Analysis: De Zerbi's side miss big chancepublished at 22:32 BST 11 May
22:32 BST 11 May
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham were presented with a chance to apply huge pressure to West Ham United in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier League after the Hammers' controversial loss at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
And when Mathys Tel put them ahead with a spectacular finish, Spurs looked on course to open up a four-point gap that would have put them close to safety.
Instead, Tel's reckless attempt at an overhead kick in his own penalty area gave away a needless penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin put away emphatically.
Spurs pressed in a frantic finale, but they were grateful to keeper Antonin Kinsky, who had saved superbly from Joe Rodon in the first half, for a stunning reaction stop to turn a shot from a disbelieving Sean Longstaff on to the bar.
It reflected great credit on the character of the young keeper, who suffered the ignominy of being taken off after only 17 minutes after two early mistakes in the Champions League last-16 game away to Atletico Madrid in March.
In the final reckoning, the keeper whose Spurs career looked in jeopardy when he was hauled of by then-head coach Igor Tudor, may have made a significant contribution to keep his side in the Premier League.
One huge positive was the return of James Maddison for his first action since a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season. He looked sharp and thought he had won a late penalty when he went down under challenge from Lukas Nmecha.
The fact it was not given only added to Spurs frustration as their relegation fears continue.
Tottenham v Leeds: Team newspublished at 19:05 BST 11 May
19:05 BST 11 May
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi keeps the same side that beat Aston Villa last time out.
Antonin Kinsky is in with Guglielmo Vicario still injured while Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur are favoured in midfield after a stellar showing last time out.
Conor Gallagher will make his 150th Premier League appearance.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel, Richarlison.
Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 08:25 BST 11 May
08:25 BST 11 May
Tottenham Hotspur, who produced one of their best displays of the season against Aston Villa to move out of the botttom three, now take on a Leeds United side that have alleviated their own relegation fears thanks to an excellent run of form. BBC Sport takes a look at the key themes ahead of Monday's match (20:00 BST).
Away form boosting Spurs' survival chances
For the first time in a long while Tottenham fans have hope. Back-to-back wins have alleviated the gloom, taken them out of the bottom three and put their relegation destiny back into their own hands.
They were excellent in victory against Aston Villa, tearing into Unai Emery's men from kick-off in a committed performance that had fans scratching their heads as to where it had been all season. Roberto De Zerbi's impact on players and fans alike has been huge and the new-found belief in his players is clear to see.
Remarkably, they go into this weekend sitting third in the away form table behind only title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City (albeit having played a game more than a few of their rivals below them).
A whopping 70.3% of their points have come on the road, the highest proportion of away points won by any team in any Premier League season. However, a figure skewed in that direction normally ends badly.
There's no secret as to why they are where they are in the league. Their abysmal record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - in which they have won only twice, accrued 11 points and scored only 20 goals in their 17 matches - tells its own story.
They have lost 10 league matches at home in successive seasons and a further defeat would see them equal the club record of 11 set in the 1991-92 season.
They do at least have the advantage of boasting an excellent recent record against Leeds. The Yorkshire side haven't won on any of their last six visits to Spurs dating back to 2001 and have only won two of their last 15 encounters in all competitions.
Leeds close to sealing safety
Not so long ago this fixture was ringed as a huge relegation six-pointer by Leeds fans. However, their superb run of form has propelled them to the verge of safety. No team has ever been relegated with 43 points in a 38-game Premier League season and they could officially be safe by Sunday evening if West Ham lose to Arsenal.
Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in their last six league matches and another game without defeat would see them become the first newly promoted side since Middlesbrough in 1998-99 to have two runs of seven or more matches without defeat in the same top-flight season, having done similar from December to early January.
Only six Premier League teams have won more points than Leeds' 32 since the start of December and only Manchester City, Manchester United and Bournemouth have lost fewer top-flight games than their four in the 22 matches within that time. Quite the turnaround after losing eight of their first 13 matches on their top-flight return.
They have been particularly impressive away from home of late going six in a row without defeat on the road, including a famous victory at Old Trafford.
Their season's tally of 47 goals scored is the same as fifth-placed Aston Villa and they have scored three or more times in an impressive eight different matches, a tally only Manchester City (12) and Brentford (nine) can surpass.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Leedspublished at 13:34 BST 10 May
13:34 BST 10 May
Leeds are all but safe now and they could be absolutely sure of staying up by the time they play this game.
That scenario would definitely suit Spurs but I am going to back Roberto de Zerbi's side here regardless.
What a performance that was by them at Aston Villa last week. People have criticised Villa but that display and result felt enormous for Tottenham.
It took them out of the bottom three and meant Spurs, at last, have got a bit of momentum after winning two league games in a row for the first time since August.
