This is really a nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur. And what is even more frightening is that things could even get worse.
While Arsenal fans flocked to Emirates to celebrate their first Premier League title after more than 20 years, Tottenham fans at Stamford Bridge could only helplessly watch Chelsea rejoice after the 2-1 victory. This result makes Spurs still uncertain of relegation and the survival battle will have to last until the final round.
History has always opposed Tottenham at Stamford Bridge. They have only won once here in the past 36 years. However, after West Ham's 1-3 defeat to Newcastle, the "Roosters" entered the London derby with the hope that just one more point would be enough to secure a place in the Premier League next season.
But this season has never been on schedule for Tottenham. Now, the prospect of relegation is still present if Spurs lose to Everton in the final round, and West Ham defeats Leeds United.
Chelsea entered the match with excitement after an impressive performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. The Stamford Bridge home team continued to show positive energy and confidence from the young players.
Enzo Fernandez is the most prominent factor on Chelsea's side, while Marc Cucurella continues to play the uncomfortable "harasser". The Spanish defender even luckily avoided a penalty in the second half after a collision with Micky van de Ven in the penalty area, when referee Stuart Attwell determined the foul occurred before the ball was put into play.
However, the biggest story of the match did not lie in Chelsea, but in the prolonged collapse of Tottenham. This was once considered an ideal opportunity for Spurs to save themselves, but they continued to make familiar mistakes. Roberto De Zerbi's team controlled the ball quite well, put the ball into the penalty area many times but lacked ideas in decisive situations. And then, they themselves made it difficult for themselves with personal mistakes.
Chelsea opened the score when Enzo Fernandez had too much space to finish, making goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky completely helpless. Before the break, the Argentine midfielder also hit the crossbar from a free kick.
After Arsenal officially won the championship thanks to Man City's draw against Bournemouth, Tottenham continued to push themselves into a difficult position. Randal Kolo Muani's careless pass in midfield created conditions for Chelsea to counter-attack, before Andrey Santos easily scored to increase the score to 2-0 in the 67th minute.
The appearance of James Maddison then brought positive signals for Tottenham. The English midfielder's rhythm and creativity helped them play more brightly, before Richarlison narrowed the score to 1-2 in the 74th minute.
That goal ignited a bit of faint hope for the away team, but only made the atmosphere at Stamford Bridge more bitter for Spurs fans, when mockery from Chelsea stands continuously rang out.
When the final whistle sounded, Tottenham players collapsed on the field in disappointment. They reacted to the referee, argued with each other and clearly showed instability that lasted throughout the season.
Tottenham is still not safe. West Ham still has hope. And while North London is dyed red by Arsenal's celebration, Chelsea's blue continues to cast a shadow over Spurs' pain.
