A split‑second foul by Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella left Tottenham on the brink of relegation after a controversial decision denied them a penalty. The incident, captured by VAR, sparked debate as the ball was still in play, forcing referee Stuart Attwell to issue only a yellow card.

Spurs’ coach De Zerbi dismissed the controversy, stressing that the upcoming match against Everton held more weight than a trophy chase. The loss at Stamford Bridge marks Tottenham’s 17th league defeat this season, keeping their Premier League survival fragile.

With no home league win since December, Tottenham faces a daunting challenge to secure the points needed to escape the drop. The club’s season, already shadowed by a Europa League triumph the previous year, now hinges on a single victory to preserve its top‑flight status.