Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, remains convinced that his side can rally and claim victory in each of their remaining five Premier League fixtures, thereby safeguarding their top‑flight status. The latest match, a home draw against Brighton that ended 2-2 after a dramatic stoppage‑time equaliser from Georginio Rutter, left Spurs still entrenched in the bottom three and only a single point away from safety with five games to go.
The late leveller, scored in the 95th minute, not only denied Tottenham a first league win of the 2026 calendar year but also postponed De Zerbi’s inaugural triumph as head coach. Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson summed up the feeling on Sky Sports, describing the outcome as "feeling like a defeat" despite the point on the board.
Nevertheless, the Italian manager refused to let the disappointment dictate the narrative for the remainder of the season. In his post‑match press conference, De Zerbi emphasized his belief in the squad’s inherent qualities. "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 said. He went on to acknowledge the difficulty of the schedule ahead, which includes challenging away trips to Chelsea and Aston Villa, the latter currently pushing for a Champions League place. Yet he maintained an optimistic outlook, 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 temper 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," he added. The manager’s message was clear: Tottenham must harness their collective resolve, maintain a positive mindset, and avoid the pitfalls of negativity that can erode morale.
The next fixture, a must‑win encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, is set to be a litmus test for De Zerby’s philosophy. Wolves sit at the very bottom of the table, and a victory would not only provide three crucial points but also restore belief among the players and supporters. De Zerbi warned against any defeatist attitude, stating that anyone who arrives at training with a negative mindset 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 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," he declared. He 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," De Zerbi said. Sky Sports analyst Peter Smith echoed the urgency of the situation, noting that small incremental progress will not suffice. "This is not the moment for small steps of progress and signs of encouragement.
Tottenham are desperate for a huge, transformative boost. And time is running out," he remarked.
Smith pointed to Xavi Simons’ spectacular curling strike earlier in the Brighton match as a potential turning point, but lamented that Rutter’s last‑minute equaliser quickly erased that momentum. The emotional roller‑coaster left Spurs players visibly dejected on the pitch, underscoring the psychological challenge that lies ahead.
De Zerbi can certainly find positives in the performance – the team showed resilience, created several clear‑cut chances, and displayed moments of technical brilliance. He also praised the fans for their unwavering support at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, the reality remains stark: Spurs have now lost five consecutive Premier League games in which they have taken the lead, and they have yet to secure a win in the 2026 season.
The inability to finish off matches has become a defining issue that the manager must address promptly. Looking forward, the remaining schedule is unforgiving. After Wolves, Tottenham will travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa, a side currently fighting for a European spot and known for its attacking prowess. They will then host Leeds United, who have been in good form and will be eager to capitalize on Spurs’ vulnerability.
Finally, a showdown with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge looms, pitting Tottenham against their London rivals in a potential relegation‑battle showdown. The gap to safety could widen further if Spurs fail to secure points against Wolves, while rivals such as Nottingham Forest and West Ham United continue to pick up results. De Zerbi’s early tenure has seen some improvements in the squad’s structure and tactical discipline, but deep‑seated issues—particularly a lack of cutting edge in the final third and defensive frailties—remain.
Overcoming these deficiencies in a short time frame is a monumental task, yet the manager insists that the team possesses the talent required to turn the tide. In summary, Roberto De Zerbi’s message to his players and the Tottenham faithful is one of cautious optimism blended with a demand for discipline and positivity. He believes that, despite the odds, five consecutive victories are within reach if the squad embraces the right attitude, executes their game plan with composure, and leaves any negativity at the locker room door.
The next five weeks will be a decisive period for Tottenham Hotspur, as they fight to preserve their Premier League status and avoid the disappointment of relegation.