It had felt like Tottenham’s season was over: no Premier League wins in 2026, doubts about whether Roberto De Zerbi would last long enough to oversee a fight for survival. Four matches into his reign those fears have eased — Spurs are out of the relegation zone and starting to build momentum.
De Zerbi arrived promising pragmatism and aware of limited time to change things. His methods can be demanding — Brighton players later described their early period under him as “horrendous” while adapting — yet Tottenham are already showing clear signs of his imprint. Had it not been for Georginio Rutter’s last-minute equaliser at Brighton, De Zerbi would have claimed three wins from his first four games.
A key feature has been a sharper high press. Since his arrival Spurs lead the division for regaining possession in the final third, averaging 5.3 recoveries per game. At the same time overall running and sprint numbers have dipped slightly (sprints nearly 10% lower), suggesting the side are pressing smarter, not simply harder.
That press has not yet generated a flood of shots or a big jump in xG created; only Xavi Simons’ goal at Brighton can be traced directly to a turnover. Its clearest impact has been defensive: Tottenham are conceding far less expected goals under De Zerbi, down to about 0.79 xG per game compared with 1.52 before he took charge. That improvement has shifted their average goal difference per match from negative to positive. Some of the goals they have conceded recently have been unlucky — a Mitoma wonderstrike and Nordi Mukiele’s long-range, deflected effort among them — so results could improve further with better fortune.
Midfield selection was an early issue. De Zerbi’s first game, at Sunderland, featured Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall alongside Conor Gallagher and ended in a 1-0 loss, drawing criticism about balance from pundits such as Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane. He adapted quickly, prioritising more combative profiles. Gallagher has been partnered with Rodrigo Bentancur, and Joao Palhinha joined them for the win over Aston Villa — the first start the three have had together this season. That trio outworked and out-duelled Villa’s midfield, dominating key moments through tackling and ball-winning despite less overall time on the pitch.
Numbers tell part of the story, but man management has mattered too. De Zerbi has spent time reassuring the squad about continuity, demanding belief and backing players — explaining, for example, his choice to use Randal Kolo Muani on the right because of his previous performances there. The squad have responded: players report renewed confidence and trust, and Conor Gallagher in particular looks influential again, drawing praise from teammates and his manager.
For now the objective is simple: survival. Smarter pressing, improved defensive metrics, a tougher midfield core and clearer man management have delivered immediate progress. Spurs have moved from panic to cautious optimism — survival is back in their own hands, and for the first time in a while there is genuine belief they can achieve it.
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