How Albion fans and De Zerbi showed mutual respect at Spurs

Brighton and Hove Albion FC Football Sport

Albion fans applauded Roberto De Zerbi after their side’s 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

But both the Spurs boss and opposite number Fabian Hurzeler expect the Seagulls to return to the impressive North London venue for a Premier League fixture next season.

De Zerbi saw his hopes of a successful home debut in charge ruined by goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.

He had embraced Mitoma just ahead of kick-off along with other familiar faces to him on the subs bench such as Jason Steele and Joel Veltman.

At full-time, De Zerbi went towards the away corner and applauded Seagulls fans, who sang his name in return.

The Italian had spoken before the game about how Brighton remained a magical place for him.

There were no further questions about his Albion connection during quite a brief post-match press conference on Saturday.

But he stressed his belief that he would keep Spurs up over their five remaining matches.

De Zerbi told reporters: “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.”

Albion head coach Hurzeler said he saw enough on Saturday to believe Spurs can stay up.

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He said: “Definitely. I also could say before the game. What they have is individual quality. I think they have unbelievable players in their squad,” Hurzeler reflected.

“They have players in their frontline that can make a difference. They have enough quality in their squad to make it happen.”

Nottingham Forest moved five points clear of Spurs when they came from behind to beat Burnley 4-1 on Sunday.

West Ham will look to increase their one-point advantage when they visit Crystal Palace on Monday.