I am expecting more of the same here, so I am going to say they will make it three wins on the spin with the same scoreline that saw them win at Elland Road in October.
'I can't think of a worse scenario for a Spurs supporter'published at 10:00 BST 8 May
10:00 BST 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on who you would prefer to win in the game between West Ham and Arsenal on Sunday (16:30 BST), as a win for the Gunners against Spurs' relegation rivals would help Roberto de Zerbi's side in their fight to stay up but it would see their north London rivals move one step closer to lifting a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Here are some of your comments:
Phil: My dilemma is worse: my wife is a Hammers fan of 60 years. As a 64-year-old Spurs fan, I want them to stay up; I remember the last time we were relegated very well, and it wasn't fun - despite beating Bristol Rovers 9-0. I wish there was a way the Hammers could win, and Spurs don't get relegated, but if there's four points between us after Monday night, then I don't care who wins the title.
Ross: I've been a Spurs fan all of my 49 years, but this is the one time where it's a case of self-preservation. No matter how much it hurts to see the Arsenal win the title, I think I'd accept that, and we survive. Never, ever would I hear myself say that!! Sorry everyone.
Nick: I'd love them both to lose but never mind. A draw would suit as it pulls two points off Arsenal and puts the Hammers level on points with us but behind on goal difference. COYS.
Nigel: Spurs staying in the Premier League is far more important than what Arsenal do. I hope Arsenal do us a favour. The stability at Arsenal over the years makes fools of us. I don't care if they win a Double as long as Spurs stay up.
Rob: Any true Spurs fan will want our Premier League survival, what the other team achieves, although frustrating, isn't important.
Herman: I always want Tottenham to stay in the Premier League, even when it means Arsenal will win the league. Arsenal have to beat West Ham. If West Ham lose to Newcastle too and Spurs win against Leeds, it will already be settled before the last game. I hope Arsenal will then lose to Crystal Palace and City will win the league.
Paul: I can't think of a worse scenario for a Spurs supporter. On one hand, we need West Ham to lose, and on the other, a win for the Arsenal will move them closer to the title. A draw wouldn't be the worst result for Spurs so long as we beat Leeds on Monday, but that isn't a certainty, so I would rather West Ham lose and put up with the consequences of an Arsenal victory. Us avoiding relegation is the priority and I don't care about anything else at this point.
Gossip: De Zerbi wants to trigger Palhinha optionpublished at 08:01 BST 8 May
08:01 BST 8 May
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi wants to trigger the option Spurs have to turn Joao Palhinha's loan move from Bayern Munich into a permanent switch for £27m. (Mail - subscription required, external)
De Zerbi on Maddison's return, Palhinha's future and Leedspublished at 16:12 BST 7 May
16:12 BST 7 May
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Leeds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
De Zerbi confirmed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not yet fit to return: "I don't know what will be the plan. He's suffering because he would like to help the team and his team-mates. But, he's not available yet."
On James Maddison, who has returned to the squad in recent weeks but is still yet to feature this season after a long-term knee injury: "I am thinking about James Maddison because I am watching a top, top player. Maybe he is not ready yet to play, not as a physical condition, but for the rhythm or intensity of the game. You are playing in the Premier League - the most difficult league in the world for rhythm and intensity."
De Zerbi added that Dominic Solanke is "improving very quickly" and could return to face Chelsea: "I don't know if he can be available for this game. We hope for the next game at Stamford Bridge."
He was asked whether he would be keen to keep Joao Palhinha at the club when the midfielder's loan from Bayern Munich ends in the summer: "100%. We have to start from this type of person. We need reliable people as well as reliable players and Palhinha is one of the best. I want to see players with the same attitude, with the same passion, with the same spirit and personality. We are lucky to have Palhinha with us."
De Zerbi praised the recent performances of Conor Gallagher: "I'm happy. He came in January in a difficult situation. He had some problems at the beginning. He is an important player. I am happy to watch him in this condition. I said after the [Aston Villa] game, when Gallagher plays well, his team plays with one player more than the opponent."
On the challenge posed by Leeds: "First of all, we are playing against one of the best teams in the league, in this moment. In the past five or six games, they won against Manchester United, they drew in Bournemouth playing well, they won at home two times - Wolves and Burnley - and for that we have a big respect. We can't think in a different way. We have to keep this mentality. We must remain humble. Nothing has changed. We have to prepare for an important game."
'Hit and hope is no longer the Tottenham way'published at 08:28 BST 6 May
08:28 BST 6 May
Bardi Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Many of us had forgotten what it feels like to watch a functioning Tottenham Hotspur side.
