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West Ham or Spurs? London rivals at risk of relegation as Leeds and Nottingham Forest pull away – Between the Lines

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West Ham or Spurs? London rivals at risk of relegation as Leeds and Nottingham Forest pull away – Between the Lines - Sky Sports
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Wolves have been relegated from the Premier League and Burnley are set to follow but which side is going down with them?

With Leeds and Nottingham Forest now eight and five points clear of the drop zone respectively, it looks increasingly like a two-way fight for survival between West Ham and Spurs.

The London rivals continue to be separated by only two points in 17th and 18th and the risk of relegation is increasing for both sides with only five games of the season remaining.

Form favours West Ham

Will West Ham come to look back on their goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Monday as a missed opportunity? A victory would have cut Spurs adrift. Instead the situation remains delicately poised.

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"It's going to be a fight until the end," Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports. The West Ham boss was keen to maintain a positive outlook, much like his Spurs counterpart Roberto De Zerbi, who said his side can win their last five games in a row after their draw with Brighton.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher acknowledged Spurs' improvement in their two games under the Italian.

"There's no doubt De Zerbi has had an impact in terms of the performances," he said. "They played really well at the weekend and should have got more than one point out of it."

But having lost his first game to Sunderland, the draw with Brighton extended Spurs' winless run to 15 Premier League games. It is more than twice as long as any other side's, with 19th-placed Burnley's seven-game streak the next-highest in the division.

Bringing an end to that run is far from assured even against relegated Wolves on Saturday, according to Carragher.

"They haven't won a Premier League game since December, it's unbelievable," he added. "I can't see them losing the game and they could nick it, of course they could, but I've seen other teams go there and find it difficult at Wolves with the way they set up."

While De Zerbi and Spurs are having to build momentum from a standing start, Nuno has already turned West Ham's season around. The Hammers have only lost one of their last five Premier League games but their improvement goes back further.

Fatefully, the turning point came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, when Callum Wilson scored in the 93rd minute to clinch a 2-1 win. West Ham have the sixth-best record in the division since then, with five wins and only three losses from 12 games putting them on 1.6 points per game, up from 0.7 per game previously.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are on a five-game unbeaten run, their longest of the season, following their 4-1 win over Burnley.

Which side has easier games?

Based on the average league positions of their remaining opponents, Spurs have the easier fixtures.

Their final five opponents have an average position of 11, compared to West Ham's 9.4 and Nottingham Forest's 8.4.

But while West Ham have the benefit of playing three of their last five games at home, Spurs only have two. Their schedule includes daunting trips to fourth-placed Aston Villa and sixth-placed Chelsea.

Spurs have not won any of their last seven Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. They have lost their last five games against Chelsea, and their last four games against Aston Villa.

West Ham's schedule is not straightforward either. Their away games are against Brentford and Newcastle. They also have to host title-chasing Arsenal. Everton boss David Moyes will be eager to take a positive result on his return to the London Stadium on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest have the most difficult games of the three based on the league positions of their opponents. Like Spurs, they also have three away games, with Chelsea and Manchester United to come after Friday's trip to Sunderland.

But given the threshold for survival could be 38 points, according to Opta, Forest might only be one win away from safety having moved to 36 with Sunday's crucial victory over Burnley.

"If they could win this game against Sunderland, that would put them on 39 and you would be thinking, 'they're not far away now."

Spurs worse off for injuries

Spurs received a boost against Brighton as James Maddison returned to their squad for the first time this season following a knee injury. Although the 29-year-old was an unused substitute, his inclusion raised hopes he could feature before the season is over.

But injuries continue to be a major issue for Spurs, with Cristian Romero having been ruled out for the run-in during the defeat to Sunderland and Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario and Ben Davies also absent.

Kulusevski, arguably their most important attacking player alongside Maddison, has not featured all season.

West Ham, by contrast, have an almost clean bill of health. According to Premier Injuries, their only injured player is third-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, giving Nuno considerably more options than his Spurs counterpart De Zerbi.

