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Tottenham Hotspur’s number seven, Xavi Simons, has now opened up on his side’s gutting draw against Brighton and Hove Albion after putting in a stunning display himself.

Tottenham Hotspur had to dig deep on Saturday evening when they took on an in-form Brighton and Hove Albion side at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they went in search of their first win in 2026.

A 2-2 draw was the final score, but Spurs came so close to walking away with all three points until Rutter’s late equaliser left the Lilywhites gutted, sending them back into the bottom three.

However, the display was one of Tottenham’s best in what has been a difficult year, and Roberto De Zerbi will hope his side can build on that performance.

Tottenham star Xavi Simons reacts after Brighton and Hove Albion draw

Right in the thick of the action was Spurs’ number seven, Xavi Simons, who was impressive from the first minute until the end of the game.

Simons produced strong underlying numbers, which were backed up by goal contributions, as he registered one assist and one goal.

His second was a worldy that flew past Verbruggen and was certainly worthy of a match-winner, but Spurs just could not hold on.

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Speaking after the game, the Dutchman reflected on the team’s approach, their adaptation to Roberto De Zerbi’s style, and the frustration of conceding late.

Explaining how Spurs started and their intent on the ball, he told official Spurs channels: “We started really good today, I think really aggressive we wanted to play football as the coach said and enjoy the game I will say.

When asked about adapting to the manager’s style, he explained how much he relishes a possession-based approach and the progress being made, despite the late setback:

“Of course new coach coming in new idea of playing football as a coach that really wants the ball especially for me is something I really like and I think I can put my best game on it and improving day by day with the ball is the most important and today we tried and obviously having that late goal in the last minute yeah it hurts.”

Reflecting on his goal and the emotions around it, Simons admitted the frustration of conceding late after such effort, again speaking via official Spurs channels:

“Yeah you know it is so much hard work that maybe the people do not see. We really working hard as a team me as well as an individual player but I have said a couple of times to you guys the season did not go as you wanted but you know this is life you have to embrace it you have to take it and you have to work everyday that was kind of the moment in the last minute. I was like ooof we worked so hard and in the last minute we concede a goal it is just a shame.”

Spurs forward Xavi Simons opens up on confidence and fan support

Discussing his goal celebration and personal journey, he highlighted the challenges he has faced since arriving and his desire to contribute more consistently for Tottenham.

Simons said: “Yeah I have been through a difficult journey I was here since December you know it is life you have to take it I am still young I have to learn things and I am really happy that the coach is here for me especially I want to play football I want to score and assist I want to help the team to go through the situation to gather steam is the most important thing but yeah these are the kind of games I want to be on the pitch and I want to show everyone that I can help the team.”

On the mental side of his season and what sparked his performance, Simons pointed to the support around him and his determination to keep working:

“Yeah it has been tough for me I am not going to lie. It has been tough mentally but I am lucky I have a really good family that is always with me and stay together in these times as well. I know the people that are around me and the people that really support me day by day and I am just putting the work into it morning afternoon night and I want to really help the team and that is the most important thing and especially today that is the most important thing I think the fans were fantastic and we have to keep working cause we need to go through this.”

Finally, when addressing the fans and the team’s direction, he insisted progress is being made and acknowledged the challenge ahead:

“Yeah, I think today I have nothing to say you could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute we as players we felt that as well. And what I can say is we are really working hard to go through the situation new manager is coming in so we have to adapt on things but what I can say we are going in the right direction we going to work hard for sure in the last six five games is going to be hard.”

On his injury, he confirmed it was only a minor issue:

“Just cramps.”

Les Ferdinand was left extremely surprised by one Xavi Simons moment in the second half of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Brighton.

A league win in 2026 continues to elude the Spurs, who came extremely close to beating Brighton but suffered heartbreak at the end.

Brighton equalised in the 95th minute due to a defensive lapse from the home side after Xavi Simons thought he had netted the winner for his side on 77 minutes.

The reaction from the supporters and the players at the full-time whistle showed just how big a blow the late equaliser was, and some supporters will be wondering if that is the moment they look back on as one that sent the club down.

Les Ferdinand critical of Tottenham players’ celebrations after the second goal

When Tottenham took the lead through Xavi, there were wild celebrations at the stadium, led by the Dutchman, who jumped into the jubilant supporters at the South Stand.

