Tusport - News - Van de Ven 'embarrassed' as De Zerbi says Spurs 'deserve everything'

Tottenham Hotspur secured Premier League safety on the final day with a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton, a result that capped a late-season rescue under Roberto De Zerbi. Joao Palhinha delivered the decisive moment, striking the only goal to settle a tense afternoon in North London and ensure Spurs remained above the drop line. The task De Zerbi inherited was sizeable. Brought in to steady a season that had drifted, he replaced Igor Tudor after a dire five-game spell in which Tudor drew once and lost four. De Zerbi, parachuted in for the run-in, collected three wins and two draws from his seven matches, coaxing character and clarity from a squad that had been short on both. Survival still hinged on the final whistle. Tottenham began the day two points clear of West Ham United, who occupied the last relegation place. The Hammers did their part by beating Leeds United 3-0, but that result ultimately proved immaterial thanks to Palhinha’s intervention and Spurs’ resolve. Defender Micky van de Ven cut a candid figure in the aftermath, admitting he felt “embarrassed” by the club’s perilous position over the campaign despite the quality within the group. “This club has some unbelievable players,” he said, adding that the strain of a turbulent year made the final whistle especially emotional. He also reflected that it had been a personally demanding season, underlining the relief coursing through the dressing room. De Zerbi, by contrast, struck a tone of pride and gratitude. “I’m lucky because I have a lot of big players,” he said. “They played a fantastic game with the ball, not just to fight, but to play. Incredible game, and they deserve everything football gave today.” The Italian’s emphasis on bravery in possession matched the manner of Spurs’ performance: controlled when it mattered, and composed enough to ride out tense spells. Palhinha’s winner added to a collection of timely contributions this season. In a campaign defined by narrow margins, his accuracy and timing again proved decisive. For Tottenham, the relief is palpable. The mission was survival; the objective, achieved. What follows is a reset, and the chance—at last—to look forward rather than over their shoulders.