EPL: Tottenham's Relegation Fights Intensify After 3-1 Loss to Crystal Palace

Spurs suffer another defeat, relegation fears grow

Tottenham Hotspur's relegation fears deepened after a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, extending their winless league run to 11 games and leaving them just one point above the drop zone.

The hosts showed fleeting promise but looked vulnerable at times...

Tottenham Hotspur's crisis deepened as they lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace, leaving them just a point above the relegation zone. The 10-man Spurs side couldn't recover from Micky van de Ven's red card, which led to a penalty and Palace's momentum shift. Dominic Solanke's early goal was nullified by Van de Ven's dismissal, and Palace scored three times before halftime, courtesy of Ismaila Sarr's brace and Jorgen Strand Larsen's strike.

What a win for @CPFC! 🦅 pic.twitter.com/cJOS94TOxl

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 5, 2026

This defeat extends Tottenham's winless run to 11 league matches, a club record. With West Ham's win, Spurs' situation looks increasingly dire, raising concerns about a possible relegation, their first since 1977. Interim manager Igor Tudor remains optimistic, citing signs of fight and passion in his team, but admits they need to improve.

Tottenham started nervously, relying on Guglielmo Vicario to block Adam Wharton's early volley. They dodged a bullet when Ismaïla Sarr's strike was ruled offside. But Spurs turned things around after the scare, with Archie Gray's clever play setting up Dominic Solanke for the opener.

The hosts showed fleeting promise but looked vulnerable at times. Vicario's save was crucial in keeping them in the game. Sarr's disallowed goal might've been a blessing in disguise, as Spurs regrouped and took the lead through Solanke's poacher's finish.

Palace struck back hard, and it was a one-two punch for Spurs: Micky Van de Ven got sent off for pulling down Sarr, and the Senegal star calmly converted the penalty, putting Palace ahead. The visitors sensed blood and kept piling on the pressure against 10-man Spurs.

In a ruthless finish to the half, Palace sealed their dominance. With Spurs already reeling, they scored again, capitalizing on their numerical advantage. It was a brutal turnaround, and Palace looked hungry for more.

Adam Wharton's influence was huge, setting up Crystal Palace's second and third goals. He played a cheeky reverse pass for Jorgen Strand Larsen to slot home, then delivered a perfect sweeping ball for Ismaïla Sarr to run onto and beat Vicario.

Palace's attack was clinical, and Wharton's vision played a big part. Sarr's finish was the perfect finish to a great team move.

Spurs fans who stuck around for the second half saw their team step up, despite being a man down. They created a decent chance through Solanke, but Dean Henderson's save kept Palace in the lead. It was clear Spurs weren't going to overturn the deficit easily.

The 10-man Spurs side showed some fight, but it wasn't enough to trouble Palace's defense. They looked tired and lacked the energy to mount a serious comeback. Interim manager Igor Tudor saw glimpses of hope, but conceded the game was a harsh reality check.

Igor Tudor's start as Tottenham manager has been shaky, with three straight defeats and no Premier League wins in 2026. This puts pressure on the team as they head into the Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid, with their top-flight status hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace had a superb performance, and it seems unlikely they'll be involved in the relegation battle under Oliver Glasner, who's set to depart at the end of the season. 

Another Matchweek in the books 📚 pic.twitter.com/Cf637GYnf4

— Premier League (@premierleague) March 5, 2026