Tottenham remain in the Premier League relegation zone after they were stunned by a stoppage-time leveller from Brighton's Georginio Rutter
Xavi Simons has vowed to not stop fighting as his Tottenham Hotspur side battle to avoid relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Spurs’ survival hopes suffered a fresh blow on Saturday evening when Georginio Rutter scored in stoppage time to rescue Brighton & Hove Albion a point. Simons had put his side on course for a much-needed three points when he scored a superb solo goal 13 minutes from time to put Spurs 2-1 up.
But Rutter levelled for the visitors in the fifth minute of stoppage time to leave Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the bottom three. However, taking to social media, Simons vowed: “We will NOT stop fighting Crowd was amazing today.”
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Speaking after the game, the Netherlands international admitted: “The goal in the last minute hurts. I think the fans were fantastic and we have to keep working through this.
“You could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute and we as players feel that as well. What I can say is we are really working hard to go through this situation.
“The new manager is coming in, so we have to adapt on things, but we are going in the right direction and we are going to work hard for the last five games.”
Before he added: “I have been through a difficult journey I would say this season, but it is life and I am still young and I have to learn things.
“I am really happy the coach is here and for me especially. I want to play football, I want to score and assist and I want to help the team to go through this situation together.
“These are the kind of games I want to be on the pitch and show everyone I can help the team.
“I am just putting the work in morning, afternoon and night. I want to really help the team and that is the most important thing.”
While De Zerbi already believes he already has a 'special connection' with Simons, saying: "He’s lucky to work with me – not because I’m good, because I was number 10.
“What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection. I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10.
“A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists."
Before he added: "He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs."