Why do Tottenham only need a draw against Chelsea to secure themselves salvation

There was a point in time where this moment seemed unlikely, if not impossible. After a changing of the winds in Tottenham over the last few weeks, they now have a chance to avoid relegation on Tuesday in their match against Chelsea.

Tottenham seeking salvation at Stamford Bridge

Tottenham supporters can’t exhale just yet, but they are close. After a season full of disappointment and dismissals, Spurs are on the verge of making sure they don’t suffer what would be a disastrous demotion to the Championship. The idea is to wrap things up before the final round of the season, but they won’t have it easy.

Tottenham have a date with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate match day of the season, and after recent developments, they won’t even need to beat the Blues to assure themselves a finish above the drop zone. West Ham lost to Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Sunday which means that they only need a point on Tuesday night in Chelsea.

One point would put them at 39 points, which gives them a three point cushion over West Ham on the final weekend of the season. Because of the goal differential rule in the Premier League, Tottenham would still hold the advantage. Tottenham have a goal differential of -9 and West Ham have a difference of -22. Baring something catastrophic, Tottenham would finish above 18th placed West Ham.

De Zerbi the hero

To make matters even better for Tottenham, they will be playing a Chelsea side that had tight, exhausting FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday. They will still be licking in their wounds against a team that will be desperate to take something from Stamford Bridge and rest easy during the final match of the season.

It could be a happy ending to what was a tumultuous season at Tottenham. After firing Ange Postecoglou just days after Tottenham’s Europa League title, Spurs saw three differnt managers on the touchline this season. Thomas Frank lasted a matter of months, and then Igor Tudou had a disastrous before being let go at the end of March. There was only one man who could save the day for Spurs, and that was former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Roberto De Zerbi came in to Tottenham being asked to play savior for a club that was in a free fall down the table. At first he stated he didn’t want to join Tottenham before survival was secured. That changed quickly when Spurs came calling, and he had a chance to play hero. The Italian came in during the last international break and brought the best out of the squad for the final month and a half of the season.

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