Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi 'proud' of win at Aston Villa but warns 'don't forget the situation we were in'
Tottenham moved out of the Premier League relegation zone with a 2-1 win away at Aston Villa; they have now secured back-to-back league wins for the first time since August, but Roberto De Zerbi has warned: "We can't forget the very sad situation we were in before Wolverhampton"
Sunday 3 May 2026 22:34, UK
Roberto De Zerbi has spoken of his pride at seeing his Tottenham team beat Aston Villa, but warned against forgetting the situation his side were in just a matter of weeks ago.
Having lost to Sunderland in his first game in charge on April 12 and then drawn 2-2 against former club Brighton six days later, prior to the trip to Wolves on April 25, the north London club were sat 18th in the Premier League table, two points from safety.
But after beating the division's bottom side, then Champions League-chasing Villa, Spurs have not only won back-to-back league games for the first time since the first two games of the season, but leapfrogged the Hammers into 17th with three games remaining.
- Report: Spurs move out of relegation zone with crucial victory at Villa
- Live Premier League table | As it happened | Teams | Match stats
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle at Villa Park, De Zerbi said: "We played against Aston Villa and Aston Villa is a very good team, with a lot of very good players and a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes, with the ball, without the ball.
"We could have scored more goals, especially in the first half, but I'm pleased for this performance from my players. I know how much they suffered this season and for that I'm very proud. The only bad thing on the pitch was the goal we conceded.
"It's not finished yet, the season. We have to play another three games, very tough games, starting [next] Monday night, with Leeds.
"Leeds are playing very well. They deserve to stay in this position in the table.
"We can't forget what the situation was before Wolverhampton - and before that it was a very sad situation.
"These memories have to stay in our head every day, especially this week after this win."
The Italian was also asked what pleased him most on Sunday evening.
"The high pressure, for sure, because the high pressure is a mentality," he said
"Then the possession because we played very, very well, with calm. When we had to attack the space or to go to shoot, we did. When we had to keep the ball, we did.
"I love playing football. Especially if you have these players in the squad, my job is to help them, to put them in the right condition to play, to show what they are capable of doing."
And he reserved special praise for man of the match Conor Gallagher.
"When Conor Gallagher played well, we played with 12 players," De Zerbi said. "He's an amazing player.
"Today also, Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel, they played a fantastic game. Joao Palhinha and [Rodrigo] Bentancur were incredible. The two centre-backs, with the ball and without the ball. I'm very pleased."
Gallagher: Hopefully this is just the start
Tottenham's Conor Gallagher speaking to TNT Sports:
"It was a fantastic performance. Exactly what we needed.
"Everything we did in the week leading up to the game, we showed tonight and we're really happy with the performance and three points.
"It's been a perfect night, but hopefully it's only the start. We want to carry it on for the last few games of the season.
"It's massive for us and hopefully our confidence can start growing and we can keep playing games like that."
"I can't speak highly enough of him [De Zerbi]. He's been so good.
"Every player in the squad has taken to him, everyone trusts him, he makes you feel good, confident, he's bringing the best out of players and it's only the start.
"Hopefully we can keep learning from him and build a great team."
