Resolute De Zerbi claims Tottenham remain in the relegation scrap

Tottenham led twice before their lively supporters and Xavi Simons stunning effort in the 77th minute looked set to clinch crucial three points with time ebbing away.

However ecstatic outbursts from the crowd shifted to astonishment as Georginio Rutter coolly netted to level things up at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This outcome positioned Spurs 18th in the Premier League standings, trailing West Ham by one point and Nottingham Forest by two with five fixtures still to play.

The threat of a first drop since 1977 hangs over the previous seasons Europa League champions, ranked by Deloitte as the ninth wealthiest club globally.

Ex Brighton and Marseille manager De Zerbi in his debut home fixture conceded the draw stung like a loss yet affirmed his side possessed the talent to triumph in all their leftover encounters.

"Its not finished yet, we have another five games, its tough", he remarked.

"Everyone of us knows its a tough moment, its a difficult situation, but we have another five games, 15 points.

"And this team is able to win five games in a row."

The Italian implored his dejected looking players at full time to trust his leadership.

"They have to follow me, they have not to think, they have to follow me and to listen to me", he stated.

"Im proud of their performance, they have to be stronger and to be focused just on the Wolverhampton game next week.

"And to come to the training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile, because otherwise they go home immediately.

"I have no time to see negative people, to see sad players or sad assistants. No, we are lucky because we are working in a big club, a big stadium, we are working in the Premier League."

Post the Wolves clash, Tottenham face Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton.

Though brimming with talent, despite De Zerbis upbeat comments, their survival prospects appear ever more dim.

Winless Spurs

Tottenham seem to have lost their winning touch in the league, without a success since December.

Compounding issues, Forest entertaining doomed Burnley on Sunday and West Ham visiting Crystal Palace on Monday keep grabbing essential points.

Leeds thrashed Wolves 3-0 on Saturday and now sit eight points above the drop zone.

De Zerbi appointed earlier this month as Tottenhams third boss this term faces a monumental challenge despite promising displays versus Brighton.

Yet he encouraged his squad to stay confident and attack proactively.

"Now we need courage, now we need to win the game and to win the game we have to be positive and to play football with the ball and not stay just to defend 11 players and going counter-attack", he added.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler pursuing European qualification next year believes the capital club boasts the personnel to stay up.

"They have unbelievable players in their squad", he noted. "They have in their front line players who can make a difference with one action, and thats what they showed today.

"Therefore, I think they have enough quality in their squad to make it happen."