Mauricio Pochettino deals former club Tottenham a major blow in the Champions League as Chelsea triumph
Mauricio Pochettino returned to haunt former club Tottenham as Chelsea sealed a 2-0 win against them at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues They won a chaotic reverse fixture 4-1 earlier in the season, Spurs' first Premier League defeat of the campaign, and completed the double in relative comfort on Thursday night.
Ange Postecoglou's side They made the trip to west London on Thursday night knowing a win would boost their hopes of a top-four finish.
But Chelsea, still struggling with a number of problems, were on hand to dent their chances on their own turf.
Spurs' recent problems from set pieces were evident once again when Trevoh Chalobah headed in a free kick in the 24th minute.
The goal was finally scored after a long check for offside and then a foul, giving Chelsea a deserved lead on the night.
However, they were second best at the start of the second half as Spurs showed more attacking intent in the early stages.
But they failed to make the most of their pressure and Chelsea were on hand to punish them for it with 18 minutes remaining.
Cole Palmer's free kick hit the crossbar and Nicolas Jackson was the first to respond on the rebound, heading into an almost empty goal.
Chelsea were less threatening in attack compared to the first half but, unlike many games this season, took advantage of their opportunity.
Victory increases their chances of qualifying for Europe, with the Europa League or Europa Conference League being the most likely outcomes.
Chelsea now sit eighth in the table and two points behind Newcastle in seventh, a significant improvement from last season's 12th place.
But Spurs are now seven points adrift of the top four with four games left to play.
Aston Villa occupy the coveted fourth place and have played one more game than the north London team.
However, Spurs' remaining game will be against a Manchester City team that is fighting for a record fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Pochettino He was once a much-loved figure at the club, but since his return to the Premier League he has inflicted two crucial defeats on them.