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Spurs players spent a combined 1,553 days out injured in the season just gone

Tottenham had 41 separate injury cases in 2024-25 — only one club had more

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Tottenham Hotspur were among the hardest-hit clubs in the Premier League this season when it came to player availability — but they weren't the worst off.

Spurs lost a staggering 1,553 player-days to injury — more than double Liverpool's total — in a campaign that saw them slump to 17th, their lowest-ever Premier League finish.

Only Brighton players, with 1,944, missed more days through injury, while Ipswich (1,506 days) and Arsenal (1,297 days) also had serious availability issues.

The Gunners endured 36 separate injury cases. Only Brighton (48), Tottenham (41) and Ipswich (41) had more cases.

The figures, compiled by Premier Injuries, include any injury issue that forced a player to miss at least one competitive match. Illnesses and pre-season knocks do not count.

Manchester United (1,295), Bournemouth (1,185) and Manchester City (1,134) all lost in excess of 1,000 player-days to injury, while West Ham (672), Nottingham Forest (673) and Liverpool (765) fared best in terms of player availability.

Liverpool's fitness record was a key part of their title-winning campaign, with 11 outfield players making 30 or more league appearances.

Meanwhile, several Arsenal stars — including Bukayo Saka and Gabriel — underwent surgery during the season.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta previously admitted his squad had been left 'super-short', and has stressed the need for greater depth to handle the physical demands of the modern calendar.

Brighton, despite their injury crisis, still managed to finish an impressive eighth. But for others — like Tottenham and relegated Ipswich — the toll was harder to absorb.

Spurs, who had also been battling a packed schedule, won just 11 league games and came embarrassingly close to relegation.

However, their season ended on a high, as Ange Postecoglou's decision to focus on Europe in the second half of the campaign paid off.

Tottenham won the Europa League with a 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the final, salvaging silverware from an otherwise turbulent year.

DAYS LOST TO INJURY BY PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS IN 2024-25

Brighton - 1,944

Tottenham - 1,553

Ipswich - 1,506

Arsenal - 1,297

Man United - 1,295

Bournemouth - 1,185

Man City - 1,134

Everton - 1,120

Crystal Palace - 1,041

Brentford - 1,027

Wolves - 991

Southampton - 942

Leicester - 878

Fulham - 851

Chelsea - 828

Aston Villa - 804

Newcastle - 779

Liverpool - 765

Nottingham Forest - 673

West Ham - 672

Ange Postecoglou helped deliver Tottenham's first major trophy in 17 years

Despite this, there is uncertainty over the Australian's future as Spurs manager

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Nine days after Bilbao, one week on from the trophy parade with euphoria subsiding, and still there is no clarity from the Tottenham boardroom about the future of Ange Postecoglou.

He has two more years on his contract, but the feeling is growing that no news is bad news for the Australian.

Chairman Daniel Levy is taking his time to consider his options. Some close to Levy expected him to relent and stand by Postecoglou after he delivered Spurs the Europa League, a first major trophy for 17 years and the first in Europe since 1984.

But with every day that passes, it seems he is leaning more towards a change in the dugout.

Levy has been quietly exploring alternatives for some time, as the Premier League campaign unravelled. Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace featured but do not look like they are moving anywhere, leaving Thomas Frank of Brentford and Marco Silva of Fulham among the Spurs chief’s leading options.

Both have enjoyed excellent seasons. Both might be tempted across London.

There is a groundswell of support for Frank, who has made Brentford more expansive and fun to watch in a season when only four teams scored more Premier League goals than them.

His case is reinforced by the Danish link to Johan Lange, the Spurs technical director, and the acceptance that Brentford are approaching the end of a natural cycle, under pressure to sell prolific forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.

But there is no vacancy - and suddenly plenty of Tottenham supporters think the proper thing would be to stand by the man who ended the long wait for silverware, albeit after abandoning the breathless brand of attacking football he brought when he arrived from Celtic.

At the League Managers Association gala dinner on Tuesday, Postecoglou was among five recipients of the John Duncan Award, given to those who lead their clubs to historic successes.

Had he been at the Grosvenor House hotel in Park Lane to collect his prize, he would have found a sympathetic audience inclined to agree any head coach who takes their team to such heights deserves an opportunity to continue their work.

Firing Postecoglou risks puncturing the jubilation Spurs fans have longed to savour. Levy will be conscious of this.

