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A victory at last but it came at a cost for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur may have won their first Premier League game of 2026 against relegated Wolves on Saturday but they have now lost influential attacker Xavi Simons to injury for the rest of the season.

The 23-year-old went down with a leg issue during the 1-0 win at Molineux and, after trying to get up, was taken off on a stretcher before it was later confirmed that he has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Spurs’ victory cut the relegation gap to Leeds United - who sit on 40 points after the midweek 2-2 draw at Bournemouth - to six points with four games to play.

Following the win on Wednesday, Whites boss Farke said he was “confident” of survival but refused to celebrate until it is mathematically completed. Saturday's results only underscore why he takes this view.

The triumph for Tottenham coupled with West Ham United’s 2-1 win over Everton, thanks to Callum Wilson’s stoppage time goal, has indeed made the relegation picture more precarious for Leeds, who need to shake off the Wembley shackles for the final four games.

United host relegated Burnley at Elland Road on Friday night before travelling to Spurs in their next game. These remain two pivotal games during the run-in but two games in which Leeds could secure their Premier League survival.

Simons’ loss is a big blow for Tottenham, who also have injury concerns over Dominic Solanke amid a problem he picked up at Wolves. Crisitan Romero, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are just three of other players ruled out for the campaign too.

Taking to social media himself, Simons added: "They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I'm just trying to process it. Honestly, I'm heartbroken. None of it makes sense."

And giving an update on Solanke on Saturday, Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi said: “Solanke has suffered a muscular injury... it's not a big problem, I don't know how many games we will lose him.”

The likes of Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario could return against Aston Villa next weekend but it is attacking verve that Spurs need. Those who followed that game will know that Tottenham looked forlorn in attack, with just two of 11 shots on target.

Leeds remain in the driving seat and Friday night's clash against Burnley is the best fixture they could have got. Albeit they do have a new injury concern with Gabriel Gudmundsson, who suffered a hamstring injury in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

Anton Stach made his return from ankle ligament injury after initially being ruled out until May but how fit he is to start will only become clear in time. Yet Leeds know that a win on Friday coupled with a non-win for Spurs at Villa means a draw at Tottenham would be enough to see them safe.

But the Burnley game is an imperative one to win, and is a pendulum fixture. Win and depress Spurs further, but fail to and they gain more confidence, as do rivals.

Sunday's loss should be a catalyst to make sure the main objective of the season is done. With Spurs struggling to pull a strong team together, the six point gap is perhaps not indicative of the true distance between both clubs right now.

Xavi Simons was stretchered off the pitch with a knee injury during Tottenham's 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, and the club has now confirmed the worst with surgery scheduled

Tottenham Hotspur have announced that Xavi Simons has suffered an ACL rupture. The 23 year old picked up the injury to his right knee during Spurs' 1-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux on Saturday afternoon while pursuing a loose ball alongside Hugo Bueno.

Simons instantly collapsed to the ground, clearly in agony as medical staff hurried over to assist. The situation looked grim when the attacking midfielder had to be carried off on a stretcher.

Spurs have now delivered the devastating news, confirming that their star will go under the knife in the coming weeks, with the news a massive blow as they attempt to overhaul one of Leeds United, West Ham or Nottingham Forest to avoid relegation.

The club stated on Monday morning: "We can confirm that Xavi Simons has ruptured the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee," reports Football London.

"The 23-year-old suffered the injury during the second half of our Premier League fixture at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Xavi will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and, following that, will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team."

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur sends Xavi our love and support - we will be with him every step of the way."

Meanwhile, Simons posted on Instagram on Sunday evening to express his devastation, as he could be sidelined for up to eight months, ruling him out of this summer's World Cup with the Netherlands. He shared: "They say life can be cruel and today it feels that way. My season has come to an abrupt end and I'm just trying to process it.

"Honestly, I'm heartbroken. None of it makes sense. All I've wanted to do is fight for my team and now the ability to do that has been snatched away from me... along with the World Cup.

"Representing my country this summer...just gone. It'll take time to find peace with this, but I'll continue to be the best teammate I can be. I have no doubt that together we'll win this fight.

