Premier League3 hours ago1 minute read

De Zerbi Praises Tottenham Teamwork After Third Straight Win

Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham are finally playing as a team after securing their third straight league win against Crystal Palace.

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Tottenham find their form

Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham Hotspur have turned things around because his squad is finally playing as a team. Spurs beat 10 man Crystal Palace 2-0 on Saturday. That result means they have won three straight league matches for the first time in 616 days.

A training trip to Marbella last month helped kick off this run of form. Majority owners the Lewis family committed 380 million pounds on 10 new players this summer. De Zerbi felt the group needed time to bond. He noted that before the international break they had many good players, but now they are playing as a proper team.

Squad depth and key returns

Youngster Archie Gray opened the scoring with a 25th minute header. The 20 year old played right back for the ninth time out of position this season. De Zerbi took Gray off at halftime because of a 15th minute yellow card. The manager explained that he did not want to risk a second yellow card, adding that Gray has been playing like a mature player since the Manchester United match.

Gray playing right back has allowed Spurs to be patient with Pedro Porro. The World Cup winner missed the start of the season with a hamstring problem and aggravated it against Aston Villa in September. Porro is fit again and ready for the trip to Leeds. Meanwhile, free signing Andy Robertson has delivered solid displays while Destiny Udogie manages fitness problems.

What it means for the next game

Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, Sat, 07 Nov): Leeds United win 39%, draw 28%, Tottenham Hotspur win 32%; expected goals 1.32 to 1.17. Our safest pick: Under 3.5 goals.