Shearer’s assessment hits the mark. Tottenham came out looking like a side with genuine purpose, and that winning mentality was evident right from the opening minutes.
After so many flat displays throughout the campaign, this performance felt like a welcome change. Sofascore data shows Spurs dominated possession at 55%, won more tackles (23 to Villa’s 19), and made significantly more interceptions (10 compared to Villa’s 5). The combativeness and determination Shearer highlighted are also backed up by the duel numbers: Tottenham edged those contests 51% to 49% — a narrow but meaningful advantage.
De Zerbi Deserves Recognition for Spurs’ Turnaround
Back-to-back victories represent a genuine shift in Tottenham’s season, and De Zerbi warrants considerable credit for the difference he has made in a short space of time.
The Italian has brought an attacking edge to Spurs that had been sorely lacking, and every player on the pitch appeared fully committed rather than looking to avoid responsibility.
Since his arrival, De Zerbi has won 58% of the points on offer. Sustaining that return would see Tottenham finish the season on 42 points — enough to make survival extremely difficult for West Ham, who would likely need to win at least two of their last three fixtures and pick up something in the third, particularly given Spurs’ current goal difference advantage.
Tottenham’s next outing comes against Leeds United on May 11, with the Yorkshire club not yet mathematically out of danger themselves. It has all the makings of another tense, high-stakes occasion — though at this point in the season, every remaining fixture already carries that weight.
