Only the Championship’s rock-bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points (four) than Spurs (six) across English football’s top four tiers in 2026.
De Zerbi has been clear that his immediate attention is on restoring confidence in a group of players who have now failed to win each of their last five Premier League games in which they have led.
There were signs of encouragement for the former Seagulls boss in that regard, as his players demonstrated the fight they must show over their remaining games in going toe-to-toe with the league’s form team.
There was cause for optimism on the team sheet, too, as long-term absentees Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison were fit enough to start and make the bench respectively.
De Zerbi also praised the fans, whom he will hope can recreate the same atmosphere in the club’s final home fixtures against Leeds and Everton.
“We have to say thanks to our fans. They were fantastic, they helped the players a lot before, during and at the end of the game,” said De Zerbi.
“The players have to feel lucky because it’s not normal that a stadium is like this if you are fighting relegation.”
And while De Zerbi has put emphasis on being a “father-figure” to his players at this time, rather than overloading them with tactical information, there are already signs that the team is beginning to mould to his high press style.
Both of Tottenham’s came from high turnovers on Saturday, which is double the amount they have scored from all season previously.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Joe Hart said: “The way Spurs pressed was really impressive and it’s not something we’ve seen from them this season.
“It was a relentless press. The whole stadium was rocking as well.”
Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports, said: “They have to take the positives. This will feel like a loss, it was a chance to turn their fortunes around.
“That is something they will have to deal with. I saw the hunger, desire and commitment. De Zerbi was passionate on the touchline.
“I saw something in that game – it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block.”
