Roberto De Zerbi hopes 'crucial' win can spark mental shift in Tottenham's survival bid

The Italian manager, celebrating his first win since taking charge, emphasized the psychological importance of the result, which was secured by a late Joao Palhinha goal and a heroic stoppage-time save.

"I hope this result can change something in our head, in our mentality," De Zerbi stated post-match, focusing on the boost the win could provide. "These three points... I hope they can become important for the head, for the enthusiasm to prepare the next games."

The embodiment of that mental fortitude was back-up goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The 23-year-old, starting in place of the injured Guglielmo Vicario, exorcised the demons of a disastrous Champions League outing in Madrid last month with a spectacular flying save to deny Joao Gomes in the final moments.

It was a redemptive act that earned high praise from his manager."He deserves this day, because he played very well," De Zerbi said.

"He was crucial for the result... Especially after Madrid, he deserves one day like today."

However, the victory provided only a temporary reprieve.

A late West Ham winner elsewhere meant Spurs remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety with only four matches left. The challenge is further compounded by a deepening injury crisis, with Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons both forced off at Molineux, joining nine other players on the sidelines.

Despite the precarious league position and depleted squad, De Zerbi remains defiant, insisting his belief in the team has grown since his arrival.

"When I knew better my players, I understood that we have the possibility, the chance to stay up," he explained. "My task is to give them confidence and order on the pitch... we need to stay strong in the head, positive in ourselves."

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