De Zerbi's Spurs Revived by 2-1 Win at Aston Villa

Roberto de Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur looked revived after a 2-1 victory at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa, their second straight win.

Spurs have now had three managers this season -- Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and De Zerbi -- with sharply different styles. Yet the team appears to be gelling under its new coach despite his short time in charge.

Renewed confidence and tactical principles that simplify decision-making have left the squad and fans quietly optimistic about avoiding relegation.

De Zerbi earns much of the credit for his setup. He usually draws praise for building from the back, but Spurs' defensive work stood out most against Villa on Sunday.

Unai Emery's side builds short and centrally before speeding play into space higher up. De Zerbi countered with aggressive pressing that blocked the middle.

Richarlison played a key role, positioning to block passes to Villa's right centre midfielder Lamare Bogarde while discouraging Emiliano Martinez from going down the right. Conor Gallagher marked Youri Tielemans next to him.

At times Richarlison pressed Martinez, with Rodrigo Bentancur stepping up from midfield for Bogarde. This trio kept Villa's central midfielders from receiving unmarked.

Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel contributed too. Kolo Muani positioned between Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen. If Martinez went to Mings, Kolo Muani pressed hard while blocking Maatsen; Pedro Porro covered if needed.

Spurs coordinated pressing triggers well. Villa's centre-backs and full-backs stayed marked, forcing Martinez and Mings toward deep-dropping attackers.

Tottenham funnelled play centrally, with numbers ready there. Kevin Danso aggressively stepped to Ross Barkley, winning possession to start attacks.

When Villa risked passes, Spurs attackers turned and pressed back, converging for turnovers. Villa struggled to progress, and Spurs turned opposition possession into chances.

It's early, but De Zerbi's Spurs win possession in the final third 5.3 times per game on average -- tops for any team under a manager this season.

In possession, Emery's 4-4-2 cracked under Spurs rotations. Danso, Antonin Kinsky and Micky van de Ven formed a wide three around Villa's front two for overloads.

Kinsky's two-footed play opened angles. Full-backs and central midfielders pulled Villa apart: one midfielder went wide to drag markers or receive free.

Joao Palhinha or Bentancur dropped into a back three with centre-backs, overloading higher up.

De Zerbi inherited a Tottenham low on form and confidence, with key injuries. He instilled principles from past jobs, adapted to his players.

Spurs build short from the keeper but go long to target man Richarlison more than De Zerbi's Brighton did. The squad's physicality suits a high press for chances.

Tudor tried a less coordinated press, but De Zerbi refined it -- not man-to-man everywhere, but picking moments to regain the ball.

None works without squad buy-in. In news conferences, De Zerbi stresses self-belief and ditching negativity to stay in the Premier League.

The Villa performance will help.