The crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safety

Breaking news from the world of sport: The crucial split-second call that could deny Spurs safety Figure caption, Highlights: Tottenham's relegation fears grow after defeat at ChelseaByPhil McNulty Chief football writer at Stamford BridgePublished15 minutes agoThe 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.

Match Details

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.

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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.

" Figure caption, De Zerbi pleased with Tottenham despite defeat at ChelseaThe arguments, though, continued after the final whistle, led by substitute James Maddison.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.