SOCCER: Escape route opens for Tottenham, but De Zerbi says more to doSOCC

BIRMINGHAM — Tottenham Hotspur have secured back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since last August, a timely boost in their fight to avoid relegation. However, manager Roberto De Zerbi warned that the battle is far from over despite the recent turnaround.

Spurs delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, defeating fifth-placed Aston Villa 2-1 in a match that felt more one-sided than the final scoreline suggested. Conor Gallagher and Richarlison struck within the first 25 minutes, capitalizing on Tottenham’s early control and setting the tone for a confident display throughout.

The win lifted Tottenham above West Ham United into 17th place, with three matches remaining in the season.

Since taking over from interim manager Igor Tudor, De Zerbi has guided the team to seven points from four matches. That run includes a crucial 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which ended a 15-game winless streak in the league—a spell that had left the club in danger of a first relegation since 1977.

Tottenham now sit just one point clear of West Ham, with remaining fixtures against Leeds United and Everton at home, and a difficult away trip to Chelsea still ahead.

“We cannot forget where we were before the win over Wolverhampton,” De Zerbi said. “The season is not finished, and we cannot be satisfied just because of two victories.”

“We must continue with the same mentality. I don’t want to hear too much positivity right now. The focus has to remain on the next match. The pressure must stay.”

The Italian coach, who lost his first match in charge to Sunderland and drew 2-2 with Brighton after conceding late in his second game, has nevertheless helped rebuild belief within a squad that has struggled with form and injuries.

Several players impressed in the win over Aston Villa, including Randal Kolo Muani, who produced one of his strongest performances for the club, while Gallagher marked the occasion with his first goal for Tottenham.

“If I talk about Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Palhinha, and the rest of the squad, it’s because I truly believe in them,” De Zerbi added. “I’m not here to say things I don’t believe.”

“I’m fortunate to work with quality players and good people. My role is to help them gain confidence, to believe in themselves, and to be stronger than defeats, stronger than the league table, and stronger than outside opinions about this team.”

“They must show passion, value, humility, and pride.”

Tottenham now head into the final stretch of the season with survival still not guaranteed, despite their recent resurgence. -Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters