The Ruthless Mistake Tottenham Hotspur May Live To Regret

BusinessSportsMoneyThe Ruthless Mistake Tottenham Hotspur May Live To RegretByZak Garner-Purkis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. An investigative journalist who also writes about European soccer.Follow AuthorApr 26, 2026, 01:14pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Tottenham Hotspur, looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty Images​For five minutes, Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season seemed to turn.Roberto De Zerbi’s side led 1-0 against relegated Wolverhampton at the London Stadium. Meanwhile, Everton grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser versus West Ham United.As things stood, that meant Spurs would leapfrog their rivals out of the relegation zone.Last weekend, a late lead against Brighton and Hove Albion became a 2-2 draw. Once again, circumstances turned against the North Londoners.Callum Wilson’s cool finish in injury time earned West Ham United the points, and the day ended with Tottenham Hotspur two points clear of safety with four games remaining. The outlook might be grim. At least, finally, under De Zerbi, Spurs look like a team that can win some games. That had become increasingly rare under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor.But really, that isn’t surprising. The squad at the manager’s disposal is largely comprised of players hired to match the attacking style of Ange Postecoglou, the boss who was fired in favour of Frank.The Australian’s league form was little better than that of the two men who followed him. But the former boss could point to the first trophy in decades as proof he was making progress.What looks ill-advised now was the hierarchy’s decision to appoint defensive-minded managers to replace...