Roberto Di Zerbi vindicated as new Tottenham undroppable emerges

Matheus Fernandes delivered a man-of-the-match display in Spurs' first win at Stamford Bridge in eight years, justifying De Zerbi's faith after the manager personally convinced the midfielder's parents to join the club.

Roberto De Zerbi's summer pursuit of Matheus Fernandes extended beyond the pitch. The, former Tottenham manager called the Portuguese midfielder's parents daily to convince them that Spurs was the right destination, knowing Fernandes faced pressure after successive relegations with Southampton and West Ham.

Fernandes had started just half of Spurs' league games this season as De Zerbi carefully managed his integration into a traditional Premier League heavyweight. Injuries and suspensions forced the manager's hand for last weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge, where Spurs had not won in eight years.

The 22-year-old responded with a commanding performance alongside fellow summer signing Sandro Tonali. Fernandes controlled the midfield's pace and rhythm, completing more passes and taking more touches than any other player. He combined short, sharp passes with sweeping switches of play, and alongside Tonali completed nine tackles while being dribbled past just once. Spurs won 2-0 with late goals from Mike Penders' own goal and Mathys Tel, securing only their second victory in 42 attempts at Stamford Bridge. De Zerbi praised Fernandes' "quality" and "personality" after the historic evening.