It had become a distant memory, reserved for social media posts titled "On this day". It felt consigned to a different age. We had grown used to facing teams that were better prepared, more organised and more efficient. We had given up hope of seeing our team construct an attacking move born out of training and organisation.
Our players have tried, they have run their socks off on occasion, but without ever stopping to think, "Why am I doing this?". Our primary tactic seemed to involve endless sideways passes out to Pedro Porro. I had started to resent the Spaniard, but it was never his fault. It was the system.
That has now changed. Hit and hope is no longer the Tottenham way. Roberto de Zerbi has awoken something in this group. They are remembering who they are - good players, Europa League winners, seasoned internationals, part of a club that means something to millions.
He has taught them when to slow the game and when to accelerate it. Watch how many players now stop the ball and put their studs on it. It is controlled, deliberate. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow, like an experienced tango dancer at a milonga.
The curtains have been pulled back on our season. Suddenly, we are in control of the ball and, most importantly, our own destiny.
This does not feel like a new-manager bounce. It feels like a change in approach and values. Despite injuries in key areas, he has found a way to give this team control.
He has us believing again. He has us playing football, and he has us dreaming of a future further up the table.
We are not safe yet, but dry land is within reach. Another performance like Sunday's might just be enough to carry us onto the Premier League shore for 2026-27.
Liverpool are weighing up a move for 28-year-old Bournemouth and Argentina defender Marco Senesi, who has verbally agreed to join Spurs if they avoid relegation from the Premier League. (Talksport, external)
From 'overwhelmed' to 'ahead' in relegation fightpublished at 13:56 BST 5 May
13:56 BST 5 May
Media caption,
Tottenham were a "rabbit caught in the headlights" team before new head coach Roberto de Zerbi came in and "installed his principles", according to the team on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
The Observer's football correspondent Rory Smith said: "For quite a while this season, Tottenham looked so overwhelmed by the idea that they might be part of the squad that got the club relegated.
"They didn't really know what to do and that seemed to really inhibit them, but I think the win against Wolves made a massive difference."
Former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam added: "De Zerbi has gone in there and said: 'Right, I'm the boss here.'
"I don't think the relegation fight is done yet, but they have to just keep focusing on what they can do. They aren't chasing any more, they are ahead."
"A couple of weeks ago, I thought Tottenham were literally doomed," Given explained on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "I thought they were gone.
"It is amazing what one set of fixtures can do because us 'experts' are now saying it looks like West Ham are doomed.
"But they have been in this position all season, they know exactly what they need to do, and they have been fighting for their lives.
"Tottenham got a great result [against Aston Villa] but that doesn't mean they can just turn the tap on now. Things don't just change after one result.
"I think there are still a few twists and turns to come, and I think it is still too early to call who's going to go down."
How many points will be needed this season?published at 09:24 BST 5 May
09:24 BST 5 May
Keifer MacDonald BBC Sport journalist
Since the Premier League became a 20-team format in 1995, the average number of points needed for safety has been 36.
But that will not be enough this time around given that West Ham have already reached that tally and currently occupy the third and final relegation place.
According to data experts Opta, the Hammers are now favourites (77.71%) to be relegated, with Tottenham at 22.03% and Nottingham Forest just 0.13%.
If the three sides continue picking up points at their current rate, then it will be the Hammers who are relegated to the second tier for the first time since 2011.
The 2023 Conference League winners are averaging 1.03 points per game, which would mean they finish the season on 39 points.
Tottenham's return of 1.06 points per game puts them on course to finish on 40 points, while Forest are on track to secure safety for a fourth consecutive season by earning a tally of 46 points.
In a relegation battle like no other, will the Premier League have one final shock in store?
A 'smart' press and visible confidence - De Zerbi so farpublished at 08:19 BST 5 May
08:19 BST 5 May
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Roberto de Zerbi took over a Tottenham side struggling for form, confidence and with a series of key players out injured.
But he has already drilled into his side a set of principles that echo what he has done at previous jobs - albeit adapting them to the quality of his players.
Spurs play short from their keeper but are more willing to go long to a target man in Richarlison than De Zerbi's Brighton were.
Given the impressive physicality of the Spurs squad, utilising a high press as a method of chance creation has been smart too.
Igor Tudor looked to take a similar albeit less coordinated approach out of possession, but De Zerbi has built on that - not defending man-to-man across the pitch but instead asking his side to pick moments in which to win the ball back.
None of these tactics however are possible without a squad that believes in the message the coach is relaying.
In his news conferences so far, De Zerbi has been focused on one idea - that Spurs must believe in themselves, and shake off any negativity, if they are to be a Premier League side next season.
Their performance against Villa will have certainly helped.
