De Zerbi Reacts To Spurs Move Out Of Relegation Zone Following 2-1 Win Over Aston Villa

Tottenham eased relegation pressure with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa, yet Roberto De Zerbi insisted the job is far from done. Goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison moved Spurs out of the bottom three and above West Ham into 17th place, but De Zerbi stressed that the remaining fixtures will decide whether the team stays in the Premier League.

The win at Villa Park gave Spurs successive league victories for the first time since the opening two matchdays of the season. Despite Villa’s late reply through Emiliano Buendia, Tottenham protected the lead to claim three vital points, leaving Aston Villa frustrated after struggling to create clear chances for most of the match.

De Zerbi’s side are now one point clear of West Ham in the battle to avoid relegation, but the head coach refused to celebrate the climb out of the bottom three. Spurs still have three league fixtures remaining, starting against Leeds United on Monday night, 11 May, and De Zerbi underlined that recent struggles must stay fresh in the squad’s memory.

Asked about moving above West Ham, De Zerbi replied: "Nothing because the season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting on Monday night [May 11] with Leeds [United]. They are playing very well. We can't forget what the situation was before Wolves. It was a very sad situation, and these memories have to stay in our heads."

Spurs started with notable intensity and reached a 2-0 lead inside 25 minutes, their earliest two-goal advantage in a Premier League fixture since December 2024, when they were 4-0 ahead against Southampton after the same period. The quick start at Villa Park laid the platform for the win and highlighted Tottenham’s greater sharpness in the first half.

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De Zerbi’s players dominated the opening 45 minutes, registering eight attempts before the break. Four of those efforts were on target and another struck the post, while Villa managed no shots and had just one touch in the Tottenham penalty area. Aston Villa improved later and Buendia’s close-range header reduced the deficit, but the home side could not force an equaliser.

De Zerbi praised both the quality of the opposition and Tottenham’s structured display: "We played against Aston Villa, they are a very good team, De Zerbi told TNT Sports. A lot of very good players, a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes without the ball and with the ball. We suffered with [Ollie] Watkins and [Emiliano] Buendia and conceded a goal. That was the only bad thing we did on the pitch."

The head coach highlighted the team’s mentality and pressing work, as well as their decisions when possession was won. "I'm pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season. The high pressure is mentality and then in possession. We played very well when we had to attack the space or to shoot. I love playing football. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of."

Gallagher opened the scoring with a composed finish, registering a first goal for Tottenham and continuing a personal run at Villa Park. The midfielder’s previous two Premier League goals away from home had also arrived at this stadium, including a strike for Chelsea in April 2024, while this effort was Gallagher’s first league goal since scoring against West Ham in May 2024.

Reflecting on the evening, Gallagher told TNT Sports: "We're really happy with the performance and the three points, he told TNT Sports. It's been a perfect night, but hopefully it's just the start. We want to carry it on for the last few games of the season." Gallagher added further praise for De Zerbi’s influence on the squad, stressing the coach’s impact on confidence and performance levels.

The midfielder described the personal importance of finally scoring for Spurs and explained the growing bond with the new head coach. "I'm really happy with my first goal. It's always a relief to get the first goal, and hopefully a few more can come now. I can't speak highly enough of [De Zerbi]. He's been so good. Every player in the squad has taken to him; he makes you feel so good. He brings the best out of you."

Tottenham’s victory at Aston Villa tightened the relegation picture and maintained positive momentum that began after the match against Wolves. With three Premier League games left, including the upcoming meeting with Leeds United, Spurs carry improved form but also De Zerbi’s clear reminder that recent difficulties and league position demand full focus until the final whistle of the campaign.