Tottenham feel sick after conceding a 95th-minute equalizer at home to Brighton, leaving them on the verge of flying out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Roberto De Zerbi was happy with Tottenham’s performance (Image: Hayters TV)
A defiant Roberto De Zerbi reminded his Tottenham players that they were “not finished yet” after their heartbreak against Brighton. Spurs were on track to move out of the relegation zone, but conceded a goal in the 95th minute on Saturday.
Xavi Simmons gave Tottenham a precious lead in the second half before Georginio Rutter capitalized on a mistake by Kevin Danso to equalize. Brighton fought back early in the game, with Kaoru Mitoma canceling out Pedro Polo’s opener.
However, Spurs’ performance was a huge improvement compared to last Sunday’s disastrous 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, which was De Zerbi’s first game as manager. The Italian was happy with his team’s performance and felt “positive” despite the late goal.
“Even if we can do our best, it’s not over yet,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports after the match. “I told (the players) many times to come with me because I want to be strong and help them.
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“They can change their mentality, because that’s the most important part. It’s too easy to think negatively right now, but we have to focus on this performance and try to find the conditions to win again. I’m positive because I know the players and I know their qualities. I know they like humanity and I believe in them.”
De Zerbi added: “I’m positive, but I’m proud of the players. They played a great game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, prepare for the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If we’re as strong as we were today, I think we can compete again.”
Goalscorer Polo echoed his manager’s sentiments, telling BBC Sport: “I don’t think there’s any time to be disappointed after the game. The best thing for me and my teammates is to keep pushing, keep moving forward.”
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Tottenham remain in the bottom three (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
“I thought the team was very good today. I thought the first half was very good for us. The team pressed very well. I think the most important thing right now is to stay positive.”
Regarding Danso’s mistake, Polo added: “I think Kevin played a great game today. This is the point now. There is no time for mistakes. This is football, it happens. For me, Kevin contributed today on the pitch.”
Tottenham return to action next Saturday away against Wolves, who are already in danger of being relegated. Spurs are now one point from safety.
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