Premier League: Tottenham plunge back into the relegation zone, Roberto De Zerbi already under pressure

Tottenham are already going through another period of turbulence. Beaten at home by Aston Villa (2-3) on Saturday, Spurs remain without a win after five Premier League matchdays and have fallen back into the relegation zone, with just two points to their name.

The scenario is reminiscent of the difficulties faced by the club last season. After five matchdays of the 2025-2026 campaign, Tottenham had 10 points from three wins, one draw and one defeat, and occupied third place in the standings.

This time, the record is entirely different: two draws, three defeats, no wins and just two goals scored. Spurs have conceded eight goals. Against Aston Villa, they finally scored in the league, but that reaction was not enough to avoid another defeat.

A worrying start to the season

Before this match, Tottenham had not yet found the net in the Premier League. The first four matchdays had produced two draws and two defeats, including a 0-0 draw against Everton that highlighted the team's attacking difficulties.

Roberto De Zerbi had then acknowledged the existence of a “mental block” within his squad. The Italian coach had also mentioned fitness issues, injuries and the late integration of several new signings.

Against Aston Villa, Tottenham finally scored their first two league goals of the season. Conor Gallagher and then Jan Paul van Hecke reduced the deficit late in the match, after Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Buendía had scored for the visitors.

Spurs even thought they had drawn level through Mohammed Kudus, but the Ghanaian international's goal was ruled out for offside.

The attacking response therefore did not change the essential fact: Tottenham still have not won.

De Zerbi already under pressure

This run of results inevitably puts Roberto De Zerbi at the centre of the discussion. Sky Sports is already reporting growing pressure on the coach after this fifth matchday without a win and Tottenham's drop into the relegation zone.

This situation comes as De Zerbi has a squad that was extensively reshaped during the summer. Tottenham invested in several players and gave their coach significant leeway in building his squad.

Before the match against Aston Villa, former Spurs striker Bobby Zamora still believed that De Zerbi should be given time to put his team in place. The Italian coach himself had recently insisted that he did not feel any particular pressure linked to the club's spending in the transfer market.

The defeat to Aston Villa comes in a now different context. Tottenham enter the first international break with two points from a possible 15, no wins and a place among the bottom three.

Eight points fewer in a year

The comparison with September 2025 shows the extent of the decline. A year ago, Tottenham had taken 10 points after five matchdays and occupied third place. This season, Spurs have eight fewer points and already find themselves in a battle for survival.

Last season, Tottenham eventually finished 17th after spending a long time near the bottom of the table. The club therefore retained its place in the top flight, but this new start is reviving concerns about its ability to quickly move away from this situation.

For Roberto De Zerbi, the next matches will therefore be closely watched. With two points from a possible 15 and no wins after five matchdays, Tottenham will have to improve their results quickly to ease the pressure building around their coach.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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