Roberto De Zerbi has warned Tottenham that they are not out of the woods yet, despite taking a huge step towards Premier League survival with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
Gallagher and Richarlison on target
Conor Gallagher scored his first goal for Spurs since his £35 million move from Atletico Madrid in January, with Richarlison also finding the net against a much-changed Villa side. The victory lifted Tottenham out of the relegation zone above West Ham, with just three games remaining. However, De Zerbi cautioned against any complacency after their first back-to-back league wins since August.
De Zerbi: 'Season not finished yet'
Speaking after the match, the Spurs boss said: “Nothing because the season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting next Monday night with Leeds, they are playing very well. We can't forget what the situation was before Wolves. It was a very sad situation and these memories have to stay in our heads. I'm pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.”
He added: “We played very well when we had to attack the space or to shoot. I love playing football. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of.”
De Zerbi wants to reward fans
Tottenham’s wins at Wolves and Villa have lifted them, and De Zerbi says he wants to reward the fans in their two remaining home games against Leeds and Everton. “Just one time we have played at home and the atmosphere was amazing in the stadium. I think it was a mental problem and these two wins, I hope we can play with more confidence and better mentality.”
Gallagher delighted with first goal
Goal scorer Conor Gallagher said: “We’re really happy with the performance and the three points. It's been a perfect night but hopefully it's just the start. We want to carry it on for the last few games of the season. It's a good goal. I'm really happy with my first goal. It's always a relief to get the first goal and hopefully a few more can come now. The fans have had a really rough time this season, along with us. We're all one. Hopefully, this can be the start of something great.”
Gallagher also praised De Zerbi’s impact: “I can't speak highly enough of him. He's been so good. Every player in the squad has taken to him; he makes you feel so good. He brings the best out of you.”
Emery defends Villa changes
Villa boss Unai Emery defended the wholesale changes he made, insisting he wanted to shake things up after two straight defeats. “We lost on Thursday. We lost the previous match against Fulham. Maybe it’s better to continue with the same players - but we lost. But some of the players who came in had a challenge. We made changes a few weeks ago and you were not asking me then because we won. If people do not believe in these players then there is nothing I can do. But these are the players who won 11 games in a row and I am very proud of the players this season.”
Emery also said he did not want to “take any risk” by using John McGinn ahead of their Europa League semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest on Thursday.