"I'll walk this path now, guided by faith, with strength, with resilience, with belief, as I count down the days to getting back out there. Be patient with me. TTP. COYS."

The Dutch international's setback marks yet another blow in what has proven to be a disastrous campaign for the relegation-battling club, with Spurs' squad decimated by fitness problems.

Cristian Romero faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines due to a knee tear, while Wilson Odobert is also enduring a prolonged rehabilitation following his own ACL injury.

Dejan Kulusevski has been absent from Spurs' matchday squads this season, still recovering from a knee problem picked up nearly 12 months ago, and Ben Davies could potentially have worn the Tottenham shirt for the last time, with his contract expiring this summer and currently ruled out with an ankle fracture.

There's a crunch few days coming up in the Premier League

In a season riddled with uncertainty around the future of not just Leeds United, but across the Premier League, we're approaching a 48 hours period which could go a long way to bringing sought-after answers.

Tonight Crystal Palace host West Ham, Wednesday night Leeds head to Bournemouth and Manchester City are at Burnley.

A victory on the south coast for Daniel Farke's men would leave Spurs needing to win three and draw two of their last five games, or win four of their last five games, with both scenarios needing them to beat Leeds. In essence, win at Bournemouth and Leeds will be virtually guaranteed to be a Premier League side next season.

Ahead of a crucial few days, here's what some of the pundits and presents are saying on the drop fight...

Ally McCoist on talkSPORT

“Tottenham are running out of games, and the teams around them are winning games, whether it’s Leeds or Forest. The West Ham game is massive tonight. But the fact of the matter is that it is the second point Tottenham have taken in nine games; they haven’t won a league game this year. So what makes us think they’re going to pick up 10 out of 15 points?

“I know they might not have to if West Ham don’t pick up points, but they’re certainly going to need a vast improvement because Forest and Leeds keep picking up points.”

Gary Lineker on Rest is Football

“If West Ham beat Palace, Spurs will be four points behind them with only five games to go. I thought Tottenham played really, really well, but that was a devastating blow for them right at the end.

“They’re serious favourites now to go down.”

Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy on MOTD

Rooney said; “Tottenham are in it, they’ve got a really tough set of fixtures, obviously West Ham have got the game in hand, if they win that, it’ll be difficult for Tottenham, I think they’re going to go.”

Murphy added: “It’s starting to feel that way. (Tonight) a huge one for West Ham because if they can win, all of a sudden, the gap gets bigger and the pressure on Tottenham becomes enormous. The Wolves game is a must-win for Tottenham.”

Alan Pardew on talkSPORT

“Just two weeks ago, we were saying Leeds are in big trouble; they are not anymore. They have got themselves in a great position. They are on nine wins; ten wins usually does the job.

“That will put them at 42, and if they get that 10th win, I think they are safe.”

Spurs remain in the relegation zone but are bullish about surviving

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi believes he has seen enough from his side to convince him they will win their relegation fight. Spurs are still in the drop zone after former Leeds United star Georginio Rutter scored an injury time equaliser to deny the new Tottenham boss a much-needed win and secure a 2-2 draw for Brighton on Saturday evening.

It leaves Spurs eight points behind Leeds after the Whites won 3-0 earlier on Saturday at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Spurs still have five games to play, including a game against Leeds which would cut the gap should they win.

Whether Spurs can catch Leeds is up for debate, with overhauling Daniel Farke's side unlikely at this stage with five games to go, but it's catching West Ham and Nottingham Forest directly above them which will be the primary target no doubt.

And the new boss has every confidence from what he has seen from his players. "I am positive but I am proud of my players," said the Spurs boss.

"They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. I think we can compete again.

"I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

Leeds can go 11 points clear of Tottenham should they win at Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, with Spurs facing Wolves this weekend while the Whites are in FA Cup semi-final action.

Leeds have taken a huge step to safety this week

Leeds United's 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers elevated Daniel Farke's side to 39 points in the Premier League table. That figure may be enough to stay up, but with five games to play surely a win will be enough now for safety, especially if that win comes against Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham, who Leeds still have to play.

