Tottenham survival celebrations cannot cover up Premier League embarrassment

Tudor’s appointment, which some suggested was a parting gift (an unwelcome one if it was) from former sporting director Fabio Paratici who was an admirer, developed into chaos.

The Croatian’s brusque manner and heavy touch was stark, the low point coming when he removed young keeper Antonin Kinsky after 17 minutes of the 5-2 defeat away to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg following two early mistakes that led to goals.

Tudor’s refusal to even engage with, or console, Kinsky as the heartbroken keeper walked off was symbolic of his reign. It was a brutal, uncomfortable sight.

This brings us to the move Spurs did get right, which was to persuade Roberto de Zerbi to arrive in an emergency act before the end of the season, rather than wait to see what division they were in before making a commitment.

De Zerbi, by his own admission, has had to be as much a psychologist as coach to coax Spurs to survival. He has done so and deserves credit, with away wins at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, plus this tension-riddled win against Everton, enough to get them over the line.

This celebratory end to a season was also watched by Vivienne Lewis, representing the family who own Spurs, along with her son-in-law Nick Beucher, a key contact with the London-based management.

Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief operating and finance officer Matthew Collecott were also in attendance, presumably poised to work out how and why Spurs have found themselves in such reduced circumstances and how it can be avoided next season.

At least they were spared the pain of seeing Spurs relegated on the day when north London arch-rivals Arsenal were lifting the trophy after their first Premier League title in 22 years. Arsenal’s party was taking place across the capital at Crystal Palace.

For now, thanks to De Zerbi’s inspiration and the failings of other clubs, Spurs are spared a day of reckoning. Not for long, however, because the temporary elation of fans will soon turn to anger.

How can a club that plays in such a magnificent stadium, has such passionate support and received around £74m by qualifying for the Champions League via that Europa League triumph, end up on the brink of the Championship?

Answer – bad decisions on and off the pitch. Poor appointments. Players playing poorly. At times this season, Spurs have resembled an unmotivated rabble – which is why the frantic pumping of fists and wild celebrations also felt uncomfortable and, yes, embarrassing.

The work must start now, but at least they will have De Zerbi to lead.

The Italian at least realised the urgency of the situation when he said: “It’s now around 7pm, and around 8pm or 9pm we will start working towards next season.”