In a predictably tight and tense London derby with plenty on the line at both ends of the table, scoring the first goal was always going to be crucial.

POTM Fernandez ensures fine margins in our favour

The brilliance of Enzo Fernandez’s strike that broke the deadlock is underlined by its xG (expected goals) value of just 0.024, the lowest of any of the 18 attempts in the game. That amounts to less than a 2.5 per cent chance of the ball hitting the net, according to Opta, with the power and swerve of the midfielder’s strike taking it into the corner of the net. It was the first time we had gone 1-0 up in a Premier League game since 21 February.

That goal, and the one scored by Andrey Santos midway through the second half, showcased how the attacking trio behind centre-forward Liam Delap worked so well in tandem.

For Fernandez’s goal, Cole Palmer picked the ball up on the right touchline before finding Pedro Neto, who passed it to Fernandez. He had drifted infield off the left flank, occupying a central position from where he could threaten Tottenham.

For our second, it was Palmer who seized on a misplaced pass centrally before spreading the play right to Neto. His deep cross found Fernandez, who calmly picked out Santos to score. It was fluid, penetrating attacking play that merited the outcome, and gave us a much-needed two-goal cushion.

In a game of fine margins, Fernandez’s goal and assist proved pivotal, and it was no surprise the Argentine was the overwhelming winner of our Player of the Match poll on the Chelsea Official App, receiving 88 per cent of the votes cast.

Hato epitomises defensive fortitude

To keep Tottenham at bay, a sturdy rearguard action was required, especially in the closing stages when the visitors were pushing hard for the goal they knew would all but secure their Premier League status next season, and tired Chelsea legs were scrapping to preserve the three points.

Nobody epitomised that defensive fortitude more than Jorrel Hato, whose goal-saving block to thwart James Maddison late on was greeted with a roar you’d normally expect to hear reserved for when the ball hits the net.

Hato produced another accomplished display in the heart of defence. Nobody in blue had more touches (74) or completed more passes (60) than the Dutchman, and his pass success rate was an impressive 94 per cent.

Hato’s distribution was key to us playing out from the back, while he also made three interceptions, won two duels and created a chance. As his maiden campaign at the Bridge draws to a close, the 20-year-old’s qualities are more evident with each passing week.

Pass-perfect Santos settles it

Andrey Santos picked an excellent time to score his first Premier League goal for the Blues, with his predatory close-range finish proving to be the deciding goal.

It was the highlight of a fine all-round midfield display from the Brazilian, who blended finesse with physicality. He won a game-high five tackles and came out on top in six of the eight duels he contested.

Santos won possession on three occasions and only lost it once, no mean feat in a congested and hard-fought midfield battle. He also didn’t misplace a single pass all evening, finding a team-mate 39 out of 39 times.

Like Hato, Santos is coming to the end of his first full season in our squad. With 43 appearances to his name in all competitions – including 25 starts – along with three goals and four assists, it has been a campaign of promise and progress for the midfielder.