Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, remains convinced that his side can clinch victories in all five of their remaining Premier League fixtures and thereby secure their top‑flight status. The confidence comes after a dramatic 2‑2 draw against Brighton, where Georginio Rutter’s 95th‑minute equaliser robbed Spurs of both their first league win of the 2026 calendar year and De Zerbi’s inaugural triumph as head coach. The late‑stage goal left Tottenham perched in the bottom three, just a single point shy of safety with five matches left to play.
Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson summed up the mood, telling Sky Sports that the draw “felt like a defeat.” Despite the bleak arithmetic, De Zerba insists the squad possesses the quality and mental fortitude required to turn the tide. In his post‑match press conference, De Zerbi praised the players’ effort, saying, “I always believe in the qualities of the players. They played a good game. I think we can play better than today, with more quality, more calm, especially when we are in ball possession.
At this moment we need spirit, attitude and the right mentality, and it’s not over yet.” He went on to acknowledge the difficulty of the schedule ahead – a trip to Chelsea, a clash with Aston Villa who are pushing for a Champions League spot, and a showdown with Leeds United – but stressed that five games equate to 15 points, a total that could comfortably lift Spurs out of the relegation zone. “The team is capable of winning five games in a row,” De Zerbi declared, adding that he does not wish to sound arrogant but merely wants to highlight the squad’s potential.
He warned against negativity, stating that any player arriving at training with a defeatist attitude would be sent home immediately. “We are lucky to work for a big club in a big stadium. We have the right qualities to win. We must stay positive and avoid the people who cry or think negatively,” he said.
The next fixture, a must‑win against Wolverhampton Wanderers – currently the league’s bottom‑placed side – will be a crucial test. De Zerbi emphasized the importance of focus, asking his players to come to training with a smile and a clear purpose. He reiterated that there is no room for “sad players or sad assistants” and that the entire group must follow his direction without hesitation. Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency, noting that “this is not the moment for small steps of progress and signs of encouragement.” He described Tottenham’s situation as desperate, requiring a transformative boost before time runs out.
Smith highlighted Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling strike, which briefly seemed to ignite a comeback, only for Rutter’s last‑minute leveller to dash those hopes. The emotional roller‑coaster left the squad visibly shaken, with several players collapsing on the pitch after the final whistle. De Zerbi, while acknowledging the disappointment, found positives in the performance.
He praised the supporters for their unwavering backing and reminded his players not to wallow in a draw that felt more like a loss. Nonetheless, the reality remains stark: Tottenham have not won any of their last five league games after taking the lead, and they have yet to secure a victory in 2026.
The inability to finish matches strongly has become a recurring theme, and the margin for error continues to shrink. Looking ahead, the Spurs face a daunting run‑in that includes an away game at Aston Villa, who are chasing a European spot, a home clash with in‑form Leeds United, and a potential showdown at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
Each of these fixtures carries the risk of further points slipping away, especially as rivals such as Nottingham Forest and West Ham still have games to play that could widen the gap to safety. De Zerbi’s early tenure has seen some improvements – he has spoken about the existing quality within the squad – but deeper, systemic issues persist. The manager now faces the monumental task of reshaping the team’s mindset and performance levels in a very short window.
The pressure is amplified by the knowledge that a single slip could seal Tottenham’s fate, while a string of wins could restore confidence and secure their Premier League future. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi refuses to accept defeat and believes his Tottenham side can muster five consecutive victories to climb out of the relegation zone. He demands positivity, focus, and unwavering commitment from his players, warning that any hint of negativity will not be tolerated.
With a crucial match against Wolves looming and a challenging schedule ahead, the next few weeks will determine whether Spurs can defy the odds and preserve their status in England’s top division.