Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi remains convinced that his side can triumph in each of their remaining five Premier League fixtures and thereby preserve their top‑flight status. The confidence comes after a dramatic 2‑2 draw at home to Brighton, where Georginio Rutter’s 95th‑minute equaliser snatched a point from Spurs and denied De Zerbi his first league victory of the 2026 calendar year.
The late leveller left the Tottenham faithful feeling the sting of a defeat, even though the scoreboard technically showed a draw. Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson summed up the sentiment on Sky Sports, describing the outcome as "feeling like a loss". The point left Spurs one spot above the relegation zone with five matches remaining, a precarious position that includes daunting trips to Chelsea and a visiting Aston Villa side that is pushing for a Champions League place. Despite the difficulty of the schedule, De Zerbi told reporters after the Brighton game that he believes his squad possesses the quality, composure and mental strength required to win five games in a row.
"I always have faith in the abilities of the players," he said. "They showed a good performance today, but I know we can be even better – more refined, calmer, especially when we have the ball.
At this moment we need the right spirit, the right attitude, the right mentality, and the season is not over yet." He went on to emphasize the mathematics of the situation: "We have five games left – that’s 15 points – and I truly think this team can collect all of them. It may sound bold, but when you watch the players and assess their level, I see a side capable of stringing together five consecutive victories. Not out of arrogance – I’m not arrogant – but because we have enough talent to fight and win game after game." The next challenge is an away match at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a club already teetering near the bottom of the table. De Zerbi made it clear that any negative attitude will not be tolerated: "If anyone shows up to training with the wrong mindset, they will go home immediately.
We need positivity, focus, and smiles on Monday afternoon. I have no patience for pessimism, for sad players or assistants." He added, "We are fortunate to be part of a big club with a great stadium and the prestige of the Premier League.
We have the qualities to win, so we must stay positive and avoid the people who constantly complain or think negatively." Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, stating that Tottenham cannot afford incremental progress or small signs of hope. "What they need is a massive, transformative lift, and time is running out," Smith warned. He highlighted Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling strike, which had seemed to ignite a turning point for the team, only to have Rutter’s last‑minute equaliser crush that momentum.
The emotional roller‑coaster left the players on the ground, both physically and mentally, and raised doubts about whether Spurs could still salvage their season. De Zerbi, however, found a few positives to highlight from his first home game: the supporters’ vocal backing, the flashes of individual skill, and the resilience shown after falling behind.
He cautioned his players against dwelling on the draw, reminding them that a single point, while better than nothing, does not dramatically alter their precarious standing. The team has now failed to win any of their last five league matches when they have taken the lead, and they have yet to secure a victory in 2026. Looking ahead, the Spurs must confront a gauntlet that includes an away clash with Aston Villa, who are chasing a European berth, a home fixture against an in‑form Leeds United side, and a potential showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. All of these fixtures carry the risk of further widening the gap to safety.
Meanwhile, rivals such as Nottingham Forest and West Ham still have games to play, meaning Tottenham could find themselves deeper in the relegation mire before they even set foot at Molineux. De Zerbi has introduced several improvements since taking over, and he continues to speak of the talent within the squad. Yet, he acknowledges that deep‑seated issues have plagued the team for years, and correcting those flaws in time to secure Premier League survival will be a monumental task. The manager’s challenge now is to translate belief into results, to keep the squad united, and to ensure that every player arrives at training with the required optimism and determination.
In summary, Roberto De Zerbi’s message to his players and the Tottenham faithful is clear: the season is not over, and five games remain to turn the tide. With 15 points still up for grabs, the manager insists that his side has the capability to win each of those matches. The coming weeks will test the team’s resolve, mental fortitude, and ability to execute under pressure. If Spurs can harness the positivity De Zerbi demands and avoid the pitfalls of negativity, they stand a chance of clawing back to safety and preserving their Premier League status for another year.