Tottenham face relegation threat after controversial Chelsea penalty call

A split-second call at Stamford Bridge left Tottenham Hotspur staring at one of the most humiliating relegations in Premier League history, with survival now hanging over the final day of a season they still control to a point. Spurs lost 2-1 to Chelsea on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and the defeat meant their meeting with Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, May 24, could decide everything.

The pivotal moment came during a Spurs corner routine, when Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella dragged Micky van de Ven to the floor while Mathys Tel was preparing to take the set piece. Tottenham demanded a penalty, but VAR judged the foul had happened before the ball came into play, so a spot-kick could not be given. Referee Stuart Attwell booked Cucurella instead, and former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge said on Sky Sports that the timing made all the difference, adding that if the contact had come one second later it would have been a penalty.

The arguments continued after the final whistle, led by substitute James Maddison, as Spurs digested a result that left them two points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United with one match left. The arithmetic still favors Tottenham: a draw against Everton would be enough because Spurs hold a 13-goal advantage over West Ham on goal difference. If Tottenham lose and West Ham beat Leeds United at home, Spurs could still be dragged down on the final day.

West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United on Sunday, May 17, had given Spurs the chance to secure safety in London, but they failed to take it. The Premier League’s own assessment is that the relegation battle remains a straight two-way contest, with Tottenham and West Ham likely to go down only if the final day swings against them in full. Even then, the club that drops is likely to do so with one of the highest points totals for a relegated side in recent seasons.

Roberto de Zerbi refused to dwell on the disputed incident, but he made clear that Everton matter more now than Tottenham’s Europa League final win in Bilbao last season. For a club that has been ever-present in Premier League history, and one of only six sides to retain that status, the issue has become less about outrage over a refereeing call than about pride, dignity and survival.