In short
Chelsea vs Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea winning 2-1 to keep their European hopes alive and push Spurs’ Premier League survival to the final day. The episode also reviews the wider title/race-for-Europe picture after Arsenal were confirmed champions.
Guests/backgrounds
Roberto De Zerbi (Chelsea manager) and James Madison (Spurs midfielder) are interviewed; the studio panel includes Michael Dawson and Daniel Sturridge (commentary/analysis voices).
Key claims
Chelsea “deserved” the win, were structured defensively, and Enzo Fernandez’s impact swung the match. Spurs played “not too bad” but lacked final-third creativity and conceded a “stupid” second goal after being 1-0 up. Spurs’ only relegation escape scenario depends on Everton result and West Ham losing.
Notable examples
Enzo Fernandez’s first Premier League goal/strike (assisted by Cole Palmer build-up) and Andre Santos’ second; Madison’s 15-minute cameo after coming on; Spurs penalty-appeal incident where the ball wasn’t in play.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOChelsea's Victory and Spurs' Struggles
0:45 to 2:16
Discussion on Chelsea's win against Tottenham and implications for both teams.
“the depth of feeling, the hurt, the anger of all folk Tottenham.”
Spurs' Survival Hopes
2:16 to 3:20
Analyzing Tottenham's position in the league and their upcoming match against Everton.
“Down this evening, feeling down this evening, but by no means out of this Spurs right now.”
Arsenal's Championship Win
3:20 to 4:36
Coverage of Arsenal winning the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
“because let me tell you, those nerves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.”
European Football and Manager Changes
4:36 to 5:49
Discussion on Bournemouth's historic European qualification and managerial changes.
“because Bournemouth got a point this evening.”
Final Day Drama and Relegation Scenarios
5:49 to 6:45
Analyzing the relegation scenarios ahead of the final matchday in the Premier League.
“Extraordinary season for Andoni Iriola as he departs and hands over to Marcos Rose.”
Final Day Drama and Relegation Scenarios
8:38 to 8:57
Analyzing the relegation scenarios ahead of the final matchday in the Premier League.
“It's an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports Plus stream and much more.”
Manchester City's End of Season
9:08 to 10:39
Discussion on Manchester City's performance and Pep Guardiola's future after their draw.
“Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.”
Chelsea's Performance Analysis
10:39 to 14:00
In-depth analysis of Chelsea's game against Tottenham and key players' contributions.
“That said, Daniel, did Chelsea actually deserve the victory?”
Analysis of Chelsea's Goals
14:00 to 18:07
Discussing the key moments and tactics leading to Chelsea's goals against Spurs.
“to create a moment, to time it perfectly, to get it just behind Ben Secor, to confuse the goalkeeper, as you would say, I'm sure there'll be a lot of people watching thinking, could have done way better there.”
Spurs' Reaction and Key Players
18:08 to 27:35
Evaluating Spurs' performance, key players, and their prospects for the final day.
“You know, imagine if, you know, it is one second difference, then it's a guaranteed penalty.”
Show all 15 chapters
Spurs' Position and Team Confidence
28:00 to 31:00
Discussion on Spurs' current position and the confidence of the team going into crucial matches.
“So what factors do we need to take into account here, Michael?”
James Madison's Injury and Impact
31:00 to 34:10
James Madison discusses his injury and the responsibility he feels to contribute to the team.
“And you feel sure that James Madison is going to have to have a say somewhere along the line here for Spurs.”
Chelsea's Performance and Future Prospects
34:10 to 37:50
Analysis of Chelsea's recent performance and the outlook for the upcoming season with a new manager.
“Sunday's going to be a big day, so we're going to need everyone.”
Arsenal's Championship and Chelsea's Position
38:34 to 42:01
Discussion on Arsenal's championship win and Chelsea's potential outcomes in the league.
“Well, after the best part of nine gruelling months, Arsenal have been crowned champions tonight after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth earlier.”
Chelsea's Future under Xavi Alonso
42:01 to 43:11
Discussion about Chelsea's potential future and the impact of Xavi Alonso's appointment.
“which if they win that, they're secure Champions League play.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:06Michael Dawson:Welcome to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. There were two big games on Tuesday night as Manchester City made the trip to Bournemouth and Chelsea faced Spurs at Stamford Bridge. This is how we saw things at the end of the night.
0:30Michael Dawson:Chelsea torment Tottenham again and Spurs must suffer till the final day. And West Ham are clinging on in there and James Madison is personifying the fury, the depth of feeling, the hurt, the anger of all folk Tottenham. it goes to the last day courtesy of a chelsea win here earned by a pearler from enzo fernandez a first premier league goal for andre santos with charleson half the deficit roberto deservey continues to feel the agony and boy jamie that is going to be some culmination to the season in two massive, massive London stadia this coming Sunday.
1:26Daniel Sturridge:What drama we're going to have. Two fantastic football clubs who you don't think should be in the position they are. But listen, we always say the tables doesn't lie. And the tension involved is going to be unbelievable. And they won't just be watching their own team. If you listen now for the opposition as well, a few miles across London.
