'Good' or 'terrible' games on the horizon?published at 11:58 GMT 24 February
11:58 GMT 24 February
Tottenham's last match before the international break - at home to Nottingham Forest - will be a "nightmare if their form hasn't changed considerably" says the Observer's Rory Smith.
But how likely are they to get out of their rut in the games before that?
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton says Spurs "have some good games coming up" against a "flaky" Fulham side, "crisis" club Crystal Palace and Liverpool, whose fans are not all fully content with Arne Slot.
Rory and Mark Chapman look at these fixtures differently to Sutton, with the latter saying that some are in fact "terrible" - but we want to know what you think.
Do you think this is a favourable run of games for Igor Tudor to steady the ship? How many points do you expect Spurs to get heading in to the final international break of the season?
Spurs in 'perilous position' and might Tudor 'have a future in PR'?published at 11:06 GMT 24 February
11:06 GMT 24 February
Media caption,
Tottenham are in a "perilous position", says journalist Rory Smith. Winless in the league since 28 December, Spurs sit 16th in the table, four points above the bottom three.
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton told Monday Night Club he thinks Spurs have some favourable fixtures coming up as they bid to improve on Igor Tudor's first match in charge - Sunday's home drubbing at the hands of Arsenal.
Sutton, however, is uncomfortable with the reputation Tudor has for being good at managing in the short term, stating: "I can't quite work out whether that means he's a good manager or not. If you go through as many clubs as he has, is there something fundamentally wrong with him?"
The Observer's football correspondent Smith added: "I cannot stress how bad Tottenham's home form is.
"Whether Tudor's a great coach I don't know, but he might have a future in PR. He's dressed himself up as someone who saves you from relegation and wanders off. If you go back, I'm not sure that's why he went into all those clubs.
"He seems to last not that long. I'm not sure that's always been the plan.
"Whenever any manager raises fitness I just don't buy it. It's nonsense. This idea that Thomas Frank was letting them wander in at 11am is nonsense - they'd have been perfectly fit."
Should players take more responsibility?published at 10:27 GMT 24 February
10:27 GMT 24 February
Media caption,
Do Tottenham's players need to take more individual responsibility?
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes there were moments in Sunday's north London derby where players such as Micky van de Ven could have made choices of their own, rather than wait for instruction.
Gossip: Van de Ven not close to new Spurs deal as Real Madrid eye defenderpublished at 07:33 GMT 24 February
07:33 GMT 24 February
Real Madrid are closely monitoring the situation of Micky van de Ven, with the defender not close to agreeing a new deal with Tottenham. (Teamtalk), external
Meanwhile, Rangers are keen to extend Mikey Moore's stay at Ibrox and the winger is enthusiastic too, but while Spurs are open to another loan, they would want him in their squad should they be relegated to the Championship. (Teamtalk), external
Should Villa or Newcastle replace Spurs in the 'big six'?published at 15:52 GMT 23 February
15:52 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on the debate around Tottenham's dwindling 'big-six' status, and whether either Aston Villa or Newcastle has a case to take their place.
Here are some of your comments:
Spurs fans
Dave: In recent years, our being viewed as one of the big six has become increasingly ridiculous. History and a nice stadium simply isn't enough. We've had some interesting managers and some good players - but despite that have remained a consistently mediocre team. If the owners don't get VERY serious about significant investment in our squad very soon, I think we're doomed. Relegation would be heartbreaking but it's where we are. I'm 72 and have been a fan since I was six. It's getting hard to remain hopeful.
Colin: Have we ever been a top-six club? Maybe we expect too much from our team - we just do not have the financial resources to get a top-six team together, let alone a top-four one. I am worried that we are battling to stay up this year - we really need to win at least four more games and the way we are playing I just cannot see that! We are a long way off top six.
Chris: Agree with Wayne Rooney's comments - this team is average at best and has a poor attitude. I don't blame Thomas Frank at all, I genuinely feel sorry for him and now we're seeing it all play out again with Igor Tudor. Are we going to blame him too? No manager is going to fix this mess until the board shows some real ambition. We need four or five proven, high-quality signings. There are also deeper, structural problems that have been there for years. Championship next season.
Brian: Yeah we are still a big-six team. Any club with as many players injured as we have would be struggling. It would be a different story with all players fit - so, yes.
