By
Phil McNultyChief football writer
- Published21 minutes ago
Roberto de Zerbi's Tottenham transformation continued with a third win in a row to move his side into the top half of the Premier League table.
It was vital Spurs built on that crucial first win of the season at home toCoventry City, then an outstanding performance and result to record a rare victory atChelsea.
Spurs were helped by Jean-Philippe Mateta's crude challenge on Mickey van de Ven, which was only going to end one way once referee Michael Oliver was sent to the screen.
Aside from the sending off, there are now clear signs that Spurs are achieving coherence and confidence under De Zerbi, while some of his big-name summer signings are now coming to the party.
Sandro Tonali may still represent eye-watering business at £100m, but there is no doubt the Italian has moved on to a new level in recent weeks after a slow start, providing a potent combination of running, physicality and creation.
And Mateus Fernandes, who also struggled initially, now looks full of confidence as Spurs finally show the self-belief that has been in such short supply in recent seasons.
In other words, things are now looking much brighter for Spurs and De Zerbi.
