Tottenham Hotspur

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Manchester United's phenomenal run continues and it is fair to call it phenomenal. Immediately winning six from seven and now proudly sitting third, this must have been beyond the club's wildest dreams in the dark weeks before Michael Carrick took charge. Maybe even more impressive is the atmosphere around the entire club, from fans to staff to players, all of whom appear to have a new joyous positivity.

Contrast this feeling with the misery at Tottenham Hotspur, who appear shorn of belief and good cheer. Listening to new boss Igor Tudor post-match, even he seems to have been dragged into a depression after just a couple of games.

They are now squarely in a relegation dogfight, but unfortunately there doesn't appear to be enough fight in the group. When you are down there the bare minimum is to kick, bite and scratch for everything, be it a tackle or a lucky point, but that isn't happening enough yet.

The others around them know what is needed. Forest have fight, West Ham have discovered a warrior spirit lately and even Burnley and Wolves are showing that spirit.

Spurs have good players but without that willingness to get down and dirty, the unimaginable could now happen.

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On the latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, the panel discuss the "tough love" Igor Tudor has shown his Tottenham players in his first few weeks in charge.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says the Croat "hasn't helped himself" with the comments he has made about his players, adding that there is a possibility he could be dismissed should Spurs lose their next match on Thursday.

"I'd be surprised if he had even watched Tottenham before he took over - I just don't get the guy." Sutton said.

"He was so upbeat in his first news conference, but after seeing his team train and play he has blamed Thomas Frank for everything and told the players they don't try."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Micky van de Ven is not interested in extending his Tottenham contract, with Barcelona and Real Madrid monitoring the defender for a summer move. (Give Me Sport), external

Meanwhile, Spurs players are facing mandatory wage cuts if they get relegated from the Premier League. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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Igor Tudor is not a coach who is afraid to speak his mind.

In the past, some Spurs fans have complained that the club does not make enough noise about perceived injustices regarding decisions by officials.

Others have also said that some coaches have protected the players too much and needed to be better at holding them to account.

In contrast to his predecessors, Tudor has been very vocal on all fronts. However, does this actually help?

Complaining about refereeing decisions that go against your team is natural, and at Spurs we have certainly had more than our fair share to get upset about recently.

Nevertheless, when your team is so poor regardless of those decisions, coming from the head coach, those complaints start to feel a bit desperate.

In addition, openly stating to the world's media that your team is lacking in everything, can't defend, can't attack - no matter how true these statements may be - is an interesting tactic from the person charged with motivating players who haven't won a Premier League game all year.

The general consensus is that Thomas Frank is a nice guy - perhaps too nice to hack it at a so-called 'big club'.

While Tudor seems to be the antidote to Frank, is he what is needed at Spurs right now?

I don't think the 'woe-is-me' approach by Tudor is the correct way forward.

Clearly, our players are not performing well enough. They know this and I doubt they need reminding.

What the players need now is someone to rally them, to get them organised and confident in the basics, so they are up for this relegation fight.

Telling everyone else your players are rubbish doesn't seem like the best strategy.

If Tudor keeps us in the Premier League, though, I'll happily accept I was wrong.

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Tottenham. Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Will: We don't make it easy for ourselves but it's another good win, really need Wilson to get a new contract. Bobb also showing why he's such a talent.

Bill: Why oh why do we make it so hard for ourselves we should have been out of sight. Hey ho, a win is a win lol. UTF!

Jim: Good performance by Fulham, need to be more clinical with the finishing, which would calm home fans' nerves. Spurs need to sort themselves out otherwise, they will be drawn into the relegation battle.

Teddie: A great result, great team performance, didn't miss Anderson and sublime midfield showing.

Tottenham fans

Michael: Lacking basic skills, slow, tired and not actually bothered by it all. Relegation doesn't seem to have registered yet.

Steve: Absolutely turgid. No bottle. No ideas, no fight. At least the other results went our way because we're not getting out of this mess ourselves.

Paul: I learned that Igor knows nothing at all about Tottenham Hotspur and Harry Redknapp knows Tottenham inside out. I know who I would have put my money on to keep us up. Let's see who's right. Only Nottingham Forest and West Ham can save us by keep losing. Sorry guys. May the best team win.

