Tottenham's major concerns were highlighted by Roberto De Zerbi in his first game as manager. The team's performance in their loss to Sunderland did little to inspire confidence in their ability to climb out of the relegation zone.
Appointing De Zerbi as one of the highest-paid coaches in the division was a high-risk move, especially given the team's already disastrous season. Despite the change in management, the same issues persist for Tottenham.
The team lacks a distinct playing style, which was part of De Zerbi's appeal, given his experience and philosophical approach to the game. However, the current squad seems incapable of implementing De Zerbi's plans, as evident in their loss to Sunderland. The team's chances of relegation have increased to 49.5%, according to Opta, after Leeds beat Manchester United. Tottenham's 14-match winless streak in the Premier League is their worst since 1935, making them strong contenders for relegation.
De Zerbi's first press conference emphasized the need for character, spirit, and courage, but the team fell short in these aspects during the game. The manager's tactical setup, although theoretically sound, was poorly executed, with the team struggling to dominate the ball and losing the battle in central areas. Sunderland's midfield trio outperformed Tottenham's, with Granit Xhaka controlling the tempo and generating the most passes into the final third.
Tottenham's attacking contingent was unimpressive, with full-back Pedro Porro being the best hope for an open-play threat. De Zerbi's decision to leave Xavi Simons on the bench until the end of the game has been questioned, given the team's need for creative players. The upcoming six-game stretch will be crucial in determining Tottenham's fate, and De Zerbi will have to make the right decisions to ensure the team's survival. The new manager will have had two weeks to familiarize himself with the squad by the time Brighton visits the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Basics such as respecting the opponent and starting on the front foot will be essential in the upcoming games. Tottenham must find a way to win, drawing from their fear of relegation and overcoming their fragility in the face of setbacks. With no time for sentiment, De Zerbi must get the team performing with the strength of character to prove their worth.