Tottenham's survival celebrations cannot mask a season of embarrassment
Tottenham Hotspur secured Premier League safety with a win over Everton, but the club faces a major inquest after finishing 17th for the second consecutive season.
Photo: bbc.sport
A final-day victory over Everton ensured Tottenham Hotspur remained a top-flight club, but the celebrations at the stadium were tempered by fans' deep frustration. A banner displayed by supporters calling for change within the ownership highlighted the mood after a campaign that saw the team finish 17th for the second year in a row.
The club narrowly avoided a humiliating relegation, a scenario that would have been unthinkable given their resources. Poor decision-making off the pitch, including the failed appointment of Igor Tudor, who lasted only 44 days, left the club in a precarious position for much of the season.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who arrived in an emergency capacity, has been credited with steering the team to safety. Looking ahead, the Italian is clear about the requirements: "Next season we have to build a top, top, top team. We don't have to change too many players in our squad, but we have to bring in some first level players."
The club's hierarchy, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, now face intense scrutiny. With the season over, the priority shifts to retaining key figures like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, while addressing the systemic issues that led to such a disastrous run of form.