Match of the Day pundits Ashely Williams and Joe Hart look at the remaining fixtures the four teams in the Premier League relegation battle have before the end of the season.
MATCH REPORT: Tottenham 2-2 Brighton
From ecstasy to agony in under 20 minutes.
The emotional rollercoaster experienced by Tottenham Hotspur fans in the closing stages of Saturday's draw with Brighton likely hinted at what is yet to come.
Xavi Simons had led his team-mates in joyous celebration, the Spurs supporters joining in a collective release of pent-up emotion, after the 22-year-old's wonderful strike put Roberto de Zerbi's side on course for a first Premier League win since 28 December.
But those scenes proved premature when, in the fifth minute of eight added for stoppage time, Brighton's Georginio Rutter delivered a devastating sucker-punch.
It left Spurs still one point adrift of safety with just five games remaining - a situation which could worsen with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham yet to play - increasing their fears of a first top-flight relegation since 1977.
"It's like a defeat because we conceded a goal in extra time, but we played a great game," Tottenham head coach De Zerbi told BBC Sport.
"It's tough to accept. We have to be stronger than this moment we are going through. We have to move on and prepare for the next game."
Former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand told Sky Sports: "If that was the 90th minute I could understand it, but there was a lot of football still to be played.
"The reaction should be to keep it tight, instead they jumped into the crowd."
But ex-Premier League defender Ashley Williams told BBC Sport he had "no issue" with Spurs' celebrations.
"The goal was so important at that point in time. I know there were still minutes to be played, but with the reaction and the emotion you could see what it meant to the players," Williams said.
Despite the overwhelming sense of disappointment at full-time, De Zerbi has seen enough to believe his players can escape their perilous situation.
"This team is able to win five games in a row," the Italian told the media.
On the surface, that faith would appear entirely unfounded.
Spurs' winless run in the league now stands at 15 matches, just one short of the club's worst-ever winless league run set 91 years ago.
It is bottom club Wolves - who will be relegated if West Ham earn at least a point against Crystal Palace on Monday - against whom Spurs will seek to avoid equalling that streak endured between 1934 and 1935.
"I believe in my players and they have to believe in me. We can't think in the past. We have enough time, we have enough quality," De Zerbi said.
"I don't like people who cry or think too negatively."
Tottenham defender Pedro Porro told BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.
"I think the team today was very good. The most important thing now is staying positive."
Only the Championship's rock-bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points (four) than Spurs (six) across English football's top four tiers in 2026.
De Zerbi has been clear that his immediate attention is on restoring confidence in a group of players who have now failed to win each of their last five Premier League games in which they have led.
There were signs of encouragement for the former Seagulls boss in that regard, as his players demonstrated the fight they must show over their remaining games in going toe-to-toe with the league's form team.
There was cause for optimism on the team sheet, too, as long-term absentees Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison were fit enough to start and make the bench respectively.
De Zerbi also praised the fans, whom he will hope can recreate the same atmosphere in the club's final home fixtures against Leeds and Everton.
"We have to say thanks to our fans. They were fantastic, they helped the players a lot before, during and at the end of the game," said De Zerbi.
"The players have to feel lucky because it's not normal that a stadium is like this if you are fighting relegation."
And while De Zerbi has put emphasis on being a "father-figure" to his players at this time, rather than overloading them with tactical information, there are already signs that the team is beginning to mould to his style.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Joe Hart said: "The way Spurs pressed was really impressive and it's not something we've seen from them this season.
"It was a relentless press. The whole stadium was rocking as well. Two goals from high turnovers today - and only four overall this season."
Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "They have to take the positives. This will feel like a loss, it was a chance to turn their fortunes around.
"That is something they will have to deal with. I saw the hunger, desire and commitment. De Zerbi was passionate on the touchline.
"I saw something in that game - it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block."
Spurs travel to Wolves next weekend, then face difficult trips to European hopefuls Aston Villa and Chelsea in search of crucial points.
The task for De Zerbi now is lifting his players after coming within only a few minutes of achieving a momentous victory, the devastation evident on his players' faces at the full-time whistle.
On what he said to his players after the game, De Zerbi told Sky Sports: "I said to be strong, to follow me again because I want to help them.
"They can change the mentality, that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negatively, but we have to be focused and work to find the condition to win again.
"Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet.
"Today I saw signs. I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."
