Tottenham boost top four hopes with Premier League win over struggling Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur boosted their hopes of a top four finish in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over London rivals Chelsea on Sunday.

Oliver Skipp scored the opener at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just seconds into the second half and Harry Kane tapped home late on to stretch Chelsea's winless run to six matches. Graham Potter's side have only achieved one victory in their last 11 games in all competitions.

- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)

"The results are not good enough for Chelsea," Potter told Sky Sports."I take full responsibility for those results. I thought the players gave everything, it's just that the goal changes the complexion of the game and that made it difficult for us.

"If results aren't good enough, which they aren't at the moment, you can't rely on support forever."

A low-quality first half burst into controversy moments before its conclusion as Hakim Ziyech was shown a red card following an altercation with Emerson Royal.

The card was brandished as Ziyech was deemed to have struck the face of Royal but, after checking the monitor, referee Stuart Attwell rescinded the red for a yellow.

An eventful finish to the first half was matched by an equally explosive start to the second, as Skipp scored his first ever Spurs goal to open the scoring in stunning style 19 seconds in.

The hosts immediately broke forward from kick-off and Royal tested Kepa with a low strike. His fumbled save was cleared by Enzo Fernandez only as far as Skipp outside the area whose piledriver was palmed onto the crossbar and in by the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Spurs had to rely on a smart save by stand-in goalkeeper Fraser Forster to deny Kai Havertz midway through the second half.

Kane made sure of the victory eight minutes from time as he tapped home at the far post following Eric Dier's flicked header from a corner. 

Spurs assistant coach Cristian Stellini, deputising for Antonio Conte who is recovering from surgery, said: "Our desire was ... win, play a great game and to fight for every ball and we are happy for the fans, the club and of course for us and Antonio who is still at home."

Stellini told the BBC he expected Conte to be back this week.

Chelsea stay 10th, above Aston Villa on goal difference alone, while Spurs move four points clear of fifth-placed Newcastle in the Premier League table.