While Tottenham remain winless this season, research suggests they may be missing one crucial referee element for the stars to finally align.
The last two seasons in the Premier League have been dreadful for Tottenham Hotspur, who managed consecutive 17th-place finishes.
The 2025-26 campaign was one of the lowest points for Spurs, with the Lilywhites engulfed in a relegation battle that went down to the final day of the season before their blushes were spared thanks to a matchday 38 1-0 win over Everton.
But this season has not been any better, and so far it has been worse than the last two campaigns, as Tottenham find themselves at the bottom of the Premier League table after five games.
Tottenham’s record in the Premier League with referees revealed
Interestingly, there have not been any controversies on the pitch for Tottenham when it comes to refereeing decisions, leaving Spurs’ poor start largely as their own doing.
However, that has not always been the case for the Lilywhites, who have been on the wrong end of several horrendous refereeing and VAR calls.
Last season’s north London derby will easily come to mind when Kolo Muani’s equaliser was ruled out because of a push on Gabriel, while a similar incident involving Cristian Romero and Hugo Ekitike was allowed earlier in the campaign.
Add to that Spurs’ poor luck when it comes to penalties, as one would have to go all the way back to 2025 for the last time an official awarded the Lilywhites a spot-kick.
Research conducted by SeatPick has now revealed Tottenham’s most favourable referee in the last three seasons based on win rate.
According to their analysis, John Brooks stands as the best referee for the Lilywhites, with Spurs winning four of the games he has taken charge of, drawing three and losing just one.
In close second is Jarred Gillett, who has refereed Tottenham more than anyone else – 12 times – with Spurs winning six of those matches.
Funnily enough, John Brooks has not taken charge of any Spurs game this season, which might explain the Lilywhites’ winless run.
Here is Tottenham Hotspur’s record with referees who have taken charge of five or more of their games, ranked best first:
| Club rank | Referee | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Brooks | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 50.0% |
| 2 | Jarred Gillett | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 50.0% |
| 3 | Andy Madley | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 42.9% |
| 4 | Peter Bankes | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 42.9% |
| 5 | Anthony Taylor | 7 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 42.9% |
| 6 | Sam Barrott | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 40.0% |
| 7 | Darren England | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 40.0% |
| 8 | Simon Hooper | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 37.5% |
| 9 | Chris Kavanagh | 9 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 33.3% |
| 10 | Michael Oliver | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 30.0% |
| 11 | Stuart Attwell | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 20.0% |
| 12 | Robert Jones | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 9.1% |
John Brooks’ record is level with Jarred Gillett’s on win rate but ahead on points per game. Ironically, it was Brooks who showed Xavi Simons a red card against Liverpool last season.
Spurs must focus beyond refereeing decisions
Brooks was on VAR duty for Spurs’ recent outing against Aston Villa, but that did little to help Tottenham’s chances as they suffered another defeat.
While the decisions of match officials can influence a game, Tottenham must do their best not to dwell on things they cannot control.
Spurs cannot choose the referee who takes charge of their matches, but they can put in the work on the pitch to secure victories.
So far in the Premier League this season, that has been lacking for the Lilywhites, and it is something that must improve if Tottenham are to leave the foot of the table when football returns.
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