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Gabby Agbonlahor has mapped out Tottenham and West Ham’s run-ins and predicted which of the two he thinks will be relegated.

Tottenham Hotspur cannot afford anything close to average performances in the Premier League run-in, with five games left to play.

The displays from here on must be good enough to get results, as failure to secure victories now will almost certainly lead to relegation to the Championship.

Next up in the league for Tottenham is a game against Wolves, a must-win, as victory at Molineux could see them leapfrog West Ham and move out of the relegation zone; however, that is only if the Hammers fail to win their own clash.

Spurs run-in predicted by Gabby Agbonlahor amid relegation battle

Former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has now had his say, predicting Tottenham’s next five games as they continue their fight for survival.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Agbonlahor outlined how he expects Spurs’ fixtures to unfold, backing them to pick up enough points to secure safety.

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He said: “Spurs first of all, Ally, I think they beat Wolves. I look at them away to Aston Villa, I am going to go for a draw.

“Three points at home to Leeds. Chelsea away, this Chelsea side cannot be trusted, I am going to go for a draw. And in the last home game of the season against Everton, a win for Spurs. 42 points for Spurs to finish on.”

Tottenham predicted run-in by Gabby Agbonlahor

Tottenham vs West Ham predictions could decide survival

Agbonlahor is not the only one to predict Spurs to stay up, with Roy Keane also of the opinion that the Lilywhites will avoid the drop this term.

The former Manchester United midfielder believes the relegation scrap will be between Nottingham Forest and the Hammers, and Agbonlahor’s prediction points towards West Ham as the side to go down.

Outlining his expectations for West Ham’s remaining fixtures, Agbonlahor explained on talkSPORT how he sees their results playing out: “Next, West Ham – Everton they have got at home, Ally, I am going to go draw. Brentford away, I have got a point.

“Arsenal at home, I have gone for a loss – zero points. Then their last two games are Newcastle away and Leeds United at home, I have gone two wins, finish on 41 points. West Ham go down.”

West Ham predicted run-in

Mauricio Pochettino has reopened the door to a potential Tottenham return, but there is a Roberto De Zerbi-shaped hurdle in his way this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have hired three different managers this season as they fight to avoid the drop to the Championship.

The Thomas Frank project lasted just eight months before the plug was pulled on the Dane, who struggled to deliver results on the pitch and played a brand of football that was far from the Tottenham way.

Following his departure, in came Igor Tudor, who lasted just 44 days in the Spurs dugout and had a disappointingly low 0% win rate in the Premier League and, with Tottenham fighting for survival, there was no option other than for the club to part ways with him.

Tottenham now have what has been described as their first-choice option in the dugout in Roberto De Zerbi. The former Brighton man has yet to put a foot wrong as he continues Spurs’ fight to avoid the drop to the Championship.

Mauricio Pochettino opens up on a potential Tottenham return

A lot was made about De Zerbi’s appointment, with talks around his record at previous clubs, where he rarely stays for more than two seasons.

However, with Spurs he has made a long-term commitment, signing a five-year deal – one that should keep him in the dugout until 2031.

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The North London side, however, was not short of alternative options before eventually landing the Italian, with the likes of Sean Dyche and even former manager Mauricio Pochettino heavily linked with the vacancy.

The Argentine was high on the list for many, though his current commitment to the United States national team ultimately ruled him out of contention during a World Cup year.

Despite his current role on the international stage, Pochettino has now opened up about the possibility of an eventual return to the club where he previously enjoyed great success.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the former manager addressed his enduring connection with the supporters and the values of the institution.

“Yes, why not [go back]? If the right conditions are there, of course. Tottenham feels like home to us. We identify with the club’s idiosyncrasies, values and supporters.

“Right now it is about enjoying the World Cup,” he added. “After that, I have always said I came so close to winning the Premier League and Champions League, and want to try again. I would like to be part of a project with the ambition of winning both.”

Mauricio Pochettino could replace Roberto De Zerbi at Spurs if board relations falter

The decision of De Zerbi to sign a long-term contract suggests that Tottenham may not be in search of a new manager anytime soon, especially as the Italian remains committed to the project even if the club suffers relegation.

However, the former Brighton boss has not entirely ruled out the possibility of a future departure, recently sharing the specific circumstances that could force him to reconsider his position.

