Premier League

Historic Tottenham relegation edges closer after Leeds win increases pressure on Spurs

De Zerbi’s side sits in the drop zone with four games left, facing a tough schedule and fading hopes of survival.

Digital sports journalist

Scottish sports journalist and content creator. After running his own soccer-related projects, in 2022 he joined Diario AS, where he mainly reports on the biggest news from around Europe’s leading soccer clubs, Liga MX and MLS, and covers live games in a not-too-serious tone. Likes to mix things up by dipping into the world of American sports.

Update: May 1st, 2026 17:03 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of avoiding what would undoubtedly be the most stunning relegation in Premier League history have been dealt another significant blow by Leeds United’s home victory over Burnley on Friday.

Spurs, who currently occupy the final relegation spot and sit two points from safety, desperately need to pick up points in their last four Premier League games. They will also need help elsewhere.

🕺💫 THRILLER AT ELLAND ROAD! pic.twitter.com/Q8uX5pdjR7
— Leeds United (@LUFC) May 1, 2026

Leeds result shifts the picture

Leeds were one of the teams the London side had been hoping to catch, especially with the two clubs set to meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 11 in the third-to-last round of the season.

However, Leeds’ win over Burnley has taken them nine points clear of Spurs, which should all but extinguish any lingering relegation threat.

Tottenham will now be targeting West Ham, who are two points ahead, and Nottingham Forest, who sit five points clear.

Challenging run-in for Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi’s side, however, face a challenging schedule to close out the season. They next travel to fifth-placed Aston Villa before hosting a Leeds team now unbeaten in its last six Premier League games.

They finish the campaign with a trip to Chelsea, who have struggled for form but are still chasing a Champions League place, and a home clash against Everton, who boast the joint third-best away record in the league.

Roberto De Zerbi previews our Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Sunday 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/TWBqJJghrO
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 1, 2026

Premier League relegation battle: remaining games

Matchday \| Team	Nottingham Forest (39 points)	West Ham (36 points)	Tottenham Hotspur (34 points)
35	Chelsea (a)	Brentford (a)	Aston Villa (a)
36	Newcastle (h)	Arsenal (h)	Leeds (h)
37	Man United (a)	Newcastle (a)	Chelsea (a)
38	Bournemouth (h)	Leeds (h)	Everton (h)

“Die on the pitch”

In his pregame press conference ahead of Spurs’ visit to Villa, De Zerbi said his players will have to “die on the pitch” to avoid a historic relegation.

Will even that be enough?