It has been a difficult road for Mathys Tel at Tottenham but the Frenchman’s fine goal against rivals Chelsea could well be the turning point in his career.

Tel, of course, scored the second goal in a 2-0 win for Spurs over the Blues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night, sealing only their second win there in 36 years. It would be too simplistic to suggest that one goal is enough to change a player’s fortunes, yet a deeper look into the 21-year-old’s performance offers genuine optimism. 

Tel’s statistics in Tottenham vs Chelsea and what they tell us 

To suggest that Tel was perfect in everything he did on Saturday evening would be wrong. The game was played out in chaotic weather conditions as Storm Boelo battered west London, and his outing did sometimes reflect that.

Criticised by leading pundit Gary Neville during the game for his decision-making in the final third, the former Bayern Munich youngster lost possession three times and misplaced six of his 40 attempted passes. Considering Tel has largely underwhelmed during his time as a Spurs player, it’s not as if such criticism was profoundly unwarranted. Still, it’s equally as important to praise a player when they do perform well too. 

As per FotMob data, Tel had a game-high 11 touches in the opposition penalty area on Saturday. He was consistently involved in the attacks Spurs managed to build, and no one on the pitch completed as many dribbles (4). 

Tel managed to create two chances from his left-wing berth, the position he was restored to after briefly operating as more of a central striker in his last meaningful outing. Handed the chance to impress in the role he has generally played in since joining Spurs in 2025, Tel made a significant impact on what was genuinely a famous win for his club.

The goal, a brilliant piece of individuality, in which Tel first robbed Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong deep in the Spurs half before powerfully galloping into just outside the Blues penalty box, dropping his shoulder and firing from range into the bottom left corner was the defining moment of his outing.

It was not, however, the only reason to get excited about it. Tel more than pressed his case to be Roberto De Zerbi‘s starting left-winger at Tottenham, and his impressive averages in key metrics do suggest that he is indeed the man for the job. 

Tel’s statement performance presses case for starting role

The last time Tel played almost the entire game as a left-winger came during Tottenham’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford at the start of the season. While he did complete more dribbles there (6), he was far less involved with touches in the penalty box (3) and did not register a shot on target. 

Tel played 68 minutes on the left wing in the loss at home to Newcastle a week later and mustered just one shot, one completed dribble and eight touches in the opposition penalty box. It would surely be fair to suggest, then, that Tel’s performance against Chelsea was his most complete of the season. 

Roberto De Zerbi’s verdict on Mathys Tel

Spurs have a lot of options in the final third, perhaps too many at left-wing. Summer signings Omar Marmoush, Savio and Mykhailo Mudryk can all play there, but it is surely now Tel’s position to lose. Savio does boast a better average in the metrics listed above, but it is important to note that the Brazilian has played 149 fewer minutes this season across all competitions.

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markmarston

Tel was unbelievable! Looked like the player Spurs thought they were getting. Electric 🔥🔥🔥🔥

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After the game, Spurs boss De Zerbi was effusive in his praise. The Italian said: ” He [Tel] has to push, to push, to push, to keep going, because he’s a talent. He has to clean the last 30 metres, the last decision, the last pass, the shot. He has an unbelievable shot. I believe in Mathys, maybe more than he believes in himself. I think it’s a journey of this club.” 

De Zerbi clearly has faith in Tel and his standout performance – a statement of intent about his standing in the club’s attacking pecking order – vindicates that theory. He may not be the finished product, but it’s difficult to look past Tel as Spurs’ best option on the left wing.