De Zerbi Backs Tottenham to Find Their Edge After Liverpool Cup Exit

Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham Hotspur can turn their difficult start into a productive season once their attacking play finds its decisive edge, despite Tuesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool.

Spurs create chances but exit at Anfield

Tottenham were eliminated from the League Cup after losing 3-1 at Anfield, although Conor Gallagher’s second-half header gave De Zerbi’s side their first goal against top-flight opposition this season.

Four Premier League matches into the campaign, Spurs are still waiting for their first league goal. Their performance against Liverpool nevertheless gave the head coach encouragement, with Tottenham leading several key statistical measures:

• Expected goals: Tottenham 2.34, Liverpool 1.53
• Possession: Tottenham 56%, Liverpool 44%
• Shots: Tottenham 17, Liverpool 12
• Shots on target: Tottenham 6, Liverpool 5

De Zerbi said his players must become more ruthless, but felt they produced enough opportunities to take more from the tie. He pointed to openings for Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Destiny Udogie, as well as second-half chances involving Marmoush, Sávio and Bergvall.

De Zerbi sees progress in new project

The Tottenham coach said last season should serve as a lesson for everyone at the club and accepted that there remains considerable work to do. However, he was satisfied with his team’s application and their willingness to keep playing until the final whistle.

“We need to be stronger,” De Zerbi said. “There are many things to improve, but we played well, made more chances, had more shots and more corners. We could have scored more goals.”

He rejected any suggestion that effort or attitude was behind the poor run of results, saying the team had displayed the required mentality against Liverpool. Instead, he identified the need for greater accuracy and conviction in front of goal.

• Tottenham must attempt more shots in dangerous areas.
• Their finishing in clear scoring positions has to improve.
• De Zerbi wants the team to stay resilient through a run he believes has included poor fortune.

“The results matter enormously, so when we lose there is disappointment and frustration,” he said. “But this is the early stage of a new project. When everything comes together, we will win many matches and score many goals.”

Aston Villa next for winless Tottenham

Tottenham return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Aston Villa in north London. Villa are also without a win, giving both sides an immediate opportunity to change the tone of their seasons.

De Zerbi said his focus had already shifted to preparing for Villa with the same commitment shown at Anfield. He remains convinced by the quality and attitude within his squad, describing the players’ response during the setback as impressive.

“It is a hard spell, but we have to be stronger,” he said. “I believe in these players, and when we finally get that first win, we will enjoy it with them.”