With Spurs leading 1-0 and three minutes remaining, Tel collected the ball in his own half before accelerating away from Josh Acheampong. He continued his run towards the Chelsea penalty area, cut inside Maxence Lacroix and fired a low shot into the corner from 22 yards.

It was a spectacular finish that capped an impressive performance from Tottenham, who controlled much of the Premier League derby and secured a deserved victory.

Tel was delighted with his contribution but insisted there was still room for improvement.

"I've worked a lot on areas I had to work on," he said. "Today, it's a step forward. As a team, it's a step forward, but also for myself.

"I'm very happy about my performance today. I think that I can still do better. I can always do better. I need to work, work, work, work and keep going."

The France forward also praised Tottenham's performance, believing the result demonstrated the quality within the squad and the progress being made under De Zerbi.

"I was very happy about the way we played," Tel said. "We showed that even if it's a big team in front of us, we can play, we can keep the ball, we can stay calm on the ball.

"We have a lot of qualities in this team. The manager already told everybody that there is quality. We just needed time to create something together and I think that today is a step forward.

"We have to be humble and keep going, but I'm very happy, very, very happy!"

De Zerbi was equally pleased with Tel's contribution but challenged the talented forward to maintain his progress and improve his decision-making in the final third.

"Yes, but he has to push, to push, to push, to keep going, because he's a talent," the Tottenham manager said when asked whether the goal could prove a turning point in Tel's development.

"He has to clean the last 30 metres, the last decision, the last pass, the shot. He has an unbelievable shot."

De Zerbi also made it clear that he has considerable faith in the young attacker, suggesting that confidence and consistency will be crucial as he continues to develop.

"I believe in Mathys, maybe more than he believes in himself," he said.

The Italian praised the wider squad, highlighting both the players' ability and their character as important foundations for Tottenham's future.

"I think Tottenham is lucky, and me as a coach, I'm lucky, because we have a great group of players, as a quality, but also as a people," De Zerbi added.

"I think the future of this club can be important if we keep this mentality, these behaviours."

Tel's outstanding goal provided the finishing touch to a significant victory for Spurs, while De Zerbi will hope the performance gives his team further confidence as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns seek redemption against Gallants after CAF Champions League exit