1:51Michael Dawson:So a first league win for Chelsea for two and a half months, a brightening end to a laboured season at the bridge. They've got a big climax at Sunderland on Sunday for the last slots in Europe. But Tottenham's torturous campaign is on edge to the very last. A game to play, a point still needed and ahead of them five fretful, sleepless, cold sweat nights. It finishes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea 2, Tottenham Hotsfield 1. Peter, thank you very much. Down this evening, feeling down this evening, but by no means out of this Spurs right now. And that is, I suppose, Michael Dawson, what they have to cling on to right now.
2:31Michael Dawson:They are still two points ahead of West Ham United. They have a goal difference which is 12 superior to West Ham. The only scenario that sees them relegated is if they lose to Everton on Sunday and West Ham were to beat Leeds United. Does that give you comfort right now? Not really now, because they've had two opportunities to get over the line. They had an opportunity on Monday night against Leeds United at home and end up drawing the game, and then they've come here tonight. And at 1-0, I think you can stay in the game as long as you can, and you see the three substitutions waiting to come on the pitch, and then within a blink of an eye, they're 2-0 down.
3:06Michael Dawson:And then you're thinking, how can they come back? And the three subs, that man in your picture there made a difference. He comes on, he starts dictating, he starts getting on the ball, he starts trying to create, and I thought when they got back to 2-1, Could they get an opportunity? Could they finally get that draw? But unfortunately now, Super Sunday bring it on because let me tell you, those nerves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. And that's the thing that we just don't know about, isn't it, Daniel? How these players will react under the pressure that will come on Sunday.
3:35Daniel Sturridge:We know that's going to be a lot of pressure for those players, right? And as you say, the oohs and the R's in the stands, you don't want to mitigate those as much as possible. but look, they actually didn't play too bad tonight if we're being honest. You know, Chelsea deserve to win the game but I felt that they gave a good account of themselves especially when Maddison came on, he changed the game brought a bit of life to them, brought a bit of creativity a bit of control in midfield so I think all in all they can take confidence from the last 20 minutes of the game and say, OK, look boys, as long as we take this last 20 minutes into Sunday, we should be OK.
4:08Michael Dawson:And so Fernandes scoring the first goal here this evening Andres Santos with the second. And there is a lap of appreciation that the Chelsea players are going through. They will take some comfort themselves from winning this London derby, which they so often have down the years. And this is just another one on their belt against Spurs. But the reality is it's been a pretty disappointing season for Chelsea. And their chances of finishing the top six have gone as well tonight because Bournemouth got a point this evening. and we know what that means because that point came against Manchester City, which meant that Arsenal have this evening become champions for the first time in 22 years.
4:53Michael Dawson:They cannot be caught now by City on the final day. The gap is too big. This is the reaction of the Arsenal players, who, after all the speculation, did get together to watch this final game play out for Manchester City. All that pressure uncorked for Arsenal and those celebrations will no doubt carry on tonight, maybe even tomorrow, maybe even the next day as well, because the next big game for them on the horizon is the Champions League final, a week on Saturday. They still have the fixtures to complete and they will go to Crystal Palace where they will get their hands on the trophy after the game at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
5:34Michael Dawson:And you will see that live with us on Sky Sports. But Arsenal are the champions. Just let me tidy up this race for Europe as well. So Bournemouth then have confirmed European football for the first time in their history. Extraordinary season for Andoni Iriola as he departs and hands over to Marcos Rose. And yeah, I think that will seem a strange decision to a lot of people. but it looks like Liverpool will be safe now in the top five because although there's only three points between them, they do have that six goals better, goals difference. So whatever happens against Brentford, Liverpool should be playing Champions League football next season.
6:14Michael Dawson:Chelsea there in eighth place. They go to Sunderland on the final day and there will be a scrap there for European places potentially as well. Still lots to play for on this final day, not least the bottom. And there we are. We can see it now. So Wolves and Burnley gone. West Ham two points below Spurs. And just to repeat that scenario, West Ham have to win against Leeds on the final day and Spurs have to lose against Everton for those two to swap places because Spurs have a 12 better goal difference. 2022, the last time a team was in the bottom three on the final day and managed to escape. That was a lead side, you might remember, inspired by Rafinha at Brentford on the final day.
7:00Michael Dawson:That managed to get out of it. Could the same fate bestow West Ham United on Sunday? Spurs certainly hope not. But it is certainly going to be a tense final day and you will see it all live with us on this big weekend, which also features women's T20 cricket on Saturday, the playoff final between Hull. And no, that is not a typo. It is Middlesbrough now, not Southampton. Southampton expelled from the playoffs after that independent commission into the Spygate drama. And it is Middlesbrough now who heads to Wembley. Good luck to the Middlesbrough ticket office over the next 48 hours or so. Then on Sunday, there's IPL action at 10.50 in the morning.
7:47Michael Dawson:All 10 games live with us on the final day. Our coverage actually starts at 2, kick-off at 4. And you've also got the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday evening. And this looks a truly epic series starting on Tuesday, May the 26th. It's World War II with Tom Hanks. You can see that on Sky History. Much more to come here at Stamford Bridge from Michael Dawson and Daniel Sturridge. This is Chelsea's night. Their first win at home in seven games. And that's left a really bitter taste in the mouth of Spurs fans this evening with relegation still hanging over them. All the reaction to come.
