Roberto De Zerbi made his debut as Tottenham manager last Sunday in the away match against Sunderland. But the Spurs failed to respond and remain in crisis, continuing the negative run of form they have been suffering in recent weeks. A solitary goal from the home side early in the second half was enough to see Tottenham end the matchday in the relegation zone to the Championship.

With six matchdays remaining until the end of the season, safety is two points away – the lead West Ham hold over the team now managed by Roberto De Zerbi. Nottingham Forest are three points behind, whilst Leeds United are already six points clear. If Tottenham want to stay in the Premier League, they must turn things around; otherwise, sporting disaster will be inevitable.

Premier League table after matchday 32

• 15. Leeds United 36 points -10
• 16. Nottingham Forest 33 points -12
• 17. West Ham 32 points -17
• 18. Tottenham 30 points -10
• 19. Burnley 20 points -30
• 20. Wolves 17 points -34

Saturday: debut in front of their own fans

A reaction is expected this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they will host Brighton in the Italian manager’s debut in front of his new supporters. The need to win is urgent, and the crowd is expected to get behind their team for the full ninety minutes to end the run of winless matches and secure three points that would be a lifeline for the Spurs.

They then face two consecutive away fixtures. In the first, victory is non-negotiable if they are to stay in the Premier League, as they visit bottom-of-the-table Wolves, who are virtually relegated. They will then visit Aston Villa, although Unai Emery’s side are likely to be in the midst of the Europa League semi-finals and the Basque manager is expected to rotate his squad. De Zerbi’s side must capitalise on this situation to secure a positive result.

In the penultimate matchday, they will host Leeds United, who may arrive with little at stake. The final away fixture of the season will be a tough one, as they visit a Chelsea side that may be fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League. Tottenham will close out the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Everton. Liverpool may be fighting for a European spot or arrive with nothing to play for. A month of thrilling action lies ahead for the Spurs.

Tottenham fixtures until the end of the season

• Tottenham - Brighton
• Wolves - Tottenham
• Aston Villa - Tottenham
• Tottenham - Leeds United
• Chelsea - Tottenham
• Tottenham - Everton