Fulham claimed all three points against Tottenham last Sunday, with Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi finding the net for the Cottagers. This result extended Spurs’ poor run of form, making it four consecutive league losses.
Richarlison did manage to get one back after going 2-0 down at Craven Cottage. He had a simple finish, heading home from close range after connecting with Archie Gray’s inviting cross at the far post. However, the 28-year-old’s strike wasn’t enough to spark more, and Spurs came away with nothing.
No Manager Bounce
Tottenham are without a league win in 2026, the only PL team with this unwanted record. This could not have been what the board expected when they replaced Thomas Frank with Igor Tudor due to results and performances falling below expectations. Spurs still sit in 16th position and are only four points above the relegation zone.
Frank had a positive start as Tottenham head coach, winning four of his first five games in charge. However, after eight months in charge he averaged 1.12 points per match in the Premier League. During his time at the club, Frank endured difficult situations with injuries to key players. For example, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Destiny Udogie have all been out of parts of the season. Overall, Frank’s system, which was built on a structured back-three system, didn’t suit a Tottenham squad which was built to dominate games, and he struggled to adapt tactically under pressure after poor results.
Despite Frank having a winless league run in 2026, Spurs managed two impressive wins in the Champions League. This included a 2-0 home win against Borussia Dortmund and a 2-0 away win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Tottenham managed automatic qualification to the Round of 16 in the Champions League, but poor Premier League form ultimately led to his sacking.
Desperation is Impacting Decision Making
Tottenham have conceded ten goals in their last four; and scored only three. Early concessions have forced a growing sense of urgency in Tottenham’s play, which has affected decisions at both ends of the pitch.
Throughout the season, Cristian Romero has stepped aggressively into midfield to win the ball early. That has left space in behind that opponents have exploited on the counter, or led to him getting yellow (and red) cards. Similarly, Pedro Porro has pushed high and delivered early crosses under pressure rather than recycling possession, which has led to Spurs being exposed in transition.
Spurs have been playing with intensity and directness, which can be effective, but when confidence drops, it can turn into rushed decisions in the final third. In their recent outing against Fulham, Tottenham struggled to create high quality opportunities. Their forwards Xavi Simons and Conor Gallagher were unable to make an impact going forward, and important moments often resulted in misplaced passes or turnovers that allowed Fulham to regain control.
Tudor Not Addressing the Tactical Decline
New interim head coach Igor Tudor has the enviable task of steadying the club during a difficult run of form. Tudor’s managerial experience lies in Serie A and Ligue 1, with no prior experience in the Premier League. Tudor’s tenure is now two matches old, both of which ended in defeat. The Fulham result has been discussed, but his debut went even worse. That was a 4-1 loss away to Arsenal in the North London Derby, a match in which Spurs showed myriad defensive vulnerabilities.
Since Tudor’s arrival, Spurs have struggled to build attacks or control possession in the middle of the pitch. Tottenham managed just one shot on target at Fulham and they kept giving the home side control of the game back which left them chasing. Tudor’s current system prioritizes defensive structure and quick transitions over sustained build-up play, leaving gaps between the midfield and the forwards. As a result, Tottenham’s attacking players receive the ball in isolated areas with limited support.
A Retreat into Safer Soccer
Under Frank in both domestic and international campaigns, Tottenham often took tactical risks in an attempt to play attacking football. However, with relegation pressure increasing, Tudor appears to have adopted a cautious approach. Spurs look more conservative, compacting instead of playing with attacking freedom.
Frank’s final three league losses at least saw Spurs with some offensive spark. They created two big chances hosting Newcastle, converting one. Against Manchester City they rallied from a two-goal deficit to draw level. But in these most recent outings, it’s not been pretty. Against Fulham Spurs created just one big chance and registered only one shot on target; against Arsenal they had zero in both metrics.
Prioritizing defensive shape over attacking risk and committing fewer players forward might seem a good strategy, but only if you don’t concede. Tudor would be wise to heed this advice, otherwise Spurs will continue to slip.
