Tottenham's struggles were evident in Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge, with the team's performance against Sunderland doing little to alleviate concerns about their ability to climb out of the bottom three. The appointment of De Zerbi, one of the highest-paid head coaches in the division, was a high-risk move, especially considering the team's already disastrous campaign.
Despite the change in management, the same problems persist, with Tottenham lacking a distinct style of play. De Zerbi's philosophy and approach, which were successful at Brighton, may not be suitable for the current squad. The team's 14-match winless run in the Premier League is their worst since 1935, and their chances of relegation have increased to 49.5 percent, according to Opta. De Zerbi's tactics, which focused on character, spirit, and courage, were not effectively implemented, and the team struggled to dominate the ball.
The absence of fit creators and the decision to leave Xavi Simons on the bench have raised questions about De Zerbi's approach. With a difficult six-game stretch ahead, Tottenham must make the right decisions to avoid relegation. The team's new manager has two weeks to prepare for the visit of Brighton, and he must find a way to improve the team's performance and earn a much-needed win. Tottenham's inability to respond to setbacks has been a major issue, and they must learn to draw from the fear of relegation to drive their performances.
With no time for sentiment, De Zerbi must get his team to perform with the strength of character required to survive in the Premier League.