Roberto De Zerbi could only watch in stunned silence. The Italian had been a crucible of emotions as Tottenham tried to hold out against his former club after Xavi Simons scored the goal that looked like ending their long wait for a victory. But football is capable of providing the cruellest twists and Georginio Rutter’s late equaliser must have felt like a dagger to the heart for the Spurs fans.
The draw leaves Tottenham still in the relegation zone having still failed to record a win in 2026 and the prospect of this magnificent stadium hosting Championship football next season is growing by the minute. Having arranged a special team-bonding meal at a swanky Mayfair restaurant this week, De Zerbi promised to take his team out for more expensive dinners if they delivered in his first home match.
But despite a much-improved performance as his side twice led through Pedro Porro and then Simons, Kaoru Mitoma’s latest wonder goal pegged them back before Rutter delivered the killer blow in the fifth minute of injury time.
The home supporters had certainly played their part before kick off by creating a sea of blue and white flags when the teams emerged from the tunnel and the stadium announcer also tried his best to whip up the atmosphere. “We’re Tottenham Hotspur for goodness sake. Let’s get out of this together,” he urged.