8:37Michael Dawson:Did you know you can stream live Premier League football through Now TV? It's an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports Plus stream and much more. There are day or month membership options available and you don't need to be a Sky customer to use it. Just head to NowTV.com to check out the latest packages.
9:08Dave Jones:Welcome back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Let's get back to the studio for more reaction to today's game.
9:17Michael Dawson:It's all over for Manchester City. After beating Arsenal just a few weeks ago and in the Carabao Cup final, it was the Gunners that found the extra gear. And when it mattered, City were found wanting. And it looks like this is the end of the road for Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City manager. We expect him to be signing off against Aston Villa on Sunday, but he will be empty-handed in the title race this time. The draw for them at Bournemouth tonight, confirmed Arsenal champions, and this was the scene at the Arsenal training ground. And I imagine this scene is still continuing right now at the Arsenal training ground.
9:53Michael Dawson:As you can see, the players, staff all involved there. Champions for the first time in 22 years. It is going to be a noisy night on the red side of North London this evening as it starts to sink in all that waiting, all that agonising. And it goes on longer for Spurs who hope to come here to Stamford Bridge tonight to clinch their survival. but it wasn't to be. The anguish on the fans here and no doubt watching on at home as well because unfortunately their players just came up short tonight and Roberto Di Zerbi's side didn't have the answers to a Chelsea team winning at home for the first time since January and their miserable record here at Stamford Bridge just continues.
10:43Michael Dawson:That said, Daniel, did Chelsea actually deserve the victory?
10:47Daniel Sturridge:They did. First off particularly, they were really good. Cole Palmer picking up really good pockets. They defended really well, very structured. Second half comes again, decisive moment in the second half from Enzo Fernandes with a great assist. So all in all for me, I think the framework was really good. Before the game, I said I felt like Chelsea, it would have been their night because you raise your level knowing this is your last home game and knowing what's at stake. You lost the final, you want to bounce back from that psychologically as well. So for me, I didn't doubt Chelsea tonight. It was more questions about Spurs for me, and they didn't answer them.
11:23Michael Dawson:What was missing from Spurs then, Michael? Because we'd seen them win back-to-back games away from home at Wolves and at Aston Villa, and then get that point against Leeds. Was this just a step up in class? Yeah, I think it was. You look at the creativity that Chelsea have in the final third, it was way more than what Spurs had. And you see when Maddison comes on, you see when Papsar comes on, you see when even Jed Spencer, a left-back, how more creative they were. They had more opportunities. but when you gift them the second goal, while it was only 1-0, they were always had that little bit of hope and you see the three warming up and then they get the goal, Santos gets the second and then it's a huge climb.
11:59Michael Dawson:But I just always felt that Chelsea had that clinical moment. In the final third, I thought it would be them that would be able to create a better chance. Well, we saw it. We saw how clinical they were in the first 20 minutes. What do you think Spurs might have been able to do here to prevent this goal from Enzo Fernandes? Yeah, I mean, when you reflect on it and see the picket-up palmer in a great position, he goes into Pedro Neto. And then you look how deep they are. And it's the fact that he's so far out and it's Benton Currie sort of goes to... If he can just get in line with the ball, but it's a fact that he runs past it.
12:35Michael Dawson:Kinski's there trying to set. He just takes one step back. We're going to see in a minute. He makes another step as it's left Enzo's boot. There you go. He's still not got his feet grounded. So for him to generate that power, and yes, the ball might move in his defence, but the fact that he's going back, I mean, he's a long way out, Enzo, and you see it go behind Benton Kear and it goes over Danzo's shoulder. The fact that it's not right in the corner, I just don't think Kinski was set right. It just feels like where it goes is the least likely place for that ball to go with all those bodies in the way.
13:06Michael Dawson:It is, but as a keeper, you have to be set and expect the unexpected. So when he's not set, and then he makes another step as the ball is travelling, and then he can't generate the power to get to his right-hand post. And people question it for how far out he is and the fact that it's not right in the corner. I mean, I take nothing away from the strike. And Benton Kerr there, his momentum is taking him across, so Kinski doesn't think it can go in that corner. He's probably thinking it's going to go in the top left-hand corner. The way the ball shapes it, I mean, it goes like a Jimmy Anderson away swinger, Daniel, away from Kinski.
13:38Michael Dawson:Is that because of the way that he strikes it?
13:41Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, it's... The thing is, when you look at the ball, there's not a ton of movement. Sometimes you see it and it moves all over the place and you go, well, you know, he's wobbled that. He had no chance. Whereas with that, it looks like he's got an opportunity to save it, which makes it look a strange goal from the distance. But you've got to give credit to Enzo because to be able to get it on target, to create a moment, to time it perfectly, to get it just behind Ben Secor, to confuse the goalkeeper, as you would say, I'm sure there'll be a lot of people watching thinking, could have done way better there.
14:12Daniel Sturridge:But I have to give credit to the attackers because for me, you're hitting a target from 25 yards, you're giving a question to the goalkeeper, is he going to answer the question? Yes or no, do your job? He didn't do his job, bro. I take a goal all day.
14:23Michael Dawson:Enzo did his job. He's now got 10 for the season. It's been a really good return for him. The next goal in the contest felt absolutely crucial.