Tottenham are still in the Premier League relegation zone after a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser from Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday evening.

Leeds' win keeps them 15th after winning back-to-back league matches for the first time this season, and they are now just three points off Newcastle United.

Leeds and Spurs were the only bottom-six sides to play on Saturday, as Nottingham Forest host Burnley today, while West Ham United visit Crystal Palace on Monday night. Ahead of those games, here's how the run-in compares for each team.

Tottenham Hotspur's remaining Premier League fixtures

Saturday, April 25: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, May 2: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, May 24: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

West Ham United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Monday, April 20: Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Saturday, April 25: West Ham United vs Everton

Saturday, May 2: Brentford vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 10: West Ham United vs Arsenal

Sunday, May 17: Newcastle United vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 24: West Ham United vs Leeds United

Nottingham Forest's remaining Premier League fixtures

Sunday, April 19: Nottingham Forest vs Burnley

Friday, April 24: Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest

Monday, May 4: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 10: Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Sunday, May 17: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 24: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Leeds United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Wednesday, April 22: Bournemouth vs Leeds United

Friday, May 1: Leeds United vs Burnley

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Leeds United vs Brighton

Sunday, May 24: West Ham United vs Leeds United

Tottenham Hotspur are battling relegation from the Premier League, but the next manager could have Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathys Tel available for the crucial match against Sunderland

The next Tottenham Hotspur manager could have three high-profile players returning to the matchday squad ahead of the final Premier League push of the season. In less than a fortnight, the Lilywhites will embark on the final stretch of their relegation battle when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

With only seven matches remaining, just a single point – and a substantial goal difference – stands between Tottenham and West Ham in the bottom three. Following a mutual parting of ways with Igor Tudor, Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange have been charged with finding a manager capable of keeping Spurs in the top flight.

football.london understands that the Lilywhites are anticipating appointing a head coach within the next few days. Tottenham are keen to have someone in position to welcome back those who have been away on international duty, giving the squad adequate time to prepare for the trip to the North East on April 12.

It is also understood that Spurs are in advanced negotiations with Roberto De Zerbi regarding the vacant role. The Italian, who departed Marseille earlier this season, was initially hesitant to take on the position before the campaign's conclusion, despite being eager for a return to the Premier League.

However, it's reported that there's an increasing willingness from both parties to finalise a deal. If De Zerbi were to assume control at Tottenham, he'd have just under a fortnight to familiarise himself at Hotspur Way before guiding his new squad into action, reports Football London.

Although Sunderland may believe they have a chance against Spurs, having secured victory in the Tyne-Wear derby just before the international break, Spurs could see three significant names return to the matchday squad: Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mathys Tel.

Kudus sustained a hamstring injury in January, and he's yet to make his comeback. Speaking to reporters ahead of Tottenham's fixture against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, Tudor suggested the winger could rejoin partial first-team training before April.

Bentancur had surgery on a hamstring injury in January. The former interim Spurs boss placed the midfielder in the same category as Kudus, stating that he, too, has been making positive progress with his rehabilitation.

Tel picked up a knock during the loss to Forest just before the international break, and was compelled to leave the pitch. The forward subsequently pulled out of international duty, having been selected by the France Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Ben Davies had surgery for a fracture of his left ankle at the beginning of the year. As things stand, it remains uncertain whether the defender will be back before the season concludes, however, he has been suggested as a potential short-term solution in the dugout. James Maddison has also been intensifying his preparations ahead of a potential comeback before the season draws to a close. The midfielder, who suffered a rupture to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the summer, has recently rejoined first-team training as he works to rebuild his match fitness.

Yves Bissouma has been managing a muscle injury. Having missed a substantial portion of the season with a knee complaint, the midfielder featured in eight consecutive Premier League matches before being sidelined once again.

Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski remains absent with a complex knee injury, as does Wilson Odobert, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last month.

