Tottenham's major concerns were laid bare by Roberto De Zerbi in his debut match as manager. Their loss to Sunderland did little to alleviate fears that the team may struggle to climb out of the relegation zone. The appointment of De Zerbi, one of the highest-paid coaches in the league, is a high-risk move, especially given the team's calamitous season. Despite the change in management, the same issues persist, and the team lacks a distinct playing style.
De Zerbi's philosophy and approach, which led to success at Brighton, may not be compatible with the current Spurs squad. The team's performance against Sunderland highlighted the difficulties in implementing De Zerbi's plans, with Nordi Mukiele's deflected effort being the decisive factor.
Tottenham's relegation odds have skyrocketed to 49.5%, with only one point from a possible 24, making their situation increasingly dire. The team's 14-match winless run in the Premier League is their worst since 1935, and they are now strong contenders for relegation. De Zerbi's tactics, which focused on character and spirit, were not effectively implemented, and the team struggled to dominate the ball.
The opposition, Sunderland, outperformed Tottenham in various aspects, including tackles, duels, and interceptions. De Zerbi faces significant challenges, including a lack of fit creators and questionable decision-making, such as leaving Xavi Simons on the bench. The upcoming six-game stretch will be crucial, and De Zerbi must make the right decisions to turn the team's fortunes around.
The absence of captain Cristian Romero due to injury will further complicate matters. With two weeks to prepare for the next match against Brighton, De Zerbi must find a way to improve the team's performance and start winning. The basics of the game must be respected, and the team must start on the front foot to overcome their crisis. Tottenham's winless streak in the Premier League after going behind is alarming, and they must find a way to win, even when faced with adversity.
The team's fragility is evident, but De Zerbi must draw on the fear of relegation to inspire his players and get them performing with the strength of character needed to survive.