De Zerbi: Tottenham are finally operating as a true team

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has credited the growing team spirit among his new signings for the side's recent upturn in form. Spurs delivered a commanding display to secure a 2-0 victory over ten-man Crystal Palace, marking their third consecutive win—a feat the club had not achieved in 616 days.

A key turning point in Tottenham's transformation was their training camp in Marbella during the 18-day international break. Following a massive £380 million summer overhaul by the Lewis family ownership, which brought ten new arrivals to North London, the Italian tactician is convinced his squad has finally clicked.

"I think that even before the break in September and October, we were playing good football," De Zerbi said. "Perhaps not for the full 90 minutes, but for large spells we played at a very high level. We lacked goals, conceded soft ones, and that drained our energy. We had lost our confidence and connection on the pitch. If you compare Tottenham before and after the break, the difference is obvious—now we are functioning as a team. Before, we had excellent individuals, but not a united collective."

That dressing-room unity was on full display on Saturday during Archie Gray's goal, with the substitutes sprinting down the touchline to celebrate with him. The 20-year-old once again impressed in an unfamiliar right-back role, making his ninth start of the campaign.

Despite his fine performance, De Zerbi opted to withdraw him at half-time after he picked up a yellow card in the 15th minute.

"His development has been immense. Since the Manchester United game, he has shown incredible consistency and plays with the composure of an experienced pro," the manager explained. "I didn't want to risk a potential second yellow card. I felt bad making the substitution because he was playing so well, but I explained my reasons to him and I'm sure it was the right call for the situation."

Gray's strong performances have also afforded Pedro Porro some much-needed time to recover from injury. The Spanish defender has been managing an adductor problem since the start of the season and played through the pain barrier with the aid of painkillers against Aston Villa. With his condition now stable, he is expected to be available for next week's clash against Leeds.