Why Spurs did lap of honour ahead of final home game against Man City

The reasons why Tottenham Hotspur did a lap of honour before their final game of the season have been revealed.

As is customary in most football competitions, players of Premier League clubs perform a lap of honour following their final home game of the season in order to thank supporters for their loyal support.

Tottenham's stars were joined on the pitch by their families to thank the fans following their 2-1 win against Burnley on Saturday, but the timing was a little confusing.

That's because Sunday's match wasn't their final home outing of the 2023-23 campaign, as on Tuesday Ange Postecoglou's side will take on Manchester City.

It wasn't immediately obvious why that was the case, prompting conspiracy theories from Arsenal fans that their arch-rivals had 'mentally' finished their season and might roll over for City on Tuesday.

Arsenal need Tottenham to take points off Pep Guardiola's side if they are to have any hope of winning the Premier League title.

However, Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir has now revealed the reasons why Spurs did their lap of honour before their final home match, pouring water on any conspiracy theories.

The journalist posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Sorry to shatter the myth, but Spurs did the end-of-season lap of honour yesterday because: a) that was originally the last home game, b) at 5pm on a Saturday fans can stay behind and not have to rush for last trains on a work night, c) players’ kids can be there unlike 10pm Tuesday."

Tottenham vs City was meant to take place on April 20, but it was rescheduled due to City's participation in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Arsenal fan theory doesn't take into account that Tottenham must beat City to keep alive their slim hope of pipping Aston Villa to fourth place and a spot in the Champions League next season.

Spurs are currently fifth in the table, four points behind Villa with two games left to play.

At the tops of the table, City will travel to North London on Tuesday before finishing their campaign at home to West Ham on May 19.