Stats show underlying De Zerbi impact that sparked Tottenham Premier League survival | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur avoided relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth, and they have Roberto De Zerbi to thank for the narrow escape.

Spurs retained their top-flight status with a 1-0 win over Everton in their final fixture, with Joao Palhinha scoring the all-important goal.

Tottenham went into the final fixture needing only a point to stay up. But Spurs left nothing to chance, rendering West Ham United’s 3-0 win over Leeds United inconsequential.

Staying up may not match the ambitions Spurs had at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, but surviving after such a difficult campaign feels like a major success.

Much of the credit belongs to De Zerbi, who was always confident in his ability to steer Spurs away from danger.

De Zerbi’s belief was backed up by a clear improvement in Tottenham’s performances, especially in defence. Before De Zerbi’s arrival, Spurs looked disorganised and vulnerable at the back.

In the seven league games before he became manager, Tottenham allowed 41 shots on target, the highest total in the league during that period.

The difference after his appointment was dramatic. Across De Zerbi’s seven matches in charge, Spurs faced only 17 shots on target, the fewest in the Premier League.

That huge improvement highlights how quickly he was able to turn things around, restoring structure, discipline and confidence within the team.