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Tottenham Hotspur are set for one of the most crucial fixtures in their long history this afternoon as the North London club take on Everton.

Heading into the final day of the Premier League season, Spurs find themselves in serious danger of relegation. Roberto De Zerbi’s men sit only two points clear of the drop zone, and could fall into the Championship if they lose to Everton and West Ham defeat Leeds United.

Tottenham are one of just six clubs to have featured in every Premier League season since its inception, and now face the prospect of what would be the league’s most stunning relegation to date if they fail to deliver.

It has been a disastrous campaign for the club, who are currently on their third manager of the season. Roberto De Zerbi was brought in to try and steady the ship after Thomas Frank’s brief spell in charge, which was followed by Igor Tudor’s short 44-day tenure.

The last time Tottenham were relegated to the second tier was 49 years ago. Only Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester United boast longer uninterrupted runs in the English top flight.

That relegation in the 1976/77 season also came as a major shock. Spurs finished bottom of the First Division, conceding a league-high 72 goals over the course of the campaign.

At the start of that decade, Tottenham had been enjoying success, lifting two League Cups and claiming the 1972 UEFA Cup title. They had also maintained a strong record in the top flight, finishing in the top half in 16 of the previous 17 seasons, including a ninth-place finish just a year before their drop.

The relegated squad, managed by Keith Burkinshaw, still featured several club icons such as Steve Perryman, Pat Jennings, and a youthful Glenn Hoddle, all of whom would later become synonymous with the club’s heritage.