Tottenham ‘write-off’ claim made amid Premier League relegation verdict
Tottenham Hotspur gave their travelling pocket of supporters in the Waldstadion one of their best nights in years after carving out their place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Spurs overcame Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 on aggregate over two legs (17 April) and will face Norwegian surprise package Bodo/Glimt in the final four – an opportunity to face either Manchester United or Athletic Club on the latter’s territory in Bilbao on 21 May.
Ange Postecoglou is saving his side via their European escapades and likely his job too, with a trophy still perfectly feasible to end a horrendous domestic season in which they sit 15th in the Premier League.
Tottenham judged in brutal call on season
For all the hurdles Spurs have struggled to overcome this season, they could still end 2024-25 with silverware.
A unique campaign is being kind, as Postecoglou offers consistent box-office quotes after each game as one of the most transparent characters English football has seen in a long time.
Tottenham have been excellent in Europe but have still not yet hit 40 points in the league after 32 games, which in seasons gone by would yield genuine relegation fears if not for the huge gap between the bottom three and the rest of the division.
TV commentator and European football analysis expert Ian Darke has discussed the juxtaposition of their season, and claims Spurs in the league are at a “dead loss” despite no fear of relegation.
“Tottenham could have either the worst season in their recent history, or it could be a memorable one in which they lift a trophy,” Darke exclusively told Tottenham News.
“In the league, the games are predictable right now. Conceding four at Molineux against Wolves was predictable. Their focus is of course firmly elsewhere, as they know the league is a dead loss.
“As bad as they’ve been, they’re not getting relegated, but it’s kind of understandable given the Premier League is a write-off for them. They got the result at Frankfurt, so no-one will think about what happened at Wolves anymore. This is where they’re at.”
Spurs have two Premier League clashes before semi-final begins
Tottenham supporters will, as they had done as the Frankfurt tie approached and was ongoing, have all eyes on Bodo/Glimt.
However, Spurs first have to welcome Nottingham Forest to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Easter Monday night (21 April) before a trip to Anfield against Liverpool six days later.
| Europa League – semi-final ties |
| TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v Bodo/Glimt |
| Manchester United v Athletic Club |
The trip to Bodo will take place in the second leg on 8 May, travelling north of the Arctic Circle to play in unfamiliar surroundings, though Postecoglou has bad memories from a previous two-legged Conference League defeat by the Norwegians three years ago.