Spurs' challenge could yet become greater before they next kick a ball, however, with Nottingham Forest hosting Burnley and West Ham taking on Crystal Palace over the next two days.
"Now they have to sit nervously and watch Nottingham Forest and West Ham play," former Premier League midfielder Andy Reid told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"If both of those teams get wins, this point turns out to be not so great. It is an anxious couple of days ahead."
Tottenham remain in the bottom three and are denied their first Premier League victory since December as Georginio Rutter scores a late equaliser for Brighton as the two sides draw 2-2 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
MATCH REPORT: Tottenham 2-2 Brighton
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler says his side is capable of playing better despite being happy with the effort his team showed during their 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
MATCH REPORT: Tottenham 2-2 Brighton
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi believes his side deserved to win, as Spurs were denied their first win in the league since December after conceding a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Brighton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
MATCH REPORT: Tottenham 2-2 Brighton
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has made four changes after overseeing a 1-0 loss to Sunderland in his first game in charge.
For his first home match as Spurs boss, De Zerbi hands midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur his first start since undergoing surgery on his hamstring in January.
Kevin Danso replaces the injured Cristian Romero in defence, while Yves Bissouma and Xavi Simons also come in for Archie Gray and Richarlison.
Another huge boost for Spurs is the return of James Maddison to the squad for the first time this season, after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Gallagher, Bentancur, Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons.
Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Palhinha, Richarlison, Maddison, Tel, Gray, Bergvall, Spence.
There are no changes for in-form Brighton.
Fabian Hurzeler's side have won five of their past six in the league as they make a late surge for European football, and the German names the same 11 that started in the 2-0 win over Burnley, with Danny Welbeck leading the line.
Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Wieffer, Van Hecke, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Ayari, Gross, Gomez, Hinshelwood, Minteh, Welbeck.
Subs: Steele, Igor, Rutter, Baleba, Kostoulas, Mitoma, De Cuyper, O'Riley, Veltman.
Post
Tottenham 0-0 Brighton
Dominic Solanke backs into Jan Paul van Hecke as he waits for the ball to drop out of the sky but the referee says no foul.
Tottenham get forward and a good block prevents the ball from Destiny Udogie on the left-hand side reaching Solanke in the six-yard box.
Post
Tottenham 0-0 Brighton
After a bit of a rocky patch in the middle of the season Brighton are enjoying a really good run of form and will go sixth in the Premier League with victory today.
The Seagulls have won their last three away league matches - theyâve never won four in a row in the top-flight. They have also kept a clean sheet in all three wins.
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Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
Well, quite, Ed.
I was just going to say will that give this side a boost? Does that line-up already look a bit more positive because of their presence?
When I watched Spurs last week I was a bit concerned by their attitudes at full-time. They all looked utterly despondent but they do still have six games to save themselves and the attitude probably needs to improve as much as the performance.
Dinner on De Zerbi
Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
Roberto de Zerbi has said his new side do not need coaching but instead said he can be a "big brother, father" figure for his players.
"They don't need a coach - they are good guys and I am sorry for them,â the Italian said.
In an attempt to boost morale and get to know them he took the squad out for dinner this week.
Whether that will be enough for his side to start picking up points, who knows. But De Zerbi said if they win today he will pick up the bill more often.
"I don't know if we win the game for [this] dinner, but we ate very well. The food was amazing and if we win I am ready to pay every week one dinner," he said.
Post
Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
The Spurs fans have been given flags to wave for this evening's fixture.
In recent weeks we've seen supporters flock to the exits long before the final whistle is blown so this could be an attempt to galvanise the crowd in some way.
We've also had a rousing speech from the stadium announcer and a highlights reel is being shown on the big screen.
It's a concerted effort to get the crowd up for this.
Has Romero played his last game for Spurs?
Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero left the Stadium of Light pitch in tears last weekend and is set to miss the remainder of the season with injury.
But something suggested the tears were not just because of the injury but perhaps because he knew he had played his last game for the club.
Perhaps it was also that he knew he would not be able to help the club in this crucial part of the season but, if rumours are to be believed, Spurs are planning a complete overhaul of the squad even if they achieve Premier League survival.
Is Romero a big miss? And what would his legacy be if this was the end of his Spurs career?