The 22-year-old was mobbed by his teammates, but Ferdinand has suggested that the celebrations were excessive, given how much time was still left on the clock.

The former Tottenham striker told Sky Sports: “It was a great second goal by Xavi Simons, but the celebrations… I looked at Daws [Michael Dawson] and I said ’78 minutes, there’s still a long way to go’. You need concentration.”

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Do Spurs players have to be less emotional amidst a relegation battle?

Emotions were running high at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium throughout the match, and that was understandable, given the club’s current predicament.

Spurs now also have an extremely emotional manager, in De Zerbi, who kicks and heads every ball on the sidelines and lives every moment of the game.

Perhaps the Lilywhites may fare better with the pressure of a relegation battle if they can take a bit of the emotion away and be cooler on the pitch.

Tottenham are approaching a defining moment in their season, and with Wolves up next, selection decisions could prove decisive. We have identified five players who must start for Spurs against Wolves.

It was always going to be a difficult encounter for Tottenham Hotspur in their clash against Brighton and Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham, who are sat in the bottom three, needed three points to leave the relegation places, and they came close to doing just that until Georginio Rutter’s late equaliser left the Lilywhites with just one point despite their spirited display.

But it is not all doom and gloom for Spurs, at least according to Roberto De Zerbi, who believes his side can end on 46 points and beat the drop.

Of course, if Tottenham can build on their display against Brighton, they will end their winless 2026 run and give themselves a fighting chance in their battle for survival.

Up next is Wolves, and De Zerbi must get his selection right if his Tottenham side is to secure a win against the bottom-of-the-table side. We have now identified five players who must start in that game.

Tottenham must start Xavi Simons after Brighton performance

It does feel as though Xavi Simons took his benching in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game as Spurs boss rather personally, given his performance against Brighton.

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The Dutchman was man of the match on the day, thanks to his complete performance against the Seagulls, where he grabbed an assist and a spectacular goal to send Tottenham in front for the second time on the night.

He came close to being the match-winner, but a late goal from Rutter ensured it was not to be. He covered every blade, putting in a good shift, even playing through cramps.

Such a display has to be rewarded, and there is no better way than handing him another start next weekend.

Spurs need Rodrigo Bentancur to anchor midfield vs Wolves

It came as a surprise to see Rodrigo Bentancur line up from the start against Brighton, given that he had only returned to training earlier last week.

But given Spurs’ predicament, there is no room for easing in, and so Bentancur was thrown straight into the fire.

Ahead of the clash against the Seagulls, many Tottenham fans expressed their delight at Bentancur’s return, and he did not disappoint.

The Uruguayan played as though he had not missed a minute of competitive football, anchoring the midfield and shielding the back four.

He did a good job keeping possession and ensured he linked midfield to attack, something that has been lacking in recent weeks. Fatigue later set in, and he had to be taken off, but with Wolves next, he should start again as he builds match sharpness.

Tottenham should keep Yves Bissouma in starting XI vs Wolves

Yves Bissouma’s career at Tottenham looked dead in the water, given his falling out with Thomas Frank and the injury issues he has had to deal with for most of the season.

However, it was clear from De Zerbi’s selection on Saturday that he wanted experienced heads in his side as he went in search of his first win in 2026.

Bissouma was thrown into the mix in a similar fashion to Bentancur, lacking match sharpness after not featuring for a long period.

Regardless, the Malian was impressive in midfield, focusing on winning the ball and shielding the back four. He offered cover, and with him on the pitch Spurs looked more secure; if he produces a similar display next week, Tottenham will be closer to a victory.

Spurs must start Destiny Udogie for balance vs Wolves

Tottenham still do not have a natural left winger in their side, at least based on De Zerbi’s setup in his last two outings.

Mathys Tel is yet to feature from the off, while Richarlison was used on the left against Sunderland in De Zerbi’s first game as boss before being benched against Brighton.

Simons came into the side for the Brazilian, but operated more centrally, leaving Destiny Udogie to hold the width, and he did an excellent job in that role.

Being naturally left-footed allows for better balance, as he can deliver crosses without cutting inside. Against Brighton, he also offered a wide threat, getting to the byline and into the box.

Djed Spence is his main competition, but he has done little of note off the bench. For balance, Udogie has to keep his place and start against Wolves.

