Leeds United head to North London on Monday night with Premier League safety confirmed, but Tottenham Hotspur are still nervously looking over their shoulder.
Sunday’s 1-0 Arsenal win away at West Ham officially secured Leeds United’s Premier League status for another season before a ball has even been kicked against Tottenham on Monday night.
Daniel Farke’s side head into the clash in 14th place on 43 points after a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the campaign, whilst Spurs remain down in 17th and still firmly involved in the relegation battle despite their recent upturn in form under Roberto De Zerbi.
It has been a chaotic season in North London. Three managers, inconsistent performances, frustration towards the ownership and growing fears of relegation have left Tottenham supporters stunned by how quickly things have unravelled.
Speaking ahead of Monday night’s game, Harry Scarfe of Scarfey Spurs Talk described the campaign as “very damaging” for Spurs.
“This was meant to be a great season, on the back of winning the Europa League last May under Ange Postecoglou,” he explained.
“We are in the position we are currently in for a reason, not through just bad luck, but instead through poor managerial decisions from the timing of Thomas Frank’s sacking to the appointment of Igor Tudor.
“Also through complete negligence in the January transfer window as our squad retracted even though we were a sinking ship even at that point.”
Tudor’s short spell in charge proved disastrous, but the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi before the Sunderland away game has immediately changed the mood around the club.
Scarfe believes the Italian should have been appointed much earlier.
“I’ve been super impressed with Roberto De Zerbi,” he said.
“He’s been nothing other than a breath of fresh air since joining the club. From what he says to the media, particularly in press conferences, to his involvement in training sessions, to his passion on the touchline.
“Those that have been supporting the team and not the manager, I believe they are warming to him. He should have been appointed after Thomas Frank. Igor Tudor’s time at the club was catastrophic.”
The change in atmosphere around Tottenham only increased after last weekend’s huge win away at Aston Villa, a result Scarfe described as one of Spurs’ best performances of the season.
“The win against Aston Villa felt significant, securing back-to-back wins and taking us outside the relegation zone,” he said.
“The mood has changed certainly amongst the fanbase after the Villa win. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of not treating it as over or that we are now safe.
“If that thinking even crossed the players’ minds, we will go down.”
That perhaps explains why Spurs supporters are still finding it difficult to relax despite recent positive results. Whilst Leeds can now travel to North London with survival confirmed, Tottenham remain under huge pressure.
Scarfe insists supporters have feared relegation for months.
“I have said since 7th February after we lost to Manchester United that we are in a relegation battle until the final day, and I stand by that today in May.”
Leeds supporters will understand the feeling of uncertainty. Earlier this season, Daniel Farke himself came under growing pressure following inconsistent performances and tactical experimentation. Yet the Whites have since transformed their campaign and now head into the final weeks of the season safe from relegation with games to spare.
Scarfe has been hugely impressed by Leeds’ turnaround under Farke.
“Daniel Farke deserves so much credit,” he said.
“A classy individual, a great character and a top manager. Never has got the credit he really deserves in his career.
“Leeds look much better defensively, much more aggressive, and look better offensively. It looks like as an outsider that you made a few tactical tweaks, particularly offensively and being bolder, that has led to greater success.”
The two sides last met earlier this season at Elland Road, with Tottenham winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel.
Scarfe admitted Leeds probably deserved more from the game.
“To win at Elland Road is something to be proud of,” he said.
“Leeds are a fantastic historic football club with passionate noisy supporters. It is a genuine pleasure to have you back in the top flight where you belong.
“I believe you were the better side however we were clinical.”
Monday’s meeting now arrives with very different pressure levels attached to it. Leeds have already secured survival following West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal, whilst Spurs know they still have work to do.
However, injuries to Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson, alongside Pascal Struijk being a doubt, have given Tottenham supporters more confidence heading into the game.
“I’m not as worried as I originally was about this game last week due to you guys picking up a few injuries to really key players,” Scarfe admitted.
Still, he believes Leeds remain a major attacking threat, particularly through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
“Calvert-Lewin is in great form and it’s great to see him prove the doubters wrong,” he said.
“I still believe his best is yet to come.”
For Tottenham though, Scarfe believes the key to the game is simple.
“The most important thing for Tottenham is to take the lead in this game,” he explained.
“If we concede first, the atmosphere tends to drop and our horrible home form plays on everybody’s mind.”
As for his prediction?
“I’m saying 2-1 Spurs. This is largely due to you guys picking up injuries this week and also a couple in doubt for the game.”