What's Opta's verdict?

According to Opta's predicted table, which factors hundreds of thousands of data points and is based on 10,000 simulations, Spurs are now strong favourites to go down.

They give Spurs a 58.3 per cent relegation probability following the latest round of Premier League fixtures. It is significantly higher than West Ham's 36.9 per cent probability.

Nottingham Forest are given a probability of just 4.4 per cent after opening up their five-point cushion on Spurs in 18th, while 15th-placed Leeds are deemed all but safe, with a relegation probability of 0.4 per cent having moved to 39 points.

According to Opta's expected points model, Spurs are predicted to finish on 37 points, two points behind West Ham on 39 points. De Zerbi has his work cut out to ensure a different outcome.

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West Ham or Spurs? London rivals at risk of relegation as Leeds and Nottingham Forest pull away – Between the Lines

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West Ham or Spurs? London rivals at risk of relegation as Leeds and Nottingham Forest pull away – Between the Lines - Sky Sports
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Wolves have been relegated from the Premier League and Burnley are set to follow but which side is going down with them?

With Leeds and Nottingham Forest now eight and five points clear of the drop zone respectively, it looks increasingly like a two-way fight for survival between West Ham and Spurs.

The London rivals continue to be separated by only two points in 17th and 18th and the risk of relegation is increasing for both sides with only five games of the season remaining.

Form favours West Ham

Will West Ham come to look back on their goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Monday as a missed opportunity? A victory would have cut Spurs adrift. Instead the situation remains delicately poised.

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"It's going to be a fight until the end," Nuno Espirito Santo told Sky Sports. The West Ham boss was keen to maintain a positive outlook, much like his Spurs counterpart Roberto De Zerbi, who said his side can win their last five games in a row after their draw with Brighton.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher acknowledged Spurs' improvement in their two games under the Italian.

"There's no doubt De Zerbi has had an impact in terms of the performances," he said. "They played really well at the weekend and should have got more than one point out of it."

But having lost his first game to Sunderland, the draw with Brighton extended Spurs' winless run to a 15 Premier League games. It is more than twice as long as any other side's, with 19th-placed Burnley's seven-game streak the next-highest in the division.

Bringing an end to that run is far from assured even against relegated Wolves on Saturday, according to Carragher.

"They haven't won a Premier League game since December, it's unbelievable," he added. "I can't see them losing the game and they could nick it, of course they could, but I've seen other teams go there and find it difficult at Wolves with the way they set up."

While De Zerbi and Spurs are having to build momentum from a standing start, Nuno has already turned West Ham's season around. The Hammers have only lost one of their last five Premier League games but their improvement goes back further.

Fatefully, the turning point came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January, when Callum Wilson scored in the 93rd minute to clinch a 2-1 win. West Ham have the sixth-best record in the division since then, with five wins and only three losses from 12 games putting them on 1.6 points per game, up from 0.7 per game previously.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are on a five-game unbeaten run, their longest of the season, following their 4-1 win over Burnley.

Which side has easier games?

Based on the average league positions of their remaining opponents, Spurs have the easier fixtures.

Their final five opponents have an average position of 11, compared to West Ham's 9.4 and Nottingham Forest's 8.4.

But while West Ham have the benefit of playing three of their last five games at home, Spurs only have two. Their schedule includes daunting trips to fourth-placed Aston Villa and sixth-placed Chelsea.

Spurs have not won any of their last seven Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. They have lost their last five games against Chelsea, and their last four games against Aston Villa.

West Ham's schedule is not straightforward either. Their away games are against Brentford and Newcastle. They also have to host title-chasing Arsenal. Everton boss David Moyes will be eager to take a positive result on his return to the London Stadium on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest have the most difficult games of the three based on the league positions of their opponents. Like Spurs, they also have three away games, with Chelsea and Manchester United to come after Friday's trip to Sunderland.

