Tottenham failed to secure their top-flight status after losing 2-1 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a tense encounter with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, meaning Richarlison’s consolation meant very little.
Trips to Stamford Bridge are rarely productive for Spurs and Tuesday night was no different. Roberto De Zerbi’s side would’ve secured their place in the top flight for next season with a point at Chelsea, but they did not turn up. By not doing things the normal way, Spurs have kept West Ham’s hopes alive by taking the relegation battle into the final day of the season.
West Ham are now just two points behind, and could overhaul Spurs if results go their way on the final day. They are at home to Leeds United, while Spurs face Everton on their own turf, which has been far from a fortress this season. De Zerbi and Co. will have to rely on their wretched home form on the judgement day to avoid a humiliating drop to the Championship.
James Maddison claims Tottenham’s position in the table is “embarrassing”
Tottenham conceded the second goal with James Maddison, Djed Spence and Pape Matar Sarr standing on the touchline, waiting to enter the fray. It was a tough moment for the trio to come onto the pitch, especially James Maddison, who was making just his second appearance of the season after recovering from an ACL injury.
The creative midfielder’s influence was evident. With him on the ball, Tottenham started finding little gaps between Chelsea’s midfield and defence that they earlier couldn’t spot. Maddison picked up smart positions in the middle of the park and the final third to influence the proceedings. While he wasn’t directly involved in Richarlison’s goal, it came after the Lilywhites upped their tempo of the game following Maddison’s presence.
After the game, Maddison labelled Tottenham’s relegation scrap with rivals West Ham on the final day of the Premier League season “unacceptable and embarrassing” after failing to secure safety in their defeat to Chelsea. He also urged his teammates to give their everything for the club and the fans to beat Everton at home on Sunday.
“We have to give everything for the club, for the badge, for the fans. It’s a bit embarrassing that we’re in this position,” Maddison said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“We’re going to need our fans, who were unbelievable tonight. I think we have the best away following in the league.”
Do or die vs. Everton for James Maddison and Tottenham
Everything comes down to the final day of the season for Tottenham. The calculations are simple. Tottenham must avoid defeat to Everton at home and they are safe. Should they lose, De Zerbi’s boys will have to depend on Leeds United beating West Ham.
De Zerbi’s players now have 90 minutes to determine whether this season ends in survival and the beginning of a genuine rebuild, or in the kind of pain of relegation that would genuinely be humiliating. And with our cross-town rivals securing their first league title in 22 years, Tottenham players better step up to the plate on the judgement day and do the needful vs. the Toffees.