De Zerbi Reacts as Spurs Extend Superb Winning Run With Palace Victory

Tottenham are on their best run in more than 18 months, with three consecutive victories for the first time since February 2025. Confidence is rising in north London after Roberto De Zerbi’s strong start, and Saturday’s 2-0 win over ten-man Crystal Palace was another step forward for a side that is finally finding consistency. Defenders Archie Gray and Jan Paul van Hecke got the goals.

Palace’s task became much harder when Jean-Philippe Mateta was sent off in the 13th minute, but Spurs still had to work to break down a compact, deep-sitting side. The numbers show how one-sided it was. Tottenham had 34 shots to Palace’s two, completed 758 passes to 149 and held almost 80 per cent of the ball.

After the game, De Zerbi said he was very pleased with the display but wanted his players to be more ruthless in front of goal. He admitted he could not say whether the game would have been different with eleven Palace players, but stressed they are a tough opponent because they defend in a low block and leave almost no space. He felt his team showed maturity by playing the same way for the full 90 minutes and creating plenty of chances, though he accepted that they should have scored more and said the improvement is clear.

He also conceded that an extra man is always an advantage, but explained why it did not make things easy. Palace put everyone behind the ball and defended aggressively, at one stage having all ten outfield players within 20 metres of their goal.

De Zerbi had special praise for Gray, calling him an intelligent player who can operate anywhere, including in midfield. The youngster was taken off at half-time after a first-half yellow card, which the manager said was a tactical decision and not a comment on his performance.

The Italian also pointed to the need for depth if Spurs want to compete for top honours, saying a serious squad needs more than eleven reliable players. He sympathised with Marcos Senesi, whom he described as a top player who is missing out because the team is currently set up with two centre-backs.

With the win lifting Tottenham into the top half, De Zerbi warned his squad not to get carried away. He said the club still has ambitions, but they are only part of the picture, and everyone must remember where the team was two weeks ago and how they finished 17th twice in recent seasons, with many home games passing without a win.

For that reason, he wants the focus to stay on the football and on the improvements still needed. Three straight wins give fans real reason for optimism, and De Zerbi will hope his players can keep the momentum going and turn it into a lasting climb up the table.