Tottenham Hotspur's final day Premier League relegation decider is 'more than a trophy,' says manager Roberto De Zerbi

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Roberto De Zerbi says that Tottenham Hotspur's relegation decider to stay in the Premier League on the final day of the season is "something more than a trophy."

‘We have to show quality’ - De Zerbi insists Spurs are ‘not safe yet’ ahead of Chelsea clash

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The Spurs manager was speaking after his side's 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Tuesday, a game in which a point would have all but secured the team's survival due to their vastly superior goal difference over 18th-placed West Ham United.

But the defeat to Chelsea means De Zerbi's side could still be overtaken by West Ham on the final day, with Spurs hosting Everton and West Ham welcoming Leeds United to London Stadium.

And when asked to describe how much pressure is riding on Sunday's fixture, De Zerbi compared it to Spurs' recent cup exploits, most notably their UEFA Europa League final victory against Manchester United last season.

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"Sunday is the final for Tottenham. Not Bilbao against Manchester United. The most important game is Sunday," De Zerbi told reporters. "Now we play for something more than a ⁠trophy.

"This is for the pride of the club and history. A trophy you can win and get one trophy more but this is more important. This is about dignity."

The 1-0 victory over United in the Europa League last campaign offered Spurs a positive end to an otherwise disappointing season, finishing 17th in the Premier League.

But instead, the club has struggled once again, first under Thomas Frank and then under his replacement Igor Tudor.

'We must remain humble’ - De Zerbi says Spurs can't get ahead of themselves in relegation battle

Video credit: SNTV

It has only been since the arrival of De Zerbi in March that Spurs' form has improved somewhat and given some hope to supporters.

But knowing that a draw against beleaguered Chelsea - who have also sacked two managers this season - would likely secure their Premier League status on Tuesday, Spurs put in a tepid display to take it to the final day.

Goals from Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos put the hosts in control.

And although Richarlison did halve the deficit and Spurs pushed for an equaliser, it was not to be as they continued their woeful record at Stamford Bridge; they have won only once there in the league since 1990.

The result means their future Premier League participation comes down to a home game against Everton on Sunday.

While playing at home might be a boon for most, it might not be the case for Spurs having won just twice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium all season.

If they were to lose and West Ham beat Leeds, Spurs will be relegated for the first time since 1977.

But De Zerbi said he saw enough positives in Tuesday's game to give him hope against Everton.

"I would like if we played on Sunday like the ⁠last 20 minutes [against Chelsea], because in the last 20 minutes we showed more energy, more passion, something more inside of us," the Italian explained.

"Every one of them, they are focused on the target. They are working ⁠hard during the week and every one of us wants to achieve the goal.

"I think we play a final [on Sunday], an important game but in our stadium ... so we have to stay alive. But it is a big day for us."

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