De Zerbi: Tottenham are finally clicking as a team

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has credited the team's resurgence to the strong collective spirit forged among his new arrivals. Spurs delivered a polished display to secure a 2-0 victory over ten-man Crystal Palace, sealing a third consecutive win—a milestone the club had not achieved in 616 days.

A training camp in Marbella during the 18-day international break proved to be a pivotal turning point for the squad. Following a major summer overhaul, in which majority owners the Lewis family invested £380 million to bring in ten new players, the Italian tactician is convinced his side has finally gelled.

"I think we were playing good football even before the break in September and October," De Zerbi said. "Maybe not across all 90 minutes, but in large spells we performed at a high level. We lacked goals, conceded soft ones, and that drained our energy. We had lost our confidence and our connection on the pitch. If you compare Tottenham's performances before and after the break, the difference is clear—we are now operating as a team. Previously we had great individual talent, but not a united collective."

The dressing-room camaraderie was on full display during Archie Gray's goal on Saturday, with the substitutes rushing onto the pitch to celebrate with him. The 20-year-old talent put in another solid shift in the unfamiliar role of right-back, making his ninth start of the campaign.

Despite an impressive display, De Zerbi opted to substitute him at half-time after he picked up a booking in the 15th minute.

"His growth has been massive. Since the Manchester United game, he has been exceptionally consistent and is playing like an experienced pro," the manager explained. "I didn't want to risk a second yellow card. I felt bad making the change because he was doing brilliantly, but I explained my reasons to him and I'm sure it was the right decision given the situation."

Gray's strong form has also provided much-needed rest for Pedro Porro, who has been nursing an injury. The Spain international has been managing adductor issues since the start of the season and played through the pain with the help of painkillers against Aston Villa. His condition has now stabilised, and the full-back is expected to be available for next week's clash against Leeds.