Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is adamant that his side still has the capacity to win each of their remaining five Premier League fixtures and thereby guarantee their top‑flight status. After a dramatic 2-2 home draw with Brighton, which saw Georginio Rutter equalise in the 95th minute and deny Spurs a first league victory of the 2026 calendar year, the Italian coach addressed the media with a clear message of belief and urgency. The Brighton match was a painful reminder of how thin the margins can be at the bottom of the table. Ex‑Spurs defender Michael Dawson described the outcome to Sky Sports as feeling "like a defeat," and the result left Tottenham a single point adrift of safety with only five games left to play.
Yet, despite the daunting schedule that includes trips to Chelsea and a showdown with Aston Villa, who are currently chasing a Champions League berth, De Zerborated that a five‑game winning streak is within reach if the players summon the right attitude. During his post‑match press conference, De Zerbi praised the squad's qualities, noting that they displayed a solid performance despite the disappointment. "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," he said. He added that the team needed to maintain a fighting spirit and a positive mindset: "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 stress that confidence should not be confused with arrogance. "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 explained.
He emphasized that the players must stay focused on the immediate challenge – a must‑win encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers, who sit at the very bottom of the table. The manager warned that any player who arrives at training with a negative attitude will be sent home immediately.
"They have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me. I'm proud of their performance – they have to be stronger and to be 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 to see the negative people, to see the sad players or sad assistants.
No." The Spurs faithful have been treated to moments of brilliance this season, most notably Xavi Simons' curling strike that seemed to spark a turning point in the Brighton match. However, the last‑gasp leveller from Rutter quickly erased that optimism, leaving the team and its supporters reeling.
Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith summed up the situation, stating that this is not a time for "small steps of progress and signs of encouragement" but rather a period that demands a "huge, transformative boost". Statistically, Tottenham have struggled to close out games.
They have failed to win any of their last five Premier League matches when they have taken the lead, and they have not recorded a win in the current year. This pattern underscores a deeper issue within the squad: a difficulty in converting chances into decisive results.
De Zerbi acknowledged these shortcomings while also highlighting the underlying talent present in the team. He believes that with the right mental approach, the players can overcome the psychological barrier that has kept them from finishing matches strongly. Looking ahead, the run‑in is unforgiving.
After Wolves, Spurs will travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, a side that is pushing for a top‑four finish and possesses a potent attack. Then comes a home game against Leeds United, who have shown good form and will be eager to capitalize on Tottenham's vulnerability. The final two fixtures include a showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – a potential nightmare given the rivalry – and a concluding match that could be decisive for survival. De Zerbi's tactical adjustments have already begun to show signs of improvement.
He has introduced a more disciplined defensive shape and encouraged quicker transitions to exploit the pace of his attacking players. Yet, the manager also warned that the club's problems are deep‑rooted, stemming from years of inconsistent recruitment and a lack of clear identity on the pitch. Overcoming these systemic issues in a short timeframe is a monumental task, but the manager believes that the combination of experience, youth, and a renewed sense of purpose can tip the balance.
In the broader context of the Premier League, Tottenham's situation illustrates how quickly fortunes can change. A single point can separate safety from the drop zone, and a single goal can determine whether a season ends in triumph or disappointment.
The club's large fanbase, historic stature, and financial resources add pressure to deliver results quickly. De Zerbi's message to his players is unequivocal: stay positive, work hard, and maintain belief.
"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 concluded. As the final weeks of the campaign approach, every training session, every tactical briefing, and every minute on the pitch will be scrutinized. The Spurs faithful will be hoping that the manager's confidence translates into five consecutive victories, a feat that would not only secure their Premier League status but also restore a sense of pride to a club that has been struggling to find its footing.
If De Zerbi's optimism proves justified, Tottenham could turn a season that has been defined by disappointment into a dramatic, last‑minute resurgence that will be remembered for years to come.