Ricky: Come back, Thomas Frank, all is forgiven! What an utterly abject performance led by a coach who clearly doesn't understand how fast-paced competitive every team in the Premiership is. The only thing that may save us from relegation is the cavalry coming over the hill, i.e, Bergvall, Kudus, Kulusevski and Udogie being fit and on the pitch in April.

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Ex-Premier League striker Clinton Morrison reacts to Tottenham boss Igor Tudor criticising his own team after defeat to Fulham on BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily: "Tudor changed today, going four at the back. He normally likes a three. He's listening to outside noises with people saying they don't have the players for a back three. I think they are bang in trouble. This was a game where I thought they needed points.

"Marco Silva - that's who someone Tottenham could have gone for. I just think it's a gamble to go for a manager who doesn't have the experience in the Premier League, to get you out of trouble."

Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards added: "Tudor's done a variation of 'they can't attack, can't defend and can't score goals'. If you look at what he's said, he's basically saying his team is rubbish.

"He's doing that after two games. He's come in to replace Thomas Frank. Do we think Tottenham would be looking more likely to stay up under Frank or Tudor, who looks like a scorched-earth policy? They look vulnerable, fragile, like a team who have forgotten how to win games. I do have to query whether a new manager coming in and being that volatile and aggressively critical, what sort of impact is that going to be having on a team and a group already shell-shocked from what is happening this season?

"On recent evidence, West Ham are playing better than Tottenham, Leeds are. Nottingham Forest haven't been great but you still think they are better than Tottenham. Are they equipped to do what needs to be done in a relegation fight? To do what is necessary. You have to question the manager, the players and those above them making decisions. It is a mess."

Listen to Football Daily below or on BBC Sounds here

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Ever since a one-season spell in the old Second Division in 1977-78, Tottenham have been a top-flight club - and that position has rarely been under threat.

Yes, Spurs came 17th in 2024-25, but they ended 13 points better off than 18th-placed Leicester City, with Ange Postecoglou focusing on the Europa League towards the end of the season, a competition which they went on to win.

This year feels more perilous.

Make no mistake, Tottenham – 16th in the Premier League and four points above the relegation zone – are in a battle to stay up.

Igor Tudor, a two-time Serie A champion as a player with Juventus, is getting first-hand experience of how Spurs have been a team of great contrasts this season, struggling domestically but progressing nicely in the Champions League with a two-legged tie against Atletico Madrid in the last 16 to come.

A second-half capitulation saw Tottenham lose 4-1 at home against leaders Arsenal in Tudor's first game, but the manner of their loss against Fulham may be more worrying.

"We want our Tottenham back" was one of the chants from those Spurs supporters, on another miserable day for them.

Former goalkeeper Joe Hart, who spent a season at Spurs in 2020-21, summed up the feelings, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is serious, really serious. With 28 games played now, they're looking at the table with 29 points on the board.

"That is the only thing their focus can be on this season. Obviously, they have got the Champions League to enjoy, but when it comes to the league it is about amassing as many points as possible."

For Tudor and Tottenham, 10 league games remain, starting with Crystal Palace at home on Thursday, before the first leg of their European tie against Atletico Madrid.

"We need to forget this game and focus on training," added Tudor. "We need to stay calm, believe in what we are dong in training, and get out, staying all together.

"The problems are more complex [than attitude and commitment] second half was better, but the first half was not enough.

"There are problems here, big problems."

Read more Tottenham analysis

Crystal Palace will block any approaches for 28-year-old England goalkeeper Dean Henderson from Tottenham and other clubs. (Football Insider), external

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Pundits Joe Hart and Leon Osman join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Brighton 2-1 Nottingham Forest

• Fulham 2-1 Tottenham

• Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

• Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor speaking to Sky Sports: "We were not good, lacked everything. Attacking and defending. Fulham were much better. There are problems here, big problems. We need to stay calm, believe in what we are doing in training, and get out, staying all together.

"These are not things to speak outside, we speak in the dressing room. The problems are more complex [than attitude and commitment] second half was better, but the first half was not enough."

On Fulham's first goal: "Of course it's a foul. Incredible mistake."

On thoughts of relegation: "We are just thinking about the next game. We don't need to think about that [relegation] not because it cannot happen, but we must focus on growing mentality as a team, concentration, physically. These are the only goals we must have."

Did you know?

