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Chelsea fans were keeping a close eye on Tottenham Hotspur's dramatic draw with Brighton before facing Manchester United in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea fans inside Stamford Bridge celebrated the closing moments of Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic draw with Brighton in wild fashion.

Spurs were forced to settle for a point in the 2-2 draw with the Seagulls on Saturday evening, a result which still leaves the club in the relegation zone.

Spurs thought they had secured a long-awaited victory when Xavi Simons’ long-range effort put the home side 2-1 in front in the 77th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Georginio Rutter equalised for Brighton in stoppage time, which saw Spurs drop two vital points in the battle to avoid relegation to the Championship.

Chelsea were taking on Manchester United in the 8pm kick-off on Saturday night, with many fans already gathered in Stamford Bridge ahead of the game.

Those inside Stamford Bridge witnessed Chelsea fans appearing to really enjoy rivals Tottenham dropping points in dramatic fashion.

Loud cheers echoed around the ground prior to kick off against United, to show there's no love lost between the London clubs.

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The result leaves Tottenham in 18th place in the Premier League table with just five matches left to play, and are one point behind West Ham, who have a game in hand which will see them face Crystal Palace in the Monday Night Football.

Chelsea went into the half-time interval against United 1-0 down after Matheus Cunha opened the scoring for the visitors in west London.

The Blues were also forced to deal with an injury blow during the game, as Estevao William was withdrawn due to a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by former United star Alejandro Garnacho.

Here is every word Roberto De Zerbi just said after Tottenham's frustrating 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to the media following Tottenham's frustrating 2-2 draw with Brighton in the Premier League.

The Italian has set the record straight on his team's performance, Kevin Danso's error and why he won't give up on survival as he set Spurs an ambitious target.

Here is every word De Zerbi said during his press conference.

Roberto, your first point as a Tottenham manager, did that feel like a defeat?

"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.

"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."

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On Xavi Simons' display"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. 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."Concern about conceding at the end of either half? Point towards mental fragility?"I don't know, I didn't think like this. The first goal of Mitoma was incredible. And the second goal, the ball possession was for us, because Danso played another fantastic game, but the ball was with Danso. He lost the ball and then we conceded a goal. But I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play than to concede a goal without personality, without courage. Now we need courage, now we need to win the game. And to win the game we have to be positive and to play football with the ball and not stay just to defend with 11 players and go in counter-attack."

More confident about survival?

"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."

How do you lift the players?

"No, no."They looked dejected?

“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.The way you played, is that the way you want your Tottenham to play?

“Yes absolutely. They have to play like this and have to play showing what they are able to do on the pitch. Enjoy with the ball, enjoy when they come to the training ground and to feel in confidence. I have to be good to transfer what I think and what I believe in my players because it is the truth and to prepare game by game. Stop. Not too much.

James Maddison has been included in the Tottenham squad to face Brighton with Roberto De Zerbi issuing a clear verdict

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi has issued an emphatic verdict on James Maddison after including him in the matchday squad to face Brighton. The attacking midfielder has not played in this campaign after suffering a bad knee injury in pre-season.

However, he has been in team training over the last few weeks and has been named among the substitutes for the Premier League clash against Brighton. On Maddison, De Zerbi said: "James is one of the leaders, one of the most important players in the squad.

"I think he can give us energy, quality, because when he will be available to play, his quality is amazing. In this moment, we need everyone, all players focused on Tottenham, and especially an important player like James."

De Zerbi has also been boosted by the return of Rodrigo Bentancur, who has missed the last three months with a hamstring injury.

Yves Bissouma is also back in the starting XI with Xavi Simons another included from the off. Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison are the players that have made way.

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Kevin Danso is the other change made by De Zerbi with that one enforced due to the injury suffered by Cristian Romero.

He has joined Mohammed Kudus in picking up an issue that will see him miss the remainder of the season. Guglielmo Vicario is expected back before the end of May but is still not fit to feature after hernia surgery, which means Antonin Kinsky has remained in goal.

The Lilywhites are in desperate need of points in their battle to avoid relegation, with last weekend's results pushing them into the bottom three.

