Chelsea 4-3 – A Seven-Goal-Thriller at Tottenham

The Merseyside Derby FC Everton against FC Liverpool, last played at the old EFC stadium Goodison Park, was swept away by the storm "Darragh", but the action shifted to London – Tottenham Hotspur against FC Chelsea 3:4 (2:1) on December 8, 2024. Event-breaks.com reports on a remarkable London Derby. 

"The hand of Zottel," as the German tabloids, specifically the esteemed colleagues from SPORT BILD, dubbed FC Chelsea's European Champion Marc Cucurella. 

His handball in the European Championship quarterfinals against the German national team stopped Spain's and Germany's progress to the semifinals. 

At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the man with the wild hair was also at the center of attention during a turbulent start, or rather: In the rain! 

"New boots, please!"

Cucurella seemed to be completely waxed. He slipped in front of both Tottenham goals, had to change his football boots after Chelsea was 0-2 down, and approached the Chelsea bench, gesturing wildly. Spanish curse words without a French translation...

Under the motto "New boots, please!" Cucurella got new shoes – and after that, things improved for him and Chelsea, who would ultimately stay close to FC Liverpool after a memorable London Derby against the "Spurs".

After Cucurella's mistakes, Tottenham was already 2-0 up after 11 minutes, with goals from Dominic Solanke (5') and Dejan Kulusevski (11'). "He clearly slips, but what Tottenham does afterward is, of course, superb," praised former Premier League pro Mladen Petric on Sky Germany for the hosts' first goal attempt. 

In this wild early phase, Tottenham Hotspur missed opportunities for a third goal through Solanke and former Bundesliga pro Heung-Min Son (24'), failing to make it a decisive lead.

Tottenham vs. Chelsea: Dream Goals and Breathtaking Pace

But Cucurella wouldn't be a European Champion if he didn't have the mentality to get back into the game. The Spaniard set up the 2-1 for former Dortmund player Jadon Sancho in the 16th minute. A great goal from the English vice-European Champion of 2021, from a fast-paced dribble.

By now, it was clear: this was the match of the week! This game had everything a football trip to the Premier League is worth: a star-studded lineup, high speed, and incredible drama.

World Champion Moves Like in Tipp-Kick

And that especially thanks to players like him: Cole Palmer. The English vice-European Champion turned the game around for Chelsea FC with his season goals number 10 and 11 in the 61st and 83rd minutes, both from penalty kicks, as well as his assist for the 2-3 goal by World Champion Enzo Fernandez (74').

The 2-3 by Fernandez: A textbook goal, with his left foot, like a Tipp-Kick player, genius. 

"People fear him when he's on the ball," said TV expert Jamie "Carra" Carragher on Sky Sports UK about Palmer, "If he keeps doing what he's doing, he will be one of the greatest players in Chelsea FC's history."

With 50 goal involvements in 48 Premier League games (33 goals), he's not quite there yet, but he's certainly the standout player for the "Blues" this season.

Chelsea moved within 4 points of the league leader, FC Liverpool, with their 4-3 win over the "Spurs", with one game in hand, of course. 

CFC manager Enzo Maresca probably understated after the game: "The title rivals won't slip up like Cucurella did."

The upcoming games will show, as Chelsea has another London Derby against FC Fulham on Boxing Day.

New boots, please!

When will FC Chelsea play Tottenham Hotspur in 2024/2025?

Chelsea vs. Tottenham, the return match at Stamford Bridge will take place on April 2, 2025. 

When is FC Chelsea vs. FC Liverpool?

In this match on May 3, 2025 in London, the decisive moment might come.