 yellow cards and a melee to go with two goals disallowed after video review — one for each side.
Moises Caicedo thought he had put Chelsea 2-0 ahead in the 56th when he volleyed home sweetly after a free kick was only partially cleared, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Levi Colwill in the buildup after long VAR check that frustrated fans.
Tottenham substitute Pape Sarr then had a long-range strike scrubbed off because he fouled Caicedo before surging forward to take his shot. In the end, Sarr lost his goal and was booked for his challenge.
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min had a chance saved by Robert Sanchez before 12 minutes of stoppage time.
“If we want to become an important team, we need to win in a dirty way, ugly way,” Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said, “and (I’m) quite happy.”
Tottenham stayed in 14th place, with its priority now clearly the Europa League after reaching the quarterfinals. This was another below-par league performance that will pile the pressure on its under-fire manager, Ange Postecoglou, who was unhappy at Sarr’s goal being disallowed and faced some criticism from fans for his substitutions during the second half.
“My subs have been booed, it’s not the first time,” Postecoglou said. “They are allowed to boo.”
The match saw the return from injury of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after two months out.
Enzo Fernandez grabs winner as Chelsea beats Tottenham to climb to 4th in Premier League
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Enzo Fernandez grabs winner as Chelsea beats Tottenham to climb to 4th in Premier League
- Chelsea climbed above Newcastle and Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League
Cycling legend Peter Sagan confirmed for L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France
- The event, presented by Skoda, returns to Dubai on Jan. 24-25
DUBAI: Legendary cyclist Peter Sagan has been confirmed for this year’s L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France presented Sy Škoda, which is set to see over 700 riders taking part on Jan. 24–25.
Part of the official L’Etape series (25 countries, more than 30 races), the event brings the Tour de France experience to amateur cyclists through closed-road routes designed to mimic international racing standards.
This year’s edition will see Sagan — former professional road cyclist, a seven-time Tour de France Green Jersey winner and three-time UCI Road World Championship winner — join hundreds of amateur cyclists on the Sunday.
As well as giving those taking part the chance to ride alongside one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, Sagan will join the finish-line celebrations in the Expo Village Park to present medals to riders as they finish.
Sagan said: “I have been watching closely as Dubai has emerged as a key destination for international sporting events, with cycling playing an increasingly prominent role. L’Etape Dubai builds on that by bringing the structure and standards of one of the world’s most renowned sporting experiences to riders in the city.”
In the build-up, L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France will host a series of community rides, leading up to a special ride on Jan. 18.
The main day of race weekend is Jan. 25, when two races will start simultaneously at 7am from Dubai Design District.
The Epic Race covers 112 kilometers, offering a demanding challenge for experienced cyclists, while the Classic Race spans 61 kilometers, catering to riders seeking a competitive yet achievable Tour de France–style experience. Both routes will finish in the Expo Village Park.
The addition of three designated sprint sections has also been confirmed, among them the Sagan Speed Challenge near Global Village, where the fastest woman and fastest man will each receive a special jersey presented by the man himself.
The weekend will also include family-focused events on Jan. 24, beginning with the Skoda Kids Race. Covering distances from 300 meters to 1.8 kilometers, it starts in two waves for different age groups from 9 a.m. There is also the Skoda Family Ride, a 20-kilometer route starting at 10am, designed to welcome riders of all ages in a relaxed and inclusive setting. Sagan will be present at the finishing line in Expo Village Park for both, offering families and young riders a chance to get up close to a true global sports legend.
Central to the weekend’s activities will be the L’Etape Village at Expo Village Park. Open throughout the event, it will bring the Tour de France atmosphere to life through immersive experiences such as the Tour de France Museum, memorabilia and feature walls, interactive exhibitor activations and family-friendly activities.
Lukas Honzak, managing director of Skoda Middle East said: “Cycling has been part of Skoda’s DNA for more than 130 years, and through L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, we are proud to play a leading role in growing amateur cycling in the UAE, in line with the country’s vision for more active and healthy communities.”
Participant Andrea Pusateri said: “I lost my leg at the age of three, but sport has taught me that limits are only mental — not physical. Today I am the first Paralympics team captain in the history of the Giro d’Italia, and I use my story to promote inclusion and inspire people through cycling.
“Taking part in L’Etape is a dream for me. Riding in this iconic event, side by side with champions and thousands of passionate cyclists, represents exactly what I believe in — that sport belongs to everyone.”
The inaugural edition of L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France, held in 2025, set a new benchmark for amateur cycling events in the UAE, recording the highest participation for a first-edition race in the country. More than 1,000 cyclists took part, including 243 international riders and 266 Emiratis.
