Tottenham show signs of life under Roberto De Zerbi, but are they favourites for relegation?

Once again, the atmosphere was electric outside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with supporters all too aware of the importance of their clash with Brighton.

However, despite an encouraging performance from Roberto De Zerbi's side, they failed to get over the line, with Giorginio Rutter hammering home a late leveller in the 2-2 draw.

With Spurs still trapped in the relegation zone, do they have what it takes to avoid the drop? DAZN News takes a closer look.

What positives can Tottenham take from Brighton draw?

While it is the points that matter at this stage of the season for Spurs, they must hold on to what went well on Saturday and channel it into the rest of their season.

For starters, De Zerbi's men were hungry from the off and delivered the performance of a side that looks like they will battle for every point they can take between now and the end of the campaign.

Against Sunderland, the Italian opted to play three strikers, which showed intent without conviction, but the return of playmaker Xavi Simons was integral, with the 22-year-old notching a goal and assist in his man-of-the-match showing.

Although he was an unused substitute against the Seagulls, the return of James Maddison could prove pivotal for the North Londoners and provide his manager with another stellar creative option.

Looking ahead, the biggest positive is that Tottenham's next opponent is bottom-side Wolves, who could be relegated tonight if West Ham United pick up a point against Crystal Palace.

However, the Black Country outfit are unbeaten in their last six against the North Londoners; the last time Spurs tasted victory in the fixture was in 2022, when a Harry Kane goal snatched a 1-0 victory.

What went wrong for Spurs at the weekend?

It is certainly not all doom and gloom for Tottenham, but there have been some concerning patterns that show no signs of disappearing any time soon.

Defensively, the North London side are one of the most fragile in the division, and any time the ball is in or around their own box, nerves start jangling in their backline.

While one can only stand and applaud Kaoru Mitoma's wonder strike, less can be said about Rutter's goal, with a defensive error by Kevin Danso leading to the opportunity.

Of course, the Austrian alone can not be blamed for his mistake, as there has been a vast back catalogue of errors strewn across the club's season, with multiple offenders.

What was noticeable, though, was Spurs' natural tendency to sit back and invite pressure when they went ahead, which ultimately led to the Seagulls' leveller.

One reason for that is that Tottenham have rarely held a lead in 2026, and their inability to win games will understandably mean they sit back and invite pressure.

This is an area that De Zerbi must address if they are to turn draws into wins in their final five fixtures.

Tottenham falling further behind rivals

Draws at this stage of the season are simply not enough for the Lilywhites, and Nottingham Forest's hammering of Burnley has only increased the chances of Spurs going down.

Ironically, it was Tottenham's summer transfer target Morgan Gibbs-White who bagged a hat-trick and has proved instrumental as they look to steer clear of the drop - just what De Zerbi's side are missing.

The gap between Spurs and Forest is now five points, and with Vitor Pereira's men set to play first next weekend, they could be eight points clear of them when they kick off against Wolves on Saturday.

Then there is West Ham, who have a very winnable clash with Crystal Palace tonight; claim victory, and the Hammers will go four points clear of the North Londoners.

What makes Tottenham the favourites for the drop is that they just do not look like they know how to win, while West Ham and Forest have shown they can take points off anyone right now.

While victory over Wolves next weekend should provide the spark that Spurs have been desperately lacking, they must rely on others to fall.

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