In a recent interview, De Zerbi explained that maintaining a strong relationship with the board is far more important to him than the league status of the club.

Explaining the necessity of a shared vision between the coaching staff and the hierarchy, he said: “The problem is not the league. The problem is to keep the relationship with the board and to have the same ideas in the project. Yes. Everyone on the same page.”

It is only if this internal alignment begins to fracture that a return to North London could realistically be on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino.

Alasdair Gold has revealed that Xavi Simons has left no stone unturned in his efforts to become the best player he can be for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Dutchman has not lived up to his billing in his first season in the Premier League, but he is now showing signs of coming into his own after getting used to the pace and physicality of the division.

Xavi was named on WhoScored’s Team of the Week after his masterclass against Brighton, which included a sublime goal and an assist.

While that was not enough to get Spurs their first league win of the calendar year, the Tottenham midfielder has vowed to keep fighting until the end as the Lilywhites desperately try to avoid relegation.

Xavi Simons has taken some big steps to produce his best for Tottenham

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has revealed that the attacking midfielder has assembled his own team around him in North London to help him perform at his best.

Gold states that Xavi is working with his own data and video analysts, as well as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, and a mindset coach.

Additionally, the journalist shares that the 22-year-old has regularly been spotted working hard in Hotspur Way, even on his days off.

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The Netherlands international thus appears to be leaving no stone unturned in his quest to adapt to English football, and Spurs fans will be hoping that the former RB Leipzig man produces the moments of quality that keep the club in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi is confident he can get the best out of Xavi

De Zerbi has said that Xavi is lucky to have him as his coach, since he too was a number ten in his playing days.

The Tottenham boss has admitted that he has a special connection with the Dutchman and suggested that the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old.

Tottenham head to the West Midlands desperate to finally end their winless league run against a Wolves side already confirmed for relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur remain the only side without a Premier League win since the turn of the year, but they were just three minutes away from ending that run against Brighton on Saturday, only to be undone by stoppage-time goals in both halves. It was frustrating, but there was a clear step forward, with more control and intent, and Spurs finally showing signs of a performance that felt long overdue.

That point does little to ease the pressure in the table, though. Spurs still sit 18th, two points from safety, and just 5 more games remaining.

Wolves, meanwhile, are playing without the weight of survival hanging over them. Relegation was confirmed earlier this week, bringing an eight-year stay in the top flight to an end. Yet you wouldn’t think they were already down just by watching them.

Rob Edwards’ side have continued to compete properly, picking up eye-catching wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa in recent weeks. However, they do come into this one off the back of consecutive losses, including a 4-0 defeat to West Ham, followed most recently by a 3-0 defeat to Leeds United.

What time does Wolves vs Tottenham kick off?

Location: West Midlands, England

Stadium: Molineux Stadium

Date: Saturday, 25th April 2026

Kick-off Time: 3 pm BST

Referee: Anthony Taylor

VAR: Peter Bankes

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Tottenham vs Wolves: Head to head record

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Wolves hold the upper hand for long periods before Joao Palhinha struck late to rescue a point for Spurs.

Looking at the broader picture, Wolves have had the better of this fixture in recent years. They have avoided defeat in seven of the last ten meetings between the sides, and Tottenham’s last win in this matchup dates back to 2022. If you narrow it down to games at Molineux, you have to go back even further to find a Spurs victory.

Tottenham team news

Tottenham welcomed Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison back into the matchday squad against Brighton, although the latter remained an unused substitute. However, it was later revealed that his inclusion was more of a morale boost for the squad, with the midfielder still some way off from featuring on the pitch.

There is also uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario following his hernia surgery last month, with Roberto De Zerbi expected to provide clarity closer to kick-off. Destiny Udogie is also a fresh doubt.

Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert remain ruled out.

Wolves team news

Wolves will be without Sam Johnstone, who was linked with a move to Spurs in the previous transfer window, as well as former Tottenham defender Matt Doherty.

There are also fitness concerns over Angel Gomes and Ladislav Krejci after both were forced off during the defeat to Leeds. Jose Sa is another doubt as he continues to deal with a shoulder problem, leaving Rob Edwards with decisions to make in goal.

Predicted line-ups

TOTTENHAM: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence, Bentancur, Bissouma, Gallagher; Tel, Solanke, Simons.

