LONDON – Igor Tudor claims troubled Tottenham’s dismal 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace has convinced him they will avoid relegation from the English Premier League.
Tudor’s side squandered the first half lead given to them by Dominic Solanke as Palace struck three times in 12 minutes before the interval in north London.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven was sent off for a needless professional foul on Ismaila Sarr, who converted the resulting penalty.
Jorgen Strand Larsen scored Palace’s second and Sarr struck again as the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium turned toxic.
Languishing in 16th place, Tottenham is just one point above the relegation zone after third-bottom West Ham’s win at Fulham on Wednesday.
With just one win in their last 13 home league games, Tottenham are in grave danger of playing in the second tier for the first time since 1977-78.
Interim boss Tudor has already faced calls for his sacking after losing his first three matches since replacing the axed Thomas Frank.
But the Croatian is adamant Tottenham’s improved second half display showed the players still want to fight for survival.
“It was two games. After the red card, it was a second game. The second half we tried and I saw interesting things but I’m very disappointed like the fans,” Tudor said according to AFP.
“We need to work hard and believe. After this game, I believe more than I did before. I know that sounds strange but I saw something in the team.
“Even in the dressing room after the game. When we are complete and choose the right guys, I believe it will be good.”
Tottenham have conceded two or more goals in nine successive league matches for the first time in their history.
They have lost five successive league games and are without a win in 11 consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since 1975.
