In a match where Tottenham needed just a point to all but secure Premier League football for next season, Roberto De Zerbi’s side were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Chelsea.
While much of the criticism will fall on Randal Kolo Muani, Destiny Udogie also delivered an underwhelming performance at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian won only one of his three tackles, failed to deliver an accurate cross from three attempts, committed three fouls, and lost possession 10 times.
Udogie was booked by referee Stuart Attwell for a reckless challenge in the 63rd minute—a straightforward decision that highlighted a defender struggling for composure throughout the match.
He was substituted just six minutes later, replaced by Djed Spence, as De Zerbi was clearly unwilling to risk a second booking that could leave his side with ten men and their survival hopes in jeopardy.
The yellow card was less a matter of bad luck than the inevitable result of a performance marked by insecurity and poor decision-making.
Chelsea were the superior side for much of the match, claiming a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos, as Richarlison’s late consolation made little difference to the outcome.
The result leaves Spurs a point away from near-certain safety with one game remaining—a precarious position that makes the individual errors from Tuesday’s match all the more costly.
Once nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award and tipped for a long, distinguished career at the highest level, Udogie has spent this campaign looking every bit a player weighed down by the collective dysfunction around him.
He has been linked with a move to Juventus this summer, and Spurs should not stand in the way of an exit.