Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, remains convinced that his side can win each of the five fixtures that remain on their schedule and thereby safeguard their place in the Premier League. The latest match – a dramatic 2‑2 draw against Brighton at home – saw Georginio Rutter equalise in the 95th minute, snatching a point but also denying Spurs their first league victory of the 2026 calendar year and the first win for De Zerbi in charge. The stoppage‑time drama left the North London club still perched in the bottom three, just a single point shy of safety with five games to go. Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking to Sky Sports, described the result as feeling "like a defeat" because it failed to deliver the crucial three points the team desperately needs.
Despite the grim arithmetic and a daunting run‑in that includes trips to Chelsea and a showdown with Aston Villa – a side currently pushing for a Champions League berth – De Zerbi insists that his players possess the quality and mental fortitude to string together a sequence of five victories. In his post‑match press conference he 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 stress the importance of the remaining fixtures: "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.
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." The next match, a must‑win against Wolves at Molineux, will be a critical test. De Zerbi made it clear that any player arriving at training with a negative mindset will not be tolerated: "If they come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately.
I have no time to see the negative people, to see the sad players or sad assistants. No." He added, "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, stating that this is not a moment for incremental progress but for a transformative boost. He highlighted Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling strike, which seemed to ignite the crowd and could have been the turning point, only for Rutter’s last‑gasp equaliser to crush that optimism.
"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, of course, point to positives: the team’s resilience, the passionate support of the fans, and flashes of individual brilliance.
Yet the reality remains stark – Tottenham have not won any of their last five league games after taking the lead, and they have yet to taste victory this year. The draw against Brighton gave them a point, but it also meant one fewer game in which they can secure the three points needed to climb out of the relegation zone.
Looking ahead, the schedule grows more challenging. After Wolves, Spurs face an away game at Aston Villa, who are chasing a top‑four finish, then host a in‑form Leeds United side, before confronting Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – a potential nightmare given the rivalry and Chelsea’s own ambitions.
Meanwhile, rivals such as Nottingham Forest and West Ham still have games to play, meaning the gap to safety could widen before Tottenham even step onto the Molineux turf. De Zerbi acknowledges that while there is talent within the squad, deep‑seated issues have plagued the team for months. He believes that the upcoming fixtures present a narrow window to reverse fortunes, but it will require a collective shift in attitude, disciplined execution, and perhaps a touch of luck. "We have to be stronger and focused just on the Wolverhampton game," he said, underscoring the need for a single‑goal mindset.
In summary, Roberto De Zerbi’s message to his players and the Tottenham faithful is unequivocal: the next five matches are a make‑or‑break stretch, and he trusts his side has the capability to win them all. The club’s Premier League status hangs in the balance, and only a perfect run of form, combined with unwavering positivity and tactical sharpness, will keep the North London giants from joining the relegated clubs at the season’s end.