London (AFP)

Chelsea went to beat Tottenham (1-0) on Thursday at the end of the 22nd day of the Premier League, thanks to a penalty from Jorginho (24th), and got off to a good start in the race for the Top 4 qualifier for the next Champions League .

The Blues of Thomas Tuchel, who still have not conceded a goal since his arrival at the end of January, have just taken seven points out of nine possible, in eight days, and go up from 8th to 6th place, with a better goal difference than Everton.

"We are very happy with the result. It was a difficult match against a strong opponent, but we played well and controlled the game well," reacted the former coach of Paris-SG, finalist of the C1 this summer in Portugal.

"The subject is not my methods. I am happy with the attitude, the team, its potential," added the German coach.

"It's a good group and they are open. It's a pleasure to work with them. We feel very supported inside the club. It's a very good start, but it was easy because I was really feel welcome ".

Faced with disappointing Spurs, deprived of their master to play, Harry Kane, injured, and who left them the monopoly of the ball, the Blues -68% possession in the first period - made the game during three quarters of this derby well-watered Londoner on a slippery lawn.

Timo Werner, recruited this summer at the gold price by Chelsea, has been particularly active, moving a lot, folding often and causing a stupid foul from Eric Dier.

The referee had no doubts, Jorginho either, and his powerful shot stuck in the small net of Hugo Lloris (24th).

José Mourinho's men still almost got a miraculous equalizer at the end of the match, when they decided to play ball for a quarter of an hour.

Lamela first adjusted a superb shot, the second only framed by Spurs, but Edouard Mendy relaxed well (75th).

Then Carlos Vinicius could have equalized in the 87th minute, but his header, without much conviction, went right next to Mendy's frame.

Finally, as a symbol, the Korean Son, orphan of Kane, shot very above (93rd) while he had plenty of time to adjust Mendy.

Finally, this little slump for the Blues remained without consequence and the ex-Special One (Mourinho) lost, for the first time in his long career, a second consecutive game at home.

Without ever giving the impression that he had encouraged his Spurs, leaders of the Premier League a few weeks ago, to give themselves the means to win him.

Full results of the 22nd day:

Tuesday February 2

Sheffield United - West Brom 2 - 1

Wolverhampton - Arsenal 2 - 1

Manchester United - Southampton 9 - 0

Newcastle - Crystal Palace 1 - 2

Wednesday February 3

Fulham - Leicester 0 - 2

Burnley - Manchester City 0 - 2

Leeds United - Everton 1 - 2

Aston Villa - West Ham 1 - 3

Liverpool - Brighton 0 - 1

Thursday 4 February

Tottenham - Chelsea 0 - 1

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