Igor Tudor has left his position as head coach of Tottenham Hotspur by mutual agreement with immediate effect, following a difficult six-week spell in charge of the relegation-threatened club

Igor Tudor has departed his position as interim head coach at Tottenham Hotspur. The Croatian took charge from Thomas Frank on February 13 and initially signed a contract to become head coach until the end of the 2025/26 season.

football.london understands that the Lilywhites anticipate appointing a new boss within the next couple of days. Spurs want a head coach in position to greet players returning from international duty, giving the squad adequate time to prepare for the end-of-season run-in.

It's understood that Bruno Saltor has remained and will oversee training for those at Hotspur Way in the interim. An official club statement reads: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach. We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly."

"We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course." Tudor endured a difficult spell in north London, with his sole victory coming against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16. The 47-year-old's final match in charge came against Nottingham Forest just before the international break.

The East Midlands side swept past Tottenham last weekend, securing three vital points in the battle for Premier League survival. Igor Jesus headed Vitor Pereira's team into the lead shortly before the interval after finding space at the back post.

Morgan Gibbs-White doubled the visitors' lead on the hour mark when he latched onto a cut-back from Callum Hudson-Odoi. Then, in the closing minutes, Taiwo Awoniyi came off the bench and added insult to injury for Spurs.

Tudor was excused from his press conference obligations following the match due to a family bereavement, so Saltor addressed reporters instead. After paying tribute to the Croatian, the former Chelsea assistant coach indicated the Tottenham players buckled under the pressure.

Saltor said: "The players got affected by the rhythm of the game and we couldn't find that rhythm to create more chances. The first half, the first 44 minutes I thought were good, really good, creating chances, getting into the box. In the second half, probably, we were unable to deal with the weight of the game.

"I think in the small details, I thought for 44 minutes in the first half we were the better team. And again, I think any mistake that we make, any small detail goes against us and we're not able to capitalise on the opposition's mistakes.

"And probably that affected the team. And that's our job as coaches, to keep helping the players. And as you can see, the players, they care and they are 100 per cent trying their best.

"But at the moment, it's not enough. We need to minimise any mistakes because we know that we're going to concede a goal."

Following last weekend's result, just a single point separates Tottenham from West Ham in the relegation zone, with Forest moving into 16th place. On whether Spurs can reverse their fortunes, Saltor said: "Completely.

"The best way to do it is focusing every day on doing your best, trying to be the best version of yourself, trying to push through difficulties, focusing on every action, not focussing on the end goal.

"It's just focusing and giving your best every day. That sounds a topic, but that's the only thing that you can do. And players, obviously, as us, we need to reflect on ourselves and try to get the best version because we need it now."

Leeds United would survive the Premier League relegation battle on 41 points if reverse fixture results repeated, with West Ham relegated on 33 points whilst Spurs and Forest also escape the drop

Leeds United find themselves among several clubs grappling with the genuine prospect of relegation, with just eight Premier League matches remaining. A repeat of the reverse fixtures from earlier in the campaign would secure their survival as they battle alongside Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Sunday afternoon brings a pivotal relegation showdown as Tottenham face Forest, with West Ham currently inside the bottom three. When these sides previously met, Forest ran out convincing 3-0 victors.

Should that outcome be repeated, Tottenham would plunge further into the mire, but what would the final standings look like if every remaining match mirrored its reverse fixture?

Assuming both bottom-placed Wolves and second-bottom Burnley are already beyond rescue this campaign, it would appear that four clubs are currently battling to avoid the final relegation spot. Leeds, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham all find themselves flirting with the drop zone, but analysing the reverse fixtures and assuming identical results suggests Leeds would stay up.

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In this speculative exercise, Leeds would claim wins against Wolves and West Ham whilst earning points from stalemates with Brentford, Manchester United and Bournemouth. This would see them safe from the drop on 41 points.

Tottenham would collect a point against Sunderland and Brighton after their loss to Forest. Next comes Wolves, who they shared the spoils with last time. Spurs defeated Leeds 2-1 when these two teams last met and they conclude the season against Everton, whom they thrashed 3-0 back in October. This would see Tottenham finish the campaign on 39 points.

