Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham have finally shaken off their "mental problem" after a gritty 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday lifted them out of the Premier League relegation zone.
In a match that had all the tension of a survival showdown, Spurs stormed to a commanding two-goal lead by halftime. Conor Gallagher opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, followed by a powerful header from Richarlison. Villa pulled one back through Emiliano Buendía in the dying seconds, but it was too little, too late for the home side.
The win marks Tottenham's second consecutive victory—a remarkable turnaround for a team that had gone 15 league matches without a win before De Zerbi's arrival in March. Now sitting one point above third-bottom West Ham, with both teams having just three games remaining, the fight for survival is reaching its boiling point.
"I think it was a mental problem," De Zerbi admitted. "These two wins, I hope we can play with more confidence and a better mentality. Villa are a very good team with great players and a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes—both with and without the ball."
When the Italian took over from interim boss Igor Tudor, Tottenham's confidence was shattered. After losing to Sunderland and drawing with Brighton, many wrote them off. But back-to-back away wins at Wolves and Villa have breathed new life into their survival bid, giving fans hope of avoiding a first relegation since 1977-78.
"I know how much they have suffered this season," De Zerbi said. "The high pressure is mentality, and in possession we played very well when we had to attack space or shoot. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of."
Gallagher's first goal since joining from Atlético Madrid in January was the highlight of a tireless display that epitomized Tottenham's newfound spirit. "When Gallagher plays well, we play with 12 players," De Zerbi said. "Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel played an amazing game. The two center-backs, with and without the ball—I am really pleased."
With a crucial home match against Leeds up next, followed by a trip to Chelsea and a season finale that could decide their fate, Tottenham's mental strength will be tested to its limits. For now, though, De Zerbi has given them something they desperately needed: belief.