Tottenham Hotspur boss Roberto De Zerbi urges Leeds United to 'play like this against West Ham' as Premier League relegation scrap hots up

React to this story

The relegation battle looks like one that will go to the wire this season as Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United strive to beat the drop from the Premier League.

Highlights: Spurs record statement win at Villa to boost survival hopes

Video credit: TNT Sports

West Ham fell to a contentious 1-0 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as Leandro Trossard's second-half strike proved the difference in east London.

The Hammers, though, were denied a late equaliser after Callum Wilson had scored in injury time to level the clash. However, West Ham bubbles were popped after Wilson's goal was chalked off following a VAR review as Pablo was adjudged to have fouled David Raya as a corner came into the box.

The result left Nuno Espirito Santo's side stuck in the relegation zone just one point behind rivals Spurs, who welcomed Leeds United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night.

Transfers

Atletico weigh up Grealish move as Spurs make Osimhen bid - Paper Round

03/08/2026 at 11:24

Spurs took the lead through a Mathys Tel strike shortly after the restart, while the same player was involved in a decision at the other end.

The Frenchman looked to overhead kick a ball away from danger and caught Leeds midfielder Ethan Ampadu on the head.

'Not relegated yet' - De Zerbi bullish ahead of run-in

Video credit: SNTV

After being instructed to check the pitchside monitor, referee Jarred Gillett pointed to the spot, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin making no mistake from 12 yards.

Leeds had a great chance to win it late on when Antonin Kinsky turned a late Sean Longstaff effort onto the bar, while Spurs felt they deserved a penalty in the dying embers after Lukas Nmecha challenged the returning James Maddison.

The home side's appeals were waved away by Gillett following a quick VAR check as Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw.

And even as Spurs failed to make home advantage count and claim three points, manager Roberto De Zerbi still believes his side "deserve" to remain in the Premier League.

"We deserve to stay up and we fight until the end," De Zerbi told Sky Sports at full-time of Monday's stalemate.

"When you fight relegation, you need to stay strong not with the legs but with the head."

West Ham's defeat to Arsenal on Sunday guaranteed Leeds' top-flight safety as the Yorkshire side put in a battling display in the capital.

'Play like this against West Ham'

Leeds could have a big say in the relegation battle as they follow up a home game against Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend with a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham on the final day of the season.

De Zerbi took the chance to plead with Leeds to "play like this against West Ham" when the pair face off later this month.

"We play a good game, not great but there was big pressure. We didn't play calm," the Italian stated.

"We wanted to win immediately. In the end, I think we have to fight until the end of the season. Leeds played a good game.

"We hope they play like this against West Ham because it is right like this.

"We didn't play well but fighting relegation is like this, you cannot play all games calm.

"We have to improve and change the habits, fighting relegation is different to fighting for Champions League."

De Zerbi also refused to blame Tel for the Leeds penalty, adding: "I am sorry for the penalty we conceded because Mathys Tel scored a great goal.

"He is very young and it is not a problem for me. I am happy for the attitude and mentality."

Referee 'not in the right condition'

And having been denied a penalty in the dying embers, De Zerbi said that he did not "want to speak" about the Maddison incident.

"I don't know. I think the referee was not in the right condition today," the Spurs boss said.

"Maybe he was not so calm. Nothing for the result, I didn't see the situation of Maddison.

Arteta praises 'brave' referee for 'big call' as Arsenal beat West Ham

Video credit: SNTV

"Yesterday, in West Ham vs Arsenal, it was tough for everyone. Maybe for the referee as well.

"I don't want to speak about the Maddison penalty, I didn't see."

Spurs make the trip to Chelsea before seeing out the season at home to Everton.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Transfers