This weekend, Spurs have the chance to put the pressure on as they play before West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. The latter host Burnley on Sunday while West Ham travel to Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

Having lost his first game in charge against Sunderland last Sunday, relegation to the Championship is a real possibility with just six matches left to preserve their spot, though De Zerbi is just taking it one game at a time.

He said: "In my words, what I said last week was the focus is to win one game. I don't know if tomorrow we are able to win, I hope.

"I think we have the quality enough to win a game, but anyway we have to be stronger because the qualities of the players are bigger than all, the difficulties we are spending in this moment."

I always believe in the qualities of the players.

They play a good game, I think they can play better than today with more quality and more calm.

Especially when we are in possession.

In this moment we need this attitude.

It's not finished yet, it's tough, we have another five games.

Everyone knows it's a tough moment, a difficult situation.

This team is able to win five games in a row.

He says: I am sorry for the result, for the players because they are suffering too much. Today we deserved to win the game against one great Brighton. A big congratulations for their style, their level of players and everything. We couldn't concede that goal from Rutter.

On if there was positives for him to take: 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.

On what he said to players after the game: I said to be strong, to follow me again and again because I want to help them. 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.

On his first home game as Spurs boss: I know we are fighting to stay in the Premier League. A very difficult moment. But we are lucky, every one of us to work in this club with these fans because it was an incredible atmosphere today. You would think we are fighting for Champions League, not relegation. Until the end we will fight in every game and give our best. If we are able to give our best, it's not finished yet.

On if he saw positives: Today I saw signs, I saw blood, character, qualities, organisation with and without the ball. Everything to reach our target.

On what needs to be worked on still: We have to improve a lot of things. The crucial part is to keep this mentality and I told the players to come on Monday afternoon with the same behaviour they showed today. I don't want to work with sad people, with negative people. They have to believe in myself. If I am here, it's because I am positive to stay in the Premier League next season.

football.london rates the Tottenham players following their X vs Brighton in the Premier League

Tottenham suffered heartbreak as Brighton snatched a last-gasp equaliser to leave them in the relegation zone with just five games to play.

Spurs were ahead on 39 minutes when Pedro Porro rose to glance home Xavi Simons' excellent cross. The hosts, at that point, looked as if they would motor onto victory but of course, nothing ever comes easy when the Europa League winners are involved.

Brighton equalised in first-half stoppage-time when Kaoru Mitoma rifled in a sublime volley to stun the hosts. Xavi then scored a second-half stunner to put the north Londoners on track for a huge win that would have moved them out of the relegation zone.

But Georginio Rutter stepped up with just three minutes of injury time remaining to break Spurs' hearts. Here are the full player ratings...

Antonin Kinsky - 6

Started really well, dealt with a corner then made a close-range stop to keep out Danny Welbeck. Won't be happy to concede either goal, despite the fact he could not have got to either.

Pedro Porro - 6

Set the tone early on and got himself on the scoresheet with a brilliant header. But question marks defensively, again.

Kevin Danso - 5

Made excellent last-ditch clearance to prevent Danny Welbeck from scoring. Made great block to stop Kaoru Mitoma's shot too. Solid for most of the game but was at fault for Brighton's second as he did not clear his lines which lowers his rating given the significance of the goal.

Micky Van de Ven - 7

Led by example as captain. Strong on the ball and used it well, too. Huge improvement from recent weeks. Nearly turned into his own net in first half but one of Spurs' better players.

Destiny Udogie - 6

Udogie provided balance and was a threat from the start. Had an early penalty shout waved away but attacked and overlapped with purpose before fading.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 6

Made his return from injury and was solid enough, but not a standout performer.

Yves Bissouma - 5

Started well then faded and was hindered by a cheap booking. Lacked match sharpness, which was understandable.

Randal Kolo Muani - 4

Not a winger and was slow to react after Xavi Simons hit the post in the first half. Most of Spurs' attacking play went down the left flank.

Conor Gallagher - 7

Showed signs of the Gallagher Tottenham thought they were buying. Pressed from the front and got further forward. Energetic and combative. Left the pitch to a standing ovation.

