It was December 28, 2025, and Premier League teams were playing the last matches of the fading year. Archie Gray scored a winner for Tottenham Hotspur against Crystal Palace on the road and helped his team move to 11th place.Who would have thought that Spurs would be in the relegation zone and winless in 15 consecutive EPL games since that clash at Selhurst Park?!Yes, Tottenham failed again. And no, Roberto De Zerbi changed nothing.Truth be told, the Italian's men played with more energy and passion and were really close to winning their first league game since December, but luck wasn't on their side once again, as their situation is getting more and more complicated after today's 2-2 draw against Brighton at home.Spurs thought they were on their way to their first Premier League win of 2026… But Brighton said not today 🚫Tottenham 2 – Brighton 2 pic.twitter.com/tkdNyyizT2— Katiba Clyde (@VDJClyde) April 18, 2026 They are now 18th – first team below the "red line" – but their direct rivals, West Ham and Nottingham Forest, will have a chance to increase the gap to four and five points if they record triumphs in their games in hand.Carried by Xavi Simons' fantastic performance, Spurs were on the verge of a victory over tricky Brighton, which knew how to ruin the day for some much stronger rivals.The Dutchman first provided a beautiful assist for Pedro Porro's opener in the 38th minute, putting the team on the right track.However, deep in added time, seconds before the break, Kaoru Mitoma – who came off the bench for the injured Diego Gomez midway through the first half – scored a fantastic equalizer with a volley screamer.Spurs fan Eliud Kipchoge pays glowing tribute to Victor Wanyama after retirementThe battle continued after the break, as nothing separated the rivals until the 77th minute when Simons shone again, this time as a scorer of a nice goal from outside the box.And when everyone at the stadium expected the end, Georginio Rutter appeared as a creature from the Spurs' nightmares, stealing the win in the fifth minute of added time!The Dutchman was faster than the full-time whistle, punishing Kevin Danso's massive mistake and his loss of the ball in his own box.Tough times for the Spurs, and even tougher ones seem to be coming. The relegation has never been closer…PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 33SaturdayBrentford – Fulham 0-0Leeds – Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)/Justin 18, Okafor 20, Calvert-Lewin 90+5 pen/Newcastle – Bournemouth 1-2 (0-1)/Osula 68 – Tavernier 32, Truffert 85/Tottenham – Brighton 2-2 (1-1)/Porro 38, Simons 77 – Mitoma 45+3, Rutter 90+5/22.00: (2.30) Chelsea (3.85) Manchester United (3.00)Sunday16.00: (1.70) Aston Villa (3.60) Sunderland (5.30)16.00: (3.00) Everton (3.40) Liverpool (2.35)16.00: (1.50) Nottingham Forest (4.20) Burnley (6.75)18.30: (1.85) Manchester City (3.80) Arsenal (4.05)Monday22.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.35) West Ham (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
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