Tottenham's Fight for Survival: Breaking Down Their Crucial Run-In Against Fellow Relegation Battlers

Mark Thursday, March 5, 2026, as the moment when Tottenham Hotspur fans dared to dream once more.

For roughly three minutes, the entire fanbase shared a collective optimism that things might turn around. Dominic Solanke's early strike against Crystal Palace, crafted through excellent play from Archie Gray, lifted Igor Tudor's squad to 15th place, maintaining their four-point cushion above West Ham United.

However, everything changed in an instant; with Micky van de Ven's pull on Ismaïla Sarr's jersey, hope transformed into despair. Just 13 minutes after Solanke's clever finish, Spurs found themselves reduced to ten men and trailing 3–1. Fans streamed toward the exits en masse—or sought solace in a melancholy halftime drink.

It's not just Spurs supporters who sense impending doom, but also those who initially mentioned the possibility "for a joke" several weeks back. What seemed unlikely has evolved into a terrifying reality; Tottenham appear headed for the Championship.

There isn't a single club, possibly not even Enfield Town from the National League South, that wouldn't back themselves against the Lilywhites in their present form. Every match seems impossible to win, despite Tottenham's remaining fixtures appearing manageable on the surface.

How Tottenham's Remaining Fixtures Compare to Relegation Rivals'

How Tottenham's Remaining Fixtures Compare to Relegation Rivals'

A home loss to Sunderland on Tuesday evening prevented Leeds United from escaping the relegation battle, with Daniel Farke's team sitting two points ahead of Tottenham and three above West Ham.

Leeds, though, haven't looked like relegation material since their 3–2 loss at Manchester City in November. Adopting a three-man defense sparked something within the Yorkshire club, and judging by their remaining opponents' average league standings, they face the most favorable run-in.

Leeds' remaining adversaries have an average league position of 13.2. They'll view home matches against Burnley and the improving Wolverhampton Wanderers as must-win encounters to secure their Premier League survival.

Tottenham presently appear incapable of victory until they meet Lincoln City in August, having collected merely four points from 11 matches in 2026. Nevertheless, they should gain from hosting crucial relegation battles against Nottingham Forest and Leeds. All their away fixtures look intimidating, including the trip to Molineux, and they'll desperately hope to secure safety before facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the second-to-last matchday.

Everton, experienced in such situations, might show compassion to the Lilywhites when they visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the final day, provided David Moyes' team has nothing at stake.

Both Forest (9.8 average league position) and West Ham (9.1) face more challenging schedules, yet both teams are displaying significantly more unity and confidence than Spurs. You'd expect them to overtake Tudor's side sooner rather than later, particularly with Forest hosting Fulham, who fell to the Hammers midweek, in their next league encounter.

Forest face difficult away trips to Sunderland, Chelsea and Manchester United, but they're hosting a struggling Aston Villa, plus Burnley, Newcastle and Bournemouth at the City Ground before season's end. They'll aim for home victories to ensure survival.

The London Stadium has rarely been an intimidating venue for visiting sides, but West Ham fans are sure to be passionate in the final stretch, knowing their team's improvement could contribute to their biggest rivals' downfall. They'll believe they can trouble Manchester City next weekend, with Wolves also visiting East London after the international break.

Spurs will pray that Arsenal can assist them in May, with a meeting against Leeds on the final day potentially proving crucial.

What are Tottenham's Chances of Getting Relegated?

What are Tottenham's Chances of Getting Relegated?

Following Tottenham's separation from Thomas Frank last month, their relegation probability, per Opta's supercomputer, stood below 4%.

Yet, with Igor Tudor suffering his third consecutive loss on Thursday evening, Spurs' relegation odds have increased more than fourfold. Opta now assigns the Lillywhites a 16.1% probability of dropping to the Championship. West Ham's survival chances have improved to nearly 50%, while Forest face a 26.88% likelihood of relegation.

Wolves and Burnley are virtually doomed.

Tottenham's chances will likely worsen following their next Premier League match at Liverpool, which incredibly comes after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Atlético Madrid. Spurs rarely triumph at Anfield, and there's a strong possibility they'll enter the March international break in the drop zone.

Forest's visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 22 could carry more weight than last year's Europa League final.

When Were Tottenham Last Relegated?

When Were Tottenham Last Relegated?

We've witnessed several historically prestigious clubs drop from the top division since the Premier League began in 1992, including Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Aston Villa.

Nevertheless, Tottenham's possible descent to the Championship would certainly be the most shocking. They reached the Champions League final merely seven years ago, and seemed to be progressing again after breaking their 16-year trophy drought last May.

Multiple factors have combined to create the current crisis, with leadership bearing primary responsibility. It would mark the first time in 49 years that Spurs endure the shame of relegation. In 1976–77, they finished last in the 22-team First Division despite possessing what appeared to be a talented roster, with young Glenn Hoddle emerging through their system.

Under Keith Burkinshaw's guidance, Spurs recovered quickly, returning to the top flight immediately before enjoying a successful 1980s filled with cup victories.