Chelsea’s gritty win over Tottenham wasn’t just another derby triumph — it was a statement of intent. Manager Enzo Maresca made that clear in his post-match interview, hailing his side’s performance and highlighting a crucial spell that showed what his team is made of.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Maresca praised the team for their all-round display, but it was the final ten minutes that truly caught his eye. “In the last 10 minutes, I think the team showed effort, togetherness, spirit, and it’s something that we need,” he said.

Those closing moments, often the difference between a top-four finish and mid-table obscurity, showed a different Chelsea — one full of fight, discipline, and unity. For a team that’s often been criticised for inconsistency and lack of leadership in crunch times, this was a refreshing shift.

Maresca’s assessment was grounded in more than just emotion. He highlighted how Chelsea created enough chances to win it in the first half alone, but ultimately, it was the ability to dig deep and stay composed under pressure that secured the three points.

Beyond the immediate boost to their Champions League hopes, Maresca also kept focus on the bigger picture. “From my point of view, I try to see how we improve day by day, and I can see, since the first day, I think the team is getting better and better,” he noted.

This steady evolution under Maresca is beginning to bear fruit. The tactical structure is clearer, the players are buying into the vision, and now the results are starting to follow.

For Chelsea fans, this wasn’t just a win over Spurs — it was a sign that the project is taking shape. And if Maresca continues to inspire the spirit and unity he saw in those final ten minutes, a return to Europe’s elite competition might just be on the horizon.