The Europa League is only the second trophy of his chairmanship and a definite upgrade on the League Cup in 2008, which didn’t even warrant a parade. Just as he will be conscious of an unacceptable Premier League campaign, with 22 defeats, finishing in 17th, one place above relegation. This is Levy’s dilemma and perhaps he has been wise to let the emotions settle.

If there is a conclusion to draw from two whirlwind seasons under Postecoglou, it is that his full throttle, ‘we never stop’ football, with intense training methods required to make it work, is not compatible with the English fixture schedule and the sort of squad at his disposal. The schedule is not about to ease.

More likely the opposite, in fact, with a UEFA Super Cup final now wedged into the days before the new season and a return to the Champions League, an entirely different level of midweek distraction.

Postecoglou’s squad was ravaged by injuries playing just 41 games in 2023-24 and laid to waste in 2024-25 when the Europa League and a decent

Carabao Cup run made it 60 games across the same period. First they abandoned the style of football, then the pursuit of Premier League points.

The make-up of the squad is unlikely to change a great deal, either. In more than two decades under Levy, there have been some token short-term allowances to placate one manager or another but rarely a significant deviation in the broad approach.

Champions League qualification provides a windfall, but Spurs will not suddenly compete with the wealthiest clubs for the world’s best players.

Postecoglou signed off for the season after losing 4-1 at home to Brighton on Sunday with a cry for Champions League experience to be added to the squad.

‘Players who have played at that level, who are going to be comfortable at that level,’ he said. ‘Not players stepping up to that level, that’s the difference.’

Spurs, though, are locked into a strategy to sign younger players with scope for development.

So, if neither the fixture schedule nor the recruitment policy is about to change, then the style of play and training methods probably should. Postecoglou, you could say, figured that out for himself in the end, moving from Ange Ball to Ange Wall.

Can he settle into a middle ground? Is there a way to turn the high-octane stuff on and off? To move up and down through the gears? Is that viable with the Champions League thrown into the equation? Moreover, is it what Postecoglou wants? It has never sounded like it is.

John Terry has continued his new-found rivalry with James Maddison after winning a trophy at the Tottenham midfielder's golf foundation day.

Terry, 44, has been involved in numerous good-natured ribbings with Maddison, 28, after Tottenham won their first trophy in 17 years by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao last Wednesday.

After winning an award at the event, the ex-Chelsea centre-back took yet another cheeky dig at Maddison and his current employers.

In a video that has since gone viral on social media, with over 800,000 views on X, formerly Twitter, Terry was presented with a gold cup by Maddison.

The former Chelsea skipper then joked: 'I'm so happy with this. By the way, it's been a week and I've won the same amount of trophies as Spurs'.

Maddison can be seen laughing and embracing Terry for his jibe at the Lilywhites, taking the comment in good faith.

Maddison missed the final due to a knee injury, but was heavily involved in Tottenham's post-match celebrations as he arrived on the pitch to lift the trophy with his team-mates while wearing full kit.

The 28-year-old rocking up in full kit despite not playing evoked memories of Terry doing the same when he was suspended for Chelsea's Champions League triumph in 2012.

Taking to Instagram after Wednesday's final, Maddison poked fun at himself and Terry as he posted a photo of himself and Brennan Johnson with the trophy alongside the caption: 'To kit. Full @johnterry.26 mode. Anything to say tonight John?'

It did not take long for Terry to respond as he reminded Maddison that he won 17 career trophies at Chelsea, and mocked Spurs' performance in the final.

'I remember my first trophy, ah bless them,' Terry began.

He added: 'Get the tequila out. Great season from you boys, you should all the proud! 16 (trophies) to go. After that performance I think you have a chance. You just have to live for 900 years.'

Terry also posted a photo of his personal trophy cabinet at home, which includes five Premier League titles, five FA Cups and the Champions League.

Jose Mourinho has taken a brutal dig at Tottenham owner Daniel Levy after the club ended their 17-year trophy drought.

Ange Postecoglou's side beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao last Wednesday meaning that Spurs will compete in the Champions League next season, despite finishing in a lowly 17th place in the Premier League.

Mourinho managed both sides, winning the Europa League with United in 2017, but he was unable to end Spurs's trophy drought during his 17-month stint in north London.

The Portuguese manager was sacked by club chairman Daniel Levy in April 2021 days before their League Cup final against Manchester City, meaning he left a club without winning a trophy for the first time since 2002.