14:32Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, and it was a poor goal to concede, to be honest. Obviously, out in a wide position here, you're thinking, keep the ball, it'll be accurate with your passes. And they're off, Cole Palmer plays it over to Neto, and you're thinking, there's three players back post all calling for the ball. Fantastic cross, this touch here is marvellous. And it lays it on a plate for Santos, and you're thinking, brother, you'd better connect with this ball properly, which he does. And of course, it goes into the bottom corner.
14:58Michael Dawson:People will say, where's your right back? Because Colin Mawani had such good control of the ball, Pedro Porro is flying down the right-hand side, so you're going, look, they've overloaded on the back post, when Pedro Poro can't get back. If you give the ball away in that position and your full backs are so high, you're always going to be vulnerable and then you get punished
15:16Daniel Sturridge:and then it was a huge mountain to climb for Spurs. You've got to give credit to Enzo. Some players there would have taken a shot to have the ability to delicately control it and guide it to your teammate and allow for him literally just to have an open net pretty much. So I'll give credit to him.
15:31Michael Dawson:And for the finish as well from Andre Santos. Jamie said it was a bit scruffy on commentary. No, no. It didn't look like he just had to keep his calm and just guide it. Talk me through it, Daniel.
15:41Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, of course, Son is weak of foot. But I mean, for me, right, when you're looking at guys, he wants to score as the midfielder. You're getting in the box, you've got three guys all calling for the ball, back stick. Being in the middle of the post is where you score your goals, as in any position. You can be a left-back, centre-half, whatever you want to call it, wherever you are. If you get yourself in the post when a cross is coming into the box, you've got a high possibility or probability of scoring a goal. Positions himself great, gets the connection all he needs and it goes into the back of the net.
16:10Michael Dawson:You were feeling the worst at that point, weren't you? As probably most Spurs fans were watching at home. But the lifeline came at that point. Did you think, there could be something on here for Spurs? I did. And the three guys that I've mentioned with Papsar, Jed Spence and then the man that changed the game, in my opinion, and gave Spurs any hope in getting back to it was James Madison. I mean, they win the ball back there. Pedro probably actually right back. and then can you pick someone out? Yes, I mean, Pap Sarr, I've said, very fortunate, I think he was going for goal, but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good and that's what they were and then you had a little bit of belief with 15 minutes to go and then your time added on, could they get back into it and could they get a chance?
16:52Michael Dawson:And I touched on James Madison, I'm a huge fan of him and he's been massively missed along with Kulosevski, Kudos, Dom Solanke for large periods and now Javi Simmonds in the latter stage. So it's a big bonus for James Madison to be back involved. Is he going to play the whole game at the weekend? I very much doubt it. But when you've got that quality on the bench, he's certainly going to have an important role to play on Sunday. We'll come to that. There's an important incident we also need to clear up as well. Five minutes from the end of normal time, there was very vociferous claims from Spurs for a penalty.
17:25Michael Dawson:And I think that's probably what they were protesting about at the final whistle as well. You saw how upset James Madison and Mickey Van Der Ven in particular were. but Mickey van der Venne is right at the centre of this because he gets bundled over in the middle of the goal here by Kukure. There we are, we've blown it up for you. And the reason we're freezing it at this point is because you can see at this point, the ball has not come into play from the corner. And I suppose had it happened a second later, had that foul happened a second later, there would be no reason why Stuart Atwell wouldn't give penalty.
17:54Michael Dawson:Yeah, completely agree. You know, we had to go back and watch this numerous times and the fact that he's blown just as the ball's coming in, he froze it before it was going down I mean I was there thinking is this going to be a penalty Varkley had said he'd already committed the foul and he'd been booked before the ball was actually in play I can understand Spurs' frustration because your emotions are high you're hoping for anything direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for fences committed when the ball is in play so that is what they've been referring to there this evening and I suppose when your luck is out your luck is out I mean
18:30Daniel Sturridge:and Kukurela's lucky because he wasn't facing the ball. You know, imagine if, you know, it is one second difference, then it's a guaranteed penalty. So you can count himself lucky. But you know what, Doss, I want to know, why are they defending like that? Why are people defending like that these days? Because things have changed, right? Since we were playing for sure. Why do they do this?
18:50Michael Dawson:Well, the only way you're going to stop it is give penalties. Obviously the ball wasn't in the player, but we've seen Enzo doing it at this end in the first half. It baffles me. We saw the incident with West Ham the other week and had the free kick not been given on Raya, Declan Rice was holding, Trossard was holding. You've got to look at the ball. It winds me up as a defender and going, look, I was never strong enough to hold anyone, studs. You know that. But it's like, look at the ball. You held me. Look at the ball, see your man and see the ball. You have to see all angles. You can't just look at the forward or attacking player and take your eyes off the ball.
19:19Michael Dawson:Until that's stopped and referees start giving penalties, they will keep doing it. I do not like it. Maybe a rule change is coming next season. We will see. there were other chances for Spurs in this game but is the concern Michael that there just isn't a sharp enough attack here that they've got when they need it when they are conceding two goals have they got enough to go and get something? No I don't think they have and I think I've probably said this for an awful lot of the season you know that real creativity you know with Kulosevski you talk about injuries but I look at Mawani I look at Tellu I think Tellu's his game has to come I really do he didn't start the first couple of games under Roberto Di Serbi when he came in.
