Tottenham self-destruct again with moment of madness in fresh relegation twist | OneFootball

Mathys Tel goes from hero to zero against Leeds as home struggles continue, but there are reasons for optimism

If Tottenham are to be relegated from the Premier League, then they only have themselves to blame.

Remarkably, Spurs could count themselves lucky not to have lost the game when Antonin Kinsky superbly tipped Sean Longstaff’s late effort onto the crossbar.

From a position of relative strength, Spurs once again hit the self-destruct button. They have breathed new life into a relegation battle which only looked to be heading one way after West Ham’s stoppage-time equaliser against Arsenal was controversially chalked off by VAR.

Roberto De Zerbi has done well to restore belief in his players - the confidence with which the previously chastised Conor Gallagher now plays has been central to an upturn in results - but a mental fragility remains that the Spurs boss needs to address.

In his first two home games in charge, Spurs have coughed up precious points due to defensive lapses, leaving the door open for West Ham to put the pressure back on in the hunt for survival.

Winless at home in the league since December, De Zerbi admits that the pressure of relegation is having an impact on his players’ ability to make calm and concise decisions.

“I think we felt too much pressure,” he said after the Leeds game. “It can happen if you fight relegation, it's different.”

High-profile defensive mistakes from Tel and Kevin Danso, whose loose touch allowed Brighton to snatch a 95th-minute equaliser last month, have seen Spurs squander four points from their last two home games.

Eventful game: Mathys Tel scored for Tottenham against Leeds before giving away a late penalty

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But it is in attack where they are just as guilty of lacking mental clarity, with Richarlison missing a glorious opportunity to double their advantage against Leeds.

Under De Zerbi, Spurs have scored just one more goal (6) than they have conceded. The impact of an attacking injury list that includes Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski has been felt keenly.

Spurs tired as the game wore on against Leeds, with their ailing finishing allowing Daniel Farke’s side to gain encouragement.

De Zerbi says he is “lucky” to have the players he has at his disposal, but admits there are “too many injuries” and acknowledges that makes it hard for Spurs to sustain pressure on the opposition.

That drop-off in energy feeds into the stands, with Spurs often struggling to wrestle back control of games in the second half as supporters grow frustrated. Spurs had 10 shots in the first half against Leeds without finding the breakthrough.

They started the second half brightly and took the lead in the 50th minute, but then dropped off considerably after Tel’s goal and did not manage another shot on target for the rest of the game.

Having been in control for large periods against both Leeds and Brighton before letting their concentration slip, it is hard to escape the notion that Spurs have the propensity to wilt under the glare of a nervy home support at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

De Zerbi wants his players to relish playing in front of a home crowd, last week describing the “hot” atmosphere inside the stadium as something to be embraced rather than feared.

“60,000 fans to support you, to push you, to stay before the game, during the game, after the game, very close with the players. I think it’s lucky for us,” De Zerbi said in his pre-Leeds press conference.

His side, though, unshackled on the road in recent weeks, remains at the mercy of the anxiety-ridden atmosphere inside Spurs’ one-billion-pound stadium. They have the joint-worst home form in the Premier League alongside relegated Burnley.

Should relegation be decided on the final day of the season, it is hard to argue that home advantage will be a positive factor for Spurs when they host Everton.

Spurs still in driving seat to stay up

Two points clear of 18th-place West Ham with two games to play, De Zerbi’s side are still marginal favourites to beat the drop.

Performances have improved, even if their draw with Leeds has stemmed the tide of optimism, and the return of James Maddison from an anterior cruciate ligament injury has come as a welcome boost.

The 29-year-old was brought off the bench as Spurs chased a late winner against Leeds and nearly capped his first competitive appearance in over a year by winning a penalty in stoppage time.

With Spurs in need of attacking reinforcements, Maddison’s return to fitness could prove crucial. For all the industry and energy they have shown recently, they have lacked a creative spark.

Spurs remain at the mercy of the anxiety-ridden atmosphere inside their one-billion-pound stadium

Spurs remain in control of their destiny, but know they face an unenviable trip to Chelsea - where they have won just once in their last 36 attempts - before hosting an Everton side still in the conversation for Europe.

West Ham, meanwhile, travel to Newcastle this weekend before entertaining Leeds at the London Stadium in their final game of the season.

Had Spurs beaten Leeds on Monday, West Ham would have needed a win against Newcastle to prevent slipping into the Championship.

Now, though, with Spurs not playing again until Tuesday, they will be anxiously looking over their shoulders.

De Zerbi has seen enough to believe that Spurs will stay up, and it is fair to say they have turned a corner in the last four games.

But a missed opportunity has provided fresh impetus for West Ham. Spurs must be careful not to be pipped at the line.