Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has urged Leeds United to show the same intensity against West Ham United after his side were held to a 1-1 draw in a tense Premier League relegation battle.
Spurs drop points as pressure grows near the bottom
The fight to avoid relegation remains tight, with Tottenham and West Ham United still trying to secure their Premier League status.
West Ham suffered a disputed 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with Leandro Trossard scoring the only goal in east London. The Hammers thought they had rescued a point in stoppage time when Callum Wilson found the net, but the goal was ruled out after VAR judged Pablo to have fouled David Raya from a corner.
That result kept Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the relegation zone, only one point behind Tottenham before Spurs hosted Leeds United on Monday night.
Tottenham went ahead soon after the break through Mathys Tel, but the French forward was then involved in a key moment at the other end. While attempting an overhead clearance, he caught Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu on the head.
After checking the pitchside monitor, referee Jarred Gillett awarded a penalty, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted confidently from 12 yards.
Leeds almost won the match late on when Antonin Kinsky pushed Sean Longstaff’s effort onto the crossbar. Spurs then appealed for a penalty after Lukas Nmecha challenged James Maddison, but the referee waved play on after a quick VAR review.
De Zerbi says Tottenham still deserve survival
Despite missing the chance to take three points at home, De Zerbi insisted Tottenham have enough character to stay in the Premier League.
“We deserve to stay up and we fight until the end,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports after the match.
He added that relegation pressure is not only physical, but also mental.
“When you fight relegation, you need to stay strong not with the legs but with the head,” he said.
West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal had already confirmed Leeds’ Premier League safety, but the Yorkshire side still produced a committed performance in London.
Leeds could influence West Ham’s survival hopes
Leeds may still have a major role in the relegation race. They face Brighton & Hove Albion at home next weekend before travelling to the London Stadium to play West Ham on the final day.
De Zerbi used his post-match interview to send a clear message to Leeds.
“We hope they play like this against West Ham because it is right like this,” the Tottenham manager said.
The Italian admitted Spurs were not at their best, but stressed that the context of the relegation fight made the match difficult.
“We played a good game, not great but there was big pressure. We didn’t play calm,” he said.
“We wanted to win immediately. In the end, I think we have to fight until the end of the season. Leeds played a good game.”
De Zerbi also defended Tel after the penalty incident, saying the young forward should not carry the blame.
“I am sorry for the penalty we conceded because Mathys Tel scored a great goal. He is very young and it is not a problem for me. I am happy for the attitude and mentality,” he said.
De Zerbi questions referee after late penalty appeal
The Tottenham boss was also asked about the late Maddison penalty appeal, but he avoided a direct complaint.
“I don’t know. I think the referee was not in the right condition today,” De Zerbi said.
“Maybe he was not so calm. Nothing for the result, I didn’t see the situation of Maddison.”
He also referred to the controversial West Ham and Arsenal match, suggesting the pressure around key decisions has been high.
Spurs now face Chelsea away before ending their Premier League season at home against Everton.
