‘I Believe’ — Manager Still Predicts Tottenham Relegation and West Ham Survival
Salford City boss Karl Robinson believes Tottenham Hotspur were fortunate last weekend due to Aston Villa’s team selection, and he is tipping Spurs to go down rather than their rivals West Ham United.
With Nottingham Forest continuing to pick up points, the battle to avoid 18th place now looks like a straight fight between Tottenham and West Ham.
Spurs currently hold a narrow edge, having won back-to-back league games for the first time since August under Roberto De Zerbi. The upturn in form has lifted spirits among supporters, with one former top-flight player suggesting he can now see a clear footballing identity emerging under the Italian.
Despite this, Robinson is far from convinced that Tottenham will beat the drop with just three games to go. He feels Spurs will ultimately fade and find themselves in the Championship next season — a scenario that would seriously disrupt their plans in the summer transfer window.
The 45-year-old also highlighted West Ham’s familiarity with high-pressure situations and the backing of their supporters as key factors. Robinson stated plainly that he expects Spurs to go down, while also backing West Ham to get something against Arsenal. He added that hope is a powerful thing in football, and that Tottenham were fortunate at the weekend given the side Villa chose to field — something he suggested would have frustrated him had he been in the West Ham dugout.
Tottenham’s next test comes against Daniel Farke’s Leeds United, who have been building momentum with a string of solid performances. Robinson has history with Leeds, having been part of their backroom team during their relegation under Sam Allardyce in 2023. He spoke warmly about Allardyce’s influence in the dressing room, though it proved insufficient to keep the club in the top flight.
De Zerbi, meanwhile, has openly acknowledged the threat Leeds represent, conceding that their current league position is fully deserved.
