Tottenham Hotspur forward Dominic Solanke stated that the squad can no longer offer excuses after their Premier League survival ambitions suffered another setback with a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Thursday.
Spurs, one of Europe’s wealthiest clubs and a founding member of the Premier League, find themselves just a point above the relegation zone and are still searching for a domestic win in 2026.
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“We just had a significant discussion. We recognize that our current standing is absolutely not where we want to be, so we must find a way to escape it as quickly as possible,” Solanke told TNT Sports.
“We are aware of the challenges; however, we’re not in a situation to make excuses anymore. We need to perform on the pitch. It’s easy to say we want improvement, but it must be evident in our play.
“We must fight and acknowledge the precarious position we’re in. This club is not accustomed to being here, so we need to grasp that and realize it’s not going to be easy; we must battle every game, every minute, to ensure our progress.”
Spurs’ most recent loss marks their fifth consecutive defeat and the third under new manager Igor Tudor, who was brought in to turn around the dismal season.
Tudor observed as his team faltered at home in front of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd, allowing three goals in the first half after initially taking the lead, and ultimately going down to ten men due to Micky van de Ven’s red card.
Crystal Palace capitalized, scoring three times in a quick span of seven minutes before halftime.
Ismaïla Sarr netted two goals, including one from the penalty spot, while Jørgen Strand Larsen contributed another for the visitors.
This occurred after Solanke had given Spurs the lead in the 34th minute; four minutes later, Van de Ven was sent off for bringing down Sarr inside the box, which shifted the game’s momentum.
Many Spurs supporters left the ground at halftime, and although Tudor’s shorthanded team demonstrated some spirit in the second half, this defeat extended their winless streak to 11 matches—setting a new club record in the Premier League.
“I am very disappointed, just like the fans,” Tudor expressed. “We understand the gravity of our situation, and we have to keep working and maintain our belief.
“However, after this match, I believe even more because I sensed something in the team and the locker room after the final whistle. When we’re at full strength, I’m confident it will turn around.”
The ongoing crisis at Tottenham follows their Europa League victory last season and their progress into the Champions League knockout stage, where they are set to face Atlético Madrid next week.
Yet, their troubling league performance continues from last year, where they ended just above the relegation zone—their lowest-ever position since the Premier League’s formation.
“I need to make the right choices regarding the players because we are moving in a direction that needs to be navigated effectively. Those who wish to stay should align with that vision,” Tudor explained. “When the other players return and I can select the most appropriate ones, I’m confident we will form a strong team and victories will follow. It’s difficult to accept our current predicament, but it is what it is.”
This troubling phase coincides with a turbulent period for the club, having seen seven managers in less than seven years.
Tottenham has spent only one season outside of England’s top flight since 1950 and has been a constant presence in the Premier League since its inception in 1992.
Deloitte listed Spurs as the ninth richest club in its latest ranking, revealing revenues of $781 million, placing them above football powerhouses such as Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus.
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press and PA.