Xavi Simons - 8

Started poorly then grew into the game, notching a great assist for Pedro Porro's opener before dancing inside and hitting the post. Made things happen, not least his thunderbolt in the second half.

Dominic Solanke - 5

Mixed display. Protected the ball well at times but never looked threatening.

Subs

Archie Gray - 6

Great energy, unlucky not to start, had a shot saved.

Mathys Tel - 6

Did more than Kolo Muani, put in a deep cross and had a few small bright moments.

Joao Palhinha - 6

Deflected effort saved.

Lucas Bergvall - 6

Won the ball back for Xavi's goal.

Djed Spence - 5

Replaced Udogie but did not have an impact on the game.

Tottenham Hotspur have five more Premier League matches to secure their place in the top flight for next season and stop the club's first relegation in 49 years

Tottenham Hotspur are still in the Premier League relegation zone after a dramatic 95th-minute equaliser from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Leeds United won and are up to 15th after winning back-to-back league matches for the first time this season.

They were the only bottom-six sides to play on Saturday, apart from Spurs, as Nottingham Forest host Burnley on Sunday, while West Ham United visit Crystal Palace on Monday night.

Following the draw in north London, football.london compares Spurs' remaining Premier League fixtures to their relegation rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur's remaining Premier League fixtures

Saturday, April 25: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, May 2: Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday, May 24: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton

West Ham United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Monday, April 20: Crystal Palace vs West Ham United

Saturday, April 25: West Ham United vs Everton

Saturday, May 2: Brentford vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 10: West Ham United vs Arsenal

Sunday, May 17: Newcastle United vs West Ham United

Sunday, May 24: West Ham United vs Leeds United

Nottingham Forest's remaining Premier League fixtures

Sunday, April 19: Nottingham Forest vs Burnley

Friday, April 24: Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest

Monday, May 4: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 10: Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle United

Sunday, May 17: Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest

Sunday, May 24: Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth

Leeds United's remaining Premier League fixtures

Wednesday, April 22: Bournemouth vs Leeds United

Friday, May 1: Leeds United vs Burnley

Monday, May 11: Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United

Sunday, May 17: Leeds United vs Brighton

Leicester City suffered a 1-0 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday, which saw the Foxes move a step closer to relegation from the Championship

Former Tottenham Hotspur star midfielder Harry Winks was involved in a heated exchange with supporters following Leicester City's latest setback, which moved them closer to relegation from the Championship.

Saturday's early kick-off saw Leicester travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth, as the Foxes sought to improve their prospects of avoiding a drop into League One.

Nevertheless, Leicester fell to a 1-0 reverse against Pompey, with substitute Ibane Bowat netting the decisive strike in the 63rd minute to inflict the Foxes' 18th Championship loss this term.

Following the final whistle, a video clip surfaced on social media showing Winks as he approached the Leicester team coach for the journey home.

The footage showed Winks in a heated exchange with fans as he stepped onto the vehicle, before ultimately climbing the steps of the coach.

Winks left Tottenham in summer 2023 to sign for Leicester, in a move reported to be valued at approximately £10million.

The 30-year-old has subsequently featured in 106 matches for the Foxes throughout his spell at the King Power Stadium, including 31 Championship outings this season after the club's top-flight relegation last campaign.

Leicester now face three remaining fixtures in their battle to prevent back-to-back relegations, though they confront a daunting challenge to avoid dropping into League One.

The Foxes are in 23rd position in the Championship standings and face Hull City on Tuesday evening in their next match, where they would be mathematically relegated to League One should they fail to secure all three points at the King Power.

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Leicester boss Gary Rowett, who was brought in by the club on an interim basis until the end of the campaign back in February:

“I can say we’ve got belief,” Rowett told reporters after the defeat to Portsmouth when asked if there is still belief the club can avoid relegation.

“We need to show that in our performances and our results. I said to the players we’ve got to start hoping we get a little fortune from somewhere else. But I don’t like saying that as a manager. I’m not interested in what other teams do, I’m interested in what we do.

“We have to be professional. As a player, if I had three games to go and I was already relegated, I’d still want to win all three of those games. I don’t care. It’s about pride and your own personal standards.