Tottenham goalkeeping decision: Keep Kinsky in goal vs Wolves

The goalkeeping department is one De Zerbi might be considering carefully, given that Guglielmo Vicario is nearing a return from hernia surgery.

The Italian has missed the last two games, with Kinsky deputising in his absence. The Czech international has done well, putting little wrong despite conceding a couple of goals, with few down to his own error.

To have bounced back after his howlers against Atletico Madrid is commendable. Kinsky should continue in goal against Wolves, largely because of his ability in possession.

He takes his time to pick a pass when going short, while his longer distribution is often targeted rather than aimless.

His teammates also seem to trust him on the ball, and with five games left, it makes sense to continue with a capable option.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will love what Xavi Simons has said after they suffered heartbreak late on against Brighton.

Even though Tottenham went into the game languishing in the relegation zone and two points adrift of safety, one would not have been able to decipher that from the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Spurs fans got behind their side, and the players responded, playing with confidence and showing plenty of attacking intent.

However, lapses at the back cost the Lilywhites two points, with Brighton coming back to level twice, once each in injury time at the end of each half to break Tottenham hearts.

Xavi Simons says Tottenham players will keep fighting until the end

Xavi was the architect of Tottenham’s opener, finding Pedro Porro with a sensational aerial through ball, which the right-back headed into the back of the net.

The Dutchman then took matters into his own hands for the home side’s second, unleashing a brilliant curled effort, which went in off the post, which was followed by wild celebrations near the South Stand.

The 22-year-old was distraught when the Seagulls equalised late on, but he has now taken to social media to make it clear that he and his teammates are ready to keep fighting to move themselves out of the bottom three.

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Xavi wrote on X: “We will NOT stop fighting. Crowd was amazing today. COYS.”

Huge pressure on Spurs ahead of their clash against Wolves

While the performance against Brighton will please Tottenham fans, the reality is that it is about results rather than performances at this stage of the season.

Opta’s Supercomputer has said that Spurs are now the big favourites to go down, and with just five matches left, the pressure is now really mounting on the Lilywhites.

Tottenham Hotspur have recieved some good news and bad news from Elland Road as the Lilwhites desperately try to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

A win against Brighton would have seen Spurs move out of the drop zone, ahead of both West Ham and Nottingham Forest in the table, but that was not to be.

The Seagulls equalised deep into stoppage time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which knocked the stuffing out of Spurs fans amidst what was a celebratory atmosphere at N17.

The 2-2 draw against Brighton leaves the Lilywhites in an extremely precarious position, with just five league games left to go.

Blow for Tottenham as they are now unlikely to catch Leeds

Opta’s Supercomputer considers Tottenham big favourites to go down, and the North Londoners’ hopes of staying up recieved another big blow at Elland Road on Saturday.

Leeds thrashed Wolves 3-0 at home to move up to 39 points, eight above Spurs in 18th place.

That means that Daniel Farke’s side are almost certain to avoid relegation and are unlikely to be caught by Spurs anymore.

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The race to avoid finishing 18th is now just a three-horse one between the Lilywhites, West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Why Leeds’ win has a silver lining for Spurs

While De Zerbi’s men may have preferred Leeds to lose and get sucked into the relegation battle, their thrashing of Wolves does have a silver lining for Tottenham.

It ensures that bottom-of-the-table Wolves are devoid of confidence and have nothing to play for this season, with their Premier League relegation now almost mathematically confirmed. In fact, the relegation could be official by the time Spurs play them next weekend.

That potentially serves as a boost to Spurs ahead of their trip to Molineux Stadium next Saturday, with the North Londoners desperately needing a win to boost their survival chances.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed what he thought of Xavi Simons’ performance against Brighton and has made an exciting prediction about the Tottenham star.

The new Tottenham boss had left the attacking midfielder out of his starting eleven for the clash against Sunderland last week, and only bought him on with minutes left on the clock, even though the Lilywhites were chasing an equaliser.

In the lead-up to the clash against Brighton, De Zerbi had challenged Xavi to score and assist more, and the Italian decided to hand the Dutchman an opportunity from the start against the Seagulls.

The 22-year-old delivered exactly what the new Tottenham boss wanted, setting up Pedro Porro with a brilliant assist in the first half, before producing a sensational curled effort on 77 minutes that went in off the post.