'Tide may have turned... but we're not in safe waters just yet'published at 17:04 BST 4 May
17:04 BST 4 May
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Just when it seemed as though the Spurs super tanker was going to run aground once and for all, Roberto de Zerbi has arrived with the lifeboats.
What De Zerbi has achieved with the Spurs squad over the past few weeks is not rocket science. People lacking in confidence need to be reminded of what they're good at. Players struggling to perform need clear and positive instructions. Premier League footballers in a relegation scrap need leading into battle.
However, credit where credit is due. De Zerbi has galvanised this team in a way we haven't seen since Ange Postecoglou's passionate rallying cry before the Europa League final a year ago, and at long last we are reaping the rewards of a new manager bounce.
The Italian is bringing out the best in his players. In particular, Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha showed a dogged determination against Aston Villa that was integral to how we controlled the midfield on Sunday.
Up top, 'Relegation Richarlison' relished the opportunity to run himself ragged and grab a goal as our only frontman in the absence of the injured Dominic Solanke.
Even Randal Kolo Muani, who has struggled to find any real rhythm in this stuttering Spurs side, had one of his best performances so far this season.
I listened to our victory over Villa on the radio, and the only thing that could match the relentlessness of our pressing was the loud support from our fans in the away end.
The unity on the pitch was mirrored in the stands, with the positive performance from the players acknowledged and amplified by the fans, who revelled in our team's dominance. Misery may well love company, but joy is infectious too, and the players fed off the energy from the crowd.
As the fans celebrated the win with an almost non-stop rendition of "Tottenham away, ole ole", the next thought on De Zerbi's mind will surely be whether he can get his team to perform like this at home.
The tide may have turned in our favour, but we're not in safe waters just yet.
'We play with 12' - De Zerbi on Gallagherpublished at 14:11 BST 4 May
14:11 BST 4 May
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi says Conor Gallagher has shown himself as a "great player" for Spurs capable of making it feel like the side has 12 men.
Gallagher, 26, joined for £35m in January but has only felt what it is like to win for the club in league fixtures during the past two games.
His early goal at Aston Villa on Sunday proved key as De Zerbi's side moved out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win.
"When Gallagher plays like this we play with 12 players because you can find him as a striker, as a midfielder, as a full-back - everywhere on the pitch you can find him," De Zerbi said.
"Great player, great passion, great qualities."
Gallagher thinks he produced his best display for the club in the win at Villa Park.
"It has been a difficult few months for me, for the whole club, and this is what I do best, work hard off the ball," he told Spurs TV.
"I am a team player. I try to do what I do best and the fans were able to see that. I'll keep doing that the best I can to make the club proud, to help Tottenham keep playing like that and get more wins.
"If I am being honest, normally when you score your first goal for the club there is a relief for yourself, but there was none of that. I was so focused on going again and continuing to play well, knowing how important the three points were.
Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:57 BST 4 May
11:57 BST 4 May
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Aston Villa fans
Tony: For all the excitement Villa fans have had over the last few years, we are always expecting some sort of trophy but always fall short. Most fans seem to think that qualifying for the Champions League is the most important thing, it really isn't. If the money from qualifying is more important than winning a trophy, then what on earth is the point of it all?
Alex: Poor performance and I have to admit it's looking like there are few wins left this season on this form. Forest are doing well and therefore the Europa final may be a step too far, but fingers crossed. Three points should get us across the line, and hopefully we can get it against Burnley, although there's no easy games as they say. The Champions League is so crucial - it all falls apart without that and Unai Emery's big players are likely to go, so it's high stakes. How we've missed those big midfielders at crucial points in the season.
Palma: The most uninspiring, lacklustre and embarrassing display I've seen in a while. How Emery didn't make at least three substitutions at half-time was more baffling than his starting 11.
Paul: Villa have not been playing well for weeks now, and I am really concerned about this coming Thursday's match against Forest. I think we need a major improvement, otherwise we won't even make the top six.
Tottenham fans
Stephen: Night and day contrast from what we've been forced to watch since September. We have to carry it straight through against Leeds though and break our home curse. That's the next step to redemption.
Stan: If only we had got De Zerbi earlier, Spurs wouldn't be in this mess. Arguably our best performance of the season, immense work rate by all players - especially Conor Gallagher - and so pleasing he got his first Spurs goal. The team played with a structure and purpose and a desire to win. De Zerbi has installed a confidence back in this squad that has been so lacking and now Spurs supporters can look forward to our next home game with a positive outlook.
John: The manager seems to have instilled a level of confidence which has been lacking all season.
Bill: This is the best I've felt since that night against Ajax - everybody took responsibility, fewer got injured and nobody gave up. Thanks, Spurs.
Image source, Getty Images
