LONDON — Tottenham is running out of time to save itself from the almost unthinkable nightmare of Premier League relegation, with interim boss Igor Tudor's future in doubt just weeks after taking charge.

Spurs, who have been in the English top flight for nearly half a century, collapsed to a 3-0 defeat against relegation rival Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday.

Before the match, fans had gathered on the streets of north London in their thousands to show their support for the beleaguered team in scenes more reminiscent of a trophy parade.

There was also a fizzing atmosphere inside the club's gleaming stadium, as Spurs dominated for large periods of the first half.

But Igor Jesus put the visitor ahead on the cusp of halftime and Tottenham unraveled after the break, conceding twice more as the stands rapidly emptied.

The defeat stretched Tottenham's winless Premier League run to 13 games, leaving it 17th in the table, just one point and one place above West Ham, who is in the drop zone.

Tottenham is the ninth-wealthiest club in the world, according to Deloitte's latest rankings, underlining the extraordinary nature of its current predicament.

Sunday's miserable result piled the pressure on former Juventus boss Tudor, who has lost five of his seven matches in charge in all competitions since replacing Thomas Frank.

Club bosses now have a huge decision to make during the international break. Do they stick or twist as they seek to avoid an embarrassing and shocking first relegation since 1977?

Tottenham has taken just 30 points from 31 Premier League games this season. Accounting for the modern tally of three points for a win, it is its joint-lowest return at this stage of a league campaign, alongside the 1914-15 season.

It is a bleak situation for a club that celebrated Europa League glory last season under Ange Postecoglou, who was nevertheless shown the door after his team finished 17th in the Premier League.

Tudor was unavailable for post-match media duties on Sunday after being informed of a family bereavement, with that unenviable task falling to his assistant, Bruno Saltor.

Much-traveled former Croatia international Tudor was parachuted in last month with a brief to save Tottenham's season, but he has been powerless to stop its slide.

A bullish Saltor said he was "one hundred percent" confident Spurs could survive, pointing to the recent 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a midweek win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, despite an aggregate loss.

"Right now, every small detail is going against us," he said. "It's about turning that around, and that's what gives me confidence."

'Toxic' environment

But ex-Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy said it was "impossible" for Tudor to stay and believes the club, considered a member of the Premier League's "Big Six", will take the plunge.

"I think it's really difficult for the players to play in an environment that's so deflated and toxic," he told the BBC.

"The only way you can change that is either winning games, which they're not doing, or change a manager — which is what the fans want.

"If they keep him in charge, it's five league games without a win. A new guy comes in, gets one win, all of sudden, it can turn quickly. I think it's a risk worth taking and I think they'll take it."

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson said the creditable 1-1 draw against Liverpool "papered over the cracks".

"It was the worst result they could have, because a point was no good and it kept him in a job," he said.

Tottenham's only crumb of comfort on Sunday was a defeat for West Ham at Aston Villa, but it cannot rely on gifts from the Hammers, who have shown positive signs in recent weeks.

Spurs are not in action again until April 12, when they face a tricky trip to Sunderland.

Before then the hierarchy has a decision to make that could decide the club's immediate future.

English newspaper The Telegraph reported Monday that the club is already in private talks with former Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi to take over at the end of the season. He is viewed as a front-runner for the job alongside the club's popular former manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Crucially, though, De Zerbi is said to be open to the position, but that stance would likely change if Spurs are relegated.

Condolences

Tottenham on Monday offered its "thoughts and condolences" to Tudor following the death of his father.

"Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Igor Tudor's father Mario," a club statement on Monday said.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to Igor and his family during this incredibly difficult time."

Juventus also issued a statement expressing sympathy for its former player and manager.

"Juventus stands with Igor Tudor and his family at this difficult time," the club said on X.

"Juventus joins in mourning the passing of his father."