LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Roberto De Zerbi manager / head coach of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

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Had it not been for Georginio Rutter’s equaliser for Brighton in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Tottenham Hotspur would have won its first home match in the Premier League since early-December. Roberto De Zerbi would have marked his home debut as Spurs’ new manager with a much-needed victory.

As it was, the North London outfit was made to regret yet another punch to the gut, drawing 2-2 against Brighton when a victory would have dragged Tottenham out of the bottom three at the foot of the Premier League table. Relegation is still very much a threat with just five games left of the 2025/26 season.

De Zerbi and his players, however, must take positives from Saturday’s performance in the draw against Brighton, partly because they have no other choice such is their predicament, but also because there were things to be encouraged by. It was Tottenham’s best, most coherent display in a long time.

Both Spurs goals came from high turnovers, meaning 50% of the team’s goals from high turnovers came in this single match. This illustrates how De Zerbi wants his players to press from the front with the Italian coach known for playing on the front foot. He’s already getting through to his new team.

“I always thought and believed in the quality of the players. In this moment we need this spirit, this attitude, this mentality. It’s not finished yet,” said De Zerbi. “Every one of us knows it’s a tough moment, it’s a difficult situation. 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 now, especially now. But we have the qualities enough to fight and to win games in a row.”

Xavi Simons’ performance also gave Tottenham reason to be positive. The Netherlands international scored a stunning goal to make it 2-1 after setting up Pedro Porro for the game’s opener. Spurs desperately needs creativity and Simon is stepping up as the player to provide that.

Of course, a single point in a home match against Brighton certainly won’t be enough for Spurs to avoid relegation from the Premier League. Leeds United inched closer to safety with a win over Wolves on Saturday while Nottingham Forest and West Ham are showing signs of life in their fight against the drop.

De Zerbi was handed a five-year contract for a seven-game job. Before the former Brighton and Marseille manager can put in place any foundations for the long-term, he must ensure Tottenham stays in the Premier League for next season. Saturday might have marked the start of the recovery.