But given the threshold for survival could be 38 points, according to Opta, Forest might only be one win away from safety having moved to 36 with Sunday's crucial victory over Burnley.

"If they could win this game against Sunderland, that would put them on 39 and you would be thinking, 'they're not far away now."

Spurs worse off for injuries

Spurs received a boost against Brighton as James Maddison returned to their squad for the first time this season following a knee injury. Although 29-year-old was an unused substitute, his inclusion raised hopes he could feature before the season is over.

But injuries continue to be a major issue for Spurs, with Cristian Romero having been ruled out for the run-in during the defeat to Sunderland and Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario and Ben Davies also absent.

Kulusevski, arguably their most important attacking player alongside Maddison, has not featured all season.

West Ham, by contrast, have an almost clean bill of health. According to Premier Injuries, their only injured player is third-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, giving Nuno considerably more options than his Spurs counterpart De Zerbi.

What's Opta's verdict?

According to Opta's predicted table, which factors hundreds of thousands of data points and is based on 10,000 simulations, Spurs are now strong favourites to go down.

They give Spurs a 58.3 per cent relegation probability following the latest round of Premier League fixtures. It is significantly higher than West Ham's 36.9 per cent probability.

Nottingham Forest are given a probability of just 4.4 per cent after opening up their five-point cushion on Spurs in 18th, while 15th-placed Leeds are deemed all but safe, with a relegation probability of 0.4 per cent having moved to 39 points.

According to Opta's expected points model, Spurs are predicted to finish on 37 points, two points behind West Ham on 39 points. De Zerbi has his work cut out to ensure a different outcome.

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Kevin Danso: Tottenham Hotspur report 'abhorrent' racist abuse of defender to police

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Kevin Danso: Tottenham Hotspur report 'abhorrent' racist abuse of defender to police - Sky Sports
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Tottenham have condemned the "vile, dehumanising racism" aimed at defender Kevin Danso following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Georginio Rutter scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton that leaves Spurs in the relegation zone.

The club say they have reported racist abuse towards the Austria centre-back on social media to the police.

Danso himself spoke out about the comments, posting on his Instagram page: "Not the result we needed yesterday. We gave everything, we learn and we move. I've also seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn't define me, and it won't distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play.

"Now it's about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games. We keep pushing, we keep believing, and we give our all every single time we step on that pitch. Stronger. Together. On to the next."

Spurs' statement read: "Since yesterday's fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League's No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media," Spurs said in a club statement.

"We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.

"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms.

"We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify.

"Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.

"Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not."

A Premier League statement read: "We stand alongside Kevin Danso and Tottenham Hotspur in condemning the vile racist abuse he has received on social media.

"Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or wider society. Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan.

"It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.

"Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution."

A Kick It Out statement read: "We stand with Kevin Danso and all players who are calling out this vile abuse. It takes huge courage and Kevin's response is incredibly powerful.

"Reports of discrimination sent to Kick It Out - whether in the professional game, grassroots or online - continue to rise this season, but we will meet that with the same force.

"We will continue working with clubs, governing bodies, authorities, and regulators to hold more people accountable and ensure that social media firms provide greater protection for players. We must all play a part in standing up to racist abuse or any discrimination when we see it or hear it."

Sky Sports News has contacted the Metropolitan Police, the Football Association, Meta and X for comment.

Hate Won't Win

Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.

If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, sex, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL to the hateful post and screengrab it and email us here.

Kick It Out reporting racism

Online Reporting Form | Kick It Out

Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation - working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.

www.kickitout.org

Together we will strive to make our social media accounts a safe space for all fans.

Hate won't stop us in our goal of celebrating sport for all and all for sport.

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Kevin Danso: Tottenham Hotspur report 'abhorrent' racist abuse of defender to police

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Kevin Danso: Tottenham Hotspur report 'abhorrent' racist abuse of defender to police - Sky Sports
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Tottenham have condemned the "vile, dehumanising racism" aimed at defender Kevin Danso following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Brighton.