“For me, we turn up Tuesday [vs Hull] and we have to do everything we can to win the game. It’s easy saying it. We’ve had two or three opportunities to show that extra bit of drive and we haven’t quite find it. We have to see if we can find it Tuesday.”

Cristian Romero's future at Tottenham Hotspur remains up in the air following a turbulent season

Like many players at Tottenham Hotspur, Cristian Romero has struggled this season.

The Argentina international and his team-mates have endured a horrendous campaign that has resulted in them being plunged in a relegation battle with just over a month to go of the season. Currently sitting 18th in the Premier League table, the north London side will need to earn points and quick to maintain their top-flight status.

However, they'll have to do so without their star centre-back after Romero was ruled out for the season after suffering a knee injury in their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland last week. Spurs fans' last image of Romero could be his walk down the tunnel while crying at the Stadium of Light amid reports linking him with a move to Spain.

Here, football.london examines what Romero's next career move could, claims of a release clause in his contract and analysis of his public statements by a close family member.

Transfer preference

It was after Spurs' Europa League triumph last season that rumours of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid monitoring Romero's situation began gaining traction. Having only played in his native Argentina, Italy and England, the South American star admitted in the most recent international break that he would "love" to play in La Liga.

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Romero said to TyC Sports: "LaLiga is the one [league] left to play in. I would love to, to tell you the truth, I would love to play there because it's the league I'm missing." Coupled with his admission that he's not enjoying himself at Spurs, his comments certainly would have alerted the bigwigs at the north London outfit.

The defender then said to Ole: "I’m not really having the best time there, to be honest. But beyond everything, I have to get myself right, I have to focus on the club now. I need to switch on the Tottenham mindset, try to get out of the bad situation we’re in and, like I always do, give everything in every training session, in every match, and try to move forward."

Release clause

The Argentine set Spurs back £40million when signing for the club permanently in 2022, following his season-long loan. With his future reportedly uncertain amid Spurs' possible relegation to the Championship, the defender has been earmarked by some as a player who could depart north London in the event of their Premier League demotion.

Adding fuel to the fire, Romero's father Victor discussed his son's contract details, claiming that Romero's deal possesses a release clause. Speaking to Cadena 3, Victor said: "He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause.

“The English club won’t let him leave for free; it’s between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m]. For me, they’ll want to recover what they invested.” But football.london understandsRomero's contract does not include a release clause that would allow him to join a La Liga club.

Romero's surprise behaviour

Amid Spurs' dismal season, Romero has spoken out throughout the season where he's publicly criticised the club's board for the decision making that has seen them become relegation candidates. He recently called them "disgraceful" for not adding to the injury-hit squad in the January transfer window

The 28-year-old also took aim at the hierarchy's failure to speak up during the difficult moments and claimed they "only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies". Romero's open defiance towards the club chiefs surprised his father who admitted it's not in his son's nature to be so outwardly brash in his comments.

Victor added: "Cuti isn’t one to make statements, that’s why it surprises me. I don’t know anything, but in football, anything can happen. Today, you might be thinking about being close to your family, and tomorrow, they put together a team to win the championship, and everything changes. I don’t want to lie."

Udogie backs De Zerbi

Speaking to Sky Sports, Destiny Udogie tipped Roberto De Zerbi to lead Tottenham to safety.

The Spurs defender said: "Obviously, I personally, I knew he was a really great manager and I think since the first day he came, he brought his own style of play and I think he has quite given us the right tools to go into the game and to show our style.

"From the first day he said it’s really important we stay positive, we help each other on the pitch, off the pitch, to build the right connection.

"And I think it’s the right way to end the season, to have six games to go and it’s really important every day we come with the right mindset, the right attitude and just stay positive as much as we can."

De Zerbi welcomes Maddison back

Roberto De Zerbi described James Maddison as a 'top player' ahead of his long-awaited return to the matchday squad. The Spurs boss said: "There are a lot of different types of leader.

"The leader who talks inside of the dressing room, the leader with the ball, the leader in the tough moment, the leader because he helps the team-mates.

"I think to be a stronger team we need many many leaders, for sure Maddison is different, Maddison is a top player on the pitch with the ball but also as a personality, as a character, as a mentality on the pitch."