Aston Villa fans
Carl: In the past three seasons, Spurs have been in the top six once, flirting with relegation last year and again this year. Meanwhile, Villa have been in the top six twice in the past three years and are firmly there again this year. Spurs shouldn't be mentioned in the 'big-six' conversation any more.
Paul: Yes of course Villa are a top-six club. Look at Unai Emery's record - a top-class European manager and sold-out games at a great stadium. Only PSR stops them being even more successful. Tottenham are nowhere near being called a top-six club.
James: Villa have always been a big-six club. Spurs' inclusion was always utterly baffling, and based purely on London bias. They have a big stadium? Wow. It's soulless, and they were being considered as part of the big six before that was even built, so that's not it. Villa are huge. Football royalty.
Daniel: All day long Villa are bigger than Spurs. They have a better stadium - that's it. Villa would be even bigger and would definitely be challenging for titles if they could spend. If Unai could buy who he wanted, Villa would have won the league this year. In reality, we've lost our midfield and are still competing better than Spurs. Anyone who think Spurs are top six are deluded or a Spurs fan.
Alan: I don't think Villa, as a club or the fans, could care less about whether they're regarded as a 'big-six' club. Let the results speak for themselves. When Villa Park is redeveloped to accommodate over 50,000, then maybe they'll be viewed differently.
Newcastle fans
Simon: Spurs still receive disproportionate media coverage and were part of the ill-fated Super League. Their on-field performances have been enough for Newcastle or Villa to replace them. The idea of the 'big six' can become the 'big five', neither of the aforementioned clubs need it.
Adam: We're realistically down to a 'big three' of regular Premier League title contenders. At this point, Newcastle don't have the financial clout to compete at that level. It's probably a discussion that is worth revisiting in a few years' time though.
Tom: Newcastle's average finishing position over the past four seasons is fifth. The 'big six' is nonsense anyway. Little Tottenham have only been placed there by the media. Newcastle should definitely replace them and Aston Villa should replace Manchester United, who were also in a relegation battle last season and aren't playing in Europe this season.
Sean: Newcastle and Aston Villa have both broken into the top six over the past few years. Spurs change their manager regularly and are nowhere near the top six any more. Newcastle should be a top-six team, just in front of Villa because of winning a cup.
Kevin: The Toon have always been a top-six club in most people's eyes. The supporters are the best in the league. Watch out for the new stadium.
'Not looking very good at all' for Spurs - Kellypublished at 13:52 GMT 23 February
13:52 GMT 23 February
Image source, Getty Images
Other teams being worse is the "only reason" Tottenham will survive this season, says former defender Stephen Kelly.
Spurs are joint bottom of the Premier League form table across the past six games alongside 20th-placed Wolves, and have not picked up three points in domestic competition since December.
It is form that saw head coach Thomas Frank lose his job, and has given interim boss Igor Tudor a tough task to stay away from the relegation zone they currently sit four points above.
With games coming up against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Liverpool - all of whom won over the weekend - it is tough to see where much-needed wins will come from.
"You look at the fixtures coming and you feel like they are ones they could absolutely lose," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"The worrying part is the gulf in class between Spurs and Arsenal [on Sunday]. It was just enormous. You are looking at it and going 'we are so far off that side'. They were so far off Arsenal in everything – pace, power, passing – and there was just a sense of dejection.
"They need a mentality to be able to perform at home. If you are struggling in front of your own fans and you don't have the mental strength to be able to turn that around at home and get them back onside, because if you can get back to winning some games that can make a huge difference, but it just doesn't feel like that is going to change between now and the end of the season.
"I don't really want to admit it, and still feel there are teams that are really poor and won't get themselves out of it [relegation], but the only reason Spurs will be OK is that other teams will do worse. Which is not a great thing to be talking about but is probably going to be the case, but it is not looking very good at all."
Tottenham 'miles off' being a top-six team - Rooneypublished at 11:52 GMT 23 February
11:52 GMT 23 February
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Tottenham would be naive to believe they are a top-six team, says Wayne Rooney following Spurs' 4-1 defeat by Arsenal on Sunday.
"Tottenham are just not a good team," the former Manchester United forward told The Wayne Rooney Show.
