Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May
11:18 BST 13 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Can De Zerbi's Spurs show rare resilience at Stamford Bridge?published at 09:55 BST 13 May
09:55 BST 13 May
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's trip to Chelsea brings with it a daunting record at the worst possible time.
Spurs have won just one of their last 35 away league games against the Blues.
And, such is the state of the Premier League table, Robert de Zerbi's men could be in the bottom three when the game begins next Tuesday if West Ham overcome Newcastle on Sunday.
De Zerbi however is seemingly the source of hope that may just be making Spurs fans believe that one solitary win in 35 outings - achieved under Mauricio Pochettino in 2018 - can be repeated.
Under De Zerbi, Spurs have taken as many points from their last four Premier League games - eight - as they had in their previous 17 matches combined.
Much of their success has come from being more resilient, only letting in one goal in the opening half of their five matches under their new manager in contrast to conceding in the opening 45 minutes of the 11 games before he joined their charge.
De Zerbi's impact is clear. What better way to crystalise it though than by landing a rare win at Stamford Bridge.
'Relegation fight on a knife edge' for Tottenham and West Hampublished at 08:23 BST 13 May
08:23 BST 13 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
With two games left, the relegation fight between Tottenham and West Ham is on a knife edge - and their recent form tells two very different stories.
Tottenham have somewhat steadied themselves under Roberto de Zerbi. They are four games unbeaten (W2 D2), their longest run without defeat this season, and one that reflects a side finally showing some resilience after months of turbulence.
Their last unbeaten run of five matches came in December and January, a period that seems a long time ago now.
Momentum has rarely been Spurs' friend this year, but avoiding defeat at this stage is no small thing.
West Ham, by contrast, are sliding at the worst possible moment. Defeat at Newcastle would make it three losses on the bounce, something that has already happened twice under Nuno Espirito Santo - once in October and again in December.
When results dip, they tend to dip quickly, and the Hammers' season has been punctuated by damaging spells that have dragged them back into trouble.
Spurs still have their fate in their own hands, while West Ham's margin for error is shrinking fast. Over the next two defining games, survival may hinge on who holds their nerve.
'De Zerbi seems to be getting a tune out of these players... I live in hope'published at 13:48 BST 12 May
13:48 BST 12 May
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Tottenham fan Chris Cowlin says he feels "confident" Spurs will avoid relegation as there is a "real belief and confidence" under Roberto de Zerbi.
Monday's home draw with Leeds means Spurs should need a maximum of four points from their remaining two games against Chelsea and Everton to seal survival, given their superior goal difference to West Ham.
"I feel like it is an opportunity missed but we are still in the driving seat," Cowlin told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"It was a frustrating one last night as, like De Zerbi said, we deserved to win but we just weren't clinical enough in front of goal.
"The fans were excellent and behind every single player. With Mathys Tel, you stick with the positives - he scored a fantastic goal. Antonin Kinsky made some big saves - and a world-class save at the end - so when you look at if it was a point gained or two lost, it could easily have been a defeat in the end.
"I feel confident because in the past four games we've picked up eight points - two wins and two draws - and there is a real belief and confidence under De Zerbi, so thank goodness he came in when he did.
"It was a waste of time under Igor Tudor but De Zerbi seems to be getting a tune out of these players. I live in hope.
"We now watch West Ham go to Newcastle and hopefully they don't pick up any points there and then Spurs need to just go and get a result at Stamford Bridge. That's a huge game."
'De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in' - Kellypublished at 11:16 BST 12 May
11:16 BST 12 May
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Former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly says Roberto de Zerbi was "absolutely the right person" to lead the club in their relegation battle and there is now a "resilience" among the players.
Spurs took the lead in Monday's key visit from Leeds, but eventually squandered the opportunity to take a significant step towards Premier League safety by drawing 1-1, leaving them just two points above West Ham with two games to play.
"There has been an upturn and it feels like De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"It feels like there is a spring in the players' step to some extent and their body language is better.
"When you watch them play, if things aren't going well they don't seem to be going in on themselves and capitulating like they have done before this.
"Every time something had been going wrong in a game you could see that was it and they couldn't get back into it, whereas at the moment they are fighting, working hard, and there is a resilience about them.
