Xavi Simons demands two things from Roberto De Zerbi as Tottenham star left red-faced

Xavi Simons was left with egg on his face when Brighton equalised in the dying embers of stoppage time.

Xavi Simons believes Tottenham Hotspur are heading in the right direction under Roberto De Zerbi. The 22-year-old midfielder thought he had fired the Lilywhites to their first Premier League win of the year on Saturday afternoon, but Brighton equalised in the dying embers of stoppage time.

With a quarter of an hour or so still left to play, Simons hurled off his shirt and threw himself into the South Stand after beating Bart Verbruggen from range. The Netherlands international curled the ball into the top corner, putting Spurs on course for a much-needed three points.

But Simons was left red-faced when the Seagulls capitalised on a mistake by Kevin Danso. Georginio Rutter, who had come off the bench to replace Danny Welbeck, levelled proceedings in the final minutes of the game, pushing Tottenham back into the bottom three.

West Ham have the chance to go four points clear of the Lilywhites when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night. Speaking to SpursPlay after the game, Simons reflected on what was a hammer blow to his side's hopes of avoiding relegation.

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"The goal in the last minute hurts," said the Dutchman. "I think the fans were fantastic, and we have to keep working through this. You could see the atmosphere that was in the stadium from the first minute, and we as players feel that as well.

"What I can say is we are really working hard to go through this situation. The new manager is coming in, so we have to adapt on things, but we are going in the right direction, and we are going to work hard for the last five games.

"I have been through a difficult journey, I would say this season, but it is life, and I am still young, and I have to learn things."

Simons, who made his first start for De Zerbi at the weekend, outlined his desire to 'play football' and 'help the team'. On the Italian, he said: "I am really happy the coach is here and for me especially.

"I want to play football, I want to score and assist, and I want to help the team to go through this situation together. These are the kind of games I want to be on the pitch and show everyone I can help the team.

"I am just putting the work in morning, afternoon and night. I want to really help the team and that is the most important thing."

Speaking to reporters following the draw to Brighton De Zerbi explained why he's the perfect match for Simons. The Tottenham boss said: "He played very well, a great game.

"I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player.

"I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."

On whether he feels more confident about staying in the Premier League, De Zerbi said: "Yes, I always thought and believed in the quality of the players.

"They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality.

"It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points.

"This team is able to win five games in a row. Now, it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row.

"Not to be arrogant, because I am not arrogant, especially now, but we have the qualities enough to fight and win games in a row."