How De Zerbi brought life to sinking Spurs

How De Zerbi brought life to sinking SpursTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, Spurs propel themselves out of relegation zone with win over VillaByUmir IrfanFootball tactics correspondentPublished4 May 2026, 16:18 BSTCommentsUpdated 1 minute agoRoberto de Zerbi's Spurs look like a revived outfit after claiming their second straight win - a 2-1 victory at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa.Having been coached by three managers - Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and now De Zerbi - with strongly opposing styles this season, Spurs seem to be coming together despite the short time their new boss has had with them.With renewed confidence paired with tactical principles that have simplified his players' decision-making process, Spurs' squad and fans will be quietly optimistic things have changed for the better and they can avoid the drop.And De Zerbi deserves much of the credit given the way he has set up his team.Has tide turned for troubled Spurs under De Zerbi?Published17 hours agoA huge night for Spurs - but who are favourites to go down?Published16 hours agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tottenham have won back-to-back league games for the first time since the second weekend of the seasonAggressive pressing nullifies Villa's build-upDe Zerbi is usually praised for how his sides build from the back, but Spurs' defensive work stood out most against Villa on Sunday.Unai Emery's team have opted to build short and centrally before speeding up play when space opens higher up the pitch this season - not too dissimilar from the principles De Zerbi tends to opt for in possession.To counter this, De Zerbi asked Spurs to press aggressively while blocking the middle of the pitch.Richarlison was key to the plan, positioning himself partly to block the pass into Villa's right centre midfielder Lamare Bogarde, while angling his body to discourage Emiliano Martinez from play...