WOLVES: Bentley, Bueno, Toti Gomes, Lima, Rodrigo Gomes, Andre, Joao Gomes, Mane, Bellegarde, Hwang, Armstrong

Our prediction

If Spurs get this right, it should be fairly comfortable, and a lot of that comes down to how quickly they can get Xavi Simons into the game. Coming off an assist and a ridiculous goal last time out, he’s the kind of player who can take advantage of a Wolves back three that has looked shaky, especially when dragged into wide areas or forced to defend transitions.

What will matter just as much, though, is how the midfield handles things this time. Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur were excellent against Brighton, but Wolves are unlikely to give them that same level of space, which means progression has to be sharper and more purposeful rather than safe and sideways. That puts more responsibility on getting the ball into players like Simons and Mathys Tel early, because once they’re turned and running at defenders, chances will come naturally.

There’s also a clear opportunity in goal, with Wolves expected to rely on their third-choice keeper, someone who has only 10 Premier League appearances since 2022. Instead of overcomplicating things around the box, Spurs would be better off testing him regularly and seeing if mistakes follow.

Given the situation in the table, Spurs cannot afford anything less than 3 points, and this is exactly the kind of game where they have to show it.

Tottenham Hotspur run the risk of relegation this season, but all of these problems could have been avoided with better decision-making by the club. We have now highlighted five things Spurs must do to avoid a similar slump next campaign (if they stay up, that is).

Where do you even begin? Three managers, a squad ravaged by injuries, and now the very real prospect of relegation from the Premier League for the first time since 1977. From 17th last season to 18th this campaign – entering the relegation zone for the first time since January 2009 – the trajectory has been nothing short of alarming.

Roberto De Zerbi is here now, and there is genuine excitement about what he could build – but none of that matters if the club walks into the summer without learning from what went wrong and improving on it.

Here are five things that simply cannot happen again…

Nobody is going to pretend Johnson was irreplaceable. He had lost his place to Kudus, his starts were drying up, and Crystal Palace were willing to pay £35m. The logic was understandable – cash in while the opportunity was there and reinvest in the squad.

The problem was the second part never happened. Letting him leave in January without signing a winger to cover left Spurs badly exposed when Kudus went down almost immediately after.

Frank acknowledged it was a “risk” at the time, and with the benefit of hindsight, it was one that cost them dearly. Rayan Viktor, a player Spurs had been watching for months, went to Bournemouth for £25m in the same window and has been outstanding since. His value is now pushing £87m. The sale was not necessarily wrong – the failure to act alongside it was.

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Spurs must learn from this and bolster key areas of their squad to better deal with what is a recurring injury crisis.

To be fair to the club, replacing Harry Kane was never going to be straightforward. He is arguably the greatest striker in Tottenham’s history, and no single signing was ever going to fill that gap overnight.

Solanke came in for £65m with genuine pedigree after an outstanding season at Bournemouth, and on his day, he has shown exactly why Spurs wanted him. But injuries have derailed his time at the club repeatedly, and when he has played, the goals have not come consistently enough – he missed 12 big chances in his debut season alone.

Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel offered some spark on loan, but were never long-term answers. Three years on, the club are still being linked with strikers like Marcos Leonardo from Al-Hilal as the search continues. This summer has to be the one where it gets properly resolved

Vicario deserves enormous credit for his time at Tottenham. He has been excellent between the sticks, played through pain on more than one occasion, and was a key part of the Europa League triumph. But his limitations with the ball at his feet have been a talking point for some time, and with De Zerbi now in charge, that weakness is impossible to ignore.

De Zerbi’s former goalkeeping coach made it clear that the Italian demands a keeper who is deeply involved in the build-up – not one who goes long under pressure. Vicario has reportedly said yes to Inter Milan, and with the pursuit of Verbruggen already getting complicated by Bayern Munich’s interest, Spurs need to move quickly. The issue was always going to surface eventually – the regret is that it was not addressed sooner.

So, Spurs must now get a goalkeeper that fits their style of play ahead of next season. One good with the ball at his feet and capable of making crucial saves. James Trafford looks like the best option they have been linked with in recent weeks.

There were moments this season when you could see what Spurs were trying to build in midfield. Gray has been outstanding, Bergvall has grown into the role, and when Maddison has been available he has shown his quality. The issue is what sits around them. Gallagher has looked lost for much of the season, and Palhinha – for all his defensive qualities – has been exposed in a system that demands more on the ball.

