Everything MOTD had to say about 'influential' Mateus Fernandes display in Tottenham win vs Chelsea

Mateus Fernandes was on top form during Tottenham Hotspur's win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The Lilywhites beat Xabi Alonso's side 2-0 in the Premier League clash, which was their first win without conceding at Stamford Bridge since December 1986.

Spurs took the lead through a Mike Penders own goal after an in-swinging corner by Fernandes was bundled into the net late in the second 45.

Mathys Tel wrapped up the three points for Roberto De Zerbi's men after a lung-busting run was topped off by a low-driven effort from range to send the travelling Tottenham fans wild in the away end.

However, Spurs' midfield have taken a lot of the credit for controlling the middle of the park at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandes, in particular, is now receiving the praise after what he did for Tottenham against Chelsea.

Everything MOTD said on 'influential' Mateus Fernandes vs Chelsea

Tottenham spent the big bucks to pry Fernandes away from West Ham and bring him to N17 in the summer, and their expensive move may now be starting to pay off.

While speaking on the BBC's Match of the Day, Steph Houghton shared her thoughts on the 22-year-old's performance against Chelsea, explaining how the midfield was a key reason for Spurs' victory.

Houghton said: "Fernandes was influential all game, creating havoc in terms of the corner. A brilliant delivery which put Spurs 1-0 up, which was really, really well deserved, even though it was an error from the keeper.

"To top off the day, that guy Tel, that ability to be so composed to get his shot away, I think that comes down to confidence throughout the whole team, but I think that the midfield were really pivotal to that."

Martin Keown also thought that Cole Palmer was lucky not to get a red card for his initial foul on Fernandes, before receiving a second yellow for a high challenge on Conor Gallagher.

As shown in the BBC's Match of the Day stat graphic above, Houghton has every reason to single out Fernandes' impressive display.

The former West Ham star ranked first in the game for touches (121), final third touches (11), accurate passes (91), crosses and tackles, with five for each.

As per FotMob data, he earned a 7.1 rating, also making the most overall defensive actions in the match with 14.

Fernandes also covered 6.8 miles off grass, winning six ground duels and thoroughly deserves his moment of praise for Tottenham.

What Fernandes now has to prove as new footage surfaces online

Fernandes was just one of three impressive players in Tottenham's midfield.

Sandro Tonali and James Maddison were also at the races at Stamford Bridge, though the latter came off with another injury scare in the 51st minute.

X user Arthur shared a video of the attacking midfielder leaving the stadium after Spurs' win, and he appeared to be walking with a limp.

Maddison could be out for a couple of weeks for Tottenham, which means Fernandes will have to step up once again to prove that he can be Spurs' most important midfielder.

He has all the makings to do so, and his performance at Chelsea will give everyone confidence, even with Maddison suffering another setback.