And the 62-year-old was quick land a blow at his former boss when asked about the impact of Spurs finally winning silverware.

Mourinho told Sky Sports: 'The impact is obvious, Tottenham plays Champions League and of course for Mr Levy, the millions that the Champions League gives for him is the best news.

'For the fans, for the players, for Ange, it's a title.'

Mourinho has previously hit out at Levy for the nature of his departure.

'The most ridiculous one was a club that has an empty trophy room sacks me two days before a final,' he said. 'That was the one that was... come on,' he said.

'Tottenham have never won for 50 years. I don't remember when. I am two days before a final and I couldn't do the final. It's the one which doesn't smell well.'

Levy has garnered a reputation for running a tight ship during his two decades in charge and thousands of Spurs fans have demonstrated against his tenure this season.

Supporters protested outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Levy ahead of their clash with Southampton last month.

'Time for change,' read many flags, while the message on another was: 'Built a business, killed a football club'.

The Europa League win was just Levy's second trophy at Spurs and he expressed his delight at finally seeing their drought end.

'We did it. What an unforgettable night it was in Bilbao as we ended our long wait for glory. This club has been on an incredible journey on and off the pitch since we last won silverware, the League Cup, in 2008,' he said.

'We've come so close on a number of occasions and never quite got over the line – I have never wavered from the belief that success is just around the corner. I'd like to thank Ange and the players for making this incredible achievement possible.

'I'd also like to thank you – the fans – for staying with us and carrying that same belief. I know it's been hard at times and I have shared in that pain and frustration along the way. But when we all come together, we know we can achieve something special.

'This is one trophy – our clear ambition as a club has always been long-term, sustained success, competing for top honours every year. We have now tasted success and we are determined to use this as a springboard for more.'

PLUS: The one thing Ange Postecoglou wants above all else, wonderkids in the academy ready to step up to the senior squad and the nine stars who could leave

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A joyous end to an otherwise turgid season - and for many, you can forget all 22 of the Premier League defeats after Tottenham's glorious night in Bilbao.

The end to 17 years without a trophy also brings a return to the Champions League, where Spurs snuck in through the back door despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, their worst finish for 47 years.

It brings them more than £100million in extra revenue, though many Spurs fans would not expect much of that to be reinvested into the first-team squad by Daniel Levy.

Injuries decimated Spurs' squad this season and now they need an even stronger one to handle the demands of heading back into Europe's elite competition.

Of course, the biggest change this transfer window may come in the dugout, with a huge decision to be made over Ange Postecoglou's future.

So what will Spurs do? Who might arrive and who is heading for the exit? Here, our expert MATT BARLOW answers all the key questions.

What do Spurs need this summer?

The first thing is a decision on the head coach. Who leads the team into next season should have some impact on the business they look to do in the summer market. Will they still have the high line and inverted full backs or is that a thing of the past?

When this season ended with defeat against Brighton, Postecoglou urged the club to invest in experience. Not necessarily veterans but players with experience of competing at the elite level.

The teenagers signed as part of technical director Johan Lange’s policy to buy young and develop, performed well when needed last season but often left the team looking lightweight.

Above all they could do with bringing in a strong leader or two, somewhere down the centre of the pitch and probably in central defence if Cristian Romero leaves with two years remaining on his contract and his heart seemingly set on a move.

They really need to strengthen in midfield. And add creativity – not simply pace - out wide and find cover or competition for Dominic Solanke at centre forward. In an idea world, you would be looking to upgrade the goalkeeper as well but that is hardly a priority.

How big is their budget and is PSR a major concern?

Not an urgent problem. They have recorded losses recently, but they have reduced the wage bill significantly since the days of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris. Young players are earning less.

The difficulty is that their big money transfers are usually back loaded on payments so there will be instalments owed on quite a few players. Together with the financing of the stadium it means there will be limited funds available, but qualification for the Champions League via the Europa League win should give them a useful boost in windfall.

Plus, of course, anything they can generate through sales. Always easier said than done but Romero is an obvious asset who will fetch a decent fee.

Who are they interested in?

Tyler Dibling of Southampton is in their sights. They were keen in January and are likely to join the auction for the teenage forward, who would give them an option and variation to Brennan Johnson or Dejan Kulusevski on the right wing.

