Tottenham Hotspur narrowly escaped Premier League relegation to the Championship after a season filled with embarrassment. Despite being the world’s ninth-richest football club, they came perilously close to their first relegation in 49 years. The campaign included a run of six consecutive losses for the first time and a 15-match winless streak in the league.
Frank’s Arrival and Early Setbacks
Thomas Frank’s appointment as the new Spurs head coach in July set a pessimistic tone. Replacing Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite winning the Europa League and ending a 17-year trophy drought, Frank’s initial comments revived the club’s ‘Spursy’ reputation. In his first competitive game, Spurs lost the UEFA Super Cup on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain after surrendering a two-goal lead.
The summer transfer market brought further frustration as Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal after appearing set to sign for Spurs. This followed the earlier failure to acquire Morgan Gibbs-White, as Nottingham Forest blocked the deal.
Injuries and Departures Hamper Spurs’ Creativity
James Maddison’s near-season-ending ACL injury in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle further compounded Spurs’ problems. Maddison later revealed that an external specialist did not recommend surgery on his partial ACL tear in May before he fully ruptured it three months later. The absence of Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, along with Heung-Min Son’s departure, left Spurs struggling for creativity.
Xavi Simons’ £51m arrival from RB Leipzig was intended to address this issue, but the Netherlands international had a slow start, scoring his first Premier League goal in December. Simons would eventually succumb to the Spurs injury list.
Final Day Survival
Spurs avoided relegation with a final-day victory over Everton. Joao Palhinha’s first-half goal proved sufficient, despite West Ham’s victory over Leeds. Spurs finished two points above West Ham in 17th place, mirroring their previous season’s finish.
Tottenham Hotspur may have avoided relegation on the final day, but it has been a truly miserable season littered with embarrassment.