Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has urged four senior teammates to raise their levels as the club’s Premier League survival hangs in the balance.
Now led by interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs were thrashed 4–1 by arch-rivals Arsenal FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres both struck twice to hand Arsenal a commanding victory, while Randal Kolo Muani scored a late consolation for the home side.
The heavy defeat has deepened relegation concerns, leaving Spurs only four points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United. Difficult clashes against Fulham FC, Crystal Palace FC, and Liverpool FC are up next, further increasing the pressure.
Speaking before the derby, Van de Ven admitted the club’s current situation falls far below expectations considering its stature and resources. He emphasised that senior figures must help steer the younger players through the crisis.
“For a club of Tottenham’s size and quality, being in this position is unacceptable. We have to improve significantly,” he said. “We know the supporters are frustrated, and rightly so, but we are doing everything possible to put things right. Losing is painful — you can feel it in the dressing room and in our meetings — but we’re fully committed to changing our fortunes.”
The Dutch defender also underlined the need for leadership, especially with important players unavailable.
“We still have a talented squad, but the experienced players who are fit must take responsibility. The pressure cannot rest only on the younger ones,” he added. “I usually play alongside Cristian Romero, but he’s suspended. Even so, leaders like Guglielmo Vicario, João Palhinha, and Dominic Solanke have the experience to push the team forward.”
