Tottenham were left feeling sick after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser at home to Brighton, having been on the cusp of jumping out of the Premier League relegation zone
Defiant Roberto De Zerbi has reminded Tottenham's players that 'it's not finished yet' after they were left heartbroken against Brighton. Spurs were on course to move out of the relegation zone before conceding in the 95th minute on Saturday.
Georginio Rutter capitalised on a mistake from Kevin Danso to snatch an equaliser after Xavi Simons had given Tottenham a precious lead in the second half. Brighton had fought back earlier in the game when Kaoru Mitoma cancelled out Pedro Porro's opening goal.
It was, though, a much-improved performance from Spurs compared to last Sunday's drab 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, De Zerbi's first game in charge. The Italian was happy with his side's display and felt 'positive' despite the late goal.
"If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet," De Zerbi told Sky Sports post-match. "I said to (the players) be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them.
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"They can change the mentality because that is the most important part. Now it's too easy to think negative, but we have to be focused on this performance and work to find the condition to win again. I am positive because I know my players, I know their qualities. I know them like people and I believe in them."
De Zerbi added: "I am positive but I am proud of my players. They played a fantastic game with character and spirit. We have to be stronger than this result, we have to move on and prepare the next game and try to win the game at Wolves. If you are strong like today, I think we can compete again."
Goalscorer Porro echoed his manager's sentiment, telling BBC Sport: "I think after the game we don't have time for the disappointment. For me and my team-mates, the best thing is keep pushing, keep going.
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"I think the team today was very good. I think first half was very good for us. The team pressed very well. I think the most important thing now is staying positive."
On Danso's error, Porro added: "I think Kevin had a great game today. This is the point now, we don't have time for mistakes. This is football, it happens. For me, today Kevin was instrumental on the pitch."
Tottenham return to action next Saturday away to Wolves, who could already be relegated. Spurs are currently one point from safety.