De Zerbi demands leadership after Tottenham suffer worst five-game Premier League start

Roberto De Zerbi criticised Tottenham’s defending and called on the club’s senior players to take responsibility after a 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa left them with their worst start to a Premier League season after five matches.

Tottenham have collected only two points and have a goal difference of -6, surpassing their previous poorest opening to a campaign in 2008-09, when they also had two points but a goal difference of -3.

Aston Villa scored through Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia. Tottenham improved after the interval and scored their first two league goals of the season, but could not complete a comeback or claim an equaliser.

“In the moments when we have to defend, we must defend as a unit, with the lines close together,” De Zerbi said at his post-match news conference.

“The leaders must play their leadership role and lead the team.”

Villa’s opening goal came while Tottenham were temporarily down to 10 men. Micky van de Ven had left the pitch to receive treatment after sustaining an injury to his face, and De Zerbi said his side’s positioning during that period was impossible to justify.

Tottenham failed to cover the space left available, allowing Aston Villa to take advantage and score.

The manager said the second goal was more difficult to explain because it came immediately after a goal-kick. He insisted Tottenham needed to stay balanced and avoid losing their shape simply because they had fallen behind.

“They have to stay balanced and not lose that balance as soon as they concede,” De Zerbi said.

Tottenham had controlled the opening stages and missed several chances before Aston Villa took the lead. They also conceded a third goal in the second half after a goal by Mohammed Kudus had been disallowed for offside.

De Zerbi accepted responsibility for the result but said his players had to respond more effectively during defensive phases.

“It is my responsibility… I take my responsibility,” he said.

However, the Italian again stressed that the team’s handling of key moments could not be overlooked, particularly when defending required greater organisation and leadership.

Tottenham will now have a three-week break from domestic competition because of the international break. Their next league match is away to Manchester United at Old Trafford on 10 October, when they will be seeking their first Premier League victory of the season.