Tottenham Hotspur

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Former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly says Roberto de Zerbi was "absolutely the right person" to lead the club in their relegation battle and there is now a "resilience" among the players.

Spurs took the lead in Monday's key visit from Leeds, but eventually squandered the opportunity to take a significant step towards Premier League safety by drawing 1-1, leaving them just two points above West Ham with two games to play.

"There has been an upturn and it feels like De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"It feels like there is a spring in the players' step to some extent and their body language is better.

"When you watch them play, if things aren't going well they don't seem to be going in on themselves and capitulating like they have done before this.

"Every time something had been going wrong in a game you could see that was it and they couldn't get back into it, whereas at the moment they are fighting, working hard, and there is a resilience about them.

"It is a roller coaster at the moment. There are so many facets of how Spurs are. There's wonderful play at times in the forward areas, there's calamitous defending at times which they have done throughout the season, and they are unlucky at times as well.

"There are so many reasons why Spurs are down here but overall the performance levels have just not been good enough - they can't buy a win at home. That can't happen. You can't be a top Premier League side, or even one that doesn't want to be relegated, and not win matches at home.

"It doesn't take much for the fans to get behind you. Spurs are just always on the edge where they feel the fans will drop off and the players just don't seem to be able to cope with the noise and the size of the stadium which is a weird thing."

Listen to the full chat from 07:22 on BBC Sounds

We asked for your thoughts after Monday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Leeds.

Here are some of your comments:

Tottenham fans

Col boy: Summed up our season. Scored and looked good but, as usual, the lack of quality from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani cost us. The lack of discipline from Mathys Tel was no different to that of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven in previous games. Clearly a problem with the players. Once we concede, players' heads drop when they should do the opposite. Not sure if the players have the bottle to get a result at Chelsea.

John: Never easy with Spurs! Need a clearout of underperforming players whatever league we end up in next season!

Terry: After the performance against Aston Villa, a similar performance would have been very welcome against Leeds. Unfortunately, we didn't get one. If Spurs play like this against Chelsea and Everton then we will be relegated. A lot of the Spurs players really need to step up to the plate. I feel some of them really couldn't care less about their performance for our club and the quicker they leave Spurs the better. I really hope that Roberto de Zerbi rips into his squad after this really poor result. They got what they deserved, which wasn't much.

Steve: Why have we not had a penalty all season? Everyone wants Spurs relegated. Let's make sure that doesn't happen.

Leeds fans

David: Leeds were fantastic. Slow start but they snuffed out Spurs in the first half. Second half, someone should have been on Tel - then he doesn't score. No idea how he didn't get a red for the penalty. Ref not the best. Antonin Kinsky's save was amazing - otherwise we'd have won. MOT.

Billy: Another tremendous result. Could have won it but a draw was probably fair. Great credit due to the players and manager. However, we need to strengthen for next season. Unfortunately, we're carrying a few and they need to be moved on.

Kevin: We're getting stronger and very hard to beat. A few signings in the summer and we start next season in good shape.

Eric: A very lacklustre first 45 minutes and even the start of the second half. But Leeds grew into the game and were unlucky not to grab all three points. Questions surely have to be asked about where those 13 added-on minutes came from?

Jess Anderson
BBC Sport journalist

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Two months ago questions were raised as to whether Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky would ever play for the club again.

The Czech Republic international endured a nightmare 17 minutes in their Champions League last-16 match against Atletico Madrid in March, during which he conceded three goals before being substituted by then-manager Igor Tudor.

But after making one of the saves of the season to deny Leeds United a late winner on Monday - ensuring Tottenham earned a point towards potential Premier League survival - the 23-year-old may just have gone some way to redeeming himself.

Mathys Tel's 50th-minute strike had put Spurs ahead but the forward conceded a penalty for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu 24 minutes later and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both sides probed for a winner in 13 minutes of added time and Leeds thought they had found it in the 99th minute when James Justin played Sean Longstaff through and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike at the near post from close range.

Enter Kinsky, who stretched to get fingertips to the ball and ensure it clattered off the crossbar and not into the roof of his net.

It is impossible to say how important that save could be come the end of the season but, for now, it leaves Spurs two points clear of West Ham United in the relegation zone with two games remaining.

"That save is one of the saves of the season," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.

"Football is an absolute rollercoaster and who would have thought he would ever play for Tottenham again - and then he does that.

"You would have to have a heart of stone if you weren't delighted for him. Everyone thought his career was over but that save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in the Premier League."

Read the full article here

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We didn't play a great game. We played a good game. I think we deserved to win anyway but maybe the pressure, the crucial game, the crucial part of the season, we suffered too much. Anyway I am happy because I watched my players with the right spirit, with the right mentality.

"We made too many mistakes. If we want to win we have to reduce the mistakes, but we know before this game it will be tough until the end of the season, until the last game. It is tough for us and tough for everyone."

On gaining a point over relegation rivals West Ham: "I think we have to consider the result but we have to consider the performance. We played a good game, we are making points, in the last four games we made eight points. Congratulations to Leeds, they played a great game, they have to play the last game at West Ham and we've no doubt that they will play the same way."

On the VAR calls: "The VAR in West Ham-Arsenal was a foul, it was clear. Today, I did not see honestly. I didn't watch the [James] Maddison penalty, maybe yes, maybe no. I heard my assistant but I don't want to come inside a polemic.

"The referee was not calm today. Maybe he felt the pressure of yesterday? He is human and it can happen, but no problem. He was good on the pitch. We prepare the next two games."

On Maddison's return: "He is a different player. We have had a lot of injuries but we are good enough to stay up with these players."

Did you know?

• Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win any of their last 10 home league games (D4 L6); it's only the second time they've gone 10+ home league games without a win after April 1994 (14).

• Mathys Tel is the first Spurs player to score a goal and concede a penalty in the same Premier League game since Robbie Keane against Bolton Wanderers in February 2007.

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.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Leeds' display?

Come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies

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.

Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Spence, Sarr, Souza.

Two changes for Daniel Farke's Leeds side, who have secured their Premier League status for next season.

Dan James and Brenden Aaronson start ahead of Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor, who is injured.

Joe Rodon starts against his former club.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Rodon, Struijk, Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka, Justin, James, Aaronson, Bijol, Calvert-Lewin.

Subs: Perri, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Bornauw, Byram, Gnonto, Chadwick, Lienou.

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.

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.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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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.

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)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Spurs? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

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For Spurs fans, Sunday's game between West Ham and Arsenal could be viewed as a nightmare fixture whatever the result.

With Tottenham sitting just a point above the Hammers, we want to know where your support will be leaning.

A win for the Gunners would edge them closer to the title and give Spurs the chance to widen the gap at the bottom when they host Leeds United.

A West Ham victory will send Tottenham back into the relegation zone going into their game on Monday.

So the question is this: who do you want to win at London Stadium?

Get in touch with your views here

Tottenham are targeting Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, though Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the Netherlands centre-back. (Teamtalk, external)

Meanwhile Spurs are keen on Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren, 24. (TeamTalk, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Bardi
Fan writer

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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.

Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch - a Spurs podcast, external

Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is on Inter Milan's radar. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian, external)

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)

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Who will suffer Premier League relegation this season? Former goalkeeper Shay Given is still undecided, after Tottenham picked up three points against Aston Villa and West Ham suffered a heavy defeat at Brentford.

"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."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

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?

• Read more on the relegation battle