Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, remains convinced that his team can rally and win each of their remaining five Premier League fixtures, thereby preserving their top‑flight status. The optimism comes after a dramatic 2‑2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, a match that saw Georginio Rutter net a 95th‑minute equaliser and left Spurs still stuck in the relegation zone. Despite the disappointment, De Zerbi stressed that the squad possesses the quality, composure and fighting spirit needed to turn the tide. The Brighton encounter was a heart‑breaker for Tottenham.
After falling behind, the Spurs side managed to claw back to level terms, only for Rutter’s late strike to snatch a point at the death. Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson described the result as feeling “like a defeat,” and the point left Tottenham just one place above the drop zone with five games remaining.
The fixture list ahead is daunting: a trip to Chelsea, an away clash with Aston Villa, who are pushing for a Champions League spot, and other tough matches against teams fighting for European places. In his post‑match press conference, De Zerbi said, “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 emphasize the importance of the remaining 15 points, stating, “We have another five games – it’s tough, every one of us knows it’s a tough moment, it’s a difficult situation – but we have another five games, 15 points, and this team is able to win five games in a row.” De Zerbi was careful to balance confidence with humility.
“Now it’s difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. 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.” His message was clear: Tottenham must harness their existing talent and avoid slipping into negativity. The next challenge is a must‑win encounter at Molineux against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are already destined for relegation. De Zerbi warned that any player arriving at training with a defeatist mindset would be sent home immediately.
“They have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me,” he told reporters. He added, “I’m proud of their performance – they have to be stronger and focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and to come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately. I have no time for negative people, for sad players or sad assistants. No.” The manager also highlighted the advantages of working at a big club with a world‑class stadium and the resources that come with Premier League football.
“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.” Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, noting that this is not a time for incremental progress but for a transformative boost. He pointed out that Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling goal earlier in the season had seemed like a turning point, but Rutter’s last‑minute leveller against Brighton crushed that hope.
“Spurs were floored, with players laid out on the pitch. This will take some getting over. Perhaps this was it, for Spurs’ Premier League survival,” Smith wrote. De Zerbi can certainly find positives in his first home game – the crowd’s support, moments of attacking flair, and the resilience shown after conceding early.
Yet the reality remains stark: Tottenham have not won any of their last five league matches when they have taken the lead, and they have yet to secure a victory in the 2026 calendar year. The inability to close out games is a pattern that must be broken if they are to avoid the drop.
Looking ahead, the run‑in includes a trip to Villa Park to face an in‑form Aston Villa side chasing European qualification, a home match against Leeds United who have been impressive lately, and a potential showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that could prove decisive. Meanwhile, Forest and West Ham still have fixtures to play, meaning the gap between Spurs and safety could widen before they even step onto the Wolves pitch.
De Zerbi’s task is therefore two‑fold: extract the latent quality he repeatedly mentions and eradicate the deep‑rooted issues that have plagued the squad for months. He must instill belief while also demanding discipline, ensuring that the team approaches each of the final five games with the same intensity and focus required to secure three points each time.
If Tottenham can harness the confidence De Zerbi projects, maintain a positive environment, and execute a game plan that maximizes ball possession and composure, the odds of stringing together five consecutive wins become realistic. The stakes are high, the timeline is short, and the margin for error is virtually non‑existent. Yet, as the coach himself insists, the talent is there, the attitude can be shaped, and the opportunity to stay up remains within reach if the team embraces the challenge wholeheartedly. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi believes that with the right mindset, a united squad, and a refusal to succumb to negativity, Tottenham Hotspur can win their final five matches, secure the necessary points, and retain their Premier League status.
The coming weeks will test the resolve of the players, the tactical acumen of the manager, and the patience of the fans, but the belief that a five‑game winning streak is possible provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise precarious situation.