"It is a roller coaster at the moment. There are so many facets of how Spurs are. There's wonderful play at times in the forward areas, there's calamitous defending at times which they have done throughout the season, and they are unlucky at times as well.
"There are so many reasons why Spurs are down here but overall the performance levels have just not been good enough - they can't buy a win at home. That can't happen. You can't be a top Premier League side, or even one that doesn't want to be relegated, and not win matches at home.
"It doesn't take much for the fans to get behind you. Spurs are just always on the edge where they feel the fans will drop off and the players just don't seem to be able to cope with the noise and the size of the stadium which is a weird thing."
Col boy: Summed up our season. Scored and looked good but, as usual, the lack of quality from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani cost us. The lack of discipline from Mathys Tel was no different to that of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven in previous games. Clearly a problem with the players. Once we concede, players' heads drop when they should do the opposite. Not sure if the players have the bottle to get a result at Chelsea.
John: Never easy with Spurs! Need a clearout of underperforming players whatever league we end up in next season!
Terry: After the performance against Aston Villa, a similar performance would have been very welcome against Leeds. Unfortunately, we didn't get one. If Spurs play like this against Chelsea and Everton then we will be relegated. A lot of the Spurs players really need to step up to the plate. I feel some of them really couldn't care less about their performance for our club and the quicker they leave Spurs the better. I really hope that Roberto de Zerbi rips into his squad after this really poor result. They got what they deserved, which wasn't much.
Steve: Why have we not had a penalty all season? Everyone wants Spurs relegated. Let's make sure that doesn't happen.
Leeds fans
David: Leeds were fantastic. Slow start but they snuffed out Spurs in the first half. Second half, someone should have been on Tel - then he doesn't score. No idea how he didn't get a red for the penalty. Ref not the best. Antonin Kinsky's save was amazing - otherwise we'd have won. MOT.
Billy: Another tremendous result. Could have won it but a draw was probably fair. Great credit due to the players and manager. However, we need to strengthen for next season. Unfortunately, we're carrying a few and they need to be moved on.
Kevin: We're getting stronger and very hard to beat. A few signings in the summer and we start next season in good shape.
Eric: A very lacklustre first 45 minutes and even the start of the second half. But Leeds grew into the game and were unlucky not to grab all three points. Questions surely have to be asked about where those 13 added-on minutes came from?
'Kinsky save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in Premier League'published at 08:35 BST 12 May
08:35 BST 12 May
Jess Anderson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Two months ago questions were raised as to whether Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky would ever play for the club again.
The Czech Republic international endured a nightmare 17 minutes in their Champions League last-16 match against Atletico Madrid in March, during which he conceded three goals before being substituted by then-manager Igor Tudor.
But after making one of the saves of the season to deny Leeds United a late winner on Monday - ensuring Tottenham earned a point towards potential Premier League survival - the 23-year-old may just have gone some way to redeeming himself.
Mathys Tel's 50th-minute strike had put Spurs ahead but the forward conceded a penalty for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu 24 minutes later and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both sides probed for a winner in 13 minutes of added time and Leeds thought they had found it in the 99th minute when James Justin played Sean Longstaff through and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike at the near post from close range.
Enter Kinsky, who stretched to get fingertips to the ball and ensure it clattered off the crossbar and not into the roof of his net.
"That save is one of the saves of the season," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.
"Football is an absolute rollercoaster and who would have thought he would ever play for Tottenham again - and then he does that.
"You would have to have a heart of stone if you weren't delighted for him. Everyone thought his career was over but that save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in the Premier League."
Tottenham 1-1 Leeds: What De Zerbi saidpublished at 23:03 BST 11 May
23:03 BST 11 May
Media caption,
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We didn't play a great game. We played a good game. I think we deserved to win anyway but maybe the pressure, the crucial game, the crucial part of the season, we suffered too much. Anyway I am happy because I watched my players with the right spirit, with the right mentality.
"We made too many mistakes. If we want to win we have to reduce the mistakes, but we know before this game it will be tough until the end of the season, until the last game. It is tough for us and tough for everyone."
