Tottenham's major issues were apparent from the start of Roberto De Zerbi's tenure. Their performance against Sunderland did little to instill confidence in their ability to escape the bottom three. De Zerbi's appointment, despite being a high-risk move, was seen as a necessary gamble given the team's dire situation. However, the same problems persist, and it's clear that the team lacks a defined style of play.
De Zerbi's philosophy and approach, which were successful at Brighton, may not be suited to the current Spurs squad. The team's inability to execute De Zerbi's plans was evident in the defeat to Sunderland, where Nordi Mukiele's goal was the decisive factor. Tottenham's chances of relegation have increased significantly, with Opta now putting their chances at 49.5%.
The team's 14-match winless run in the Premier League is their worst since 1935, and they are increasingly likely to be relegated. De Zerbi's tactics, which focused on character and spirit, were not effective, and the team lacked energy and courage. The midfield trio of Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra outperformed their Tottenham counterparts, and Sunderland's goalkeeper Robin Roefs played more final-third passes than all three of Tottenham's midfielders.
De Zerbi's decision to leave Xavi Simons on the bench has been questioned, and the team's lack of fit creators is a major concern. The upcoming six-game stretch will be crucial in determining Tottenham's fate, and De Zerbi must make the right decisions to ensure the team's survival.
The basics of the game must be respected, and the team must start on the front foot to overcome their current crisis. With the visit of Brighton to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looming, De Zerbi has two weeks to get to grips with his squad and make the necessary improvements. The team must find a way to win and draw on their fear of relegation to perform with greater effectiveness, especially in moments of adversity.