When Tottenham Hotspur needed a steady hand to navigate the treacherous waters of a relegation battle, they turned to Roberto de Zerbi. And according to former Spurs defender Stephen Kelly, it was a masterstroke.

"De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, pointing to a noticeable shift in the team's mentality. "There is a resilience about them now. When things go wrong, they don't collapse like before. They're fighting, working hard, and there's a spring in their step."

That newfound grit was on full display in Monday's high-stakes clash against Leeds United. Spurs took an early lead, but the match ended in a tense 1-1 draw—a result that feels more like a missed opportunity than a point gained. With just two games remaining, Tottenham sit only two points above West Ham in the relegation zone, leaving their Premier League status hanging by a thread.

Kelly, who knows a thing or two about the pressures of top-flight football, didn't mince words about the team's inconsistency. "It's a roller coaster at the moment," he said. "There's wonderful play in the forward areas, calamitous defending at times, and a fair share of bad luck. It's a mix of everything, but overall, the performances just haven't been good enough."

The former defender also highlighted a troubling trend: Tottenham's inability to secure wins at home. "You can't be a top Premier League side—or even one fighting to avoid relegation—and not win matches at home," Kelly stressed. "The fans are ready to get behind you, but Spurs are always on the edge. The players seem to struggle with the noise and the size of the stadium. It's a weird thing, but it's costing them dearly."

As the season reaches its climax, the question remains: can De Zerbi's resilience and tactical acumen steer Spurs to safety? For now, the roller coaster continues, and every match feels like a cup final.