19:59Michael Dawson:But it's just that cutting edge, that out-and-out 10. He goes with a three in midfield and you look at them, there's not a James Madison, there's not a Javi Simmonds and not a Kulosevski. Those players are so key in the fact of giving you a chance to win a game. And this was Madison, lens the ball. I just wonder, Daniel, is that sharpness when it comes here? I mean, I love watching James Madison. That one step. Could he have taken it a bit earlier?
Read the full transcript
20:23Daniel Sturridge:He's steadying himself. to ensure he gets the right purchase on the shot. He could have took it in his stride, but to be honest, I've done that exact step because it steadies your body. It gets you in that mode where you're thinking, okay, I can really go through with this. Whereas sometimes when you take that first touch, it's almost like you're just taking it with the next step. You're not set fully, so you don't get the right connection a lot of the time, especially on your weaker foot. Psychologically, you almost think, I've got to steady myself and ensure I get the right connection, which it looks like he did.
20:55Daniel Sturridge:It was a great tackle, taking nothing away from Hato, for him to come
20:57Michael Dawson:from that side to make that decision to come across. Brilliant tackle. Yeah, important moment that really in effect guaranteed his side the victory here tonight, which sees Chelsea still pursuing European football next season. That could be the welcome gift for Xabi Alonso when he arrives here on July 1st, but this was really more about Roberto De Zerbi and what he could fashion with his Spurs team tonight. We'll get his reaction in just a moment on what has ultimately been a really disappointing night for Spurs. If you're enjoying this podcast, there are plenty more from Sky Sports we think you'll love too.
21:34Michael Dawson:There's the Gary Neville podcast for Gary's immediate reaction to the biggest matches. Transfer Talk has the latest on all the big moves in and out of the Premier League and beyond. And for WSL fans, check out Pitch to Pod with Jordan Nobbs and Nikita Paris. Just search for Sky Sports wherever you get your podcasts. For now, though, let's get back to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast.
22:06Michael Dawson:Headed up hungrily again by Palmer. How tidy is he tonight? Neto. Enzo Fernandes.
22:14Dave Jones:Oh, wonderful goal. What a strike. Chelsea tearing to Tottenham again.
22:26Dave Jones:Neto swog it in. And Santos finished.
22:31Michael Dawson:Tottenham heads in Tottenham hands. Shoulders slumped. Agony. Whilst Chelsea relish the moment. Yes, the Stamford Bridge curse has struck again for Spurs. even Roberto De Zerbe couldn't save their fortunes this evening. And their fight for survival will go down to the final day. Here's the man himself with Emma Saunders.
23:00Dave Jones:Well, Roberto, it was a game which you had such high hopes for. How disappointing is it to come away with nothing? We created the first chance to score with Matisse Tell. was a big save of Robert Sanchez and then we conceded one great goal because Enzo Fernandez is a big player I think we could do something better and then we stayed inside of the game until the second goal we lost a stupid ball we conceded the second goal but before to conceder the second goal we created a big big big chance with Richarlison. I think we played a good game, very good game. We lost but now we have no time, it's not the right time to think too much of this game.
23:59Dave Jones:We have to prepare the next game. We play in our stadium with our fans. we have to result on free with our qualities, with character, with pride, with courage. We have to play. But I'm positive because today we play a good game. Chelsea's second goal came in the 67th minute when you had your triple substitution ready. hindsight it's a wonderful thing do you have any regrets about not making those substitutions any earlier the ball was inside of the pitch just two minutes before but you know the physical condition of James Madison is not available to play more than 20-25 minutes and I was waiting to spend two or three minutes more and to make this change.
25:10Dave Jones:Yeah, you say James Madison can only really do 20, 25 minutes at the moment. With the impact that he had when he came on the pitch, can he play any more in your final game on Sunday? A great impact like Jad Spence and Papessar, all three players they came inside of the pitch very well, they changed the energy the energy James Madison can't play more than 20-25 minutes because it's just two or three weeks with us but it's important in the last 20 minutes You've talked a lot about psychology, mentality how did you see the resilience of your players tonight when the goals were conceded? Do you have any concerns around that going into the final game?
26:10Dave Jones:I think we had a great reaction after first goal after the second goal as well I think in my time we made 8 points in 6th game I think we deserved serve more points because we lost two points with Brighton, but now we have not to analyse nothing. We have to prepare the last game in the best way. Have you seen enough in these performances to give you the confidence that you need on Sunday that Tottenham will survive this Premier League? At the beginning of the game, yes. At the end of the game, the same. The last 20 minutes I think we played with more qualities because Madison is not a normal player for us.
27:05Dave Jones:But yes, I think we are alive, we are with the right spirit. Normally we can't win every game, no? because if we stay in this place of the table, it's because we have had some problems. But I think we have all qualities to achieve our target. Thanks for your time. Thank you.
27:34Michael Dawson:You're very calm and consider Roberto Di Zerbi already on the front foot talking about the opportunity that awaits them on Sunday in front of their own fans and we'll come to that. Reminder of the scenario. Spurs have that two-point cushion and a point would be enough to see them survive whatever happens with West Ham United. West Ham United have to win to have any impact on Spurs at all. They play Leeds on the final day. So what factors do we need to take into account here, Michael? Spurs don't, for a start, Spurs don't have to go out and force the issue against Spurs, against Everton, or do they?
