Tottenham have finally turned a corner this season, with Roberto De Zerbi's plan coming to fruition at just the right time.
After unluckily losing to Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, Spurs were slightly unlucky again a week later when Georginio Rutter's last-gasp goal denied them all three points against Brighton & Hove Albion.
A hard-fought 1-0 win over Wolves ensured Tottenham finally picked up their first win of 2026 last week and they followed that up with their first back-to-back victories since the first two games of the 2025/26 season with a terrific 2-1 win away at Aston Villa - a result which saw them climb out of the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Six Tottenham Players Were On Top Form Against Aston Villa
Now their destiny is back in their own hands, no longer relying on other teams to drop points to save them from relegation to the Championship.
De Zerbi has given a number of players a new lease of life, with Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur particularly impressive in the win over Villa on Sunday.
They were not the only ones, however. Joao Palhinha was superb in the two in midfield alongside Bentancur - a partnership that was often derided by fans when Thomas Frank utilised the pair of them. Pedro Porro was at his imperious best defensively and in an attacking sense, while Richarlison ran his heart out and got the all-important second goal while Randal Kolo Muani finally showed Spurs fans the quality they have been waiting to see all season.
But while there are undoubtedly many plus points, as Spurs look to fend off relegation to the Championship, there are those who have been pushed to the side under De Zerbi and one of those players can feel very harshly treated.
For much of a desperately disappointing season, Archie Gray was the standout Tottenham player, always giving 100%, always standing up to be counted and showing the more senior players at the club what they should be doing.
He is a hugely talented footballer and everyone has been able to see why Spurs splashed out £40million to sign him from Leeds United in 2024.
Archie Gray Has Found Minutes Hard To Come By Under De Zerbi
But after starting the defeat to Sunderland, playing 62 minutes under De Zerbi, he was only on the bench against Brighton, playing the final 33 minutes of the contest. He was on the bench for the wins of Wolves and Villa too, but was an unused substitute in both.
For a player who was central to what Spurs were doing to be cast aside seems very harsh indeed, but you cannot question the decisions De Zerbi has made since he has arrived at the club. And Gray's time will come...again.
De Zerbi has appeared to favour the energy, the pressing, tackling, intensity and passion of Gallagher and Palhinha and the positioning and middle man pivot presence of Bentancur over Gray so far.
That is entirely understandable. Tottenham have needed results and quickly. If Spurs do stave off relegation and remain a Premier League club, Gray will undoubtedly be given his chance under the Italian and could well be a key player with his ball-playing ability and his willlingness to show for the ball and break the lines with his passing.
For now he has to remain patient and remember the impact he has already made at such a young age.