When a side’s form is spiraling out of control. team unity and togetherness are unconditional. The latest implosion from Tottenham Hotspur shows a club in crisis on the pitch. Their board of directors is not far behind.
Igor Tudor has only been at Tottenham for about three weeks. Even now, some of the fanbase who faithfully assembled at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw enough at half-time and left.
For Crystal Palace, three crucial points to further steady the ship. A club who spiraled at the start of the year has stabilized. With thirty-eight points, they can look to push for mid-table respectability.
How do you define the opening half? VAR offside call on Sarr was incredibly harsh for Palace who then conceded a minute later. Solanke finishing off a cut back from Gray. The home faithful latching onto the goal with hope.
Palace though probing throughout the opening half. Tottenham’s defensive shape exposed with the pivotal incident of the game. Van de Ven sent off for a pull back. Sarr stepped up and scored from the penalty spot on forty minutes.
If you were Igor Tudor, you hoped that the Tottenham players on the pitch would stick together. You wanted them to see the fixture out until the break. Nonetheless, the implosion was fast and spectacular.
Adam Wharton with two excellent assists. Tottenham given Wharton time and space to unpick a lovely through ball to Strand Larsen who dispatched low past Vicario.
If you were Igor Tudor, you hoped that the Tottenham players would then see out the rest of the half. Think again. Adam Wharton again with a precise pass to Sarr who scored with aplomb.
1-3 and the Tottenham supporter exodus started. The atmosphere in the stadium toxic. Crystal Palace supporters loving the home side’s implosion chanting about saying hello Millwall for them next season.
This is the situation Tottenham face. The side are incredibly vulnerable. They are easy to play against and you look at the squad assembled, where are the leaders in the side? Romero and van de Ven suspended. Tottenham’s two best defender unavailable.
The second half was damage control for Tottenham. Palace very content to sit and hold what they had. No further events of note. Tottenham Hotspur fans who stayed at half-time prepared to leave the ground instantly upon the final whistle.
West Ham United are gaining momentum. Their away win to Fulham last night piled the pressure on Tottenham. The reaction from Tottenham does not bode well for the rest of the season. Igor Tudor was a tough, uncompromising defender in his prime. He may look for boots to get on the pitch and lead by example.
A relegation battle which looked done and dusted in January is a live debate. Wolves have started to deliver wins but too little too late. Burnley for their fight and resiliency look yet again exposed at this level.
The third relegation spot is now up for grabs. West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur. Leeds United are the key protagonists but Brighton’s form continues to concern. Hurzeler’s comments against Arsenal strikes a manager who is losing composure.
Tottenham Hotspur need a massive upsurge in form. If they fall into the bottom three, will the playing squad have the fight to get out of trouble? The evidence so far does not look promising. March 22nd looks season defining for Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.