• Igor Tudor is the second Tottenham Hotspur manager to lose both of their first two Premier League games in charge, after Martin Jol in November 2004 (first three).

• Tottenham Hotspur have equalled their longest winless streak in the Premier League (four draws and six losses), only previously going 10 consecutive games without victory in the competition between January and March 1994 under Ossie Ardiles.

Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Struggling Spurs are the only team in the top flight without a league win in 2026.

When the Ossie Ardiles-led side suffered a similar 10-match winless run 22 years ago, they finished 15th and avoided relegation by just three points.

Croatian Igor Tudor has a reputation for getting teams out of trouble, but Spurs have now lost both games in charge - and look frail defensively, while struggling to create a large amount of chances.

They only had one shot on target, which was Richarlison's goal, and more clinical finishing from Fulham would have sealed the outcome a lot earlier.

In his first news conference, Tudor said he was "100%" confident Spurs would stay up.

However, the second-half capitulation against Arsenal and the Craven Cottage loss will be a reality check and show just how much work he has to do.

Apart from a Pape Sarr effort in the 89th minute which went into the side-netting and a blocked shot from Joao Palhinha in the sixth minute of added time, Spurs rarely looked like getting a leveller.

They still have a four-point cushion over 18th-placed West Ham, but make no mistake, Tottenham are in trouble and desperately need of a win.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

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Norway winger Oscar Bobb makes his first Premier League start for Fulham since moving from Manchester City at the end of the January transfer window.

He replaces Kevin, while Fulham are without Joachim Andersen, with Issa Diop coming in for the only other change from the side that began the 3-1 win at Sunderland.

Fulham XI: Leno, Sessegnon, Bassey, Diop, Tete, Berge, Iwobi, Bobb, Smith Rowe, Wilson, Jimenez.

Subs: Leconte, Castagne, Robinson, Reed, Cairney, Cuenca, King, Chukwueze, Muniz.

Tottenham are able to include Pedro Porro for the first time since 24 January with the defender having recovered from a hamstring injury.

That is one of two changes from the 11 that began the 4-1 loss to Arsenal with Dominic Solanke starting up front in an attacking alteration, with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr on the bench.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Van de Ven, Dragusin, Palhinha, Porro, Bissouma, Gallagher, Gray, Kolo Muani, Simons, Solanke.

Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Souza, Rowswell, Dansso, Matar Sarr, Olussesi, Tel, Richarlison.

Image source, BBC Sport

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Fulham v Tottenham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Manchester United v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Arsenal v Chelsea (16:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 14:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction from the 14:00 games here

And go here for Arsenal v Chelsea

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Nottingham Forest" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Chelsea", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

The Tudor times have not started well for Tottenham under Igor.

It's been a classic case of a manager coming in and being bullish in his first news conference, saying he is 100% sure they will stay up... then losing his first game and letting loose on the previous manager, saying things like the players aren't fit.

I thought it was an astonishing attack on Thomas Frank, because by saying Spurs have "good players with bad habits", he is totally blaming him for everything.

We know Tudor is a short-term specialist but what does that actually mean about him as a manager? It is OK going in and shoring clubs up for a few games, but why does he keep losing his job after that?

I don't think this is an easy game for him after his side were outclassed in the north London derby.

Fulham won well at Sunderland last time out and they look full of confidence. Their home record is good and they've already beaten Spurs once this season - there's a good chance they will beat them again.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tottenham continue their battle to avoid relegation against a Fulham side that have enjoyed a succession of good results against them of late. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of the London derby at Craven Cottage.

Tottenham have had a week to get over suffering a second 4-1 defeat of the season to arch-rivals Arsenal. That chastening loss was a baptism of fire for new interim boss Igor Tudor, who admitted on Thursday that his job at hand is harder than he expected.

While little blame can be attached to Tudor for that defeat, Tottenham's despondent fans were left to stew on the Gunners securing their biggest away win at Spurs since 1978 and winning both north London league derbies in a season by three or more goals for only the second time after the 1934-35 campaign.

Tottenham are the only side in the top-flight without a league victory in 2026 with their winless run now standing at nine matches.

Only during the chaotic reign of Ossie Ardiles in early 1994 have they gone 10 Premier League fixtures without a win.

Tudor opted for a 3-5-2 formation against Arsenal that proved to be highly unsuccessful for his predecessor Thomas Frank. Spurs have won just one of their last 10 league games when playing with three centre-backs and none of their last six.