28:12Michael Dawson:No, I mean, if you ask West Ham now, could we be in Spurs' position, they would bite your hand off. You know, it's still in Spurs' hands. They know they have to get a point, regardless of what happens at the London Stadium and West Ham take it on Leeds. And that's why he's so calm and he's got that belief. When he came through the Tottenham Hotspur door with seven games to go, he always had that belief. And when people have doubted him and the team, he's always come out pretty bullish and come out fighting. And even tonight, he spoke about his team. He talked about the mistake, but he still tries to find positives and says it's still in our hands, and it is.
28:46Michael Dawson:But I've got to remind you as well, he talks about the comfort of being in front of their own fans, but he hasn't actually won a game at home yet. Their last win at home was one of the two they've had all season, was back in December. So it hasn't been a bed of roses at home. No, against Crystal Palace a long time ago in 2025. Quite remarkable when you say that. so that is a huge concern and the Spurs fans have to get behind this group of players on Sunday regardless of what is going off at the London Stadium if West Ham go ahead you will feel the tension you'll feel the nerves last thing they need is Everton scoring thinking we have to score a goal so they have to try and keep as calm as they can and that is what Roberto is doing in the media whenever you hear him come out he's very confident and he always backs the players he always talks about belief he always talks about confidence and a mentality of no one comes into training and I bet he said it in that change room there.
29:37Michael Dawson:You come in tomorrow, we prepare for Sunday, we go out fighting and like I say, he's still in their hands to get that one point. Let's talk about some positives as well, Daniel. From what we saw tonight, could Matisse Tell be somebody that if they need to score, they might not have to score on Sunday? Could this be the guy that gets them going up the pitch?
29:55Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, he's got a spark about him, hasn't he? He's playing with confidence when he gets the ball. They need to feed him more, I would say, and try and make him go on amazing runs. put some protection around him in regards to if he loses it. You've got players who are counter-pressing to ensure that, but I would give him the freedom because tonight, he definitely was the bright spot for them. He was trying to make things happen, of course. Was the final ball good enough? It wasn't. But that Richarlison chance he created was a very good chance for Richarlison. He should have done better with it, at least hit the target.
30:24Daniel Sturridge:So you're thinking, going into that game, he's probably thinking, you know what, I can get a goal on the weekend. I think he's going to have confidence. Madison coming on, I can create something. I can get something going. And even Richarlison, you know, he's capable of scoring goals. The guys have to go into it with confidence. The manager said in his thing, got to show character, courage, be positive. Those are the things they're going to need. He's talking about moving on tonight. Forget, you know, even digressing what's going on, talking about this game. Move on, boys. We've got a big game on the weekend.
30:54Daniel Sturridge:We've got to be positive about that. It's in our hands, but ultimately, the players have to deliver, don't they? Like, that's the end of it.
31:00Michael Dawson:And you feel sure that James Madison is going to have to have a say somewhere along the line here for Spurs. We can get his reaction now with Emma Saunders.
31:09Dave Jones:Well, James, thanks for coming to speak to us. With points so valuable at this stage in the season, how disappointing is it to come away with nothing tonight? Yeah, obviously very disappointing. We knew obviously any sort of result tonight would be very beneficial for us in the battle. It wasn't to be. We pushed hard in the last 20 minutes,
31:33Dave Jones:probably was quite a fair even game I thought I mean I don't remember them having many chances and we're on the wrong side of another one yeah so it's disappointing yeah take us inside that moment when you're sitting on the side of the pitch part of that triple substitution the board's more or less about to go up and then Chelsea find that second like what was going through your head yeah it's obviously an awful time to then you want to you want to get on the pitch at 1-0 and try and affect it especially as an attacking player you know at 1-0 one moment couldn't bring you back in the game and it's obviously a lot more difficult at 2-0 so it makes it a lot more challenging so it's quite there's a bit of a dagger as you're about to come on you.
32:10Dave Jones:What's it like for you coming in to these last few games tonight you've got 20-25 minutes under your belt with so much at stake in a season that you've largely missed I mean the mental side of it must weigh so heavily doesn't it? Yeah I mean obviously I've been out for a long time so I'm not going to be at my fluent best. I feel good. I've just got to try and help the team with whatever minutes I can. Obviously, I've had a massive injury, so it's one of them. You have to respect the injury a little bit. That's why I'm probably not starting the games. I've been out for a long time, but I'm going to do what I can on Sunday.
32:48Dave Jones:And obviously, I did tonight. It wasn't enough, but we've got to keep trying and keep battling for our fans. You've come on tonight. You've helped change that game. you could feel the enthusiasm from the Spurs fans in the stands that you were on the pitch. Can you feel that responsibility? Is it something that you're relishing going into that final day to try and make an impact? Yeah, of course, that's my job. That's what I'm paid to do. I've obviously had a massive injury, which has meant I haven't played this season, but whenever I do play, that's my job. As the attacking players, that's what we've got to do.