"You talk about them being a big-six club, but if you go through the squad and players man-for-man, they're probably in the position they should be.
"It's obviously a big club with a nice, new stadium and a nice training ground, but I just don't think the players are good enough to compete at the top end of the Premier League.
"Nottingham Forest have a better squad than them and they're in a similar position in the league so, I think they're being a bit naive, whether that's the fans or the club, in thinking they're a top-six team - they're not, they're miles off it."
But Rooney does believe Spurs will avoid relegation this season, despite being four points off West Ham in the drop zone.
"I think they'll be fine, I don't think they'll get relegated but they're down there, just like they were last season and a little bit closer this season. But I think they're just about good enough not to go down.
"Tottenham over the past 15 years have been towards the top end of the table and they've spent a lot of money on the stadium and players so if they get relegated, it's a big worry for them."
What do you think about Tottenham's big-six status? Is it in jeopardy from the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle or is it too established to be questioned?
Alan: Put in whatever manager you like, the problem is the mediocre players purchased who are not Premier League quality. We seem to buy anyone to plug the gap but it will never work - we need class players like we've had in the past, but we won't attract them in the Championship.
Dan: What I expected really, much of the same from the past two seasons. Moments of hope and positive flashes, but mainly negative football and silly decisions. I doubt even Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp could make this current group of players perform well. If you had a team of workers in an office job who turned up each week and spent their day just mooching about the office, occasionally tapping some keys of the computer but producing nothing, they'd be sacked for failing to do what they're employed to do. Spurs are literally doing the equivalent of this on the pitch.
Tristen: Playing three at the back is suicidal. Playing too many players out of their natural positions is also comical. This game was a free hit as fans weren't expecting a win, but a proper system and structure is the minimum we should have got out this game. On this system and style, we are favourites for relegation.
Fran: Shocking display from Spurs... Archie Gray too weak, Djed Spence keeps losing the ball. No real fight. Can't see a way out of it.
Arsenal fans
Giso: Arsenal's mentality will make them win the title because they played against Spurs like nothing went wrong in the previous game.
Vince: A great result but let's not get carried away. This was a Spurs team missing key players through injury and unsurprisingly clunky in possession. Arsenal, meanwhile, were allowed to play their usual game - which they weren't allowed to at Brentford and Wolves and see what happened there. Still, it's a brilliant confidence booster for Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres and renews that all-important belief that this might be the season Arsenal cross the finish line first.
Helen: What's the earliest St Totteringham's day could be this year?
Tim: Another one-sided north London derby. The 4-1 scoreline really flattered Spurs. A very dominant performance and important to bounce back with three big points. Hard to name individuals in such a strong team performance, but Declan Rice, Eze and Gyokeres were immense, and that is not to mention the defence and David Raya. Onwards...
Referee disallowed Spurs goal for 'soft' push - Givenpublished at 08:16 GMT 23 February
08:16 GMT 23 February
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Match of the Day pundits Shay Given and Danny Murphy believe Tottenham "have a reason to be disappointed" with Randal Kolo Muani's second goal being ruled out against Arsenal on Sunday.
The goal was not given on-field by referee Peter Banks for a foul on Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Analysis: Tudor's task made brutally clearpublished at 21:01 GMT 22 February
21:01 GMT 22 February
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Igor Tudor's plain speaking made it clear he was under no illusions about the job in front of him after succeeding sacked Thomas Frank to take charge of Spurs until the end of the season.
And if any illusions remained, they were banished by the ease with which Spurs were swept aside by Arsenal.
Randal Kolo Muani's bustling equaliser offered some hope, but once his side fell behind early in the second half, the game was effectively over as a contest.
The home side never lacked endeavour, but this depleted squad was no match for Arsenal, the gulf in class between the teams brutally exposed.
Tudor returns to the training ground with a genuine relegation fight on his hands as Spurs now lie 16th, four points above the bottom three.
This was a painful introduction for the Croatian and, on this evidence, there may be more pain to come before matters improve, as they will have to do.
Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal What Tudor and van de Ven saidpublished at 19:28 GMT 22 February
19:28 GMT 22 February
Media caption,
Tottenham interim manager Igor Tudor, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "Difficult start against a team who is now in this moment.
