True Spurs fans knew this was always going to be our destiny. Like a classic computer game, we would have to vanquish the end-of-level boss to progress.
We hoped three points against Leeds would render this trip to Chelsea inconsequential, but thanks to Mathys Tel’s ill-timed acrobatics, we now need something from Stamford Bridge.
The rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea is unique in London. The ‘Cockney Cup Final’ in 1967, the first all-London FA Cup final, is widely viewed as the moment the modern rivalry began. Then, as hooliganism and culture wars spread through football in the 1970s and 1980s, both sets of supporters grew to truly despise each other, with Spurs establishing themselves as the dominant side in the rivalry.
But then everything changed.
The balance of power swung towards blue following Roman Abramovich’s arrival. Despite Chelsea rising to the summit of English and European football, the hatred between the two fanbases never softened. No matter how successful they became, beating Tottenham still mattered. The Premier League archives are filled with classic encounters, wonder goals and reckless two-footed lunges.
There have been running battles, countless red cards, 4-4 draws, ghost goals in semi-finals, League Cup final victories for both sides and, of course, Chelsea somehow winning the Champions League in 2012 to deny Spurs a place in the competition. Yet, if you asked any Chelsea fan where relegating Tottenham would rank, it would probably top the lot.
Thankfully, Roberto de Zerbi’s remarkable work over recent weeks has denied Chelsea the chance to send Spurs down themselves. But if West Ham beat Newcastle, they can still push Tottenham’s head deeper into the mud.
History is not with Spurs. In 32 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, we have won once and drawn eleven times. This season, perhaps more than any since the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ in 2016, Chelsea will be desperate to beat us. Tottenham will need to play the perfect game and lean heavily on their away form, the only thing currently keeping our heads above water.
Stamford Bridge has been a graveyard for our dreams for decades. We just have to hope De Zerbi has us ‘Big Boss’ ready.
Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch – a Spurs podcast