Jamie Carragher believes Tottenham Hotspur’s “terrible” looks are dooming them to relegation. Roberto De Zerbi had a nightmare start to life as Sunderland beat Spurs 1-0 on Sunday afternoon, but a decisive moment came when Nordi Mukiele’s shot went wide.
The result leaves the Lilywhites 18th in the Premier League table, two points clear of safety with six games remaining. And while many supporters in north London will be holding on to hope for a late comeback under a new manager, Carragher appears to have all but given up belief that Spurs can avoid relegation to the top flight for the first time since the Premier League was founded in 1992. Speaking on Sky Sports following the defeat at Wear Riverside, Carragher said: “Usually when a new manager comes in they say it’s his first game, but it’s something you have to go out and do.”
“For Igor Tudor it had to fail and it was the same for Roberto de Zerbi because of the situation they are in. It’s unbelievable. Tottenham are going to be eliminated.
“The other teams are aiming for something. One point from 24 games? If you look at the nature of the game, you would think it was a good game for Tottenham. But they are a terrible opponent. Do you think Tottenham will go to Wolves, who are bottom of the league, and win? They have no chance.”
It is believed that his contract does not contain a relegation release clause, so the 46-year-old faces a grim prospect of managing Championship football in 2026/27 unless he can orchestrate a dramatic turnaround in precious little time. Spurs’ next match is at home to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, the club where De Zerbi spent two seasons as manager between 2022 and 2024, on Saturday 18 April.
To round off April, they travel to Molineux a week later to take on Wolves, who are at rock bottom. The fixture list for May includes games against popular Aston Villa, resurgent Leeds United, established Chelsea and European hopefuls Everton. De Zerbi needs near-perfect results, relying on results elsewhere, to ensure survival in the top flight.
