De Zerbi: Tottenham mood 'totally different' as Spurs seal first three-game win streak since February 2025

Tottenham Hotspur won three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in almost 21 months after a 2-0 victory over 10-man Crystal Palace at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said the mood around the club is "totally different" following the win, which lifted Spurs into the top half of the table.

  • Result: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Crystal Palace
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
  • Red card: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) sent off after 13 minutes
  • Goalscorers: Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke
  • Significance: Spurs' first three-game league win streak since February 2025

What was said

"The passion we showed - we didn't lose the focus, the concentration. We made an incredible reaction when we lost the ball."

— Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to BBC Sport's Match of the Day

"We could have scored more goals, but we created many chances. We have to be more nasty, especially in the last third of the match, especially in the finishing. I'm happy because I knew before this would be a tough game."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on the performance against Crystal Palace

"Listen, we are Tottenham. We can't forget to be ambitious, to be hungry, to win games in a row, and to make our fans happy."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on the club's ambition

"At the same time, we can't forget two weeks ago where we have been in the table, to change the last two to three seasons of this club. Three games in a row is not enough. We have to keep this behaviour, this spirit. This condition to prepare every game in the same way."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on maintaining standards

"After the international break, we spoke together honestly, and decided to change the mood quickly because in football, you can't ask for time, especially if you have good players like we have. I think nothing has changed, but the mood, spirit, the relationship with the players are totally different."

— Roberto De Zerbi, on the shift in atmosphere

De Zerbi's comments reveal a coach who is deliberately managing expectations. He is pleased with the results but insists the club cannot forget its recent struggles, including two successive 17th-place finishes before this season. The Italian also addressed the slow starts of his big summer signings, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, pleading for patience and noting they are now showing signs of why he paid such prices.

The numbers

  • 34 — shots Tottenham had against Crystal Palace
  • 2 — shots Crystal Palace had
  • 32 — shot difference, Spurs' biggest against any opponent since Opta records began in 2003-04
  • 79.4% — Tottenham's possession, their second-highest on record in a Premier League match after 80.2% against Newcastle United in August 2019
  • 600+ — days since Spurs' last three-game league winning run (February 2025)
  • 26 — previous league games in which Spurs had as many wins as this three-match streak (10 draws, 13 defeats)

Injury and availability

Dejan Kulusevski returned as a substitute after a long injury absence and delivered a lively cameo, forcing a fine save from Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. No other injury news was reported in the source.

Why De Zerbi's patience with Tonali and Fernandes is paying off

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arrived for a combined £185m in the summer and both started slowly. Against Coventry City, Tonali began to come to life, and against Palace he was pivotal with his running power, physicality and creation. Fernandes was lively throughout, always looking for the opening, the pass that could make a difference. Their integration is central to De Zerbi's transformation.

The statistics against Palace underline Spurs' dominance: 34 shots to two, and 79.4% possession. While the early red card for Jean-Philippe Mateta helped, Tottenham's control was absolute. The challenge now is to maintain this level against stronger opposition.

De Zerbi's plea for patience with his big-money signings looks justified. Tonali, a £100m arrival from Newcastle United, and Fernandes, an £85m signing from West Ham United, are beginning to justify their fees. Their emergence, alongside the return of Kulusevski, gives Spurs a midfield with power, creativity and depth.

Talking points

  • Is three wins enough to prove Spurs have turned a corner, or does the red card against Palace flatter the scoreline?
  • Should De Zerbi start Tonali and Fernandes every week now, or ease them in given their slow start?
  • Kulusevski's return could be the biggest boost of all — but can he stay fit?
  • With Palace in the bottom three, is Pierre Sage already under pressure?

What happens next

Tottenham return to Premier League action after the international break, looking to extend their winning run. The fixture list will test their newfound consistency, but De Zerbi's side have given themselves a platform. Palace, meanwhile, face increasing scrutiny as they sit in the bottom three with only two wins from nine league games.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score between Tottenham and Crystal Palace?

Tottenham won 2-0, with goals from Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Who was sent off for Crystal Palace against Tottenham?

Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off after 13 minutes for an ill-judged lunge at Micky van de Ven.

When was Tottenham's last three-game winning run before this one?

The last time Tottenham won three consecutive Premier League games was in February 2025, more than 600 days ago.

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