De Zerbi believes in his players

Speaking to reporters at Hotspur Way on Friday afternoon, Roberto De Zerbi outlined his plan to rebuild the players' confidence. The Tottenham boss said: "I believe in the people. I believe in the human relationship. I believe in the spirit.

"I believe in the soul of the players, before speaking about tactical dispositions, style of play, defensive play, with the ball, without the ball, set pieces… these things are important but, first of all, I work with people, with their problems.

"There are a lot of players and we have to build or rebuild or find in these last weeks the best relationship we can find. I want to see on the pitch players help their team-mates and push everybody for one target and to achieve our big, big target for us, because if we don't achieve our target, everyone loses something in their career..."

There's a first for everything...

Roberto De Zerbi will write himself into the history books this evening.

Funnily enough, the Italian's first home Premier League game in charge of Brighton was against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022, losing 1-0.

When the Lilywhites face Fabian Hurzeler's side, it'll be the first time in the competition's history that a manager's first home game in charge of two clubs has been the same fixture.

Tottenham team news is in

Roberto De Zerbi has made four changes to the Tottenham side that lost 1-0 at Sunderland.

Xavi Simons, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Kevin Danso come in for Richarlison, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Cuti Romero drop out.

Importantly, James Maddison returns to the squad, which nobody really saw coming.

Great news for Tottenham, though it's unclear whether he will get minutes today.

Hello

Welcome to our live coverage of Tottenham vs Brighton!

As you may already be aware, Leeds are currently beating Wolves 2-0 at Elland Road.

If they hold onto that lead and run out victors, they will move nine points clear of Spurs.

Not ideal news heading into what is an absolutely huge game.

Thomas Frank was spotted in London hours before Tottenham Hotspur lock horns with Brighton in a clash that could decide their fate in the Premier League relegation battle.

Thomas Frank was spotted in attendance at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon, watching Brentford's clash against Fulham. The former Tottenham Hotspur boss was sitting next to the Bees' owner, Matthew Benham, and sporting director, Phil Giles, in a box.

Last summer Frank left Brentford, where he had spent seven years as head coach, to join the Lilywhites and replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout. The Dane enjoyed a promising start, winning three of his first five Premier League games in charge.

Before Arsenal ran riot in the North London Derby on matchday 12, Spurs were fifth in the English top-flight. Tottenham fell apart at the Emirates Stadium, and they went on to win just two of their next 14 games.

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Igor Tudor was appointed on an interim basis, but he was later replaced by Roberto De Zerbi. Frank went into hiding and hadn't been seen in public until this weekend.

When the Dane parted ways with Spurs, his agent claimed he's 'decided to pull the plug and relax'. Speaking to Ekstra Bladet, as quoted by Sport Witness, Allan Bak said: "He is going to relax a bit and visit friends and family. Still a little too early for interviews. He is enjoying himself with family and friends right now. Has decided to pull the plug and relax."

Sitting beside Benham and Giles, who he once reported to, Frank watched on from the stands as Fulham held Brentford to a goalless draw. The Bees squandered the opportunity to leapfrog Chelsea in sixth; meanwhile, the Cottagers missed out on the chance to climb into the top half of the table.

Tottenham still languish in the bottom three of the Premier League, but they can climb out of the relegation zone with a win over Brighton on Saturday evening. Nevertheless, Frank certainly left Brentford on good terms.

Upon his departure from the Bees, Giles said: "It has been a pleasure working alongside Thomas. From the moment he replaced Dean Smith, he understood what we were trying to build, and his wisdom, coaching ability, and emotional intelligence have helped transform the club.

"There have been so many special moments with Thomas, and nobody will ever forget the day at Wembley for the play-off final or that emotional first Premier League game against Arsenal.

"But it’s not just what you see on the pitch. He forged a special connection with our fans, helped develop and improve players, and was instrumental in implementing the culture that has seen Brentford go from strength to strength.

"However, just as when a player leaves, it provides an opportunity for someone else to come in and make their own impact. We will never forget Thomas, but now it is time to thank him and take the next steps in our journey with a new leader who we believe can be just as successful and influential."