Tottenham Hotspur are currently in the midst of a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Spurs, who remain in a safety battle with London rivals West Ham United, overcame an injury-hit challenge with back-to-back wins under manager Roberto De Zerbi and showed renewed confidence and inspiration.
Defensively, Spurs have been very strong in recent weeks, conceding just 1.84 xG in their last three games. Their futile attacks discovered something deep within themselves and, despite numerous injuries, they are now in the lead.
Expected goals conceded (xGA) is the number of goals a team is expected to concede based on the quality and quantity of shots they face.
However, it is the midfield that is fueling this late-season resurgence, with the likes of Conor Gallagher, Joao Parinha and Rodrigo Bentancur emerging as trump cards.
How De Zerbi fixed Spurs’ midfield
Tottenham’s resurgence starts in the middle. This season, Spurs’ midfield has often been as soft as butter from the fridge and too easy to play.
In possession they are equally consistent and this team looks more consistent and cohesive despite the addition of Xavi Simons to a lengthy sanitarium. This certainly seemed to be the case in their precious win against Aston Villa.
Tottenham have reduced their xGA in recent weeks, which essentially means they are limiting the chances their opponents receive.
Expected goals conceded (xGA) is the number of goals a team is expected to concede based on the quality and quantity of shots they face.
Gallagher’s all-action midfield play helped, but Bentancur’s tempo-setting quality was key, with the Uruguayan returning from an injury that started in January and playing more fluently than before in Thomas Frank’s system.
The 30-year-old Parinha, who is on loan from Bayern Munich, has been in excellent form throughout the year, winning 5.6 duels per game with a success rate of 61%. That’s impressive for a midfield anchor at the center of traffic jams.
Premier League Most Injured (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
team | league standings | injury |
tottenham | 17th | 37 |
arsenal | 1st place | 32 |
chelsea | 9th place | 31 |
Aston Villa | 5th place | 29 |
newcastle | 13th | 28 |
Injury, injury, injury. Tottenham have struggled to be creative all season, but too many setbacks have left them unable to play the kind of expansive play that other Premier League rivals have chosen to exclude this season.
Gallagher, Bentancur and Parinha are a hard-working and effective combination, and they might just be the one to save the Lilywhites. However, this came at the expense of another valuable Spurs star.
Spurs’ ‘future captain’ will not start again in season 25/26
Tottenham’s future is bright. While he has struggled for minutes under De Zerbi, Archie Gray is expected to make a big splash in north London and has even been tipped by the one and only Harry Redknapp to be a ‘future Tottenham captain’.
The young midfielder has struggled during his two years at Tottenham. The 18-year-old joined from Leeds United for £30m and won Europa League gold last year, but domestic form has been tough for the Londoners.
Gray, who has now become one of the most important players for Ange Postecoglou, Frank and Igor Tudor, has been on the bench for Spurs’ last three Premier League games and with much at stake, he must remain until the start of next season.
This is a physical issue. De Zerbi’s first game as manager, a defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, was tough and Gray was hooked after the hour mark.
The 20-year-old has only won 35% of his duels in the Premier League this season and failed to mount a challenge against the Black Cats.
The former Leeds United prodigy remains a top talent and a player who could play a big role in the coming years, but with Bentancur back and Gallagher playing well, De Zerbi was right to leave him out of the starting XI.
Part of the problem for Gray is that previous managers have pushed him to play all over the park. The youngster’s tactical dynamism is impressive, but it could have been disruptive to his development, especially given how hard Spurs have been hit by the events of this season.
Archie Gray’s Tottenham career by position | ||
|---|---|---|
position | app | Goal + Assist |
center back | 20 | 0+0 |
defensive midfield | 18 | 1 + 0 |
central midfield | 14 | 0 + 1 |
right full back | 11 | 1 + 0 |
left full back | 7 | 0 + 1 |
right midfield | 3 | 0 + 1 |
De Zerbi has achieved a winning formula at Tottenham and it is no coincidence that he decided not to start Gray after his first tough game in charge.
Gray has the technique and tenacity but may not be fit enough to withstand the pressure of aerial duels in this late stage of relegation. Instead, De Zerbi is reinforcing a midfield trio that packs quite a punch, which could be the engine that gets them over the line.
Spurs modern-day Lucas Moura guides Tottenham to safety
Tottenham are starting to play with vigor and vigor under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