De Zerbi has already made Locatelli his priority – a midfielder he shaped at Sassuolo and someone who understands exactly how the Italian wants the game to be played.Gray and Bergvall have shown they can handle a possession-heavy system, but they need the right experienced heads around them. Getting that balance right in the summer is not optional.

Losing Kulusevski, Odobert, and Maddison for significant periods — on top of the Kudus injury that had already exposed the Johnson sale — is the kind of misfortune that would test any squad. Buteleven players out simultaneously is not just bad luck – it is a depth problem.

Kudus alone missed 13 games after his quad injury in January, and with Johnson already gone, there was simply nobody to fill in. This is now the second consecutive season where Spurs have found themselves in this position, and that pattern is hard to ignore. De Zerbi has shown at Brighton and Marseille that he can get the best out of a well-constructed squad. Giving him one to work with has to be the priority this summer.

What De Zerbi needs this summer

De Zerbi’s appointment feels like a genuine turning point for this club. He has the tactical identity, the ambition, and from everything we have seen in training, the personality to get Tottenham playing the kind of football the fanbase has been craving. But the best manager in the world can only do so much with the wrong players around him.

If the club backs him properly this summer – addresses the depth issues, finds the right striker, sorts the goalkeeper situation, and recruits a midfield that actually fits the system – there is no reason why next season cannot look very different. The mistakes have been made. The question now is whether the right lessons have been learned.

A difficult season has pushed Tottenham Hotspur into a relegation battle, but there are four key ways the Lilywhites can still turn things around and stay in the Premier League.

The situation at Tottenham Hotspur is now very serious. What once felt unlikely has become a real problem, with the club fighting to stay in the Premier League.

With just five games left in the 2025/26 season, Spurs sit 18th on 31 points, and belief among fans is beginning to fade. They are now in danger of dropping into the Championship for the first time since 1977.

The 2-2 draw with Brighton showed this again, with Spurs producing good attacking moments, especially through Xavi Simons, but still being punished by costly defensive mistakes at key times.

Following West Ham’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace, Opta’s supercomputer has increased Tottenham’s relegation chances to 58.33 percent.

However, a win in their next match is now a must. Results have not improved in 2026, and the team is now in a clear state of emergency rather than just a poor run of form.

At this point, Tottenham need more than good performances or ideas. They need points, and they need them quickly. Here are four crucial ways Spurs can still secure their Premier League status before the final whistle on May 24th.

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Tottenham need to kickstart a revival with a win over Wolves

The trip to Molineux on Saturday is no longer just a big game, it has become a season-defining moment for Tottenham. Spurs are still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026, which is a worrying contrast to their better results in Europe.

Facing a Wolves side already relegated gives Tottenham a strong chance to end that run, but it also increases the pressure. This is exactly the kind of game they must win, and anything less would leave them in an even worse position with very little time left to recover. It is also the type of match Spurs need to take control of if they want to stay up.

Roberto De Zerbi will need his players to approach it like a cup final. The focus must be on ending the winless run, rebuilding confidence, and giving the fans something to believe in again.

Tottenham must stop making costly late mistakes

Another major issue Tottenham must fix is how they manage games, especially in the final minutes. The draw with Brighton showed it again, as they gave away a late goal and dropped three important points.

This is not a one-off problem. Spurs have taken the lead in several matches but still failed to win, which is a big reason they are in the relegation zone. Turning wins into draws at this stage of the season is very costly.

There have been good moments going forward, with Xavi Simons in attack and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield showing strong performances, just as they did against Brighton. However, those efforts keep getting wasted because of a lack of focus towards the end of games.

Even with tough games ahead against teams like Chelsea and Aston Villa, De Zerbi still believes his side can win their remaining matches. But for that to happen, Spurs must learn how to close out games properly.

With only a few matches left, they need to improve quickly. Staying organised, making better decisions, and staying focused until the final whistle will be key. If they can protect leads, their chances of staying in the Premier League will definitely improve.

Roberto De Zerbi must stick with a settled starting XI

With only five games left, Tottenham need stability more than constant changes. One of the main concerns has been how often De Zerbi rotates his starting XI. At this stage of the season, he needs to stop changing the team too much and instead build consistency.

