Premier League: The Bizarre Scenario That Could See Tottenham Hotspur Fail to Qualify for Europe

• Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Manchester City on Tuesday, May 14
• Arsenal find themselves in fifth position with 54 points and a game to go
• There is a possibility that could see Spurs finish outside European places

Tottenham Hotspur still need to ensure they end their season strongly, despite a strong position in the Premier League table.

The North Londoners’ hopes for qualifying for the Champions League effectively ended on Tuesday, May 14, after a dramatic 2-0 defeat to title-chasing Manchester City.

Erling Haaland’s two second-half goals were enough to sink Tottenham, as Manchester City kept the title race in their own hands going into the final day.

On paper, Spurs’ defeat does not look too disastrous for the side. In fact, according to The Telegraph, sections of Lilywhites fans were delighted Arsenal’s title hopes took a hit after Tuesday’s game.

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However, with Newcastle United and Chelsea lurking, Tottenham’s fifth position is not guaranteed.

Chelsea and Newcastle can leapfrog Tottenham

Chelsea’s late-season resurgence has seen them turn into genuine contenders for European places.

The Blues' good form coupled with the fact that they have a game in hand should concern Tottenham fans.

Sixth-placed Newcastle United also have a game in hand, and if they collect six points by May 19, they could end the season above the North Londoners.

Two wins for Mauricio Pochettino’s side will also be enough to see them go above Spurs, which would leave Postecoglou’s side in seventh place.

Can Tottenham miss out on Europe?

The worst position Spurs can finish in is seventh place, which would be enough to see them qualify for the Europa Conference League.

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However, Manchester United can keep Spurs out of European football by winning the FA Cup. A triumph for the Red Devils in England’s oldest competition would give Erik ten Hag’s side a direct ticket to the Europa League.

Here is how qualification for Europe would look if United win the FA Cup and Tottenham end the season in seventh place, per Sky Sports.

Champions League: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa

Europa League: Chelsea/Newcastle, Man Utd (as FA Cup winners)

Conference League: Chelsea/Newcastle

This scenario is, however, unlikely as it hinges on Tottenham losing at home to relegated Sheffield United.

Ange Postecoglou confronts fan

Sports Brief also reported on a brief altercation between Postecoglou and a Tottenham fan on Tuesday.

Postecoglou was incensed by the attitude of sections of Tottenham fans during the game, and made his feelings clear by confronting a fan from his technical area.

The Australian said after the match that Spurs had ‘fragile foundations’.