Chelsea FC faces Tottenham in a pre-season test, with Spurs struggling to find their footing in the Sydney Super Cup. The Londoners were held to a 1-1 draw by Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, despite eventually beating their A-League opponents 4-2 on penalties.
What happened?
Tottenham dominated the first half and took the lead in the 29th minute after Mathys Tel struck a superb right-footed free-kick from the edge of the box. However, Sydney had struggled to impose themselves in the final third but were handed a route back into the game in the second half after substitute Kota Takai's interception fell kindly for Takahiro Sekine to finish.
Why it matters for Chelsea FC
Spurs' pre-season struggles ahead of their Chelsea FC clash are a concern for the Blues, who will be looking to capitalize on their opponents' weaknesses. With Tottenham struggling to make their dominance count, Chelsea FC may see an opportunity to take all three points.
What comes next?
Chelsea FC will be looking to build on their strong start to the season, which has seen them score 58 goals and concede 52. With 33 points behind leaders Arsenal, the Blues will be looking to close the gap and make a push for the title.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 10th in Premier League, 52 pts, 14W-10D-14L from 38 games, recent form LWDLL.
Goals this season: 58 scored, 52 conceded (+6 goal difference).
Title race: 33 points behind leaders Arsenal.
The Blues will be looking to take advantage of Tottenham's struggles and make a statement in their upcoming match. With Chelsea FC's strong start to the season, they may be the team to beat in the Premier League this year.
De Zerbi's concerns
Spurs' manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has been careful to manage the minutes of several key first-team players at the start of pre-season. Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul van Hecke, James Maddison, and Destiny Udogie were among the players to watch from the stands as Spurs faltered after being pegged back by Sydney.
Bergvall's future
Lucas Bergvall was handed his first start of pre-season after returning from the World Cup, yet his Spurs future remains in major doubt despite De Zerbi asserting that he wants the 20-year-old to stay in north London. Bergvall wants to leave Spurs in search of regular minutes in his preferred position as a No8 and has interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
De Zerbi wants Bergvall to stay
De Zerbi admitted at full-time against Sydney that he could not guarantee the Swedish international the game time he was after and said he would not stand in his way if the club received a suitable offer. "The situation is clear, he wants space and to play in a double.
