\n<\/p>\n
Only the Championship’s rock-bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points (four) than Spurs (six) across English football’s top four tiers in 2026.<\/p>\n
De Zerbi has been clear that his immediate attention is on restoring confidence in a group of players who have now failed to win each of their last five Premier League games in which they have led.<\/p>\n
There were signs of encouragement for the former Seagulls boss in that regard, as his players demonstrated the fight they must show over their remaining games in going toe-to-toe with the league’s form team.<\/p>\n
There was cause for optimism on the team sheet, too, as long-term absentees Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison were fit enough to start and make the bench respectively.<\/p>\n
De Zerbi also praised the fans, whom he will hope can recreate the same atmosphere in the club’s final home fixtures against Leeds and Everton.<\/p>\n
“We have to say thanks to our fans. They were fantastic, they helped the players a lot before, during and at the end of the game,” said De Zerbi.<\/p>\n
“The players have to feel lucky because it’s not normal that a stadium is like this if you are fighting relegation.”<\/p>\n
And while De Zerbi has put emphasis on being a “father-figure” to his players at this time, rather than overloading them with tactical information, there are already signs that the team is beginning to mould to his high press style.<\/p>\n
Both of Tottenham’s came from high turnovers on Saturday, which is double the amount they have scored from all season previously.<\/p>\n
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Joe Hart said: “The way Spurs pressed was really impressive and it’s not something we’ve seen from them this season.<\/p>\n
“It was a relentless press. The whole stadium was rocking as well.”<\/p>\n
Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports, said: “They have to take the positives. This will feel like a loss, it was a chance to turn their fortunes around.<\/p>\n
“That is something they will have to deal with. I saw the hunger, desire and commitment. De Zerbi was passionate on the touchline. <\/p>\n
“I saw something in that game – it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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