Georginio Rutter scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton that leaves Spurs in the relegation zone.

The club say they have reported racist abuse towards the Austria centre-back on social media to the police.

Danso himself spoke out about the comments, posting on his Instagram page: "Not the result we needed yesterday. We gave everything, we learn and we move. I've also seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn't define me, and it won't distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play.

"Now it's about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games. We keep pushing, we keep believing, and we give our all every single time we step on that pitch. Stronger. Together. On to the next."

Spurs' statement read: "Since yesterday's fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League's No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media," Spurs said in a club statement.

"We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.

"The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms.

"We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify.

"Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.

"Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not."

A Premier League statement read: "We stand alongside Kevin Danso and Tottenham Hotspur in condemning the vile racist abuse he has received on social media.

"Discriminatory abuse has absolutely no place in football or wider society. Anybody who chooses to abuse others is not welcome in our game and they are not a true fan.

"It is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue and we will work alongside clubs, football bodies, law enforcement and social media companies to ensure this remains a priority for all.

"Any individuals identified and found guilty of discrimination will face the strongest possible consequences, including club bans and legal prosecution."

Sky Sports News has contacted the Metropolitan Police, the Football Association, Kick It Out, Meta and X for comment.

Hate Won't Win

Sky Sports is committed to making skysports.com and our channels on social media platforms a place for comment and debate that is free of abuse, hate and profanity.

If you see a reply to Sky Sports posts and/or content with an expression of hate on the basis of race, sex, colour, gender, nationality, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality, age or class, please copy the URL to the hateful post and screengrab it and email us here.

Kick It Out reporting racism

Online Reporting Form | Kick It Out

Kick It Out is football's equality and inclusion organisation - working throughout the football, educational and community sectors to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices and campaign for positive change.

www.kickitout.org

Together we will strive to make our social media accounts a safe space for all fans.

Hate won't stop us in our goal of celebrating sport for all and all for sport.

Source

Everton vs Liverpool - Live match updates

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James Garner takes over after a shot is blocked and blasts in a cross that finds Beto, who is bang in form with three goals in his last two.

The striker meets it with an excellent flicked header, which the Liverpool goalkeeper dives to his left in a flash to push away!

Sky Sports' Adam Bate at Hill Dickinson Stadium:

"Say it every time I come to Everton but they have the best pre-match routine in the Premier League, for me. Grand Old Team and Spirit of the Blues even before you get to the business end of it.

"Massive tifo just gone up reminding their visitors who Everton think built this city. Now Z-Cars. The Toffees doing everything they can to crank this up but which team will deliver when we kick-off?"

Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher at Hill Dickinson Stadium:

"Arne Slot said 'We'll see how we line up'. The fact we questioned him about Szoboszlai tells me that maybe Szoboszlai will be in midfield and it may be Curtis Jones [at right-back].

"That has happens more of late, with Jones finding himself in the right-back position.

"That's an area Liverpool need to rectify in the summer - they need more energy in midfield. If you put Szoboszlai in a central midfield role, he gives you that."

Analysis from Sky Sports News' Vinny O'Connor:

“Amazing” is how David Moyes looks back on last season’s finale in the last ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. James Tarkowski’s late equaliser an enduring image with celebrations to match.

Again Super Sunday is one of those occasions you simply dare not lose given the significance of the first ever Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

David Moyes says he was privileged to have been in charge of Goodison’s final chapter against their neighbours and clearly feels the same about this weekend. Embracing the pressure of the occasion as well as the potential to make it three consecutive wins for the first time at their new stadium.

“All we can do is try and catch whoever’s above us,” were Moyes’s thoughts on the potential to still finish above Liverpool and snatch a top five finish. A win moves them to within two points.

But he also stressed the importance of making sure they’re not caught by those below them with a place in Europe at stake.

