When Tottenham Hotspur actually fell to 18th place last month, it felt like its destiny might arrive far sooner than we realized: West Ham was in a decent form, while Spurs had taken just one point in eight league contests, opening up a very real possibility of relegation being certain before the season even expired. Then, Tottenham went four straight matches unbeaten, with a chance to wrap up safety a week or two ahead of the finale.
Instead, we actually are here, the final day, with everything to play for. A significant gap in goal difference means Spurs are safe with any point, while only a Tottenham loss-West Ham win combination will cement the nightmare. The odds say that is unlikely, but the sinking feeling in every supporter’s heart speaks to how realistic that actually may be.
To repeat: Tottenham only needs a draw to make this all go away. North London has not been the most profitable locale, but the stadium will be there for its side when it matters most (at least to start…) Everton is winless in six and is playing for nothing but pride. To even be in this situation is still hard to process, but the escape route is sitting there, wide open.
Match Details
Date: Sunday, May 24
Time: 11:00 am ET, 4:00 pm UK
Tottenham vs. Everton
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
TV: NBC (US), Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
West Ham United vs. Leeds United
Location: London Stadium, London
TV: USA Network (US), Sky Sports Football (UK)
The reverse fixture was one of Spurs’ best this season, with the visitors claiming a 3-0 win despite a relatively equal performance per xG. Somehow Micky van de Ven recorded a first-half brace, while Pape Sarr put away the capper late. That match was multiple managers ago, but it should be noted that Tottenham has beaten Everton in four straight home contests.
fin.
I am too emotionally spent to say anything meaningful about this match (and realllllly do not want to be previewing matches in the Championship next season). Everyone in the entire world can see that the Spurs attack is severely limited right now, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side just needs to find a way sneak a couple across the line. Playing for a draw seems unwise here, so there must be some urgency, especially with an anxious crowd.
Mentality is hard to quantify, but oh boy, I do not want to see how things look if Spurs are down with 20 minutes to go. Even a level scoreline would make the second half extremely dicey, as this squad has failed time and time again when the pressure is greatest. Go ahead early, though, and the Toffees may simply lack the motivation to mount any sort of comeback.
Perhaps the same could be said about Leeds, who also are playing for nothing at this point, though Tottenham knows exactly how tricky this opponent can be. Leeds have not lost in the league since early March and have just three losses over the past 16 contests. West Ham certainly could win this one, and trusting in someone else’s result is a dangerous game, but there is a small safety net here.
If Spurs do go down, however, it has nothing to do with West Ham or Leeds. This season has been unacceptable and unimaginable, and the club has no one to blame but itself. Yes, injuries and officiating and all sorts of factors played a part, but how Tottenham Hotspur Football Club sits 90 minutes away from relegation is beyond belief. From the very top all the way on down, enormous changes are needed. All of that can wait until Monday; survival is all that matters.