Tottenham Hotspur secured their Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over Everton, but the manner of their escape has been branded their most embarrassing day in the competition's history. Joao Palhinha scored the decisive goal, sparking relief among fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Supporters chanted “We are staying up” as manager Roberto De Zerbi ran onto the pitch, while players celebrated with the crowd as if avoiding relegation were a triumph. The club had not won a home league match since December 6, when they beat Brentford 2-0, and have had two managers since then, with De Zerbi finally guiding them to safety after Igor Tudor's disastrous caretaker spell.
The decline is stark: six years ago Tottenham had pretensions of joining the European Super League, but they have now finished 17th in consecutive seasons, having been fourth from bottom last term. They survived largely because West Ham were worse and because they faced an Everton side who appeared already on the beach, with two players reportedly seen leaving a strip club during the week.
Yet the outcome hung in the balance until the end. When West Ham's lead was announced at the stadium, tension rose, and nine minutes of added time drew groans from the home crowd. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who had already made vital saves in recent matches, produced another stopping Everton substitute Tyrique George deep into stoppage time.
Despite winning the Europa League last season, Tottenham have failed to address their underlying problems. The club's hierarchy looked visibly nervous in the directors' box, and this must serve as a warning that a reset is needed. De Zerbi appears to have the energy and hunger to lead the revival, but for now this season will be remembered as a humiliating escape.
