Tottenham's major concerns were laid bare by Roberto De Zerbi in his first match in charge. The team's defeat at Sunderland did little to instill confidence in their ability to climb out of the bottom three. De Zerbi's appointment as one of the highest-paid head coaches in the division is a high-risk gamble, especially given the already disastrous campaign. However, the same issues persist regardless of the manager - De Zerbi is Spurs' fourth in the last 12 months.
Tottenham lacks a distinct style of play, which may have been part of De Zerbi's appeal. The Italian coach offers a philosophy and a unique approach, as seen during his time at Brighton, but the current Spurs team is incapable of executing his plans.
Their performance at Sunderland was lackluster, with Nordi Mukiele's deflected effort being the decisive factor. The narrative has now shifted to analyzing the increasing likelihood of relegation, with their chances rising to 49.5% according to Opta.
This probability is alarming, especially considering their 14-match winless Premier League run, the worst since 1935. De Zerbi's set-up, although theoretically sound, was poorly implemented, with an imbalance in the central areas. The team's midfielders struggled to dominate the ball, and their attacking contingent was underwhelming. Full-back Pedro Porro was the only player who showed some promise in open play.
De Zerbi's decision to leave Xavi Simons on the bench until the final minutes of the game raises questions. The upcoming six-game stretch will be crucial, and decisions like these will have a significant impact. With captain Cristian Romero injured, De Zerbi will have to make the most of his squad.
Spurs must start strong and respect the basics to overcome this crisis. They have to find a way to win, drawing on their fear of relegation and showing greater resilience in the face of adversity. It is up to De Zerbi to get the team performing with the strength of character to prove their worth.