Roberto De Zerbi expressed greater satisfaction with Tottenham's performance than the three points after their 2-1 victory at Aston Villa, which moved them above the relegation zone with three Premier League matches remaining. The Spurs head coach emphasized that the manner of the win should accelerate belief within the squad that they can avoid relegation.
Match Overview
First-half goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison secured successive Premier League wins for Tottenham for the first time since August. Emiliano Buendía scored a consolation goal in the 96th minute, which was Villa's first shot on target. Spurs, who host Leeds next Monday, are now one point above West Ham and two behind Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand at Chelsea on Monday.
De Zerbi's Reaction
De Zerbi, who became Tottenham's third head coach of the season last month, was delighted with his side's display. "I'm really pleased with the performance with the ball, without the ball," he said. "Without the ball we showed great courage and with the ball great qualities. I'm happy for this type of performance more than three points. The most important thing was to play a great game, to believe more and more in ourselves and in our qualities, and then we have to keep the focus and improve."
The Italian coach praised Gallagher, stating "when he plays well, we play with 12 players." The England midfielder reciprocated the compliment, highlighting De Zerbi's positive impact on the squad. "I can't speak highly enough of him," Gallagher said. "He's been so good. Every player has taken to him, everyone trusts him, he makes you feel good, confident. He's bringing the best out of players, and it's only the start. Hopefully we can keep learning from him, build a great team, and it can be the start of something great." Since De Zerbi succeeded Igor Tudor, Spurs have taken seven points from a possible 12.
Villa's Struggles
Unai Emery made seven changes from Villa's Europa League first-leg defeat at Nottingham Forest, and his side were second best throughout. Emery acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of the return fixture on Thursday, where Villa hold a 1-0 advantage, but defended his decision to rotate. "I knew before the match, I knew my challenge: to win with some changes, but I believe in the players," said Emery, confirming that captain John McGinn was omitted as a precaution. "If someone doesn't believe in the players, the supporters or the media, OK, don't believe, but it's not different when we are winning to when we are losing. I accept some criticism."