Angel Gomes, out of contract and on a free from Lille, is another they like, especially if they are continuing to play the Postecoglou way, with the deepest midfielder always on the ball, playmaking from deep, making quick passes. The question is whether the Manchester United youth graduate has the physicality for the Premier League.

Marc Guehi is expected to leave Crystal Palace, but can they compete with Newcastle for a centre half expected to cost £65-70m? He would help fill the void left by Romero. Former Chelsea man Fikayo Tomori is a more affordable alternative who looks like he will be on the move from AC Milan and Spurs like him for his pace, mobility and tenacity.

There is a decision to make on Mathys Tel, who is at the end of his loan from Bayern Munich with £47.5m option to buy, a clause insisted upon by Spurs in January. He has not done a lot, doesn't look capable of being an alternative to Solanke at centre forward but is still young, at 20.

Spurs could throw that money into a bid for Eberechi Eze, who has been much more effective for Palace playing off the left flank in much the same way. Eze though will be 27 before next season starts and does not represent the same value in the modern market.

Which young players could break out next season to fill gaps in the first-team squad?

Spurs have some exciting emerging talent beyond Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, two of the teenagers who impressed this season.

Luka Vuskovic, a towering 18-year-old centre half, will join them from Hajduk Split after impressing last season on loan at Westerlo in Belgium. Also in central defence, they have England Under 17s pair Malachi Hardy and Jun’ai Byfield, both very highly rated.

Luca Williams-Barnett is a gifted attacking midfielder, although only 16 and the experience of Mikey Moore this season is a reminder that patience is required even with the most talented young players.

Moore, 17, looked ready to make the leap when he sparkled in the early stages of the Europa League but was set back by a virus and struggled to make an impact when he returned to full fitness.

He remains an exciting prospect, nevertheless, and is sure to be given more chances next season. He likes to play up front off the left.

Others coming back from successful loans will be considered, including Ashley Phillips (19) after a season at Stoke, Alfie Dorrington (20) at Aberdeen, Will Lankshear (20) at West Brom, Jamie Donley (20) at Leyton Orient, George Abbott (19) at Notts County and Yang Min-Hyeok (19) at QPR.

Which players are set to leave?

Postecoglou said he wanted Romero to stay but Romero is keen to join the Argentine enclave at Atletico Madrid, and it makes sense to cash in before his contract runs down any further.

Ben Davies is out of contract with a one-year extension expected to be triggered, although Spurs are open to the idea of selling him, with Leeds among those interested.

Back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster (37) is out of contract and will leave with his replacement Antonin Kinsky already in the building, signed in January.

Timo Werner will return to RB Leipzig after his 18-month loan produced just three goals in 41 games. There is the Tel decision and there appears to be little interest in bringing Manor Solomon back into fold, although that could all change with a new head coach.

Captain Son Heung-min is 32 with only one year to run on his contract and may have his eye on a free next season after finally claiming the trophy he craved.

Spurs would love to tie him down for longer despite indifferent form this season and a wealth of emerging options. Son delivers unrivalled commercial value.

Rodrigo Bentancur is in talks about new contract but there are others who would be made available if offers came in, including Yves Bissouma and Richarlison.

Both have been erratic. Richarlison has an unreliable fitness record and Bissouma’s form fluctuates.

Mason, 33, is expected to hold talks over his first permanent managerial role

He has previously served as Spurs interim head coach on two occasions

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Tottenham head coach Ryan Mason is expected to hold talks with West Brom this week about becoming their next manager.

The Championship side are to make a formal approach to Spurs in the coming days.

The 33-year old has emerged as Albion's preferred candidate after a proposed move for former QPR boss Marti Cifuentes fell through.

Albion sacked Tony Mowbray in April after they lost to Derby County. The result effectively ended their hopes of making the play-offs.

The loss to the Rams was their fifth in six games and eighth in 17 matches under Mowbray since he had returned to The Hawthorns in January.

Mowbray replaced Carlos Corberan, who joined Valencia after taking several months out of the game while he was treated for bowel cancer.

That saw him leave his post at Birmingham City last season but he is now on the road to recovery.

Mowbray revealed that his children were scared that he wasn't going to live as he battled cancer.

The potential hiring of Mason comes after Spurs won their first trophy by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao last week.