Roberto De Zerbi expects Xavi Simons to get even better for Tottenham

While Xavi’s strike was not enough to get Tottenham the three points, De Zerbi was extremely pleased with the display that he saw from his number 10.

The Spurs boss shared that since he played in the same position as the Netherlands international, he is able to understand his game and challenges better than other coaches.

When asked about Xavi’s performance against the Seagulls, De Zerbi told Football.London: “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.

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“Because [when] I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I’m lucky to have this player on my team, but also he’s lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches.”

De Zerbi tells Spurs players they will be sent home if they are gloomy

Xavi, as well as his teammates, looked distraught at the final whistle as they had two crucial points snatched away from them due to a defensive lapse in stoppage time.

However, De Zerbi has said that he expects to see players come to the training session on Monday with a smile, warning that they will be sent home if they are gloomy.

When asked how he will lift the players who looked dejected at the full-time whistle, the Tottenham boss said: “They have to follow me and not think and listen to me. They have to listen to me. I am proud of their performance. They have to be stronger and be focused longer and come to training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile otherwise they go home.

“I have no time to see negative people or to see sad players or sad assistant. No, we are lucky because we are working at a big club, a big stadium, we are working in Premier League and we have the quality, the right quality to win the game so we have to be positive. I don’t like the people who cry and who thinks in negative way.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s survival hopes remain on a knife-edge, with fresh projections now painting a worrying picture following their latest result.

Tottenham Hotspur’s winless run in 2026 has been extended once more, leaving them with 15 games without a victory after their 2-2 draw with Brighton.

However, Spurs came close to securing their first win of the year against the Seagulls, leading 2-1 until stoppage time before a lapse in concentration at the back proved costly, allowing Brighton to snatch a late equaliser and leave a raucous Tottenham Hotspur Stadium rather deflated.

New boss Roberto De Zerbi is still searching for his first win since taking charge of Spurs, but there are clear signs of improvement in his side’s performances, as they ended their two-game goal drought against the Seagulls.

Tottenham supercomputer prediction after Brighton and Hove Albion draw

With only a draw secured on Saturday, the battle for relegation remains intense for Spurs, who now risk being four points behind 17th place should Crystal Palace win on Monday.

Should such a gap open up, it becomes rather difficult for Tottenham to claw their way back with just five games left to play. Spurs will no doubt be looking elsewhere for favours as they continue their fight for survival.

Opta’s supercomputer has now predicted Tottenham’s chances of being relegated to the Championship this season, and it is far from what supporters of the Lilywhites will want to hear.

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According to the supercomputer, Spurs remain the side with the highest odds of going down to the Championship despite their draw with Brighton.

De Zerbi’s men have been given a 54.22% chance of relegation, higher than their odds of staying in the Premier League.

Spurs must build momentum despite grim relegation odds

The odds are really against Spurs, but they must continue to fight until the end if they are to beat the drop this season.

The draw against Brighton, who came into the clash with Tottenham off the back of three consecutive victories, is one that could do Spurs’ confidence a lot of good, but they must build on that display if they are to increase their chance of survival.

Their relegation rivals are slowly giving themselves a better chance of avoiding relegation this term, and the supercomputer backs them to remain in the Premier League.

West Ham United have been handed a 36.36% chance of going down, Nottingham Forest a 9.05% chance, while Leeds United are more or less safe, with a 0.39% chance of relegation.

The underlying numbers from Xavi Simons’ performance against Brighton and Hove Albion shows that the Dutchman is growing into his role at Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi.

Tottenham Hotspur managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening, but it could have been more.

Spurs went ahead twice against the Seagulls, but Fabian Hurzeler’s men refused to stay down, coming from behind twice in the game to maintain their impressive run of four games without a defeat.

Tottenham, however, lost a golden opportunity to leapfrog the relegation places with their draw and will now be hoping to build on their performance next week.

Tottenham star Xavi Simons shines with goal and assist vs Brighton

Xavi Simons was the star of the show for Tottenham against Brighton. The Dutchman managed an assist and a goal and was close to being the match-winner for Spurs, until Rutter grabbed a late equaliser.

His underlying numbers show just how good he was against the Seagulls, aside from his goal contributions. Fotmob even gave him an 8.7/10 rating and Man of the Match.

