Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles have continued throughout the season, even if Roberto De Zerbi has tried his best to change that.
Sitting 17th in the Premier League, it has been a dismal campaign for the Lilywhites, who have two matches left to secure their top-flight status.
Spurs began the season with Thomas Frank at the helm before turning to Igor Tudor until the end of the campaign.
He was then sacked after just eight matches in charge, with the North Londoners drifting towards the bottom three.
Now under De Zerbi, survival may yet be possible, but serious issues remain to be addressed.
MORE SPURS STORIES
🏟️ TOTTENHAM MATCHDAY HUB 🏟️
Line-ups, predicted XIs, player ratings, tactical verdicts, match analysis, and live Spurs form guides.
Get 24/7 updates from your definitive Lilywhites source
Alarming stats emerge to showcase severe Tottenham weakness
In the Premier League this season, eight sides have scored fewer goals than Tottenham.
Yet the issue is not simply goals; it is the lack of consistent, sustainable chance creation.
At first glance, the table above suggests Tottenham are simply outperforming their xG and finishing clinically.
In the league, Spurs rank 14th for chances created with 287. For context, Manchester City and Liverpool are first and second with 425 and 423 respectively.
So while the numbers may point to clinical finishing, the picture changes when 29 per cent of their xG has come from corners.
Of course, corners are a part of the game, and a side should be lauded for set-piece quality.
Spurs are surviving by the skin of their teeth, having scored 18 of their 46 goals from a set piece – but that is a record that simply cannot go on if they are to go on and become a more dominant and convincing side.
Roberto De Zerbi has work to do over the summer
Joining the North London club over the recent international break, De Zerbi has not yet had the chance to fully implement his style.
It may be harsh to expect Tottenham to play with free-flowing attacking quality while key names are out. Yet for a club aiming to challenge at the top of the division and in Europe, they must create more chances and show greater control, rather than relying solely on physical prowess from set pieces.
It may be enough to secure survival for now, but the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the club’s future.
Throughout his time at Brighton, as well as during spells with Sassuolo and elsewhere, De Zerbi became known for a possession-based style.
With the right recruitment, that should eventually take shape as he tightens his grip on the side. But the right players are essential to make that style work.
If Spurs are to survive this season, it may be by the skin of their teeth. For a club of this size, the priority must be to become far more dominant again.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Tottenham Hotspur News Access
Get the full story from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Hotspur Way with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from N17 and Hotspur Way.