Following Tuesday’s 1-2 defeat to Chelsea, Tottenham’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi declared the upcoming Sunday fixture against Everton, a pivotal match for their Premier League status, to be “more important than a trophy.” This statement implicitly contrasted the vital encounter with the Europa League title the London club secured last season.
After their 1-2 loss at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday, Tottenham Hotspur, currently sitting at 17th position with 38 points, remains in a precarious relegation battle. They face direct threat from West Ham, who are 18th with 36 points and occupy the top relegation spot. Consequently, the Spurs are set to play a decisive Premier League match against Everton this Sunday at 5 PM, while West Ham will simultaneously host Leeds in their own crucial fixture.
Tottenham’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, underscored the immense stakes of this 38th league matchday. He passionately stated, « Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not in Bilbao against Manchester United (referring to last season’s Europa League). The most important match is this Sunday. » The 46-year-old Italian tactician further elaborated, « We are now playing for something greater than a trophy. This is for the pride of the club and its rich history. (…) It is about dignity. »
Almost exactly a year ago, the North London squad salvaged a disastrous Premier League campaign, finishing 17th, by defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final — marking the club’s first major title since 2008. However, instead of using that triumph as a springboard for future success, the English club has dramatically faltered this season and now faces the grim prospect of relegation to the Championship, a fate not experienced since 1977.
De Zerbi maintains positive outlook
Tottenham, having secured only two home victories throughout this season, must unequivocally avoid defeat against the Toffees. The former Olympique Marseille coach (2024-2026) expressed his desire for optimism, stating, « I wish for us to play on Sunday with the same intensity we displayed during the final 20 minutes (on Tuesday), where we exhibited greater energy, more passion, and something extra within ourselves. »
« Every single player is focused on our objective. They are working diligently throughout the week, and each of us is determined to achieve our goal. I believe we are playing a final (this Sunday), a hugely significant match, especially in our own stadium… We absolutely must stay alive. This will be a momentous day for us, » he concluded.
- They avoid defeat against Everton.
- They lose to Everton, but West Ham fails to win against Leeds.
- They lose to Everton AND West Ham secures a victory against Leeds.
