Michail Antonio reveals why Tottenham will get relegated over Nottingham Forest
Tottenham are just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.
Tottenham’s turbulent season was summed up perfectly by the fact that even when they managed to win, it still resulted in overall defeat. That was the case against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The Lilywhites were outstanding in the return leg at N17, securing a 3-2 victory thanks to a brace from Xavi Simons and a fine goal from Randal Kolo Muani. However, it was not enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg earlier last week.
That said, Spurs fans can take encouragement from the fact that their side appears to have rediscovered some rhythm and a winning mentality that had been missing in recent matches under Igor Tudor. The North Londoners were determined to end their winless run, and they achieved that by delivering a strong performance at home. The victory also extended the Lilywhites’ unbeaten run in European home matches to 25 games.
The main concern for the club, however, remains their inability to replicate such performances in the Premier League. The players have struggled to find consistency, and it is evident that results have been hard to come by. The same team enjoying a 25-match unbeaten home run in Europe is also enduring a record-breaking 12-match winless streak in the Premier League. This contrast highlights just how poor Spurs have been in domestic competitions under two different managers this season.
Tottenham risk getting relegated if results do not improve in the PL
Tottenham have endured a disappointing Premier League campaign. The Lilywhites have failed to accumulate enough points, largely due to Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor being unable to consistently get the best out of their squad in the competition. Their next challenge comes against fellow relegation contenders Nottingham Forest on Sunday, as the North Londoners prepare to host Vitor Pereira’s side at N17. It promises to be a difficult encounter, especially considering Spurs have managed just two home league wins all season.
Michail Antonio, the former West Ham star who cheated death back in 2024, believes Spurs could be relegated from the Premier League this season, citing their lack of experience in relegation battles. Speaking to talkSPORT (via X), Antonio said,
“I honestly believe it’s going to be Tottenham. It’s actually a crazy shout, but I feel like Nottingham Forest are actually used to being down there, Tottenham are not. And it’s about the resilience. It’s about being able to fight. And I don’t know if Tottenham have that fight down there, the resilience to get themselves out of it. Because the pressure piles when you’re down there.”
The former West Ham star added,
“When you’re pushing to go for Champions League, it’s a different pressure of pushing from a relegation fight and a relegation scrap. It’s completely different, and the mistakes that they’ve been making of recent, just shows that they need to build up on their luck and it’s just not going their way.”
Michail Antonio has backed Tottenham to drop into the second division, pointing to a perceived lack of resilience and consistency within the squad. He believes the Lilywhites are not accustomed to handling the pressure of a relegation battle, where every mistake carries significant consequences during the crucial stages of the season. Their poor league form and a run of misfortune in recent weeks further support his view that the North Londoners could be heading for the drop.
The upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday could prove decisive for Spurs’ survival hopes. Fans will be hoping the players can replicate the intensity and determination shown against Atletico Madrid. If they manage to do so, there is a strong possibility that the Lilywhites can avoid relegation and retain their place in the top flight. Igor Tudor must consider sticking with the same lineup that faced Atleti and hope his players are ready to demonstrate the fight and hunger required to overcome the challenges ahead.