What a difference compared to recent times, however, with now dramas yet plenty to play for.

“I think that’s the biggest thing for me,” admitted Moyes. “With six games to go we’ve got something to play for. Over recent years it’s been the wrong thing we’ve been playing for.”

That change in fortunes should be enough to earn Moyes a contract extension. He currently has just over a year left on the deal he signed when he returned.

However, he’s take the view that talks can wait. If a Merseyside Derby in isolation isn’t enough to occupy his time, the race for Europe is.

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Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham boss believes relegation-threatened side can win final five games to stay in Premier League

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Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes his side can win all five of their remaining games to stay in the Premier League.

Spurs suffered stoppage-time heartbreak to draw 2-2 at home to Brighton to keep them in the bottom three.

Georginio Rutter's 95th-minute leveller denied Spurs a first league win of 2026 as well as a first victory for De Zerbi.

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Tottenham 2-2 Brighton - Match report & highlights

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The draw, which ex-Spurs defender Michael Dawson told Sky Sports "felt like a defeat", leaves Tottenham a point from safety with five games left.

But despite a daunting run-in that includes trips to London rivals Chelsea and Champions League-chasing Aston Villa, De Zerbi feels his side can string together five consecutive wins to preserve their ever-present Premier League status.

He said at his post-match press conference: "I always believe in the qualities of the players. They played a good game. I think we can play better than today, with more quality, more calm, especially when we are in ball possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude, this mentality, and it's not finished yet.

"We have another five games - it's tough, every one of us knows it's a tough moment, it's a difficult situation - but we have another five games, 15 points, and this team is able to win five games in a row.

"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, especially now, but we have enough qualities to fight and to win games in a row."

De Zerbi: Anyone with negative attitude will be sent home immediately

Spurs' next game at all-but-relegated Wolves is a must-win for De Zerbi as Tottenham go to the Premier League's bottom side next Saturday.

But the Italian has no time for negativity ahead of the trip to Molineux, insisting that those turning up to training with the wrong attitude will "go home immediately".

Asked how he must lift the players ahead of next weekend, the Italian said: "No, they have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me.

"I'm proud for their performance - they have to be stronger and to be focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and to come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately. I have no time to see the negative people, to see the sad players or sad assistants. No.

"We are lucky because we are working in a big club, a big stadium, we are working in the Premier League. We have the right qualities to win the game, so we have to be positive, because I don't like the people who cry, who think in a negative way."

De Zerbi points to positives - but time and hope running out for Spurs

Sky Sports' Peter Smith:

This is not the moment for small steps of progress and signs of encouragement.

Tottenham are desperate for a huge, transformative boost. And time is running out.

This could have been it. Xavi Simons' brilliant, curling goal felt like the turning point. His wild celebrations which took him into the jubilant Spurs fans seemed to be a launchpad.

But Georginio Rutter's last-gasp leveller crushed that hope. Spurs were floored, with players laid out on the pitch. This will take some getting over. Perhaps this was it, for Spurs' Premier League survival.

Roberto De Zerbi can justifiably pick out positives from Spurs' performance in his first home game. He can praise the fans for the support they gave. It is natural he demands the players don't wallow in a draw which felt like a loss.

But the reality is Spurs' survival prospects have worsened.

A point gained? Yes - but there is now one less game to win to substantially shift their situation.

They've failed to win each of their last five Premier League games when they've taken the lead. They haven't tasted victory in 2026. This is a team which just can't get over the line right now, no matter what they try.

So how do they go into a run-in which features Champions League qualification-chasing Aston Villa away, and in-form Leeds at home, and a potential Stamford Bridge nightmare with big rivals Chelsea with confidence?

Spurs will spend another week in the relegation zone and their gap to safety could yet extend before they go to Wolves next Saturday, with Forest having two games to play before then and West Ham in action on Monday Night Football.