Forest's fortunes would be mixed, claiming three points against Spurs but drawing with both Burnley and Manchester United, leaving them on 34 points. Despite this, they would still manage to stay up in this hypothetical scenario, with West Ham facing the drop to the Championship.

The Hammers would also pick up four extra points, thanks to a win over Newcastle and a draw with Everton. However, this would still leave them marooned on 33 points and relegated by just a single point, though clearly these clubs could alter their destiny should they overturn these results when the fixtures are reversed.

This weekend's results could be crucial to the season outcome it has been claimed

There are so often pivotal weekends in a football season that significantly change the outlook of a campaign or alter the title race or relegation picture in a major way. Without wanting to sound hyperbolic, there's a chance this could be one of those weekends.

An international break awaits and whatever the results of this weekend, teams will have to sit and stew or enjoy the fruits of their labour for the next two weeks before the next opportunity arises. While seven matches will still remain after this weekend's latest round of games, the mood music around some clubs could be significant depending on results.

At this stage it is ifs and buts, as we await to see what happens but with two relegation-threatened teams meeting tomorrow, it's hard to escape a defeat for either Tottenham Hotspur or Nottingham Forest isn't going to have a significant effect on their morale and belief for the run-in. It's a point Alan Shearer agrees with, with the former Premier League winner going as far as to say whichever of those teams loses the meeting between the pair on Sunday afternoon, they will be relegated.

Certainly a victory for Leeds United this evening over Brighton at Elland Road would put Daniel Farke's side back in a commanding position with a six-point advantage over Forest and five over Spurs, not to mention six over West Ham who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday.

For Shearer, it's the game at the Tottenham Stadium which will determine the outcome of the relegation battle.

"Spurs got a really good result at Liverpool last week and deservedly got a point. Out of small crumbs you get a little bit of confidence," he told Betfair.

"The result last week and the result on Wednesday, albeit they went out of the Champions League, and it wasn't enough to get them through, I think the bigger picture for Spurs is just surviving this season.

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"They'll take great confidence from that, and it should set them up nicely for their home game against Nottingham Forest. But in those games, I guess they had no real pressure because most people thought they were going to go out. But the pressure intensifies at the weekend against Nottingham Forest.

"Having said that, the confidence and the belief they should take from the last two games should set them up nicely and it’ll be really interesting to see what happens at the weekend.

"It’s highly likely whoever loses between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest on Sunday will be relegated this season. That's what's at stake for the loser. Whoever loses at the weekend, there's a massive chance that they're going to be relegated."

Leeds United are currently one place ahead of Tottenham in the battle to beat the drop - but Jamie Carragher thinks that might change

Jamie Carragher admits Tottenham’s decision to appoint Igor Tudor is a risk but believes it could give them the filip they need as they try to win a Premier League derby with Arsenal for the first time in four years.

The pundit also reckons Spurs are now less likely to be relegated than they were under Thomas Frank and that they could pull clear of the bottom three.

He adds that Leeds United could find themselves sucked into deeper trouble after managerial changes at West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Writing in The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender gave his take on the battle to beat the drop, with Leeds currently above Spurs and three places and six points clear of 18th.

“The managerial change was necessary and gives Spurs a better chance of staying up because, at the very least, the mood in and around the club will improve,” Carragher wrote.

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“Arsenal’s visit could be more help than hindrance for Tudor in one aspect. It may be the most difficult of fixtures, but it can also be the most unifying.

“Such was the clamour for a new coach, the Spurs fans are relieved Frank is gone and the desperation for points is allied with trying to stop Arsenal winning the title and pray on the fears of their fans following the Wolves result.

“The supporters will recognise that the time for a thorough overview of how and why it has come to this is best delayed until the summer. They need to make their stadium intimidating for opponents rather than their own players for the next three months.

“Spurs must save themselves rather than rely on the failings of others, as they did a year ago.

"Leeds United and Brighton might yet get dragged further into the fight, but West Ham and Nottingham Forest are now under the management of two coaches who have survived Premier League relegation scraps before, Nuno saving Forest two years ago, and Vítor Pereira keeping Wolverhampton Wanderers up in 2025.”