33:20Dave Jones:We probably haven't been good enough going forward this season. That's the reality. Just a bit of lack of quality in the final moments, and I think that showed tonight and I think that's something that I can bring so hopefully when I'm on the pitch and whatever minutes I can get I've just got to try and help the team with that. You've come into us tonight from the treatment room having had a bit of recovery I'm sure already. How do you see how much you can give on Sunday? As we've mentioned 20-25 minutes tonight. The manager says at the moment it could be looking the same. How do you see it? Well anyone who's worked in football or has been through this injury it's not as easy to just drop back in.
33:57Dave Jones:obviously it would be catastrophic for my career if something was to happen, if we weren't safe or we didn't follow the protocol from the specialists but obviously I want to help the team as much as I can so let's just see where we get to. And how do the team see this challenge on the final day against Everton? We've just got to give everything for this club for the badge, for our fans it's unacceptable and a little bit embarrassing that we're in this position at Tottenham Hotspur but it's the reality unfortunately and it's up to us to get out of it. Sunday's going to be a big day, so we're going to need everyone.
34:29Dave Jones:We're going to need our fans, who are absolutely unbelievable today, by the way. Even at 2-0 down, you can just hear them. I genuinely think we've got the best away support in the league. We need to repay them with a good performance and some points on Sunday to secure Premier League survival. From what you've seen on the sidelines and now experience coming into this team, do you feel like you've got enough as a group to get this over the line on Sunday? Yeah, it's non-negotiable. We have to for this club. All right. Thanks for your time. Thank you.
34:56Michael Dawson:And without a doubt, he will be giving absolutely everything as well. Just talk to us, Daniel, about that, what he's going through right now, having had, as he kept saying, a serious, serious injury. He's been out for 375 days before we saw him off the bench last week. And now, as soon as we see him, there is that expectation straight away that he's going to deliver.
35:18Daniel Sturridge:Yeah, and I've had my fair share of injuries. so I don't know exactly what he's going through psychologically because he's had an injury that's a lot more length of time than mine were but I think in his situation what's difficult for him is he wants to help and he knows he's got the capabilities like he was saying I know I'm the creative source for the team and I want to be out there but a specialist has put a protocol in place which is what he's just said and is it worth the risk for his long-term career? He's kind of where his head's at. It's like I've got a football club who's paying my wages, who I love playing for.
35:56Daniel Sturridge:I love the fans. I love my teammates and everyone involved and I want to help. But ultimately, I've got an injury that has to be respected. So that's the catch-22 and that's when football for footballers becomes so difficult because you love the game, right? And you want to play, you want to be on the pitch, you want to give everything and then it's like but it is my job as well and it's my livelihood and I've got kids that I'm going to have in the future and I want to be able to walk for them and I want to be able and that's I know it might seem like it's not that type of situation but Dorsh you know what I mean you've been there it's difficult do you know what I mean So what do they do with him
36:31Michael Dawson:on Sunday then?
36:32Daniel Sturridge:I don't see James Madison
36:33Michael Dawson:starting no chance you listen to Roberto Di Zerbi there talking about he could play 25 minutes maybe if needed could he play 45 at a push but you listen to James Madison there as much as he wants to help He'll have been in that treatment room. He will have felt so down. Not just because he's missing out on playing football. The fact that he's a football club that he's at, he's in such a situation. And he talks about how embarrassing it is for the second season running to see Spurs sitting in this position. And he can't help it. But he is in a position that he can do something about, unlike Kudus, unlike Kulusevsky, unlike Romero now as well.
37:09Michael Dawson:Do they have to hold him back, though? Yeah, you're listening. Yeah, you do. You can't take a chance. and do you know what when you've been out that long are your match sharpness maybe he might be better than coming on as an impact player and you see the difference that he does make whenever he's on the field no doubt about it when he's fit he walks into this team any position in there and he does make a difference he's so calm he gets on the ball I saw Steve watching up here he goes he's telling everywhere to move he's got that character he's a leader but what he does do he takes the ball in areas he tries to create
37:39Daniel Sturridge:the hard bit for me is he's two games in a week for him that's the biggest challenge more than anything. So we'll see how it pans out.
37:47Michael Dawson:We are not done here yet at Stamford Bridge this evening. There is more to come from us. We'll get more reaction to this Chelsea story as well, which had a happy ending for Enzo Fernandes, despite the changes to the Chelsea starting line-up. Andres Santos weighed in with the goal as well. And a victorious ending for Callum McFarlane here at Stamford Bridge.
38:11Michael Dawson:It's time for the EFL playoffs where one moment can change an entire season. Join me, Simeon Golem, on the Essential EFL podcast for all the stories and the drama across the Championship League One and League Two. I'll be joined by Sky Sports' top EFL pundits to analyse all of the games and bring you immediate reaction to the Wembley Finals. That's the Essential EFL podcast from Sky Sports. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
38:45Michael Dawson:Well, after the best part of nine gruelling months, Arsenal have been crowned champions tonight after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth earlier. And they will get their hands on the trophy for the first time at Selhurst Park on Sunday after the game against Crystal Palace, which you can watch live with us along with the other nine games on the final day. Chelsea have rounded off in front of their own fans with victory under Callum McFarlane, who we can hear from now with Emma Saunders.