The Croat will be desperate to avoid becoming only the second Tottenham boss to lose his first two games in charge after Martin Jol, while it is unthinkable to Spurs supporters that he could become the first manager in Premier League history to concede four or more goals in his opening two matches.

Things are far more serene down by the Thames for Fulham. Their excellent 3-1 victory at Sunderland ended a three-match losing run in style and reignited their bid for European qualification.

Marco Silva's side head into Sunday's match full of confidence especially in light of their recent record against Tottenham. Three wins in their last four league meetings is as many as they managed in their previous 26 versus Spurs.

March has not been a happy hunting ground of late for the west Londoners with just four wins in their last 18 league games in the third month of the year. However, two of those victories have come in their last two home games with Tottenham.

Should they win, it would mark only their second ever league double over Spurs following the 2003-04 Premier League campaign.

Veteran striker Raul Jimenez took his top-flight tally for the season to eight goals with a brace at the Stadium of Light that encompassed a trademark header. Since arriving in the Premier League at the start of the 2018-19 season only three players have scored more top-flight goals with their head than the Mexican's 18.

His second came via a spot-kick, preserving his status of having the best 100% record in the Premier League of players to take 10 or more penalties with a perfect 13 from 13.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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It seems ludicrous to describe a glamorous Champions League last-16 tie versus Atletico Madrid as a sideshow for any football club, but given the season Tottenham are having you'd forgive the north London club for not wanting the hassle.

The priority for Tottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor is clear: avoid relegation.

Of course, the Croat will relish going up against Diego Simeone, while a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League will have supporters dreaming of a second successive European triumph - regardless of how unlikely that sounds.

But in many ways going deeper into the European competition will represent no more than a bonus for Tottenham, who have far bigger fish to fry domestically.

Of course, an extended run in the Champions League could inject a much needed confidence boost for the players after what has been a dreadful campaign so far.

But make no mistake, Tottenham's priority is the Premier League - or more pertinently, staying in it.

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The Champions League last-16 draw has been made and a route to the final has been plotted for all six Premier League sides in the competition.

The first legs will be played on the 10 and 11 March, the second on 17 and 18 March.

Here are the ties:

• Atalanta v Bayern Munich

• Atletico Madrid v Tottenham

• Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal

• Bodo/Glimt v Sporting

• Galatasaray v Liverpool

• Newcastle v Barcelona

• Paris St-Germain v Chelsea

• Real Madrid v Manchester City

Get live reaction and consider your route to the final here

Bardi
Fan writer

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In the wake of every disaster, people search for the moment it all went wrong. As our fiercest rivals celebrated another derby win last Sunday, the Tottenham fanbase was left scouring the wreckage.

To outsiders, the scene looks surreal. They might blame a referee, a diving centre-back, or simply conclude that Arsenal are the better team. But we know the truth: the issues that got us here run much deeper than a 90-minute failure.

For a half-decade, this club has ignored the fissures splintering across the hull of the "Good Ship Tottenham". We aimed high without ever performing the maintenance necessary for the voyage.

Last year, the warning lights flashed but because we triumphed in Bilbao, the board dismissed it as a faulty sensor - arrogantly ploughing on into the storm.

Now, with the "plughole" of the Championship looming, we have moved past worry into existential dread.

The cliche that Spurs are "too good to go down" has been exposed as a myth. The reality is simpler: Spurs aren't very good.

Our club has been driven to the brink by corporate suits incapable of grasping the gravity of their responsibility. Tottenham is an institution - one of the Premier League's "Founding Five" - but institutions crumble when they aren't cared for.

This negligence isn't new. It precedes the dismal appointment of Thomas Frank and the failure to support Ange Postecoglou. It goes back to the decision to sell Harry Kane without a plan, and even further to 2018, when the club decided building a stadium was more important than building a team.

Our squad is now built in the board's image: fragile, incomplete and out of touch with reality.

While West Ham, Leeds and Nottingham Forest look built for the relegation grind, we are left hoping they simply "double-fault" to let us off the hook.

I am frightened. Relegation will haunt us for a generation.

The people that led us here won't go hungry, though - even as they drag this iconic institution to Loftus Road on a Tuesday night.

Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch - a Spurs podcast, external