'Trying to keep unbeaten run going'
FT: Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola speaking to Sky sports: "Very pleased, I think we played really well. We enjoyed playing it. At 1-1 the game changes which was expected but we showed composure to keep playing and 2-1 is a lovely goal and we deserved it.
"This is a very difficult place to come as an away team. They are so fast in the last line that you can lose those races but overall we have defended really well.
On how far Bournemouth can go this season: "We are in a good place and arriving at an important part of the season. We are trying to keep this unbeaten run [going] as long as we can because the players have shown me they will take no days off. We tried to continue playing, keep the ball and I think that's the way the second goal has arrived."
Hello again
Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
Familiar faces for Roberto de Zerbi this afternoon as his first home match in charge of Tottenham comes against his former club Brighton.
The Italian was in charge of the Seagulls from 2022-24.
The two sides could not be on more different paths right now. Spurs have lost 10 of their 16 league games to date at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and four consecutively in recent weeks.
Brighton head to the capital having won two of their last four away league games against Spurs, including a 4-1 victory last season and are looking up the table with the aim of European football.
'Spurs still missing fight'
Tottenham v Brighton (17:30 BST)
Steph Houghton
Former England captain on BBC Radio 5 Live
I'm not so convinced at this moment in time. That's not what Spurs fans want to hear, but to the eye you could see there were general changes, but they are still missing that little bit of fight and that battle and mentality to get back into a game. It doesn't look promising.
De Zerbi spoke about being a father figure, acting like they are his sons and getting more belief and confidence into them. Without that, it's so hard to be in a relegation battle.
'It's looking good'
FT: Leeds 3-0 Wolves
Leeds United
Leeds goalscorer James Justin, speaking to Sky Sports on if this feels like a defining week: "Yeah definitely. It's crunch time. We put two good wins back-to-back for the first time this season. What a time to do it. It gives us a bit of a buffer and it's looking good."
On a fast start: "We knew we couldn't wait for the crowd to pick us up, we had to pick the crowd up. After the win the other night we knew the expectation was to come back home and win again. We had to put our foot on the gas from minute one.
On his acrobatic goal: "When the ball was in the air I just thought why not? I had no idea where it was going but luckily it went in so I'm really happy."
On if it feels like this is enough for safety: "It's not over until it's over. We're on a good points total but until we are mathematically safe we will still work hard until the end."
After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto de Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach. He is trying to build their confidence but maybe that means he is not coaching them the way he wants to.
It's a bit of a head-scratcher, but then Tottenham's entire season has not made much sense. When you look at their team and their bench, they have got some incredible players.
Somehow, though, Spurs are still waiting for their first Premier League win of the year after playing 14 league games already in 2026. Looking at the table, they will need three wins, or at least two, from their final six games if they are going to climb out of the relegation zone and stay up.
They really should not be in this position but I am not sure they have got the stomach to get out of it now they are.
I just don't think they will get one of those wins against Brighton, who have come into a bit of form.
The Seagulls are on a run of three successive victories and have five wins in their past six games. I can see things going wrong for De Zerbi against his old club, so I am backing Brighton to nick the points here.
Sutton's prediction: 0-1
Spurs close to unwanted home record
If their situation wasn't already serious enough, a morale-sapping weekend of results brought into even sharper focus just how much trouble Tottenham are in.
West Ham's crushing victory over Wolves, Nottingham Forest's battling point against Aston Villa and Leeds United's historic triumph at Old Trafford were sandwiched by a toothless defeat for Spurs at Sunderland in which they also lost captain Cristian Romero for the season.
There were only limited signs of a "new manager bounce" for Roberto de Zerbi in his first match in charge. He's since had another week on the training ground to try to instil some belief in his fragile squad. "I can be a big brother, father, they don't need a coach," he said of his plans to lift spirits.
The only one of Spurs' last 13 managers to lose their opening home game was his much-maligned predecessor Igor Tudor. Their home form remains an ongoing issue and if they are beaten again on Saturday, the Lilywhites will equal their club record of five successive home league losses set in February 1994.
So dismal have their performances been in front of their own fans that their tally of 10 home points is just one more than Brighton have picked up in their last three league matches alone.
Overall, Tottenham's winless streak in the league of 14 matches - dating back to 28 December - is just two shy of the longest such run in their history of 16 set between December 1934 and April 1935.
They also remain one of only two top-flight sides yet to win a match after failing behind along with Wolves.