Struggling Tottenham Can Still Escape Relegation Declares Tudor

Igor Tudor believes that Tottenham's poor 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Thursday has actually strengthened his conviction that they will stay in the Premier League.

Tudor's team wasted their early advantage, courtesy of Dominic Solanke, as Palace netted three goals within 12 minutes before the break in north London.

Tottenham's Micky van de Ven received a red card for an unnecessary foul on Ismaila Sarr, who then scored from the penalty spot.

Jorgen Strand Larsen added Palace's second goal, and Sarr struck once more, turning the mood at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sour.

Sitting in 16th position, Tottenham sit only one point clear of the drop zone following third-from-bottom West Ham's victory over Fulham on Wednesday.

Having secured just one victory in their past 13 home league fixtures, Tottenham face a real threat of dropping to the second division for the first time since 1977-78.

The interim manager Tudor has encountered demands for his dismissal after dropping his opening three games in place of the dismissed Thomas Frank.

However, the Croatian remains firm that Tottenham's better performance after the interval demonstrated the squad's determination to battle on for survival.

"That was like two matches. Once the red card came, it became a different contest. In the second half, we pushed and I noticed promising elements, though I'm as let down as the supporters," Tudor remarked.

"We must train diligently and keep faith. Following this match, my belief has grown stronger than earlier. It might seem odd, but I detected potential in the group. 

"Even in the locker room post-match. When we have our full lineup and select the correct players, things will turn out well."

Tottenham have now let in two or more goals in nine straight league outings, a club first.

They have suffered defeats in five league games in a row and gone 11 top-flight matches without a win for the first time since 1975.

Avoid Discussing Pressure

In spite of these dire figures, Tudor focused on the sparse positive signs from the Palace disaster.

"I observed solid energy and greater intensity. The battling spirit was evident," he noted.

"Nine fixtures remain. (Cristian) Romero returns soon, (Kevin) Danso performed solidly, perhaps more will recover. We will improve once everyone is fit."

Van de Ven's sending off triggered Tottenham's recent meltdown, his rash challenge on Sarr capturing the turmoil enveloping the side.

Tudor began his tenure at Tottenham asserting full confidence in their avoidance of the drop.

Yet losses against Arsenal, Fulham, and Palace have rendered that confident statement increasingly naive.

When questioned if Van de Ven's red card indicated Tottenham's struggle with tension, Tudor responded: "Enough about pressure. It is not a subject for discussion. I will refrain from mentioning pressure further."

Tottenham have passed just one season below the top division since 1950.

They possess nine matches remaining to prevent a shocking demotion, beginning with a journey to Liverpool on March 15, followed by a crucial encounter against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke disclosed that Tudor and the team conducted urgent discussions right after the game.

"We held a major talk. Our current standing is far from ideal, so we must plan our swift escape from it," Solanke explained.

"Challenges have arisen, yet excuses no longer suffice. We have to deliver results on the field. Talking about improvement is simple, but we aim to show it in action. 

"Fighting hard and recognising our plight is essential."

Tudor maintained an optimistic tone, stating he does not anticipate dismissal.

"Such thoughts do not cross my mind. My role is clear. Nine games await," he added.

"The words I shared with the players stay private. I recognise the difficulty. This phase will end."