A more settled side is starting to take shape. Antonin Kinsky is expected to remain in goal, with Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie (if fit) in defence. In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur both impressed against Brighton and could be trusted again to control the middle of the pitch.

Further forward, Conor Gallagher brings energy and pressing, while Xavi Simons remains the main creative threat after another strong performance. On the right, Randal Kolo Muani is likely to keep his place, with Dominic Solanke leading the attack.

The key point now is consistency. Spurs need players to understand each other better, and avoid constant changes that disrupt balance. At this stage, De Zerbi must stop rotating his squad too often and stick with a trusted core if they are to find stability and results.

Tottenham need help from elsewhere in the relegation battle

Finally, Tottenham must accept that survival is no longer fully in their hands, they are now in a tight fight with West Ham and Nottingham Forest to avoid relegation.

While catching a stronger Leeds side looks unlikely at this stage, there is still hope when it comes to West Ham, especially after their recent draw with Crystal Palace. That result has kept the gap close and left Spurs with a small chance to close in if they can improve their own results.

Because Tottenham also have a better goal difference than some of the teams around them, matching points alone may not be enough. They will need to take full advantage when rivals like West Ham and Forest drop points, while also hoping other results go their way.

Spurs need those teams to drop points (lose or draw games) while Tottenham try to win their own matches. At this stage, Spurs must focus on their own games first while they look elsewhere for help.

Tottenham Hotspur will have to overcome competition from some of the biggest clubs in Europe to land Marco Palestra this summer.

Spurs are expected to have a busy summer window ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge, although a lot will depend on whether the club remain in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites are expected to reinforce their backline this summer, with some outlets suggesting that Spurs are contemplating a move for Marco Palestra, who has excelled on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta.

It has been suggested by several sources that Tottenham have extensively scouted Palestra, who is valued at £39m, but the London side are expected to face major competition for the right-back’s signature.

Barcelona and Liverpool ready to move for Tottenham target Marco Palestra

Fichajes have now revealed that the 21-year-old has emerged as a target for both Liverpool and Barcelona this summer, thus potentially complicating the Lilywhites’ transfer pursuit.

The outlet says that Palestra is set to become one of the ‘most sought-after’ players in European football this summer as he continues to shine for Cagliari.

Both the Catalan club and the Reds are closely monitoring the progress of the Italy international and have already positioned themselves to land him during the upcoming transfer window.

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Barca, in particular, have ‘taken steps forward’ and could intensify talks to sign the right-back over the next few weeks while Arne Slot’s men remain a ‘strong contender’ for his signature.

Two other Premier League clubs also eyeing moves for Palestra

This update from Fichajes comes just a week after Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that Arsenal and Man City are also ready to enter the race to land the Atalanta defender.

The outlet claimed that Palestra’s intermediaries have already begun working to seal an exit from the New Balance Arena this summer.

The publication explained that while Inter Milan and AC Milan are also fans of the right-back, they may not be able to compete financially with the Premier League clubs interested in the Italian.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered the race for a Bundesliga playmaker, whose value is expected to skyrocket as the interest in his services continues to grow.

Roberto De Zerbi believes that the best is yet to come from Xavi Simons at Tottenham, emphasising the ‘special connection’ he has built with the Dutchman.

Additionally, James Maddison is also edging closer to a Spurs return, while Tottenham may also be boosted by the return of Dejan Kulusevski ahead of next season.

Despite having these three playmakers as well as Lucas Bergvall in their squad, the Lilywhites are now eyeing a move for another exciting number 10 this summer.

Tottenham battling three other Premier League clubs for Ibrahim Maza

FussballDaten have now revealed that Ibrahim Maza has attracted the attention of a number of top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, as he continues to excel for Bayern Leverkusen.

The attacking midfielder, who has five goals and six assists to his name this season, is seen as a good fit for Spurs’ ‘direct and athletic style of football’, but they are not the only ones eyeing the player.

Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Manchester City have also entered the race for Maza, with the Gunners and the Cityzens valuing his ability in tight spaces and his tactical discipline.

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It is suggested that the Algerian international’s versatility makes him a tempting option for Pep Guardiola’s side, and it is suggested that some English clubs have already submitted a proposal of around €40m (£34.7) for the player.

Bayer Leverkusen privately open to Maza’s sale despite hardline public stance

FussballDaten claim that interest in the midfielder is not restricted to Premier League clubs, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus also eyeing a summer move for the 20-year-old.