39:17Dave Jones:Well, Callum, congratulations. You made no bones about it pre-match with us. It was must win. How pleased are you to get that over the line tonight? Yeah, delighted. I thought it was... Sometimes it wasn't pretty. It wasn't what we wanted it to look like, but it was needs must. You could see the physical and emotional load that City had had against us in the cup final, so we needed to show grit, determination, things that have been questioned in this team before. And I've said from the minute I've stepped into this role, I've not questioned that once. And I think we saw that tonight. I'm really proud of the group.
39:47Dave Jones:Yeah, that grit, determination, do you think it translated to discipline by and large in that you really limited Spurs to very little until that last portion of the game? Yeah, we knew we weren't going to be able to match them for energy and intensity for 90 minutes. We would have periods where we could. I thought in the first half we showed a lot of quality. We played some lovely stuff. We had good energy, good enthusiasm. but you could see from minute one there were some lads that were still feeling Wembley. So we knew there were going to be moments where we had to dig in, we had to defend our box, we had to fight and I'm just as proud of that as we are of the lovely football we play at times.
40:20Dave Jones:Whilst you've managed to see it out, I suppose your critical eye, if you're looking at that last 15-minute period or so, where do you think Spurs were able to creep back into the game a bit? I don't know when their last game was but it wasn't on Saturday so they've got a lot more energy and enthusiasm. and we've got Jarenzo Fernandes we've got Kukurea we've got Jerojato we've got Wesley Fofano so many lads that put in a real shift at Wembley went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in Europe could have won on the day so it's natural that they're going to have those moments I don't think there was anything we could have done they're going to have the energy and we just have to dig in and fight in those moments and we got the two goal lead and we defended it well
40:59Michael Dawson:Yeah he's acquitted himself very well hasn't he and this is how Chelsea looked in eighth which if they were there on the final day would be a place in the Europa Conference League. Seventh place would be Europa League. And sixth would be Europa League, unless Aston Villa were to finish in fifth and win tomorrow night. Are you following, Daniel? No, no, no. Right, so there's a lot that can happen on the final day. Chelsea go to Sunderland with a potential, really, of finishing between seventh and still, in effect, the bottom half. So what do you think would be a good outcome for Chelsea from here?
41:38Michael Dawson:And particularly considering a new manager is coming in. And you've either got Xabi Alonso playing one game a week and working a lot in the training ground, or you've got him playing most Thursdays.
41:48Daniel Sturridge:Now, I would say for preparation and for taking in tactics and things of that nature, one game a week is the best thing. But if we're being honest at a club like Chelsea, you need to be in Europe. and the Europa League is obviously the one they'd want to be in, which if they win that, they're secure Champions League play. So I think that would be the competition that they'd be fighting for, absolutely. Have we seen signs, even in their difficult times this year,
42:14Michael Dawson:that there is a bright future? The owners are convinced of it. They're trying to do it in a sustainable way and now they feel that perhaps they have the leader to guide them. I think they've certainly got the leader to guide them. I think it's a really good appointment and he's come in as manager and not as coach. Do I see the model changing? I think it'll have to change ever so slightly with Xavi Alonso coming in. I think he'll try and go and sign some players with experience, but I think he's got a group already that he's coming into. And to answer your questions, probably looking at the conference, Europa Conference, he can put his B team out to go and win that.
42:49Michael Dawson:I do believe that with the squad that Chelsea have got here. So he will want to get his philosophy across and we saw what he did at Leverkusen. Obviously Real Madrid wasn't quite the same, but he's got a big job coming here, but I think he's a great appointment from Chelsea. Maybe just one or two experienced bodies. Keep the phone on, Daniel. Who knows? Call me. That's the Enzo Fernandes celebration. It's time to go. We promised we'd come off air before the final day on Sunday, so we'll park it there now. Michael, thank you very much. Daniel, thank you as well. Yeah, it all seems to be happening now, doesn't it?
43:24Michael Dawson:The prizes have been given out. Arsenal have won the title. but we still have to confirm what happens in the race for Europe and in, of course, the relegation battle as well. Two o 'clock will be on air on the Premier League final day. We'll bring you all 10 games live. And, of course, the trophy presentation will be live with us as well. And for Spurs and West Ham, it comes down to a crunch day in the capital at two huge stadiums that are, what, five, six miles apart. One will be celebrating. One will be in despair. Good night from us.
44:07Dave Jones:Thanks for listening to the Sky Sports Premier League podcast. Don't forget to hit follow so you don't miss an episode.
From the publisher
Dave Jones is joined by former Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson and ex-Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge to break down Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Spurs, a result that takes Roberto De Zerbi’s relegation battle to the final day of the season.
•You can watch the Premier League action live on Sky Sports. If you're not already a Sky customer, you can stream Sky Sports on your terms with a NOW membership. Sign up to NOW here: www.nowtv.com/membership/watch-sky-sports?DCMP=ilc_skysports_podcastlink
•Listen to every episode of the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast here: www.skysports.com/podcasts/36578/11933957/sky-sports-premier-league-podcast-post-match-analysis-from-super-sunday-mnf-and-more
•You can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast on your smart speaker by asking it to "play Sky Sports Premier League Podcast".
•For all the latest Premier League news, head to www.skysports.com/premier-league
•For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
