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 drop into the Championship on Sunday, it will not be due to one incident but rather a campaign marred by discord, instability, and incompetence both on and off the pitch.

Spurs can still shape their own fate in their final match of the season against Everton. A point will be enough to ensure safety due to their better goal difference of 12 over third-bottom West Ham, but a defeat and a Hammers win at home to Leeds would relegate them.

The club will look back on a decisive incident towards the end of their 2-1 defeat at Chelsea as the moment when the opportunity to avoid relegation slipped away. Richarlison had given Tottenham hope after Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos gave the hosts a two-goal advantage. Chelsea's Marc Cucurella then unceremoniously dragged Spurs defender Micky van de Ven to the floor as Mathys Tel prepared to take a corner. Spurs demanded a penalty that never came, and their disbelief was compounded when Cucurella was only cautioned over the incident.

Video assistant referee (VAR) checks detected that Cucurella's foul came mere seconds 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 for 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."

Tottenham boss Robert de Zerbi refused to dwell on the controversy but said the match against Everton was arguably "more important" than last season's Europa League final against Manchester United, which they won in Bilbao. He emphasized the importance of pride and dignity for the club, stating that Sunday's match is "a big day for us."

The arguments continued after the final whistle, led by substitute James Maddison. However, the real frustration will come from the fact that Spurs had the opportunity to banish all relegation fears but were simply not good enough to take advantage. They faced a Chelsea side that had just played a strength-sapping Wembley FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday. If Spurs had won, all worries would have been over. A point would also have effectively guaranteed safety.

De Zerbi knows a point will still spare Tottenham the ultimate embarrassment of dropping into the second tier for the first time since 1977, but can they deliver the performance needed?