Mason has previously served as interim boss for the Lilywhites on two occasions - after they sacked Jose Mourinho in 2021 and when Cristian Stellini was relieved of his duties as head coach in 2023 following the sacking of Antonio Conte.

Mason went into coaching having made 53 appearances for Spurs as a player between 2008 and 2016.

His playing career was cut short in 2018 after he suffered a fractured skull that required surgery while playing for Hull City the previous year.

Tottenham star Cristian Romero has issued a message to supporters following the club's Europa League triumph, amid reports linking him to LaLiga giants.

Romero was central to Tottenham's triumph in the Europa League in Bilbao, receiving a man of the match performance after helping Spurs keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Man United.

The Argentina international was also named as the Europa League's player of the season following the conclusion of the campaign.

However, following his heroics in the Basque country, Romero missed the final match of the Premier League season on Sunday, as Tottenham suffered a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton.

The result confirmed Tottenham remarkably finished 17th in the Premier League table, while securing Champions League qualification through their Europa League triumph.

When asked last month about his future, amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid, Romero declared that his focus is 'always on growing and looking for new places to continue developing.'

Romero, who has two years left on his contract, admitted he would one day like to play in Spain.

The Argentine has now issued a social media post reflecting on Tottenham's Europa League victory, which ended their 17-year trophy drought, while declaring the club 'must continue' staying together to achieve further success.

'We achieved what we wanted this season as a group, and that's what matters,' Romero wrote. 'And….My name is part of the history of this beautiful club

'I want to thank you all for the love and support every day despite everything, but I have no doubt that staying together led us to success.

'We must continue, this is the path.'

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, whose own future remains uncertain, had stressed the need for the club to keep the World Cup winner long-term.

'I think Romero is absolutely important to keep at this football club,' Postecoglou said after the final day of the Premier League season.

'You just saw the way he's been in the last (weeks) and he hasn't been fully fit to be fair with his toe, but you've seen he's a World Cup winner.

'He is a winner. You saw that in all the big games we've had and the lads certainly respect him very highly.

'He makes them walk a bit taller, so yeah from my perspective it is a no-brainer that making sure players like him (stay), because if he goes, who do you replace him with?

'There is not too many out there like him. It will be very important for the club to try and retain him, and retain him for the longer-term I think.'

Since his arrival for £42.5million in the summer of 2022 from Atalanta following a season on loan in north London the World Cup winner has made 92 appearances for Spurs, scoring six goals.

Tottenham may have won their first trophy in 17 years this season, but the north London club still suffered one of their worst domestic campaigns in history after finishing 17th in the Premier League.

The club's fate was confirmed on Sunday as they lost 4-1 at home to Brighton on the final day of the league season, condemning them to the final survival spot in the top flight.

They were never in any serious danger of relegation - finishing 13 points above Leicester in 18th - but the position itself has largely been deemed a catastrophic failure for a club the size of Tottenham.

The defeat by Brighton was the club's 22nd of the league season, meaning they lost around 58 per cent of their league matches this season as they focused on Europe.

Leicester, meanwhile, lost 25, while other relegated sides Ipswich and Southampton lost 24 and 30 respectively.

Spurs' 22, however, meant they club broke an unwanted Premier League record - the most league defeats in a season without getting relegated.

It was clear that Spurs and Ange Postecoglou had put all their focus into their Europa League campaign when it became evident they would struggle to reach the Champions League via the league.

Postecoglou would often rotate his side in league matches, prioritising Thursday nights - a decision that has reaped its rewards.

And the Australian was clear on his views of the season after Sunday's game, despite their poor league finish.

'How do I assess the season? Outstanding,' he said. 'We won a trophy which we haven't done for 17 years and we're in the Champions League.

'Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they'd take that and there wouldn't be a person in the house that wouldn't.'

The Spurs boss' future remains unclear, with Daniel Levy having a decision to make amid the poor results of his side to go with the trophy they won. Postecoglou was reluctant to discuss his future after the season's end.

'I'll be honest, I'm finding it weird to be talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented,' he said. 'I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don't want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.

'Part of me is thinking: Why am I being asked that question? I've done something no one believed I could do, and I shouldn't be here sitting here talking about this but you guys wouldn't be asking it if there wasn't a doubt, right?'

Ange Postecoglou has defended his record amid speculation about his Tottenham future.

Postecoglou, 59, has endured a mixed second season at Spurs, with the Australian helping the club to end their 17-year trophy drought last week when they won the Europa League.

