Roberto De Zerbi rescues Tottenham from crisis season

Tottenham Hotspur were heading towards a disastrous campaign. A failed manager, a failed replacement, no wins in almost half a season and only two at home all year. But manager Roberto De Zerbi has somehow steered the ship, just about, according to reports.

Context and background

The club endured a turbulent period. The previous manager was deemed unsuccessful and his replacement also failed to turn results around. Spurs went without a win for almost half the season, a run that threatened to derail their European ambitions and cause serious unrest among supporters. At home, they managed only two victories throughout the entire calendar year before De Zerbi's intervention.

Tactically, the team lacked organisation and coherence. The defence was porous, the midfield struggled to control games, and the attack misfired regularly. De Zerbi's arrival brought a new system, but the recovery has been marginal rather than transformative. The underlying statistics remain concerning: expected goals against has stayed high, while creative output has only modestly improved.

Historical precedent suggests that mid-season managerial changes rarely yield instant success. Comparing this to similar situations in the Premier League from 2020-2025, such as when a struggling side appointed a new boss midway through the campaign and narrowly avoided relegation, the parallels are clear. De Zerbi's impact has been just enough to stop the rot.

Impact and analysis

What does this mean for Tottenham? De Zerbi has stabilised the squad, but the long-term outlook remains uncertain. The team's form has improved slightly, yet they are still far from the top-four pace. The tactical switch to a more possession-based approach has not yielded consistent results, and defensive frailties persist.

  • Tottenham's recent form shows they have won only a handful of matches under De Zerbi, with draws and defeats still frequent.
  • The club's campaign statistics are among the worst in the league for goals conceded and points per home game.
  • Fixture congestion ahead could expose the squad's lack of depth, with key matches against rivals looming.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Tottenham assets have become unreliable. Few players have recorded consistent returns. Upcoming fixtures do not offer obvious routes to clean sheets or high scores.

What's next

De Zerbi must continue to plug holes. The immediate priority is to secure enough points to avoid a relegation scrap. With the January transfer window approaching, the club must back their manager with new signings, particularly in defence and midfield. Failure to do so could see Spurs flirt with danger. The pressure on De Zerbi will only increase if results do not improve soon.

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