Tottenham’s Relegation Chances Labeled ‘Not Inconceivable’ as Former Spurs Man Expresses Worry

Tottenham Hotspur’s grip on Premier League safety is loosening, and one of the club’s most celebrated former strikers is sounding the alarm. Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, admitted he is “genuinely worried” about Spurs’ prospects of avoiding relegation after Sunday’s 4-1 capitulation to Arsenal left the side only four points above the drop zone with 11 matches remaining.

Lineker, who scored 67 goals in 105 league appearances for Tottenham, pulled no punches in his assessment of a squad he believes is “devoid of confidence, quality and the depth needed to pull themselves clear of danger.” The 63-year-old highlighted the chasm between the teams in the north-London derby: Arsenal out-shot Spurs by 14 attempts, carved out six big chances to Tottenham’s zero and dominated both possession and expected goals. “The scoreline actually flattered the hosts,” Lineker said.

Beyond the raw numbers, the former England captain questioned the club’s footballing direction. “Tottenham is a very well-run business, but is it a well-run football club?” he asked, pointing to a transfer spend that mirrors mid-table ambition rather than top-six expectation. “Generally, the positions are comparative with the spending you make, and Tottenham’s expenditure is that of a mid-table football club, so they’re underperforming because they’re at least mid-table and they’re in danger.”

With West Ham United only four points behind, Lineker conceded that relegation for Tottenham is “not inconceivable.” He was quick to defend the players, arguing that a toxic environment “saps your quality, saps your energy, then you start performing nervously,” citing Manchester United’s recent upturn as proof that confidence and context shape performances.

Co-host Micah Richards countered that returning injured players could still provide the quality required for survival, yet after Sunday’s evidence, Lineker’s concern feels increasingly justified.

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