On gaining a point over relegation rivals West Ham: "I think we have to consider the result but we have to consider the performance. We played a good game, we are making points, in the last four games we made eight points. Congratulations to Leeds, they played a great game, they have to play the last game at West Ham and we've no doubt that they will play the same way."
On the VAR calls: "The VAR in West Ham-Arsenal was a foul, it was clear. Today, I did not see honestly. I didn't watch the [James] Maddison penalty, maybe yes, maybe no. I heard my assistant but I don't want to come inside a polemic.
"The referee was not calm today. Maybe he felt the pressure of yesterday? He is human and it can happen, but no problem. He was good on the pitch. We prepare the next two games."
On Maddison's return: "He is a different player. We have had a lot of injuries but we are good enough to stay up with these players."
Did you know?
Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win any of their last 10 home league games (D4 L6); it's only the second time they've gone 10+ home league games without a win after April 1994 (14).
Mathys Tel is the first Spurs player to score a goal and concede a penalty in the same Premier League game since Robbie Keane against Bolton Wanderers in February 2007.
Analysis: De Zerbi's side miss big chancepublished at 22:32 BST 11 May
22:32 BST 11 May
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham were presented with a chance to apply huge pressure to West Ham United in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier League after the Hammers' controversial loss at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
And when Mathys Tel put them ahead with a spectacular finish, Spurs looked on course to open up a four-point gap that would have put them close to safety.
Instead, Tel's reckless attempt at an overhead kick in his own penalty area gave away a needless penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin put away emphatically.
Spurs pressed in a frantic finale, but they were grateful to keeper Antonin Kinsky, who had saved superbly from Joe Rodon in the first half, for a stunning reaction stop to turn a shot from a disbelieving Sean Longstaff on to the bar.
It reflected great credit on the character of the young keeper, who suffered the ignominy of being taken off after only 17 minutes after two early mistakes in the Champions League last-16 game away to Atletico Madrid in March.
In the final reckoning, the keeper whose Spurs career looked in jeopardy when he was hauled of by then-head coach Igor Tudor, may have made a significant contribution to keep his side in the Premier League.
One huge positive was the return of James Maddison for his first action since a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season. He looked sharp and thought he had won a late penalty when he went down under challenge from Lukas Nmecha.
The fact it was not given only added to Spurs frustration as their relegation fears continue.
Tottenham v Leeds: Team newspublished at 19:05 BST 11 May
19:05 BST 11 May
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi keeps the same side that beat Aston Villa last time out.
Antonin Kinsky is in with Guglielmo Vicario still injured while Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur are favoured in midfield after a stellar showing last time out.
Conor Gallagher will make his 150th Premier League appearance.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel, Richarlison.
Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 08:25 BST 11 May
08:25 BST 11 May
Tottenham Hotspur, who produced one of their best displays of the season against Aston Villa to move out of the botttom three, now take on a Leeds United side that have alleviated their own relegation fears thanks to an excellent run of form. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Monday's match (20:00 BST).
Away form boosting Spurs' survival chances
For the first time in a long while Tottenham fans have hope. Back-to-back wins have alleviated the gloom, taken them out of the bottom three and put their relegation destiny back into their own hands.
They were excellent in victory against Aston Villa, tearing into Unai Emery's men from kick-off in a committed performance that had fans scratching their heads as to where it had been all season. Roberto De Zerbi's impact on players and fans alike has been huge and the new-found belief in his players is clear to see.
Remarkably, they go into this weekend sitting third in the away form table behind only title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City (albeit having played a game more than a few of their rivals below them).
A whopping 70.3% of their points have come on the road, the highest proportion of away points won by any team in any Premier League season. However, a figure skewed in that direction normally ends badly.
There's no secret as to why they are where they are in the league. Their abysmal record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - in which they have won only twice, accrued 11 points and scored only 20 goals in their 17 matches - tells its own story.
They have lost 10 league matches at home in successive seasons and a further defeat would see them equal the club record of 11 set in the 1991-92 season.
They do at least have the advantage of boasting an excellent recent record against Leeds. The Yorkshire side haven't won on any of their last six visits to Spurs dating back to 2001 and have only won two of their last 15 encounters in all competitions.
