Wild celebrations to verge of tears - time running out for Spurs

"I believe in my players and they have to believe in me. We can't think in the past. We have enough time, we have enough quality," De Zerbi said.

"I don't like people who cry or think too negatively."

Tottenham defender Pedro Porro told BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.

"I think the team today was very good. The most important thing now is staying positive."

Media caption,

We need to find a solution to win games - De Zerbi

Only the Championship's rock-bottom club Sheffield Wednesday have picked up fewer points (four) than Spurs (six) across English football's top four tiers in 2026.

De Zerbi has been clear that his immediate attention is on restoring confidence in a group of players who have now failed to win each of their last five Premier League games in which they have led.

There were signs of encouragement for the former Seagulls boss in that regard, as his players demonstrated the fight they must show over their remaining games in going toe-to-toe with the league's form team.

There was cause for optimism on the team sheet, too, as long-term absentees Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison were fit enough to start and make the bench respectively.

De Zerbi also praised the fans, whom he will hope can recreate the same atmosphere in the club's final home fixtures against Leeds and Everton.

"We have to say thanks to our fans. They were fantastic, they helped the players a lot before, during and at the end of the game," said De Zerbi.

"The players have to feel lucky because it's not normal that a stadium is like this if you are fighting relegation."

Former Spurs defender Michael Dawson, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "They have to take the positives. This will feel like a loss, it was a chance to turn their fortunes around.

"That is something they will have to deal with. I saw the hunger, desire and commitment. De Zerbi was passionate on the touchline.

"I saw something in that game - it has restored some belief, but this is a starting block."

Spurs travel to Wolves next weekend, then face difficult trips to European hopefuls Aston Villa and Chelsea in search of crucial points.

The task for De Zerbi now is lifting his players after coming within only a few minutes of achieving a momentous victory, the devastation evident on his players' faces at the full-time whistle.

On what he said to his players after the game, De Zerbi told Sky Sports: "I said to be strong, to follow me again because I want to help them.

"They can change the mentality, that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negatively, but we have to be focused and work to find the condition to win again.

"Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet.

"Today I saw signs. I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target."

Spurs' challenge could yet become greater before they next kick a ball, however, with Nottingham Forest hosting Burnley and West Ham taking on Crystal Palace over the next two days.

"Now they have to sit nervously and watch Nottingham Forest and West Ham play," former Premier League midfielder Andy Reid told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"If both of those teams get wins, this point turns out to be not so great. It is an anxious couple of days ahead."