'Killing the game': Ange Postecoglou slams VAR after cruel moment condemns Tottenham in Chelsea clash

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou faces more uncertainty over his position after Spurs suffered a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in a match riddled by VAR drama.

Enzo Fernandez sent Chelsea back into the Champions League qualification positions with a second-half header in a typically feisty Premier League derby between the London rivals.

The Argentina midfielder got in between defenders to nod home Cole Palmer’s cross in the 50th minute at Stamford Bridge.

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This fixture has been wild and chaotic in recent years and while the latest edition was hardly a classic, there were 10 yellow cards and a melee to go with two goals disallowed after video review — one for each side.

Moises Caicedo thought he had put Chelsea 2-0 ahead in the 56th minute when he volleyed home sweetly after a free kick was only partially cleared, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Levi Colwill in the build-up after a long VAR check that frustrated fans.

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When Postecoglou brought on substitute Pape Sarr for Lucas Bergvall, the change was greeted by chants of "you don't know what you're doing" from travelling Spurs fans.

But the move almost proved a masterstroke when Sarr found the back of the net shortly afterwards, only to have it scrubbed off because he fouled Caicedo before surging forward to take his shot. In the end, Sarr lost his goal and was booked for his challenge.

"It's (VAR) killing the game, mate. It's not the same game as it used to be," Postecoglou said after the match.

"Everyone loves the drama and about it. It's killing the spectacle of the game."

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min had a chance saved by Robert Sanchez before 12 minutes of stoppage time.

Spurs stayed in 14th place, with its priority now clearly the Europa League after reaching the quarterfinals.

Commentators spoke of the disconnect between the Aussie manager and travelling Spurs fans at the ground after the match.

When Tottenham players went towards the away section to say thank you for their support, Postecoglou did not join them.

"Normally, he'd be over there clapping them," former Liverpool footballer Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports.

"There's a disconnect between the two at the moment, it's not ideal for the manager. He's got some big games ahead. He's got to keep his head up and keep going, keep working hard and believe in what he's trying to do.

"It was a tough night for them, they never really played, never really got going, but these are the pressures of being a Premier League manager."

Tottenham takes on Southampton at home on Sunday (AEST).