De Zerbi has made improvements. As he says, there is quality in these ranks. But there are deep-rooted problems within this squad that have held them down for so long. Changing that in time to salvage this club's Premier League status after this latest hammer blow is now a huge task

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Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham boss believes relegation-threatened side can win final five games to stay in Premier League

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Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham boss believes relegation-threatened side can win final five games to stay in Premier League - Sky Sports
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Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi believes his side can win all five of their remaining games to stay in the Premier League.

Spurs suffered stoppage-time heartbreak to draw 2-2 at home to Brighton to keep them in the bottom three.

Georginio Rutter's 95th-minute leveller denied Spurs a first league win of 2026 as well as a first victory for De Zerbi.

Spurs news & transfers⚪ | Spurs fixtures & scores

Tottenham 2-2 Brighton - Match report & highlights

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The draw, which ex-Spurs defender Michael Dawson told Sky Sports "felt like a defeat", leaves Tottenham a point from safety with five games left.

But despite a daunting run-in that includes trips to London rivals Chelsea and Champions League-chasing Aston Villa, De Zerbi feels his side can string together five consecutive wins to preserve their ever-present Premier League status.

He said at his post-match press conference: "I always believe in the qualities of the players. They played a good game. I think we can play better than today, with more quality, more calm, especially when we are in ball possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude, this mentality, and it's not finished yet.

"We have another five games - it's tough, every one of us knows it's a tough moment, it's a difficult situation - but we have another five games, 15 points, and this team is able to win five games in a row.

"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, especially now, but we have enough qualities to fight and to win games in a row."

De Zerbi: Anyone with negative attitude will be sent home immediately

Spurs' next game at all-but-relegated Wolves is a must-win for De Zerbi as Tottenham go to the Premier League's bottom side next Saturday.

But the Italian has no time for negativity ahead of the trip to Molineux, insisting that those turning up to training with the wrong attitude will "go home immediately".

Asked how he must lift the players ahead of next weekend, the Italian said: "No, they have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me.

"I'm proud for their performance - they have to be stronger and to be focused just on the Wolverhampton game, and to come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately. I have no time to see the negative people, to see the sad players or sad assistants. No.

"We are lucky because we are working in a big club, a big stadium, we are working in the Premier League. We have the right qualities to win the game, so we have to be positive, because I don't like the people who cry, who think in a negative way."

De Zerbi points to positives - but time and hope running out for Spurs

Sky Sports' Peter Smith:

This is not the moment for small steps of progress and signs of encouragement.

Tottenham are desperate for a huge, transformative boost. And time is running out.

This could have been it. Xavi Simons' brilliant, curling goal felt like the turning point. His wild celebrations which took him into the jubilant Spurs fans seemed to be a launchpad.

But Georginio Rutter's last-gasp leveller crushed that hope. Spurs were floored, with players laid out on the pitch. This will take some getting over. Perhaps this was it, for Spurs' Premier League survival.

Roberto De Zerbi can justifiably pick out positives from Spurs' performance in his first home game. He can praise the fans for the support they gave. It is natural he demands the players don't wallow in a draw which felt like a loss.

But the reality is Spurs' survival prospects have worsened.

A point gained? Yes - but there is now one less game to win to substantially shift their situation.

They've failed to win each of their last five Premier League games when they've taken the lead. They haven't tasted victory in 2026. This is a team which just can't get over the line right now, no matter what they try.

So how do they go into a run-in which features Champions League qualification-chasing Aston Villa away, and in-form Leeds at home, and a potential Stamford Bridge nightmare with big rivals Chelsea with confidence?

Spurs will spend another week in the relegation zone and their gap to safety could yet extend before they go to Wolves next Saturday, with Forest having two games to play before then and West Ham in action on Monday Night Football.

De Zerbi has made improvements. As he says, there is quality in these ranks. But there are deep-rooted problems within this squad that have held them down for so long. Changing that in time to salvage this club's Premier League status after this latest hammer blow is now a huge task

Source