Tottenham finally have hope in relegation fight - but is it too late?

Roberto De Zerbi’s impact after two games is clear

His pained expressions have at times drawn accusations of petulance this season, with Tottenham in need of more emotional maturity.

But against Brighton, no one could begrudge him an anguished look to the heavens as Georginio Rutter smashed home a 95th-minute equaliser to extend Spurs’ winless run in the league to 15 games and leave them clear favourites to be relegated.

Simons, who went down with cramp in the closing stages, had fought tooth and nail, assisting Pedro Porro’s opener with a delightful cross before striking what he believed to be the winning goal with a glorious arcing effort that crashed in off the post.

Starting in the Premier League for the first time since March 1, Simons took his opportunity and thought he had provided the catalyst for a reversal in Spurs’ fortunes after netting his first league goal since December.

Xavi Simons was a picture of anguish at full-time

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In a season that is rapidly heading in one direction, Rutter’s goal was as inevitable as it was devastating.

Roberto De Zerbi retains the belief that he can guide Spurs to safety, but with five games to go and relegation rivals Leeds and Nottingham Forest picking up crucial victories, optimism is in short supply.

West Ham could extend the gap to the bottom three to four points with victory over Crystal Palace on Monday evening, but De Zerbi must try to cling to the positives of what was a spirited performance against Brighton.

Spurs looked back to their old selves at times on Saturday, as they twice took the lead before letting their concentration slip at the end of each half to allow Brighton to snatch a point.

Simons provided a creative spark and decisive quality in the final third, while the midfield combination of Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma added the energy and intensity that had been sorely lacking against Sunderland last weekend.

This was a marked improvement on De Zerbi’s first game in charge, and it is evident that Spurs’ players are coming to terms with what the Italian demands in and out of possession.

Emotionally, too, Spurs showed signs of improvement, and while Kevin Danso was at fault for Rutter’s equaliser, De Zerbi was quick to praise the Austrian’s commitment and personality.

“He (Danso) lost the ball, and then we conceded a goal. But I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality, without courage,” De Zerbi said post-match.

Roberto De Zerbi’s impact after two games is clear

PA

Danso was the most distraught of a desolate Spurs squad at full-time, so De Zerbi’s words of comfort - he has worked hard to restore confidence and belief in his players over the last few weeks - were necessary and welcome.

The Spurs boss will have an almighty challenge on his hands to pick up his squad after their latest setback, but he knows there is encouragement to be taken.

With James Maddison, named on the bench and seemingly available to contribute to the final five games of the season, Ben Davies, Guglielmo Vicario, and Cristian Romero all in attendance on Saturday, there was a unifying presence around the squad.

While the result may not have gone their way, Spurs at long last all seem to be pulling in the same direction.

“In this moment, we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality. It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, it is a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points. This team is able to win five games in a row.”