Cristian Romero was left in tears as he exited the pitch with an injury, capping off a nightmare start for Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland, leaving them in deep trouble near the relegation zone.
The result, combined with De Zerbi’s tactical decisions, has already sparked frustration among supporters, with some even calling for his dismissal. Tottenham now sit two points from safety with just six games remaining, while rivals like West Ham United and Nottingham Forest picked up crucial points.
A major talking point was De Zerbi’s decision to keep Conor Gallagher on the pitch until late in the game. The January signing, who has struggled to make an impact since arriving, was only substituted in the 85th minute—by which time Sunderland had already taken control. Fans questioned the lack of creativity and late changes, with many openly criticising the manager’s approach.
Supporters took to social media to vent their anger, describing the decision as “ridiculous” and even suggesting it felt like “sabotage.” With Spurs managing just three points in the league since Gallagher’s arrival, frustration continues to grow.
Despite injuries playing a role in their struggles, Tottenham’s performances and tactical direction have also come under scrutiny. With only 540 minutes left to save their Premier League status, De Zerbi faces a huge challenge—and based on this display, survival looks far from certain.
