By Oliver Powell
Ex-Liverpool player Jamie Carragher believes it would be the “most shocking descent of the Premier League era” if Tottenham Hotspur were to get relegated this season.
A 4-1 home defeat to North London rivals Arsenal has compounded further misery on Spurs’ season, leaving them just four points clear of 18th placed West Ham United with 11 games to go.
Tottenham are the only side in the Premier League without a win in 2026, and new manager Igor Tudor has a seismic job on his hands to turn around a big club in disarray.
The biggest shock in half a century?
Spurs last faced relegation in 1977, and remain one of only six clubs to have never dropped out of the Premier League since its induction in 1992.
In a column for The Telegraph, Carragher said Spurs’ relegation would be an incomprehensible shock given their resources.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “If they drop into the Championship it would be the most shocking descent of the Premier League era, and the most embarrassing for a club of such wealth and stature since Denis Law’s back-heel for Manchester City sent Manchester United into the old second division in 1974.”
Carragher added: “There is no escaping the shadow of the dreaded ‘R word’ at Spurs. Relegation is possible.
“Add ‘ridiculous’ or ‘reprehensible’ and plain ‘rubbish’ to the valid descriptions of their record over the past 27 months, which has led them to this perilous position.”
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Tudor’s terrifying challenge
The new manager bounce hasn’t landed for Spurs, with the demoralizing derby defeat widening Igor Tudor’s eyes to what he’s got himself in for.
For Tottenham to ensure survival, Carragher said “Tudor does not just need to hit the ground running. He needs to start his reign like an Olympic sprinter.”
Whilst the Croatian has a record of providing instant impact at clubs, including taking Juventus from mid-table to Champions League qualification last season, Carragher believes the gamble of an unproven manager on these shores may be costly.
He said: “Despite Tudor’s success in Italy, there is an element of risk when appointing a coach who might need a period to adapt to English Football. Spurs do not have any time.”
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