Tottenham Hotspur risks relegation from the Premier League after a dismal run of form, according to former defender Joleon Lescott. The north London club occupies 16th place, just one point clear of the drop zone with nine matches remaining.

Latest Setback in Europe

Spurs suffered a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16 first leg on Tuesday. The team now faces an uphill battle to advance, needing a remarkable turnaround in the return fixture.

Lescott Highlights Lack of Experience

Joleon Lescott, the 43-year-old ex-Manchester City and England international, assesses Tottenham’s situation as precarious. He points to the squad’s inexperience in survival fights as a major issue.

“In terms of form, yeah,” Lescott stated. “None of their players have experienced this fight.”

He contrasts this season with the previous one, where a Europa League triumph provided a distraction from domestic struggles. Now, without such a safety net, players and fans alike grapple with mounting tension.

Lescott explains how nervousness affects gameplay: “Spurs fans are like, ‘Oh, this is nerve-wracking’. And then players think, ‘I don’t want that pass. I don’t want to show for the ball there’. It becomes very edgy.”

Pressure’s Impact on Performance

Drawing from his own relegation with Aston Villa in 2016, Lescott describes how players “go missing all of a sudden.” Confidence evaporates, leading to overly cautious decisions.

“A forward who takes a shot full of confidence now needs it to be perfect,” he added. “Defenders avoid risky passes into midfield, letting opportunities slip away.”

Tudor’s Tough Start

Manager Igor Tudor endures a winless streak, losing all four games in charge, including London derbies against Fulham and Crystal Palace. Despite injuries, Tottenham’s recent spending suggests sufficient squad depth for a stronger campaign.

Lescott warns that these trends could culminate in a historic demotion by season’s end.