"A different level of physical state of mind, so congratulations to them. They were much better and they deserve this win. I got the spirit which we wanted to do things, but it was not enough. It is nice to understand where we are in this moment.
"It showed me on Tuesday that we need to work hard and work hard and seriously.
"Now in this moment, the team is full of problems. The only key is to work on the training day by day and be humble. We need to be more aggressive - we need to be more compact. These are the keys.
"You understand the gap with the mental sharpness of one team and other teams. This is a thing we need to change. I saw players available to do this, but we need more time to do this.
"Thinking about relegation doesn't bring you anything to anybody."
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, speaking to Sky Sports: "Arsenal were the better team. We were still in the game at 1-1 but after the second half, they scored straight away and then it was really difficult.
"We could do the press a bit better. We pressed high but Arsenal came out of it. It's something we need to work on. They were the better team today.
"It's a risk when you go man for man and if one man is late then you're going to be open but when you win the ball high, there are so many options for us. But on the opposite, when they come out, it's a big risk."
On Igor Tudor: "He is on us all week. Every day we worked on it. It's his first week and he wants to help us in every way. We have all the week to prepare for Fulham.
"We need to win the games. Step by step. We play Fulham now."
Did you know?
Igor Tudor is the first Tottenham Hotspur manager to lose their first Premier League game in charge since Andre Villas-Boas in August 2012, with each of the previous nine going unbeaten.
Tottenham v Arsenal: Team newspublished at 15:22 GMT 22 February
15:22 GMT 22 February
Igor Tudor names Randal Kolo Muani as his striker in his first Spurs team with Palhinha in midfield. Richarlison and Dominic Solanke are on the bench.
Tottenham starting XI: Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, Van de Den, Spence, Bissouma, Palhinha, Sarr, Gallagher, Simons, Muani
Subs: Austin, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Souza, Oluesi, Williams-Barnett, Rowswell, Wilson
Mikel Arteta has made just two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Wolves in midweek. Leandro Trossard comes in with Eberechi Eze starting as Arsenal's number 10.
Eze scored a hat-trick when these two played earlier in the season and the Gunners will be hoping that Eze can repeat that performance today.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Fulham" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Spurs v Arsenal", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Arsenalpublished at 10:05 GMT 22 February
10:05 GMT 22 February
From what I've read about new Tottenham manager Igor Tudor, he is a guy who goes in at clubs and, in the short term, gets a turn out of his team.
Spurs really need that to happen now, because they desperately need a win or two to get out of reach of relegation.
So, this game is big for them for that reason, and also because they can put another dent in Arsenal's title hopes too.
Spurs and their fans have not had a lot to shout about this season, but if they can get something here then this could be a defining moment in their campaign, and affect Arsenal as well. They would love that.
It was an incredible wobble by Mikel Arteta's team against Wolves, drawing 2-2 after being 2-0 up, and I certainly didn't see it coming.
Maybe it is getting to be 'squeaky bum time' for them, but it didn't affect them when they went away to Leeds a couple of weeks ago and won convincingly.
You can imagine how Spurs will be champing at the bit, and I am expecting them to make a fast start and have a real go at them - but Arsenal have to deal with that, and find a way of bouncing back.
I think the Gunners can do that, and their quality will make the difference in the end. I worry about Spurs in forward areas and it will be interesting to see how Tudor lines them up in defence too.
Ultimately, if Arsenal turn up and play how we know they can, then they will win - and I am expecting them to make a real statement.
Both sides 'in the trenches' with rest of the league 'poised to laugh'published at 13:06 GMT 21 February
13:06 GMT 21 February
Scarlet Katz Roberts Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
The north London derby is now a referendum on both sides.
If Arsenal lose, the 'bottlejob' narrative will be undeniable. If Spurs lose, they will be dragged into the relegation conversation.
Despite our best efforts, we've joined them in the 'next game is a cup final' trenches.
It feels a bit like Manchester City's visit to Anfield a few short weeks ago. In Spurs' case, victory could be the perfect tonic after a season of catastrophic mediocrity. I'm sure they will be licking their lips at the opportunity to derail our title charge by winning for once!
I'm not across their latest injury crisis, but I still think Tottenham have the quality to cause problems. Xavi Simons looks a busy technician, and Dominic Solanke is at least 'a proper striker' - whatever that is. Micky van de Ven is an able centre-back and Spurs will be without Cristian Romero, which might help them, as he is a walking red card in the form of an Argentine pseudo-hardman.
