Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in the thick of a Premier League relegation battle, a scenario few would have predicted just a year ago when the club was basking in the afterglow of Europa League triumph. Now, with the dust barely settled from the sacking of Thomas Frank and the arrival of interim manager Igor Tudor, the north London side faces a daunting fight for survival, compounded by a relentless injury crisis and mounting criticism from former players.
The club’s current predicament was laid bare after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on February 11, 2026. That loss marked Tottenham’s eighth consecutive Premier League match without victory, plunging them to 16th in the table—just four points above the relegation zone as of February 22. The result was the final straw for the club’s hierarchy, who relieved Thomas Frank of his duties after only eight months in charge. As the Sporting News reported, "Whoever steps in for the short-term will have a massive task on their hands, as Spurs will face arch-rivals Arsenal next while suffering through an exceptional period of injury crisis."
The decision to part ways with Frank came at a critical juncture, with the North London Derby against Arsenal looming large. The timing has left new interim head coach Igor Tudor, appointed to steady the ship until the end of the season, with little margin for error. Tudor, the Croatian tactician, inherits a squad battered by injuries and low on confidence. The club’s recent form has been so alarming that former Premier League striker Troy Deeney didn’t hold back in his assessment, labeling Tottenham an "unserious club" and warning that relegation is a genuine threat.
In his column for The Sun, Deeney wrote, "They were in denial when they finished 17th last year and have not moved on from it. Many of the players now will be thinking they can’t get relegated because they finished in the top eight of the Champions League. That isn’t how it works. They are not a serious club." Deeney went on to question the mentality and leadership within the squad, stating, "Go through the squad and there are too many luxury players, not prepared for what lies ahead. Where are the leaders? The people you want and need to scrap for one another. There is one who loves a scrap, Cristian Romero, but he can’t keep it controlled and damages the club because of it."
The criticism comes at a time when Tottenham’s injury list reads more like a hospital ward than a football squad. The club is currently without a host of key players, including Wilson Odobert (ACL tear, out for at least six months), James Maddison (ACL tear, return expected in June 2026), Ben Davies (fractured ankle, out until June 2026), and Lucas Bergvall (ankle surgery, expected back in May). Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus are both sidelined with muscle injuries and are not expected to return until March or later. Destiny Udogie is out until April, while Dejan Kulusevski’s ongoing knee issues have left the club and fans alike frustrated, with no clear timeline for his return.
Amid this crisis, there is a glimmer of hope as Pedro Porro and Richarlison are both targeting a return for the crucial clash against Arsenal on February 22. Porro has been sidelined with a hamstring injury but is likely to feature, while Richarlison, who also suffered a hamstring problem, appears to be ahead of schedule and back in training. Still, the squad’s depth will be tested to its limits, especially with Cristian Romero serving a four-match suspension following a straight red card against Manchester United. Romero, often praised for his fighting spirit, has at times let his aggression get the better of him, a point not lost on Deeney who noted, "Romero loves a scrap, but he can’t keep it controlled and damages the club because of it."
The challenges facing Igor Tudor are immense. Not only must he galvanize a squad low on morale and missing key figures, but he must also instill a sense of urgency and fight that has been sorely lacking. Tottenham’s slide down the table has been stark, especially considering their Europa League victory under Ange Postecoglou just last season. That triumph, which secured Champions League qualification, served as a temporary balm, masking deeper issues within the squad. As Deeney observed, "That papered over the cracks, with Spurs qualifying for the Champions League as a result. However, the club are unlikely to win that competition, making an upturn in Premier League form imperative for new head coach Igor Tudor."
The relegation fight is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory, with Wolverhampton Wanderers all but down since November and Burnley nine points from safety. Tottenham, however, must contend with the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, Leeds United, and Crystal Palace, all of whom are battling to avoid the drop. Deeney highlighted the fighting qualities of these rivals, contrasting them with Tottenham’s perceived lack of grit: "West Ham are picking up and have players like Tomas Soucek who will battle until the end. Nottingham Forest have fighters too, and also players with enough quality to dig them out of trouble. Leeds will bash you into next week if you give them the chance. Spurs have none of that, and if they do go down, it will be completely self-inflicted."
Looking ahead, Tottenham’s fixture list offers little respite. After the showdown with Arsenal, they face Fulham, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Nottingham Forest in quick succession. The club will need every ounce of resilience, tactical acumen, and perhaps a bit of luck to steer clear of the bottom three. The return of key players from injury could provide a much-needed boost, but the onus is on Tudor and his remaining fit squad members to deliver results on the pitch.
For Tottenham supporters, the coming weeks promise to be tense and nerve-wracking. The specter of relegation hangs heavy, but the club’s fate remains in their own hands. As the Premier League season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Spurs to see if they can summon the character and quality required to stay afloat in England’s top flight.