May 20, 2026

The African Tribune

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Roberto de Zerbi: tottenham’s premier league survival clash is ‘more vital than a trophy’

Roberto De Zerbi: tottenham’s premier league survival clash is ‘more vital than a trophy’

Following a recent 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has declared that Sunday’s crucial encounter against Everton, which holds the key to the club’s Premier League survival, is “more important than a trophy,” a stark contrast to their Europa League triumph last season.

After a disappointing 1-2 loss at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday, Tottenham, currently sitting 17th with 38 points, finds itself in a precarious position, facing the threat of relegation. West Ham, occupying the 18th spot and the first team in the relegation zone with 36 points, is breathing down their necks. Consequently, the Spurs are gearing up for a pivotal Premier League match against Everton this Sunday at 5 PM, while West Ham will simultaneously host Leeds in their own fight for survival.

Tottenham’s coach, Roberto De Zerbi, underscored the immense stakes of this 38th league fixture. “Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United (in the Europa League last season). The most important match is Sunday,” the 46-year-old Italian asserted. He further elaborated, “Now, we play for something more than a trophy. It’s for the pride of the club and its history. (…) It’s about dignity.”

Almost a year ago, the North London club salvaged a catastrophic Premier League campaign, which saw them finish 17th, by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final – securing their first trophy since 2008. However, instead of building on that success, the English club has faltered this season and could face relegation to the Championship for the first time since 1977.

De Zerbi remains positive for Premier League survival

Tottenham, having managed only two home victories this season, absolutely needs to avoid defeat against the Toffees. The former OM coach (2024-2026) remains hopeful: “I’d like us to play Sunday as we did during the last 20 minutes (on Tuesday), where we showed more energy, more passion, something more in us,” he stated.

“Every single player is focused on the objective. They work hard throughout the week, and each of us wants to achieve this goal. I believe we are playing a final (on Sunday), a crucial match, and it’s in our stadium… We must, therefore, stay alive. It’s going to be a monumental day for us,” he concluded, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming fixture.

Tottenham’s Premier League safety scenarios:
  • They avoid defeat against Everton.
  • They lose to Everton, but West Ham fails to win against Leeds.
Tottenham’s Premier League relegation scenario:
  • They lose to Everton AND West Ham wins against Leeds.