Tottenham supporters have singled out one player for criticism after Igor Tudor’s side slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham F.C. on Sunday, deepening fears of a potential relegation battle. The Lilywhites are still chasing their first Premier League win of 2026, with first-half strikes from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi sealing another disappointing afternoon at Craven Cottage.
Last season under Ange Postecoglou, talk of relegation was largely tongue-in-cheek, as few truly believed Spurs would fall into the bottom three. That optimism was helped by the struggles of Leicester City F.C., Southampton F.C. and Ipswich Town F.C., allowing the north London club to finish a relatively safe 17th.
This time, though, the situation feels more serious. Tottenham sit 16th, just four points above 18th-placed West Ham United F.C., and the threat of being dragged into the bottom three is no longer unthinkable. The teams in the relegation zone appear to be showing greater fight than Tudor’s side — a problem made worse by the struggles of an expensive January addition.
Signed from Atlético Madrid for £35 million, Conor Gallagher was expected to bring the drive and balance he once displayed at Crystal Palace F.C. and for England national football team. Instead, his display against Fulham drew heavy criticism. In 58 minutes, he completed just 74 per cent of his passes, lost possession 12 times from 37 touches, and won only one of four ground duels — numbers that sparked fierce backlash on social media, with some labelling him one of the club’s worst-ever signings.
What makes the situation more concerning is that Tottenham’s hierarchy reportedly saw Gallagher’s arrival as a statement of intent and a shift in recruitment strategy. Earning over £200,000 per week, he is now the club’s top earner, with further major signings expected this summer — provided Spurs avoid relegation.
While increased spending is often viewed as a sign of ambition, especially for a club aiming to compete with the traditional ‘big six’, Tottenham’s recent recruitment has raised serious questions. Big fees and big wages mean little if performances fail to match expectations — and right now, several new arrivals are struggling to justify the investment as pressure continues to mount.