Leeds close to sealing safety
Not so long ago this fixture was ringed as a huge relegation six-pointer by Leeds fans. However, their superb run of form has propelled them to the verge of safety. No team has ever been relegated with 43 points in a 38-game Premier League season and they could officially be safe by Sunday evening if West Ham lose to Arsenal.
Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in their last six league matches and another game without defeat would see them become the first newly promoted side since Middlesbrough in 1998-99 to have two runs of seven or more matches without defeat in the same top-flight season, having done similar from December to early January.
Only six Premier League teams have won more points than Leeds' 32 since the start of December and only Manchester City, Manchester United and Bournemouth have lost fewer top-flight games than their four in the 22 matches within that time. Quite the turnaround after losing eight of their first 13 matches on their top-flight return.
They have been particularly impressive away from home of late going six in a row without defeat on the road, including a famous victory at Old Trafford.
Their season's tally of 47 goals scored is the same as fifth-placed Aston Villa and they have scored three or more times in an impressive eight different matches, a tally only Manchester City (12) and Brentford (nine) can surpass.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Leedspublished at 13:34 BST 10 May
13:34 BST 10 May
Leeds are all but safe now and they could be absolutely sure of staying up by the time they play this game.
That scenario would definitely suit Spurs but I am going to back Roberto de Zerbi's side here regardless.
What a performance that was by them at Aston Villa last week. People have criticised Villa but that display and result felt enormous for Tottenham.
It took them out of the bottom three and meant Spurs, at last, have got a bit of momentum after winning two league games in a row for the first time since August.
I am expecting more of the same here, so I am going to say they will make it three wins on the spin with the same scoreline that saw them win at Elland Road in October.
'I can't think of a worse scenario for a Spurs supporter'published at 10:00 BST 8 May
10:00 BST 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would prefer to win in the game between West Ham and Arsenal on Sunday (16:30 BST), as a win for the Gunners against Spurs' relegation rivals would help Roberto de Zerbi's side in their fight to stay up but it would see their north London rivals move one step closer to lifting a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Here are some of your comments:
Phil: My dilemma is worse: my wife is a Hammers fan of 60 years. As a 64-year-old Spurs fan, I want them to stay up; I remember the last time we were relegated very well, and it wasn't fun - despite beating Bristol Rovers 9-0. I wish there was a way the Hammers could win, and Spurs don't get relegated, but if there's four points between us after Monday night, then I don't care who wins the title.
Ross: I've been a Spurs fan all of my 49 years, but this is the one time where it's a case of self-preservation. No matter how much it hurts to see the Arsenal win the title, I think I'd accept that, and we survive. Never, ever would I hear myself say that!! Sorry everyone.
Nick: I'd love them both to lose but never mind. A draw would suit as it pulls two points off Arsenal and puts the Hammers level on points with us but behind on goal difference. COYS.
Nigel: Spurs staying in the Premier League is far more important than what Arsenal do. I hope Arsenal do us a favour. The stability at Arsenal over the years makes fools of us. I don't care if they win a Double as long as Spurs stay up.
Rob: Any true Spurs fan will want our Premier League survival, what the other team achieves, although frustrating, isn't important.
Herman: I always want Tottenham to stay in the Premier League, even when it means Arsenal will win the league. Arsenal have to beat West Ham. If West Ham lose to Newcastle too and Spurs win against Leeds, it will already be settled before the last game. I hope Arsenal will then lose to Crystal Palace and City will win the league.
Paul: I can't think of a worse scenario for a Spurs supporter. On one hand, we need West Ham to lose, and on the other, a win for the Arsenal will move them closer to the title. A draw wouldn't be the worst result for Spurs so long as we beat Leeds on Monday, but that isn't a certainty, so I would rather West Ham lose and put up with the consequences of an Arsenal victory. Us avoiding relegation is the priority and I don't care about anything else at this point.
Gossip: De Zerbi wants to trigger Palhinha optionpublished at 08:01 BST 8 May
08:01 BST 8 May
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi wants to trigger the option Spurs have to turn Joao Palhinha's loan move from Bayern Munich into a permanent switch for £27m. (Mail - subscription required, external)
