14/15 duels lost: Tottenham will get relegated if 4/10 star who ‘struggled’ vs Arsenal does not find his groove quickly
Igor Tudor could hardly have imagined a more brutal introduction to life in the Premier League dugout as Tottenham Hotspur were torn apart 4-1 by bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday evening. What was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era instead turned into a sobering reality check, as Spurs were outclassed and outmuscled in a second half that underlined the scale of the task now facing their new head coach.
The contest began with the intensity and edge expected of a North London derby, but after the interval it became painfully one-sided. Mikel Arteta’s side shifted through the gears and exposed Tottenham’s frailties with ruthless efficiency. By the final whistle, the Lilywhites found themselves staring at a 4-1 defeat that leaves them hovering just four points above the relegation zone — a sobering statistic for a club that once harboured ambitions of challenging near the top.
Defensive Frailties Exposed
If Tudor was in any doubt about where immediate improvements are required, this performance provided clarity. Arsenal have now won the last five league meetings between the two sides, and the gap in cohesion and confidence was evident throughout the second half. While the Gunners sit five points clear at the summit, Spurs remain entrenched in a relegation scrap.
At the heart of the collapse was a defence that simply could not cope. Micky van de Ven endured a torrid evening, repeatedly stretched and unsettled by the movement and directness of Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal winger tormented Tottenham’s back line, drifting inside and driving at defenders with ease.
Alongside him, Archie Gray struggled badly in what was arguably the most demanding fixture of his young career. The former Leeds prospect won just one of his six duels and conceded possession 16 times, often appearing overwhelmed by the pace and physicality of the occasion. For Arsenal’s fourth goal, he was outmuscled decisively by Viktor Gyokeres — though the powerful Swede proved just as dominant when brushing aside Radu Dragusin, who also suffered another difficult night in Spurs colours.
Further forward, Conor Gallagher failed to stamp any authority on the midfield battle. Arsenal dictated tempo and territory, with Gyokeres setting the tone moments after the restart by clinically dispatching a fierce effort beyond David Raya. From that point on, Tottenham looked fragile and reactive rather than proactive.
As Jamie Redknapp observed on Sky Sports, the match increasingly resembled a “complete mismatch” as it wore on — a damning verdict that few could dispute.
Simons’ Struggles Raise Questions
Yet while several defenders faltered, perhaps the most concerning individual display came from Xavi Simons. Signed for £52 million last summer amid much excitement, the Dutch attacker has shown flashes of brilliance this season, contributing five goal involvements and producing moments of genuine quality — including an impressive outing against Manchester City earlier this month where he registered an assist, completed five dribbles, and won 11 duels.
Against Arsenal, however, he was virtually anonymous. Simons won just one of his 15 duels — a staggering statistic for a player expected to provide spark and incision. He surrendered possession 24 times, failed to complete any of his four dribble attempts, and managed just a single shot on target. In a fixture that demanded bravery and precision, his performance lacked both.
For Tudor, who must quickly decide on a reliable core as the relegation battle intensifies, Simons’ display may force a rethink. A trip to Craven Cottage looms, and changes feel inevitable. Options such as Dominic Solanke or Richarlison could be considered to inject greater physical presence and urgency into the attack.
A Long Road Ahead
Tottenham’s last Premier League victory came back in December against Crystal Palace, a stark reminder of how far standards have slipped. The confidence that once defined this squad has drained away, replaced by hesitation and vulnerability.
Still, despite the humiliation, Tudor cut a composed figure after the final whistle. The former Juventus boss dismissed talk of relegation and insisted there is enough quality within the squad to steer clear of danger. Publicly, at least, he remains defiant.
The coming weeks will reveal whether that belief can translate into tangible improvement. Defensive organisation must sharpen, midfield battles must be contested with greater authority, and underperforming stars may need to be sidelined if standards are to rise.
For Tudor, the baptism of fire is complete. Now comes the harder part: restoring pride, stability and results to a Tottenham side drifting dangerously close to the brink.