It is explained that Leverkusen’s management have publicly emphasised that Maza is part of their long-term plans and underscored his ‘untouchable ‘ status.

However, their status could change if a suitable offer arrives, as privately they understand that a large fee could serve as a ‘lifeline’ to their own summer ambitions.

The Bundesliga club are open to negotiation in the range of €55m to €65 million (£47.7m-£56.4m) for Maza, with the club’s officials believing that the youngster’s value could rise to as much as €80m to €90m (£69.4m-£78m) in the next two seasons.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to face competition from a couple of Premier League giants for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.

It has been widely reported that Spurs are considering a move to bring Alex Scott to N17, having been extremely impressed with his growth at Bournemouth.

The 22-year-old has repeatedly admitted that he grew up supporting Tottenham, and the Lilywhites may be hoping the midfielder’s soft spot for the club aids them in their transfer pursuit.

However, Spurs will not have a free run at the Bournemouth man, with a number of outlets suggesting over recent weeks that Man United are expected to challenge Roberto De Zerbi’s men for Scott’s services.

Chelsea also keen on winning race for Tottenham target Alex Scott

CaughtOffside have now revealed that the English midfielder’s displays at the Vitality Stadium have not only caught the attention of United, but also of Tottenham’s London rivals, Chelsea.

The outlet claims to have heard from agents in the industry that Scott’s technical quality and versatility have won him admirers at a number of big clubs, including at the Red Devils and the Blues.

The midfielder is seen as a natural fit for Chelsea’s long-term strategy of building a strong English core, while United view the youngster as a potential replacement for Casemiro.

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It thus appears that Spurs may have their work cut out in winning the race for the Cherries star.

How much would Spurs have to pay for Scott?

CaughtOffside explain that Scott is viewed as a future star at Bournemouth and potentially the next club captain.

However, there is an understanding among the South Coast club’s hierarchy that it may be difficult for them to hang onto the youngster as he attracts the attention of bigger clubs.

Sources close to Bournemouth suggest that offers of around £50m would be needed to start discussions, with the 22-year-old’s final fee potentially climbing to around £60m-£65m if there is a bidding war.

Former Netherlands international Willem van Hanegem believes that Ronald Koeman would not have been impressed by what Xavi Simons did during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Brighton.

Xavi produced what was arguably his best performance in a Spurs shirt against Brighton, delivering a sublime assist in the first-half and a brilliant strike in the second period.

That performance was enough to see the Spurs attacking midfielder make it into WhoScored’s Team of the Week, but it was not enough to take the Lilywhites to a win, as Brighton scored a stoppage-time equaliser to break Tottenham hearts.

However, there was one incident in the second-half that the 22-year-old is being heavily criticised for despite his impressive performance.

Tottenham star Xavi Simons accused of playing for himself after wild celebration

Spurs legend Les Ferdinand admitted last week that he did not like Xavi’s wild celebration after his goal against the Seagulls, with the pundit pointing out that the Tottenham players had to focus, given how much time was left on the clock.

Van Hanegem has now also taken aim at the Spurs attacking midfielder, suggesting that the manager would have taken the 22-year-old off in his era had he celebrated like that.

The Feyenoord legend accused Xavi of playing for himself rather than the team, suggesting that Koeman would not have been impressed.

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Van Hanegem said about the Tottenham star (via PSV Inside): “If a player like that had played in our era, and the manager didn’t want to take him off, then the players certainly would have taken him off themselves.

“If Koeman sees this now, wouldn’t he have something to say about it? Xavi Simons always plays his own game. It is truly terrible to watch.”

The criticism seems a little over the top, to say the least. Creative midfielders have always been maverick characters; you need that energy to have the confidence to take risks and make things happen. Was it smart to over-celebrate in the moment? Probably not. But at least Xavi clearly cares.

Xavi’s and his Spurs teammates’ emotions were understandable

Emotions were running high at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week, given how much was riding on the game on the back of the team’s abject showing all season.

Xavi himself was a man under immense pressure, having failed to live up to expectations since his move to Spurs last summer, and one can understand why there was an explosion of relief and joy from the Dutchman when he saw his strike sail into the back of the net.

However, there is no doubt that the Tottenham players need to keep a much calmer head to see out wins over the upcoming games, and one would expect them to learn from what happened last Saturday.