Definitive Days No. 3

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Crystal Palace 3
3 March 2026

Another game. Another disaster.

Of the three games so far this result feels the worst because on paper it was the most winnable of the three matches. It turned out to be a shambles.

Spurs actually led for six minutes, the first time that this has happened under Tudor's reign. Then there followed in quick succession a sending off, a penalty and Spurs conceding three goals in the seven minutes remaining in the first half. Crystal Palace were in dreamland. Clearly the result had been decided and a significant number of spectators didn't return for the second half.

After this round of matches West Ham United gained three points and Nottingham Forest one on Spurs. They are both now one point behind Spurs.

Tudor is the manager who confidently asserted that he was 100% sure that Spurs would escape relegation. Since then he has presided over three defeats and has lost by an average of 3-1 in each match. He doesn't appear to have had any positive effect. The defending has shown major weaknesses in each game.

Spurs lost 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Three days later relegation rivals West Ham United won 1-0 at the same venue. That is a serious concern. In their next match Nottingham Forest are at home to Fulham. You can imagine how that might turn out. Spurs are away to Liverpool that same day so there is no margin for error.

Spurs haven't won any of their last eleven league games the worst run since October 1975. In the eleven rounds of games played during 2026 they have gained only four points less than any other team in the division.

The players don't lack ability however they do lack confidence. The interim manager seems unable to change that situation.

There are nine league games remaining including at least three home games that this team of players should be able to win, which could lift them above the drop zone. However it doesn't appear that Tudor can obtain reasonable performances from them as a team. His post-match conferences don't inspire much confidence either.

Is there a credible alternative candidate out there preferably with Premier League experience? I'm not in a position to comment on whether there is or not. If there is, the club should probably give serious consideration to replacing him. He was supposed to have an instant impact in the short term.

Instead his first three outings have been hugely disappointing. I believe he is the first Spurs manager to lose his first three games. If it was early in the season there would be a case for patience. However with only nine games remaining to preserve the team's Premier League status something urgently needs to be done.

. Spurs Odyssey match report
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part One
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Two

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