Analysis: Signs of encouragement but Spurs running out of time

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With each winless game that passes, a once unthinkable fate for Tottenham becomes increasingly likely.

The facts are that Spurs now stand five games away from a first season in the second tier for almost 50 years, and one match from equalling the club's worst-ever winless league run, set in 1935.

Yet, while it may not feel it in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's cruel setback, there were signs of encouragement for Roberto De Zerbi, who has insisted first and foremost on restoring confidence in his players to aid their survival bid.

A team sheet featuring midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, making his first start since undergoing hamstring surgery in January, and James Maddison, returning to the squad after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season, already provided a pre-match lift.

The Spurs fans waved flags bearing the club's crest before kick-off and roared as the stadium announcer read out the player's names as they sought to create an atmosphere in which their confidence-stricken team could thrive.

The hosts carried the greater early threat but failed to hit the target despite registering the first four attempts of the game - while they also had a penalty claim dismissed when Destiny Udogie went down after getting past Yankuba Minteh.

They went close to a quick-fire second when the excellent Xavi Simons' low shot hit the post, and Bart Verbruggen was equal to Pedro Porro's follow-up.