The crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safety

"Spurs can still shape their own fate at home to Everton on the final day of the season, with a point enough due to a better goal difference of 12 over third-bottom West Ham, but a defeat and a Hammers win at home to Leeds would relegate them. Spurs will, however, look back on a decisive incident towards the end of their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea as one when the opportunity to avoid what will undoubtedly be an afternoon of nerve-shredding tension at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium escaped them."

"Richarlison had given Robert de Zerbi's disappointing side hope, after Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos gave the hosts a deserved two-goal advantage, when Chelsea's combative left-back Marc Cucurella unceremoniously dragged Spurs defender Micky van de Ven to the floor. It came as Mathys Tel prepared to take a corner and Spurs demanded a penalty that never came, their disbelief doubled when Cucurella was cautioned over the incident."

"Video assistant referee (VAR) checks detected his foul came seconds, maybe even one second, before the ball came into play, meaning a penalty could not be awarded. Referee Stuart Attwell could only take action against Cucurella with a yellow card, and once VAR confirmed the ball had not been kicked there was no room to initiate a review and subsequent spot-kick. Former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: "One second difference and it is a guaranteed penalty. Cucurella is so lucky.""

"De Zerbi refused to dwell on the controversy, but said the Everton game was arguably "more important" than the club's Europa League final against Manchester Un. The fine margins that may yet condemn Tottenham Hotspur to the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history could be measured in seconds at Stamford Bridge."

Spurs face the possibility of relegation, with the outcome potentially hinging on very small margins. They can still control their fate in the final match at home to Everton, where a point would be enough due to a superior goal difference over West Ham. A defeat for Spurs combined with a West Ham win over Leeds would send them into the Championship. Their 2-1 loss at Chelsea included a late moment when Spurs sought a penalty after Marc Cucurella dragged Micky van de Ven to the ground. VAR determined the foul occurred seconds before the ball was in play, preventing a penalty and limiting the referee to a yellow card. Spurs’ manager avoided focusing on the controversy and emphasized the importance of the Everton match.

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