While it's been endlessly funny watching Tottenham get things wrong, good times don't last forever. Thomas Frank isn't a bad guy, but he couldn't help falling prey to the usual 'Spursiness'.
With the atmosphere at White Hart Lane threatening to tip into apathy, what would 3,000 away fans singing "Arsenal boys, we're on a bender, Thomas Frank is a silver member" have done?
It was a pitiful showing at the Emirates in November. Add to that the fact Frank wouldn't stop talking about how good Arsenal were and you'd have the perfect storm.
All of which is to say, for Spurs, anything is better than that.
I don't know much about Igor Tudor apart from the fact he was sacked by Juventus. He'll have plenty of time to cook up a plan, though, with Spurs having 12 days off before the game.
The rest of the league will be watching, poised to laugh at whoever comes off worse.
'Wonderful' or a 'disaster' - Spurs fan on a derby with a 'gulf'published at 19:35 GMT 20 February
19:35 GMT 20 February
Bardi Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
With the north London derby looming, Tottenham fans are reaching for the cliches. "Form goes out of the window", a "new manager bounce", or "anything can happen".
Never before has the gulf in a north London derby appeared so wide, but even with the abyss looming, hope does start to gnaw away at you. The thought... "could we?" is already starting to form in the back of my mind.
I'm very familiar with the gulf between Arsenal and Tottenham. Most of my childhood was spent in its presence. Every Monday morning returning to school in north London, I'd have to endure the taunts from that cocky lot.
But things did change. For most of my adulthood, it has been a pothole and occasionally non-existent. But then, thanks to one man, Vinai Venkatesham, we're back in the mid-90s, where our chances rest on nothing more than a 'fool's hope'.
Our CEO loves to pat himself on the back for his 'job well done' down the road, while fully ignoring the bonfire at N17. Vinai has brought back the dark days with some aplomb.
We're five points away from relegation and so frightened of what might happen that we've parachuted in a relegation-saving expert.
This is not a north London derby I'm looking forward to - but still, it is littered with possibility.
Both clubs approach this game with an opportunity to make a statement.
For Arsenal, it's a chance to show they have the fortitude to finally win a two-way title race, especially after the setback at Wolves. For Spurs, it's about changing course.
Igor Tudor's first game against 'them lot' offers him the opportunity to build some optimism and put some distance between us and the Championship.
In my lifetime, I've seen some wonderful north London derby fixtures and some absolute disasters.
Right now, I'm not sure what road this one is on, because we all know "form goes out of the window" - or so my side of the divide hopes.
Tudor on Solanke's fitness, finding 'clarity' and '100%' chance of survivalpublished at 14:32 GMT 20 February
14:32 GMT 20 February
Tottenham boss Igor Tudor has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League North London derby against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Tudor said that "probably" none of the current absentees will be back for the North London derby while Dominic Solanke trained today and yesterday after "some problem with his throat".
On how training has been given the long injury list: "In this particular moment with 10 injuries, we trained with 13 players. It is what is is. It's not fantastic or beautiful but 13 we will have and it is quite enough to achieve what we want on Sunday."
Has he enjoyed his first week at Spurs?: "I didn't enjoy because I'm not here to enjoy. I'm here to work. It's the first moment and there's work to do. It's a privilege to be at this club. Enjoy is the first moment, and then there's work to do. It's a fantastic club. I am very focused to do the right things."
What he has said to the squad: "The players want to have clarity about what we want. This was the goal. To send a message about values and how we want to play."
Tudor said Tottenham will "100%" be a Premier League club next season.
More on Spurs' current league position: "This is not important. Fighting for every position, relegation, first position, Uefa places, you achieve the position because of what you do during the week and on Sunday. It is a consequence of this. It brings you nothing if you think about relegation. All these goals are far away. I never give them importance. I never speak about results and what we want to achieve at the end of the season. I don't believe in this. I believe in today's training. This is all I want the players to think about. The position is a consequence of this."
How has he had an instant impact at the clubs he has worked at?: "I don't know. I do my job. Nothing special. I do things that I believe are important. You need to resolve the problems - there are problems even in the biggest clubs."
