JAKARTA - Tottenham Hotspur avoided relegation from the English League in the last match of the 2025/2026 season after their 1-0 victory over Everton on Sunday, May 24, 2026, relegated their rivals, West Ham, to the Championship.
Joao Palhinha's first-half goal proved the decisive moment in a competitive relegation battle that has been going on for months.
The empty goal turned out to be enough to make West Ham, who beat Leeds United 3-0, fall into the second division with the highest points collected by the club relegated since 2010/2011 (39 points). This marked West Ham's first season in the Championship since 2012.
Heading into a final day promising tension, Spurs knew they would only be relegated if they lost at home and West Ham beat Leeds, 27 miles away in east London.
Palhinha's goal eased the tension at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but as their rivals took the lead across the capital with just over 20 minutes remaining, the impact left the north London fixture ending on a tense note.
However, Roberto De Zerbi's team managed to hold on thanks to a determined defense and an important save from Antonín Kinsky in the final minutes of the second half.
"I am very happy and excited about the performance of my players. They showed that they are good people and top players."
"We probably played the best game during my time here. We played against an Everton team who had a coach who probably wanted to help West Ham stay in the league, but I'm sorry he couldn't do it," De Zerbi told the BBC.
The party against Everton marked Spurs' third win at home in the league this season and their first since early December 2025.
Spurs have been in danger of relegation for most of their poor season.
Thomas Frank started the season as coach before being fired and replaced by Igor Tudor, whose tenure was unlucky and did not produce any changes.
Frank's tenure was in tatters after underwhelming performances against Chelsea and Arsenal saw supporters and players lose faith, while Tudor's reign lasted just 44 days with Spurs in freefall.
However, De Zerbi's arrival at the end of March 2026 brought a sharp change in performance and results, as Spurs finished with 11 points from their last six games. It was enough to make them narrowly avoid relegation.
"It is unacceptable that the last game we played this season was a game to avoid relegation."
"This club has some incredible players. It's a shame to let it all happen on the last day, but we managed it and that's what's important," said Spurs center back Micky van de Ven.
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