At a glance:
- Roberto De Zerbi lauds Conor Gallagher
- Italian also praised Kolo Muani and Tel
- Tottenham climb out of the relegation zone
Roberto De Zerbi has well and truly rejuvenated Tottenham as they secured a priceless 2-1 win against Aston Villa away from home.
The North London outfit came into the game knowing a win would take them out of the relegation zone and above West Ham United.
And they did just that as goals from Conor Gallagher and Richarlison gave them a two-goal lead, while Emi Buendia halved the deficit late in the game.
Tottenham are now out of the relegation zone in 17th place, although they are just a point above the Hammers.
And the Italian showered high praise on Gallagher, who produced his best performance in a Tottenham shirt to date.
De Zerbi in awe of Gallagher
Gallagher broke the deadlock with a brilliant hit from the edge of the box after a fantastic first touch.
And De Zerbi feels Tottenham are a better team when the Englishman is in full flow, as he also name-dropped Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani for their tireless performance.
Read More: Conor Gallagher lauds Roberto De Zerbi immediately after Tottenham’s Aston Villa win
“Gallagher, when he plays well, we play with 12 players,” said the Italian to TNT Sports via BBC.
“He is an amazing player. Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel played an amazing game. The two centre-backs with and without the ball, I am really pleased.”
Despite the result, De Zerbi feels Tottenham were at their best only for 60 minutes, after which Villa started to grow into the game.
“We played against Aston Villa, they are a very good team. A lot of very good players, a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes without the ball and with the ball.
“We suffered with Waktins and Buendia and conceded a goal. That was the only bad thing we did on the pitch. I’m pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.
“The high pressure is mentality and then in possession. We played very well when we had to attack the space or shoot. I love playing football. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of.”
De Zerbi says Tottenham still not safe
With three Premier League games to play, Tottenham are out of the relegation zone after successive wins.
Read More: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham: Player Ratings as relegation fears eased with sensational win
Despite the upturn in form, the Italian feels his side aren’t safe yet as he urged his players to keep up their good work.
“The season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting on 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.”
Tottenham have well over a week to prepare for Leeds, who they face at home next Monday. And another win there will take them close to Premier League safety, especially if West Ham drop points against Arsenal.
