Ben Mee’s 71st-minute header was all it took to push Sean Dyche’s Burnley squad into 18th place after a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
Burnley, who have a game in hand on 17th-place Newcastle United, need only two points to jump out of the relegation zone. The Clarets earned their third victory of the season, continuing their recent run of form. Burnley now ride a two-game winning streak and have only one loss in their last six games. Burnley’s well-timed run has them undefeated against top six teams, earning one win and two draws.
At the other end of the table, it is a completely different story. Just four days removed from a thrilling 3-2 win over first place Manchester City, Tottenham have returned to their old form, where they have now lost four out of their last five matches. While Spurs quality chances came mostly from Harry Kane, Nick Pope and the Burnley defense were able to keep the English striker at bay as many are soon to question what Kane will do in the summer transfer window.
Spurs manager Antonio Conte openly questioned his future at the club after the match, saying, “We lost four of the last five, nobody deserves this situation, this is the reality. I came in to try to improve the situation but maybe in this moment, I don’t know. I’m not so good to improve it. It is very frustrating. Working hard, working a lot and trying to get out the best of players. Too honest to close my eyes.” Conte’s departure would highlight the managerial struggles Spurs have faced in the last three years after the departures of legends Mauricio Pochettino and José Mourinho.
The loss is nearly certain to cost Tottenham a spot in UEFA Champions League next season. Spurs’ odds are now sixth-best in England behind Arsenal and Manchester United. If Tottenham look to keep Conte around next season, they will surely have to spend during the next transfer window. That may not be possible if the club cannot make European football next season.