LONDON — Joao Pedro finally ended his Chelsea goal drought as the Brazilian striker sealed a 1-0 win to extend Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal home record yesterday.

Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead when Joao Pedro netted late in the first half of the London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was his first goal in nine games in all competitions, dating back to his last strike against Fulham on August 30.

The 24-year-old has scored only three times for the Blues since signing from Brighton in a £60 million (US$78 million) move in the close season.

Chelsea’s third win in their last four Premier League games lifted them into fourth place, behind third-placed Tottenham on goal difference.

Tottenham have not won at home in the league since beating Burnley on the opening weekend of the season in August.

Their poor home form in 2025 began under former manager Ange Postecoglou, and successor Thomas Frank has yet to find a solution.

Although Spurs lost in the League Cup fourth round at Newcastle in midweek, they have fared better away from home, with an emphatic 3-0 win at Everton in their previous top-flight game.

However, Tottenham fans are beginning to show signs of discontent at Frank’s pragmatic tactics, which contrast with the club’s “to dare is to do” ethos.

Frank suffered an early setback when Lucas Bergvall sustained a head injury and was replaced by concussion substitute Xavi Simons.

Bergvall appeared to plead with the medical staff to remain on the pitch, and when refused, angrily pushed one of them before Frank intervened to calm the situation.