Jermain Defoe Makes Bold Tottenham Prediction Amid Relegation Concerns
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has publicly backed his old club to recover from their devastating 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. The loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has intensified fears among Spurs supporters as the team hovers dangerously close to the drop zone.
North London Derby Exposes Tottenham's Vulnerabilities
Sunday's match initially showed promise for Tottenham when Randal Kolo Muani equalized just two minutes after Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal. However, the second half revealed significant gaps in Spurs' defense and overall performance.
Viktor Gyokeres scored twice for the Gunners, with Eze adding another goal on the hour-mark, completing his brace. This commanding victory allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points, solidifying their position as title favorites.
Meanwhile, Tottenham's situation grows increasingly precarious. The team remains winless in 2026 and sits just four points above the relegation zone, casting a shadow over their Premier League survival prospects.
Interim Manager Igor Tudor Acknowledges Challenges
Following the heavy defeat, interim manager Igor Tudor spoke candidly about the current state of the team. 'There is a big gap in this specific moment between the two teams,' Tudor told reporters. 'It was too much, Arsenal, for us, in this moment and with the problems we have.'
Tudor emphasized the need for introspection and improvement, stating that the match revealed the harsh reality of Tottenham's position. He called for changes in habits and mindset as the team prepares for their upcoming fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Croatian manager also highlighted the team's injury crisis as a significant factor, noting they have only ten available players plus three others. 'This is a situation that I never saw,' Tudor admitted, underscoring the unprecedented challenges facing the squad.
Defoe's Vote of Confidence for Tottenham
Despite the concerning circumstances, Jermain Defoe remains optimistic about Tottenham's chances of staying in the Premier League. Speaking on Viaplay shortly after the derby concluded, Defoe acknowledged the reality of their relegation battle but expressed faith in the players' ability to turn things around.
'Of course [they are in a relegation fight]. The games are running out and that's the reality,' Defoe stated. 'I believe the players were up for the game today, like you would be.'
Defoe pointed to Tottenham's upcoming matches against Fulham and Crystal Palace as opportunities for crucial victories. He also emphasized the importance of injured players returning to strengthen the squad, though he acknowledged the severity of their injury list.
When directly asked if relegation was a realistic possibility, Defoe responded definitively: 'No, I don't think they'll go down.' His confidence provides a glimmer of hope for Tottenham supporters concerned about the team's future in England's top flight.
Arsenal's Title Charge Gains Momentum
While Tottenham faces relegation worries, Arsenal's victory reinforces their position as serious title contenders. The Gunners displayed impressive attacking prowess, particularly through the effective partnership between Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.
Notably, Eze has now scored five of his six Premier League goals this season against Tottenham, demonstrating his particular effectiveness in North London derbies. This performance helped lift the gloom that had settled over Arsenal following recent setbacks.
Manager Mikel Arteta will look to maintain this momentum when Arsenal hosts Chelsea in their next Premier League encounter, while Tottenham must regroup quickly to address their survival concerns with only eleven games remaining in the season.
