Martin Keown has singled out three Tottenham players after the 2-0 win at Chelsea, and the one he rated highest, the midfielder he called “magnificent”, is now the big worry before Crystal Palace.
Spurs finally came to life under Roberto De Zerbi at Stamford Bridge. They dominated the game and left with only their second-ever Premier League win at the home of the Blues, a result that Keown described as a big statement.
A Mike Penders own goal broke the deadlock late in the second half, and Mathys Tel then produced the moment of the night with a brilliant solo goal. Plenty of others played well, but Keown picked out Tel, Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison for special praise, as reported by Read Tottenham.
What Martin Keown said about Tottenham at Chelsea
Keown did not hold back. Speaking via the BBC, Keown said: “Tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance.”
He was just as struck by how Spurs controlled the ball. Keown added: “Spurs had almost 70% possession, which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table. I think what’s changed for Spurs is the key personnel.”
That last line is the interesting one. Keown is not crediting a single tactical switch. He is pointing at who is now on the pitch, and the three names he went on to list explain why.
The Artful Dodger in De Zerbi’s midfield
Maddison got the warmest words of all. Keown said: “I thought Maddison was magnificent in midfield. He’s like the Artful Dodger, isn’t he? That midfield is full of mischief, but he’s brave against the ball.”
It is a neat summary of what the England international brings on his day. The tricks and the cheek are obvious, but Keown made a point of the work he does out of possession too, which is not always the first thing people say about Maddison.
Martin Keown on Tottenham’s wide pair, Tel and Kudus
Keown was just as happy with the wingers. He said: “I thought Tel was magnificent out on the left-hand side, Kudus on the right was also really effective, and everybody really managed to handle the ball really well on the night.”
Tel’s goal was the highlight, and we have already made the case that the Frenchman has to start against Palace after that display. Kudus on the other flank gives Spurs balance, with one winger who can go past people and another who can carry the ball and keep it.
The catch: Maddison’s fitness before Palace
There is a sting in this. Maddison pulled up in the 50th minute at Chelsea and walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted. De Zerbi spoke about the problem after the game, and the club shared his update on X.
The latest from Roberto De Zerbi on James Maddison following our 2-0 win at Chelsea ℹ️
– Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 25, 2026
📲 https://t.co/tn9RngLazP pic.twitter.com/P85z0ZwUVw
As of Sports Mole’s injury round-up on Wednesday, Maddison was still listed as a major doubt with a groin problem. Our Tottenham injury news before Crystal Palace has the full list, with Destiny Udogie also a doubt. Spurs host Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.
Is Martin Keown right about Tottenham’s key personnel?
Mostly, yes. A side that spent the early weeks near the bottom does not suddenly keep almost 70% of the ball at Stamford Bridge by accident. Having Maddison, Tel and Kudus on the pitch together gives De Zerbi players who want the ball in tight spaces, and that is exactly what his system asks for.
The worry is that Keown’s best player of the night is also the one Spurs can least rely on. Maddison is unbelievable on his day, but his injury problems are becoming a real issue for Tottenham. If he misses Palace, the test for De Zerbi is whether that midfield can keep its mischief without him.
