The crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safety

The crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safetyHighlights: Tottenham's relegation fears grow after defeat at Chelsea

The fine margins that may yet condemn Tottenham Hotspur to the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history could be measured in seconds at Stamford Bridge.

But if Spurs do drop into the Championship on Sunday it will not be because of one incident after a campaign of discord, instability and rank incompetence on and off the pitch.

They can still shape their own fate at home to Everton on the final day of the season, with a point enough due to a better goal difference of 12 over third-bottom West Ham, but a defeat and a Hammers win at home to Leeds would relegate them.

Spurs will, however, look back on a decisive incident towards the end of their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea as one when the opportunity to avoid what will undoubtedly be an afternoon of nerve-shredding tension at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium escaped them.

Richarlison had given Robert de Zerbi's disappointing side hope, after Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos gave the hosts a deserved two-goal advantage, when Chelsea's combative left-back Marc Cucurella unceremoniously dragged Spurs defender Micky van de Ven to the floor.

It came as Mathys Tel prepared to take a corner and Spurs demanded a penalty that never came, their disbelief doubled when Cucurella was cautioned over the incident.

Video assistant referee (VAR) checks detected his foul came seconds, maybe even one second, before the ball came into play, meaning a penalty could not be awarded.

Referee Stuart Attwell could only take action against Cucurella with a yellow card, and once VAR confirmed the ball had not been kicked there was no room to initiate a review and subsequent spot-kick.

Former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: "One second difference and it is a guaranteed penalty. Cucurella is so lucky."

It was the tightest of calls.

Spurs boss De Zerbi refused to dwell on it, but said the Everton game was arguably "more important" than the club's Europa League final against Manchester United last season, which they won in Bilbao.

He added: "It is not my business. My business is to focus on preparing the next game and to get the points we need because Sunday is the final for us.

"This game is important, more than playing for a trophy. Last season ended with playing for a trophy. We play for something more important than a trophy because of the pride and history of the club.

"You can win a trophy but it does not change anything. The most important thing is the pride and dignity of the club, so that we can go on holiday, in the Premier League.

"We have to stay alive. Sunday against Everton is a big day for us."

De Zerbi pleased with Tottenham despite defeat at Chelsea

The arguments, though, continued after the final whistle, led by substitute James Maddison.

But the real frustration will come from the fact Spurs had the opportunity to banish all relegation fears here and were simply not good enough to take advantage.

They were up against a Chelsea side who had played a strength-sapping Wembley FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, suffering the psychological blow of a narrow defeat.

If Spurs had won, all worries were over. A point would also have effectively guaranteed safety.

It was almost as if it took Chelsea's second goal to actually make them aware of the trouble they were in, such was their lackadaisical approach until then.

The late flurry was exactly that. Too late.

De Zerbi knows a point will still spare this giant, dysfunctional football club the ultimate embarrassment of a drop into the the second tier for the first time since 1977 – but can Spurs be trusted to deliver?

They have not won a home league game since beating Brentford on 6 December under the leadership of Thomas Frank, whose managerial reign seems an age ago.

This loss at Stamford Bridge was their 17th of the season in the league, while they lost 22 in the previous campaign under Ange Postecoglou, despite winning the Europa League and finishing fourth from bottom.

In other words – this trouble has not just crept up on Spurs. They flirted with danger last term and survived. This time they may not be so lucky.

Tottenham are two points above the relegation zone with one game remaining

De Zerbi may feel fate was against them on this night, but defeat came after a performance that was strangely lacking in drive and urgency given the scale of the stakes.

After a brief revival with recent away victories at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, Spurs have put themselves back into the hazardous position on the final day after carelessly tossing away two points at home to Leeds United, then producing a performance here that did not kick into gear fast enough.

As they left west London miserable and under the dark cloud of relegation, fierce north London rivals Arsenal were celebrating their first Premier League title for 22 years.

The final insult may be yet to come.

It would be the season of nightmares for Spurs to suffer relegation as Arsenal are crowned champions, having not won the top-flight title themselves since 1961.

It is in the hands of De Zerbi and his players to avoid such ignominy – but their form in a wretched campaign points to a day of discomfort when they face Everton.

Spurs head coach in discussion with referee Stuart Attwell at the end of their Premier League loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

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