Mauricio Pochettino returned to haunt former club Tottenham as Chelsea sealed a 2-0 victory against them at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues won a chaotic reverse fixture 4-1 earlier in the season, Spurs’ first Premier League defeat of the campaign, and completed the double in relative comfort on Thursday night.
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Ange Postecoglou’s team traveled to west London on Thursday evening knowing a victory would boost their hopes of finishing in the top four.
But Chelsea, who continue to struggle with various issues, were there to dampen their chances on their own turf.
Spurs’ recent set-piece woes became evident once again when Trevoh Chalobah headed in a free-kick in the 24th minute.
The goal was eventually awarded after a lengthy offside check and then a foul, with Chelsea deservedly taking the lead on the night.
They were second at the start of the second half, as Spurs showed more intent in the early stages.
But they failed to make the most of their pressure and Chelsea were there to punish them with 18 minutes remaining.
A Cole Palmer free kick rattled the crossbar and Nicolas Jackson was first to respond to the rebound, heading into a near-empty net.
Chelsea were less threatening in attack than in the first half but, unlike many games this season, took their chances.
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Victory increases their chances of qualifying for Europe, with the Europa League or Europa Conference League as likely outcomes.
But for Spurs, they now sit seven points off the top four with four games remaining.
Aston Villa sit in the coveted fourth place and have played a game more than the north London side.
However, Spurs’ current fixture will be against a Manchester City side who are pushing for a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Pochettino was once a much-loved figure at the club but since returning to the Premier League he has now inflicted two crucial defeats on them.
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