Definitive Days No.7
Tottenham Hotspur 2 Brighton & Hove Alb 2
18 April 2026

Thanks to Andy Park for this picture

The team looked motivated and led twice in the match. Unfortunately they conceded a goal in time added on at the end of both halves. The points were shared. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest both won extending the gap between themselves and Spurs. West Ham United are away to Crystal Palace tonight (Monday 20th April). If they win the situation will be even more serious.

Xavi Simons hadn't started either of the last two league fixtures. He was outstanding setting up the first goal, scoring the second and hitting a post with another effort. He must start all of the remaining games.

Kolo Muani continues to underwhelm and Tel looks like he should be preferred to him. Similarly Gray and or Bergvall should start before Bissouma and possibly Bentancur.

It was encouraging that Maddison was on the bench though he wasn't used. Hopefully he can play a part in the final five matches.

There was an improvement in performance between the Sunderland and Brighton games. If this trend continues it could translate into some momentum.

De Zerbi is taking a positive approach quite different to Tudor. He considers that the players have the skills to survive but need to increase their confidence.

To emphasise his belief in the team in his post-match press conference he considered that Spurs could win all five remaining games. That appears to be overly optimistic given that they haven't won any of the last fifteen. It is positive that the manager is publicly backing them to win and will hopefully increase their confidence levels.

At this point there is no margin for error. Spurs simply have to beat Wolves next Saturday something they haven't achieved in the last six league fixtures. If they can gain a win coupled with De Zerbi's motivation and leadership they could still achieve the Great Escape.

. Spurs Odyssey match report

. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part One
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Two
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Three
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Four
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Five
. Declan Mulcahy's series "A dozen definitive days" - Part Six

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