Fernandez header lifts Chelsea to London derby win
Chelsea returned to the Premier League's top four with a 1-0 victory over London rival Tottenham, as Enzo Fernandez's second-half header proved decisive.
Fernandez powered home after an cross from the returning Cole Palmer in the 50th minute, as the Blues earned the three points at Stamford Bridge.
The Argentina international was totally unmarked six yards out as he was picked out by Palmer, who ended a near three-month wait for a Premier League goal involvement.
Chelsea had been by far the better side before Fernandez's goal, with Micky van de Ven striking his own post in the first minute and Guglielmo Vicario making a stunning save to deny Jadon Sancho.
The Blues thought they had a second goal soon after making the breakthrough as Moises Caicedo sent a thumping volley past Vicario, but the decision to award the goal was overturned following a VAR review, with Levi Colwill offside in the build-up.
That offered Spurs hope, and when Pape Sarr lashed home from range moments after stepping off the bench, it seemed they had found a route back into the game.
After another VAR review, this one at the monitor, referee Craig Pawson ruled Sarr had fouled Caicedo in the lead-up.
Son Heung-min squandered Tottenham's only other chance of note, with Robert Sanchez equal to his sliding effort as the visitor's winless run stretched to four league games.
Spurs stay 14th, while Chelsea move back into fourth after midweek wins for a host of other Champions League hopefuls.
Enzo Maresca's Blues are one point ahead of Manchester City, two clear of Newcastle United and four above Aston Villa.
