Relegation looms: Roberto De Zerbi staying positive after Tottenham's loss at Chelsea

Spurs go into their last match at home to Everton holding a two-point cushion over third-bottom West Ham United, who still retain a mathematical chance of escaping the drop.

The result proved costly for Tottenham, who had known that victory would have guaranteed safety at West Ham's expense. Even a draw would likely have been enough thanks to their superior goal difference, but they were largely lacklustre throughout.

"We created a first chance to score with [Mathys] Tel. It was a big save for Robert Sanchez," said Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi.

"Then we concede one great goal because [Enzo] Fernandez, a big player, we could do something better. Then we stay in the game until the second goal, we lost a stupid ball. We conceded a second goal. But before the second goal, we created a big big chance with Richarlison.

"I think we played a very good game. We lost.

"But now is not the time to think too much of this game. We have to prepare the next game. We play in our stadium with our fans. With our qualities, with character, with pride and courage we have to play.

"But I am positive because today, we played a good game."

Chelsea, under the interim leadership of Calum McFarlane following confirmation that Xabi Alonso will take charge in July, struck first in the 18th minute when Enzo Fernandez curled a swerving effort beyond Antonín Kinsky. Mathys Tel struck the post in response for Spurs during a subdued first half.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Andrey Santos, who finished from close range after a costly turnover from Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham rallied late, with Richarlison pulling one back 16 minutes from time, but they could not force an equaliser despite sustained pressure.

Spurs were also denied a late penalty after Marc Cucurella was initially booked for pulling Micky van de Ven at a corner, before the decision was overturned as the ball had not been in play.

Chelsea's win boosts their European qualification hopes, lifting them to eighth place, level on points with Brentford but ahead on goal difference.

"The result was the most important thing. I thought we played really well," said Chelsea interim McFarlane.

"We were struggling with energy and intensity after Saturday. We needed to fight and stick together and I thought we did that really well.

“We haven't been able to plan because of the quick turnaround. Saturday was emotional because we were in the game. It's about switching off on the Sunday, coming in for one day to prep for Tottenham, who are fighting for their lives. We had to match them with fight, grit and determination.”