Tottenham Relegation Showdown With Everton Overshadows Europa Final, Says De Zerbi

Tottenham face Everton on Sunday in a Premier League survival decider that Roberto De Zerbi rates above last season’s Europa League final. Spurs need a win to be completely safe, after losing to Chelsea on 19 May 2026 and leaving their status unresolved going into the final round.

A draw against Everton is likely to be enough for Tottenham, because Spurs hold a clearly better goal difference than West Ham. West Ham sit 18th, two points behind. The Opta supercomputer still expects Tottenham to avoid relegation, giving De Zerbi’s side an 86.7% chance of staying up.

De Zerbi stressed the emotional weight of this fixture compared with last year’s European showpiece in Bilbao against Manchester United. "Sunday is the final for Tottenham, not in Bilbao against Man United [last season], but this is the most important game," De Zerbi said, underlining what is at stake for the club.

The head coach explained that survival carries meaning beyond medals. "We play for something more important than the trophythe pride, the history of the club, the dignity are more important than the trophy." "The trophy you can win, but the most important thing is to keep the dignity, to keep the pride."

De Zerbi described full commitment during the run-in to protect Tottenham’s league position. "I have lived the last 45 days just for one thing." "Every one of the players, their focus is on the target [of survival]they are working harder during the week and every one of us want to achieve that goal."

Tottenham’s struggle at their own stadium has deepened the tension before Everton’s visit. Spurs have not won a Premier League home match since 6 December, when Thomas Frank guided them to a 2-0 victory over former club Brentford. That is one of only two home league wins all season.

Across the 2025-26 campaign, Spurs have earned just 12 points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Their home record is the joint-worst in the division, alongside already-relegated Burnley. De Zerbi still turned to the supporters for help, describing the match as a final chance to lift the team.

De Zerbi praised the backing Tottenham have already received. "They have been fantastic, fantastic and we have to say thanks," De Zerbi said of the fans. "My focus is on the best 11 I can get and to prepare them in the best way." "It's a big day for us."