Tottenham relegation fears deepen after heavy defeat by Crystal Palace
Tottenham’s Premier League survival hopes suffered a devastating blow as a chaotic home defeat by Crystal Palace sparked a mass exodus of supporters before half-time.
Igor Tudor’s side capitulated after taking an early lead, conceding three goals in a frantic 12-minute spell.
The collapse was precipitated by a red card for defender Micky van de Ven, who conceded a penalty to turn the tide against the hosts.
Historic lows for North London club
Spurs remain the only top-flight team yet to register a victory in 2026.
Their current 11-match winless streak is the club’s most barren run in the league since 1935.
With just nine fixtures remaining, the struggling side sit a mere point above the relegation zone.
The threat of losing their Premier League status for the first time is now a genuine reality.
Tudor questions player commitment
The Croatian interim boss has now lost all three of his matches since taking charge last month.
Despite previously insisting the club was safe from the drop, Tudor struck a darker tone following the final whistle.
“Of course I understand the fans leaving. It’s normal, they wanted more.”
Igor Tudor, Tottenham interim manager
The former Marseille coach suggested a clear-out may be necessary within the squad.
“I need to choose the right guys: Who is in the boat and who will leave the boat,” he added.
Tudor refused to comment on his own future, despite mounting speculation regarding his tenure.
‘Anxiety all through the stadium’
The final whistle was met with a chorus of jeers from the few supporters who remained inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Former England winger Joe Cole suggested the players looked devoid of belief and fight.
“Anxiety was all through the stadium. The whole performance was tepid.”
Joe Cole, TNT Sports pundit
Cole noted that the atmosphere had shifted from anger to resignation.
“It feels like they have given up,” he observed.
“It looks like the fans are disillusioned, disenchanted and not believing it.”
Supporters fear the worst
The mood among the fanbase has hit rock bottom following a season of instability.
Since moving to their new stadium in 2019, the club has cycled through six permanent managers and four interim appointments.
Fan Chris Cowlin told BBC Radio 5 Live that the situation was becoming unbearable for supporters.
“I’m lost for words over what I’ve seen tonight. You want fight, desire and most importantly points.”
Chris Cowlin, Tottenham supporter
Cowlin admitted the prospect of Championship football is looming large.
“It is too much for a lot of people and this is the reality that Spurs might get relegated,” he said.