Simons was involved in almost every aspect of the game, putting up similar numbers to his Atletico Madrid display from a few weeks back.

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Spurs will need consistency from Xavi Simons in run-in

De Zerbi will most certainly be pleased with the Dutchman, who has clearly taken to the demands of his new boss.

Before the game against Brighton, the Spurs boss mentioned that he would love to see Simons add more goals and assists to his game, and that was on show on Saturday evening.

Of course, the next step is consistency. If the 22-year-old can deliver these sorts of performances in the final games for Tottenham, their chances of survival will greatly improve.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed why he is very positive about Tottenham’s chances of remaining in the Premier League after watching his side’s showing against Brighton.

In De Zerbi’s first home game in charge, Spurs played with the kind of attacking intent and confidence that we have hardly seen from them all season.

However, they only have one point to show for it, with Brighton fighting back to level twice during stoppage time at the end of each half.

The result means that Tottenham will now spend at least another week in the relegation zone, with time running out for the Lilywhites to avoid the ultimate disaster.

Roberto De Zerbi insists Tottenham deserved to win against Brighton

The Spurs head coach was very complimentary of the performance his side produced and the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

While he conceded that he was disappointed by the result, he insisted that he was proud of what he saw from his players.

When asked if the result felt like a defeat, given how late Brighton equalised, De Zerbi told Football.London: “Yeah, yes, because we played a good game. Brighton is a very good team. In this moment, they are playing very well. But I think we deserve to win the game, especially if you consider we conceded a goal in extra time when losing one ball in our possession. But anyway, I’m very proud for the performance of my players.

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“I’m very proud because they gave all of them their best, with the right mentality, with the right blood, with the right character. We played well with the ball. We played maybe better in the first half without the ball because in the second half we suffered too much with] the ball possession.

“But in the first half, we regained a lot of ball. When we scored with Pedro Porro, we regained the ball very high. And I’m disappointed just for the result, for my players and for the fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere today. In a very tough situation, a very difficult moment, but the stadium was great, it was amazing.”

De Zerbi believes Spurs can win their five remaining matches

Even though the result leaves Tottenham in an extremely precarious position, De Zerbi saw enough in the performance to make him confident about his side’s survival chances.

In fact, he suggested that if Tottenham maintain the same spirit and mentality, they could win all five of their remaining league games.

When asked if he is more confident of survival than he was before the game, De Zerbi said: “Yes, I always thought and believed in the quality of the players. They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality. It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, it is a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points.

“This team is able to win five games in a row. Now it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. Not to be arrogant because I am not arrogant, especially now but we have the quality enough to fight and win games in a row.”

Kevin Danso has reacted to his mistake against Brighton, which cost Tottenham Hotspur two points, and to the subsequent abuse on social media.

The clash against Brighton ended in heartbreak for Tottenham, who thought they had got the win they needed to move out of the drop zone when Xavi Simons’ curled effort went in off the post on 77 minutes to put the home side 2-1 up.

However, the away side struck back in injury time after a lapse in concentration by Kevin Danso, who had possession pinched from him inside the box by Jan Paul van Hecke.

Van Hecke then found Georginio Rutter, who drove the ball home from around 15 yards out to sink Tottenham Hotspur hearts.

Tottenham star Kevin Danso says he will not be defined by his mistake against Brighton

The frustration and disappointment were evident on the faces of the Tottenham players and fans at full-time, with Danso looking distraught and being consoled by his teammates.

The Austrian has now revealed that he has seen the racist comments aimed at him, but he insisted that the abuse will not define him.

Danso wrote on Instagram: “Not the result we needed yesterday. We gave everything, we learn and we move. I’ve also seen the comments. The racist abuse has no place in this game or anywhere. But it doesn’t define me, and it won’t distract me from what is important. I know who I am, what I stand for, and why I play.

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“Now it’s about staying focused, working harder, and coming back stronger for the next games. We keep pushing, we keep believing, and we give our all every single time we step on that pitch. Stronger. Together. On to the next.”

Spurs fans have to get behind the players

Abuse is never okay, particularly if it is racial in nature, and it is nice to see a lot of Spurs fans getting behind the 27-year-old on social media.

Danso has posted some impressive numbers this season and has usually been very reliable whenever called upon.