Despite their European success, Tottenham endured a dismal Premier League campaign as they lost 22 of 38 games, picked up 38 points and finished 17th after a 4-1 thrashing at home by Brighton on the final day.

This has led to several reports claiming Postecoglou is set be sacked - with the Australian coming under pressure throughout the campaign - but Spurs' historic Europa League triumph may help him to keep his job.

And, speaking on Sunday, the 59-year-old, who has been steadfast in vindicating his work, responded to questions on his future.

'How do I assess the season? Outstanding,' he said. 'We won a trophy which we haven't done for 17 years and we're in the Champions League.

'I'll be honest, I'm finding it weird to be talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

'I made decisions I felt gave us the best chance of achieving the goal we needed to achieve and that has affected our league form. If people don't want to take that into account, then there is nothing I can say.'

Postecoglou continued to point to the Europa League triumph as a mark of the good work he is doing at Spurs, but insisted the situation is out of his control.

'Part of me is thinking: "Why am I being asked that question?",' he added. 'I've done something no one believed I could do, and I shouldn't be here sitting here talking about this but you guys wouldn't be asking it if there wasn't a doubt, right?

'I can't answer it. Other people can and from my perspective it doesn't diminish the achievement.'

Meanwhile, Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp also weighed in on Postecoglou's future after two seasons in north London that have seen the Australian win 47 of 101 games in charge.

Keane appeared to give his backing to the Australian as he said: 'He's under contract. It's unfair to keep asking about his situation. I don't hear other managers constantly being asked that, so why should he have to answer that?

'No doubt he's under pressure, but he's under contract. I'm fully expecting him to come back unless he gets sacked.

'He's on the back of a big success in the week. Of course their league form has been shocking but you think the fact he's won a trophy, they've got the Champions League to look forward to, he would get some sort of backing.

'But again if he's under contract, why does he constantly have to answer questions on it? I don't get it really.'

Redknapp also threw his support behind Postecoglou, although he did highlight the 'bizarre' season that Spurs have had - and added that the Australian is due some criticism.

'I said before that if he wins this week in Europe, he should keep his job,' he explained.

'Forget what's happened because it has been such a disappointing campaign... almost the most bizarre campaign. How can you finish so low but win a European Cup?

'You have to credit him for that because that was his brief. What he said in mid-season was one of the great quotes of all time: "I always win something in my second season".

'To have the audacity to say that and deliver it almost blew my mind but I'm not getting that vibe or feeling (he'll be there), I'm getting the feeling that things are not necessarily going in his favour.

'He deserves another season, and yes they have had injuries, but you still shouldn't perform in that manner.'

After the parade and four days spent celebrating a glorious night in Bilbao, Tottenham slipped back into the old routine.

The only difference was nobody seemed to care with their hands on a first major trophy for 17 years and a ticket to next season’s Champions League.

Ange Postecoglou’s team led through a penalty by Dominic Solanke only to collapse in the second half, conceding twice from corners, both scored by Jack Hinshelwood, a penalty converted by Matt O’Riley and a late screamer by Diego Gomez.

As they did, Spurs looked for all the world like a team who had not given this contest much thought.

They registered defeat number 22 of the campaign, equalling an all-time low and finished 17th with just 38 points.

Victory secures eighth place for Brighton with 61 points.

Spurs struck first, taking a lead from the penalty spot in the 17th minute. Mats Wieffer barely caught Mathys Tel on top of his right foot but the winger fell down, and referee Rob Jones decided it was a foul. Solanke stepped up to convert his 16th of the season and his fifth in his last six starts.

Tel ought to have stretched the lead before half time, picked out by Pedro Porro at the end of a sweeping counterattack inspired by Rodrigo Bentancur only to see his low effort brilliantly saved by Bart Verbruggen.

Brighton created very little in the first half but were much improved after the interval.

Hinshelwood soon levelled from a corner, an outswinger by Brajan Gruba’s outswinger won in the air by Adam Webster and deflected his way off Solanke. Hinselwood fired it into the roof of the net from close range.

Vicario made saves to deny Diego Gomez and Yankuba Minteh, and Carlos Baleba struck a post before Hinshelwood’s second, a backheel from close range after another corner rebound his way via one of Kevin Danso’s knees.

O’Riley scored the penalty after a foul by Yves Bissouma and Gomez saved the best until last in stoppage time.