The tension is mounting in the Premier League as Tottenham Hotspur approaches a pivotal moment in its season, teetering on the edge of relegation but with fate still firmly in its own hands. The North London club, currently sitting 17th in the table with 38 points from 36 games, has seen its prospects for survival brighten considerably following West Ham United’s recent slump. After West Ham’s 1-3 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park on May 18, 2026, the Hammers remain stuck on 36 points, languishing in 18th place and deep in the relegation zone with just one match left to play.
This latest defeat marked West Ham’s third consecutive league loss, a run that has come at the worst possible time for David Moyes’ side. For Tottenham, however, the collapse of their London rivals has opened a crucial window of opportunity. With two matches left — including a daunting trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on May 20 — Spurs need just one win to guarantee their Premier League status for another season, regardless of how West Ham fares in their final fixture. Even in the event of a Tottenham loss in the last game and a West Ham victory, the 13-goal gap in goal difference (-9 for Tottenham, -22 for West Ham) makes it almost impossible for the Hammers to leapfrog Spurs in the standings.
But what has gone wrong for Tottenham this season, a club that not so long ago was rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite? Few are better placed to comment than Toby Alderweireld, the Belgian defender who helped anchor the club’s backline during its golden era. Alderweireld, now plying his trade with Royal Antwerp but forever associated with his six-year spell at Tottenham, spoke candidly this week about his former club’s struggles — and what it will take to restore their former glory.
In an interview published by The Times on May 18, Alderweireld didn’t mince words about Tottenham’s current predicament. "This Tottenham squad shouldn’t be fighting relegation," he insisted. "They should be mid-table at worst." Alderweireld, who made 236 appearances for Spurs and was a cornerstone of their defense alongside Jan Vertonghen, reflected on the stability and leadership that defined the team in his era — qualities he feels are lacking today.
One player under the microscope is Cristian Romero. Alderweireld acknowledged Romero’s undeniable talent but questioned his ability to provide the calm leadership required at the heart of defense. "Romero is an incredibly talented player at times," Alderweireld said. "But situations like red cards don’t help the team. When your team needs you, you have to be the captain steering the ship. You can’t put the team in bigger trouble." He continued, "He’s a very good player, but in some situations he could have done better. For me, a center-back should be someone you can trust, someone who’s reliable. It’s all about stability. Winning duels and giving confidence — that’s what matters most. Passing between the lines or long balls are a bonus. But the foundation is stability."
The Belgian further stressed the importance of leadership, especially from those wearing the captain’s armband: "A captain shouldn’t put himself in danger. I’m not saying he’s a problem, but you can’t be a risk. I call someone like that a reliable leader. You have to be calm." Alderweireld’s comments reflect a longing for the sort of composed, selfless play that allowed the likes of Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Dele Alli to shine in attack — all made possible by the security at the back.
As for his own future, Alderweireld left the door wide open for a return to North London, albeit in a non-playing role. When asked about the prospect of working behind the scenes at Tottenham, he replied, "Absolutely. Whether I have the right qualities or if there’s a suitable role is for others to decide, but I’ll give everything I can. I have a good relationship with the fans and the club. I know the club — I played there for six years." He added, "If Tottenham needs help, I’ll go. Why not? I think other former players feel the same. Back then, we were a great team. That was our strength. Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, myself, Jan Vertonghen — all realistic, good people who always put the club first. Those are the kind of people the club needs."
Alderweireld also cited Ajax as a model, pointing to the way club legends like Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar, Johan Cruyff, Dennis Bergkamp, and Frank de Boer have been integrated into key roles within the organization. "When I was at Ajax, having those legends in various positions was a huge help for the club," he explained. It’s a blueprint Alderweireld believes Tottenham could follow as it seeks to rebuild and reestablish an identity rooted in its proud history.
Yet for all the talk of long-term vision and club culture, the immediate concern for Tottenham is survival. The next test comes against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a ground where Spurs have not tasted league victory since April 2, 2018. Their record there over the past eight years is a sobering two draws and six defeats. Still, recent form offers a glimmer of hope: Tottenham has posted two wins and two draws in their last four league outings, suggesting that resilience may be returning at just the right moment.
Should Tottenham manage a win against Chelsea, their place in the Premier League will be secure, rendering the final day’s results irrelevant. Even a draw would leave them in a commanding position, thanks to that significant cushion in goal difference. For West Ham, the mountain is steep: not only must they win their last match, but they must also hope for a Tottenham collapse and somehow overturn a massive deficit in goals — a scenario that, on paper at least, borders on the impossible.
As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Stamford Bridge for what could be a defining night in Tottenham’s recent history. Will Spurs finally break their Stamford Bridge hoodoo and secure safety in style, or will nerves get the better of them in enemy territory? Whatever happens, the fallout from this campaign is sure to spark debate about the leadership, identity, and direction of one of England’s most storied clubs.
For now, Tottenham fans can breathe a little easier, knowing that survival is within reach and that voices from the club’s glorious past — like Alderweireld — are ready to help steer the ship back to calmer waters. The next chapter starts now, with everything on the line in West London.