Tottenham moved out of the relegation zone by beating Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
Tottenham Hotspur had not won a Premier League game in 2026 before their victory over Wolves last week. On Sunday, they made it back-to-back league wins by beating Aston Villa 2-1 to climb out of the relegation zone.
Roberto De Zerbi has overseen two wins, one draw and one defeat in his first four games since replacing Igor Tudor during the March international break. Spurs dominated from the first whistle against Aston Villa, taking advantage of the hosts’ heavily rotated side. Unai Emery’s men looked sluggish, ponderous and second-best in every department. This led to a first-half display that completely put them on the back foot, as Tottenham deservedly led 2-0 via goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison.
Emi Buendia scored a header in stoppage time, but it was just a mere consolation for Aston Villa. At full-time whistle, the away sections at Villa Park erupted and celebrated the victory with sheer joy, sensing this may just be the start of a turnaround in fortunes.
Roberto De Zerbi praises Tottenham players after victory over Aston Villa
This was the first time Tottenham have won consecutive league matches since their opening two games against Burnley and Manchester City. This shows why Spurs are stuck at the wrong end of the table, but since De Zerbi arrived, changes in the squad’s mentality and approach to games has evidently shifted.
The Italian tactician was very happy with his team’s performance with and without the ball, praising their mentality against a strong Villa side.
“We played against Aston Villa, they are a very good team. A lot of very good players, a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes without the ball and with the ball,” De Zerbi said in an interview with TNT Sports (h/t BBC Sport).
“We suffered with Watkins and Buendia and conceded a goal. That was the only bad thing we did on the pitch. I’m pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.
“The high pressure is mentality and then in possession. We played very well when we had to attack the space or to shoot. I love playing football. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of.”
Still a lot of work to be done
The win over Villa saw Tottenham climb out of the relegation zone at the expense of West Ham, with just three matches left to play. They have picked up seven points from the last three games, indicating a shift in momentum amid injuries to some key players.
Our fans have every right to be overjoyed, but De Zerbi knows there is still a lot of work to be done to keep the club afloat in the Premier League. The 46-year-old wants his team to focus on achieving their objective rather than getting distracted by the win. With three difficult fixtures left, the North Londoners must continue to stick together and give their all to win them all.