Tottenham’s Relegation Crisis Deepens Without Son Heung-min 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur suffered a 1-4 home defeat to Arsenal in the North London Derby on 23 February 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking their ninth consecutive Premier League match without a win (four draws, five losses).​
• The team sits 16th in the 2025-2026 Premier League table with 7 wins, 8 draws, 12 losses, and 29 points, just ahead of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest (27 points) and 18th-placed West Ham United (25 points).
• Club dismissed manager Thomas Frank and appointed Igor Tudor as interim head coach on 13 February 2026, but results have not improved, with Tudor’s first game being the derby loss.​
• British media outlet Planet Football, on 24 February 2026, listed eight reasons for Tottenham’s potential relegation, highlighting the ‘complete disappearance of leadership’ to replace Son Heung-min as the worst issue.
• Son Heung-min, former captain, led Tottenham to Europa League victory last season before departing for LAFC in August 2025 after 10 years, 173 goals, and 101 assists.
• Cristian Romero, appointed captain to replace Son, has faced criticism for hot-headed play, including a red card for kicking Manchester United’s Casemiro on the shin and stomping his ankle on 7 February 2026, his second red of the season.​
• Romero publicly criticised club leadership on Instagram after a 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on 8 January 2026, stating “Apologies to all the fans… However, we will keep confronting this challenge,” initially referencing “lies” before editing.​
• Micky van de Ven, key defender under Son, involved in attitude controversies: heated exchange with fan after Bournemouth loss and ignoring Tudor’s high-line instructions during derby, as captured by Curt Offside.
• Past criticisms of Son included Jamie Redknapp claiming Son’s skills and leadership held Tottenham back, and Football London arguing he was “not a fiery leader like a warrior.”
• Give Me Sports ranked Son fourth among Premier League best captains, praising him as “a true leader who does not evade the media’s arrows… His unwavering determination proves his leadership.”​

(North London News), February 26, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed a humiliating 1-4 defeat for Tottenham Hotspur against rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby on 23 February 2026, exacerbating their relegation fears in the 2025-2026 Premier League season.​

This loss marked Tottenham’s ninth consecutive league match without a victory—four draws and five defeats—leaving them 16th with 29 points from 7 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses. Nottingham Forest lurk in 17th on 27 points, while West Ham United sit 18th with 25. The club sacked Thomas Frank and installed Igor Tudor as interim manager on 13 February 2026, but Tudor’s debut ended in derby disaster.

What Triggered Tottenham’s Nine-Game Winless Streak?

The 1-4 drubbing featured goals from Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze (two) and Viktor Gyökeres (two), with Randal Kolo Muani briefly equalising for Spurs under Tudor.

As reported by Adam Hunt, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Troy Deeney in CBS Sports Golazo analysis, Tottenham’s backline woes were exposed, questioning if it was great Arsenal play or poor Spurs performance.​​

Planet Football outlined eight reasons for relegation risk on 22 February 2026, ranking underlying numbers first, noting Tottenham’s league form contradicts Champions League success (over 2 points per game vs. 1 in PL).

Home form ranks sixth: only one league win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since opening. Quality of rivals (fourth) highlights stronger promoted sides like Leeds and Sunderland, plus West Ham’s form narrowing the gap.

Why Did Tottenham Sack Thomas Frank for Igor Tudor?

Thomas Frank’s dismissal followed two wins in 17 league games, leaving Spurs five points above relegation. Tudor, ex-Juventus coach, joined until season’s end, debuting in the derby. Chosun Biz noted Tudor’s European prowess fails in PL adaptation, citing the derby as beyond “one-day condition.”

Efforts proved futile, with the nine-game rut persisting post-change.​

How Has Son Heung-min’s Departure Impacted Leadership?

Son Heung-min, captain from August 2023, led Tottenham to Europa League glory last season, ending a 17-year trophy drought with 150+ club goals. He joined LAFC in August 2025, occupying an international slot.

Planet Football deemed his void the top relegation issue:

“In a squad primarily composed of young, energetic players, the central pillar capable of overcoming crises has vanished.”

Last season, Son united the team silently through dedication, even in league struggles.

Give Me Sports ranked him fourth best PL captain:

“He is a true leader who does not evade the media’s arrows in moments of crisis but steps forward as the first shield. His unwavering determination to bring success to Tottenham proves his leadership.”​

What Criticisms Did Son Heung-min Face as Captain?

Jamie Redknapp, former Tottenham player, on Sky Sports during a 2024 Aston Villa match, said Son made him “uncomfortable,” disagreeing with Roy Keane:

“I didn’t like it… It was a little bit uncomfortable to watch.”

He implied Son’s reaction to substitution held the team back.​

Football London argued:

“Son Heung-min is not a fiery leader like a warrior,”

claiming his style contributed to struggles.

These were refuted by outlets praising his quiet resolve.​

Is Cristian Romero a Suitable Captain Replacement?

Thomas Frank appointed Romero to fill Son’s void, but it backfired. Romero’s “hot-headed personality and selfish play” plague the side, per Chosun analysis.

In the 7 February 2026 Manchester United match, Romero received a direct red in the 29th minute for kicking Casemiro’s shin and stomping his ankle—his second red, triggering a four-game ban missing the derby. USA Today noted it’s his sixth red since 2021 debut, most in PL.​

Off-pitch, post-3-2 Bournemouth loss on 8 January 2026, Romero posted on Instagram:

“Great effort from all my teammates… unbelievable but true and disgraceful,”

targeting leadership for “only 11 players available.” Elias Burke of The Athletic interpreted it as aiming at CEO Vinai Venkatesham, directors Johan Lange, Fabio Paratici, and owners.

Football London called it a “disgraceful rant” exposing leadership deficiency: “Romero feels appointed out of necessity.” Local criticism labels him “irresponsible captain who cannot handle the weight of the armband.”

What Attitude Issues Plague Micky van de Ven?

Micky van de Ven built a “solid defensive wall” under Son but now faces controversies. After Bournemouth loss, he confronted a fan with gestures and words, intervened by staff, per talkSPORT.

In the derby, Curt Offside footage showed van de Ven ignoring Tudor’s high-line gestures, staying low while wearing armband, frustrating the manager. Chosun Ilbo reported fans questioning if he defied orders.​

Under Frank and Tudor, his attitude draws scrutiny amid locker room division.​

Can Tactics and Stats Save Tottenham from Relegation?

Planet Football cited lack of tactics, dismal xG, and long-term decline (38 points last season). Yet, the outlet stressed mentality:

“The mudslinging battle… depends on cohesive mentality that unites the team.”

Romero’s emotional outbursts shatter unity, unlike Son’s cool control. During Romero’s suspensions, defence becomes “a gaping open door.”​

What Lies Ahead for Tottenham’s Survival Bid?

With young squad lacking a “central pillar,” relegation looms. Bookmakers list Spurs fifth favourites to go down. Without Son’s silent support and with a “ticking time bomb” captain, punishment is “brutally severe.”

The fight demands restoring discipline lost post-Son.