Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, remains convinced that his side can secure victories in all five of their remaining Premier League fixtures and thereby guarantee their top‑flight status. The confidence comes after a dramatic 2‑2 home draw with Brighton, a match that saw Georginio Rutter equalise in the 95th minute, denying Spurs a much‑needed win and leaving them still entrenched in the bottom three. The late equaliser was described by former Spurs defender Michael Dawson as feeling "like a defeat" despite the official result being a draw. The point left Tottenham just one place above the relegation zone with five games left on the calendar, a situation that many pundits have labelled a crisis.
Yet De Zerbi, who is still finding his footing in English football, insists that his squad possesses the quality and mental strength required to string together five consecutive wins and secure safety. Speaking at the post‑match press conference, De Zerbi highlighted the attributes he sees in his players: "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, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude, this mentality, and it's not finished yet." He went on to stress the importance of the remaining fixtures, noting that the team still has "15 points" up for grabs and that, in his view, "this team is able to win five games in a row." The manager was careful to balance optimism with humility.
"Not to be arrogant, because I'm not arrogant, especially now, but we have enough qualities to fight and to win games in a row," he said, underscoring his belief that the squad can rise to the occasion without slipping into complacency. Tottenham’s next challenge is an away match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a club that is also fighting to avoid the drop. De Zerbi made it clear that any negativity will be dealt with swiftly: players who arrive at training with the wrong mindset will "go home immediately." He demanded full concentration and a positive attitude, stating, "They have to follow me, they have to listen to me.
I'm proud of their performance – they have to be stronger and focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately. I have no time for negative people, sad players or sad assistants." The manager also reminded his squad of the privileges that come with representing a club of Tottenham’s stature: a large stadium, a global fan base, and the platform of the Premier League. "We are lucky because we are working in a big club, a big stadium, we are working in the Premier League.
We have the right qualities to win the game, so we have to be positive, because I don't like the people who cry, who think in a negative way," he added. Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, warning that this is not the time for "small steps of progress and signs of encouragement." He described Tottenham’s need for a "huge, transformative boost" and noted that the recent draw, while technically a point, felt more like a loss to the players and supporters. Smith highlighted Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling goal as a potential turning point that was ultimately nullified by Rutter’s last‑gasp leveller, leaving Spurs with a morale‑crushing defeat.
De Zerbi can, of course, point to positives from his first home game – the passion of the fans, moments of individual brilliance, and the evident work ethic on display. Yet the reality remains stark: Tottenham have not won any of their last five Premier League games after taking the lead, and they have yet to register a victory in the 2026 calendar year.
This pattern of failing to close out matches has become a hallmark of their current struggles. Looking ahead, the run‑in includes a daunting away trip to Aston Villa, who are chasing a Champions League place, a home clash with a revitalised Leeds United, and a potentially decisive encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Each of these fixtures presents its own set of challenges, and the pressure on De Zerbi to extract maximum performance from his squad is immense. The stakes are further heightened by the fact that other teams around the table are still fighting for survival.
Nottingham Forest have two games to play before Tottenham’s Wolves match, while West Ham are set to feature on Monday Night Football. Any slip‑up by Spurs could see the gap to safety widen, making the task of securing five straight wins even more daunting. Despite the grim statistics, De Zerbi believes the underlying quality within the squad can be unlocked. He emphasises that the team must shed the entrenched issues that have plagued them for months – a lack of composure in front of goal, defensive frailties, and a tendency to lose focus when leading.
By addressing these problems quickly, he hopes to spark a late‑season revival that could see Tottenham retain their Premier League status. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi is urging his players to adopt a "win‑or‑nothing" mentality, to banish negativity from the training ground, and to harness the club’s resources and fan support to mount a final push. With five games left, 15 points on offer, and a series of tough opponents ahead, the challenge is formidable, but the manager’s belief in his squad’s capacity to deliver five consecutive victories remains unshaken.