The Roberto De Zerbi project is threatening to unravel at Tottenham Hotspur, who are now rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
After Spurs escaped relegation on the final day of last season, the feeling around the club was ‘never again’, which was demonstrated by the ambition that they showed in the summer.
However, it now appears that Tottenham may be at risk of being in yet another battle for survival this season, with the Lilywhites still yet to win a league game this term.
Some pundits are already suggesting that De Zerbi’s role needs to come under question, given the way the Italian was backed in the transfer market.
Chris Sutton said: “It is a massive worry for Tottenham fans. I just think, you know, when are we going to start talking about Roberto De Zerbi, the manager?
“You can say he kept them up last season, but they have spent north of £300 million, and you would expect them to be in better shape than they are right now. We have heard all the excuses, you know, not fit enough, lack of physicality, you know, blaming pre‑season.
“There is something at Spurs that is not quite right. They got a couple of goals this afternoon. You said small mercies – I think you are absolutely spot on with that.
“But if you are Spurs fans, it could not have gone worse, the start of the season.”
Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham have full faith in Roberto De Zerbi
Fabrizio Romano has now said that even though Spurs have managed just two points from their first five league games, the club’s hierarchy retains full faith in their head coach.
The journalist claimed that the North London club’s top brass knew that it would take time for De Zerbi’s project to be fruitful and are not thinking about making a managerial change for now.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Tottenham decided to back Roberto De Zerbi in the summer by trusting his ideas. Obviously, not everything was possible, but it was still a very ambitious market, a very expensive market.
“When I say not everything, for example, Cody Gakpo, top target, but was no longer available. And then more things they wanted to do, but it’s normal. At no club do they complete the perfect market. But still, big investments and top players signed. So, the message from Tottenham, as of today, remains a message of confidence in Roberto De Zerbi. So at the moment I don’t have any indication of Tottenham exploring different ways.
“I’m told that Tottenham still believe in the manager. I’m told Tottenham knew it was going to take time. It’s not a switch you make from 17th in the league, saving from relegation in the final game of the season, to Champions League spots just because you spend big money.”
De Zerbi should be given at least until January
Just five games into the campaign, it is simply too early for anyone to suggest that De Zerbi’s job is under threat.
The Italian’s position will only be questioned internally at Tottenham if the club are still teetering in or just ahead of the relegation zone by the turn of the year.
While results have been poor this season, Spurs have shown positive signs in several of their performances in what is the most competitive Premier League season in history.
The Tottenham hierarchy will be hoping that the international break provides a much-needed reset and that the team can start afresh in three weeks.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Manchester CityManchester City | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 15 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 3 |  BrightonBrighton | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 10 |
| 4 |  BrentfordBrentford | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 9 |
| 5 |  LeedsLeeds | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 9 |
| 6 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
| 7 |  EvertonEverton | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| 8 |  Hull CityHull City | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| 9 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 8 |
| 10 |  ChelseaChelsea | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 7 |
| 11 |  IpswichIpswich | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 11 | -4 | 6 |
| 12 |  Manchester UnitedManchester United | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 5 |
| 13 |  Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 5 |
| 14 |  SunderlandSunderland | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 4 |
| 15 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 4 |
| 16 |  Aston VillaAston Villa | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -5 | 4 |
| 17 |  BournemouthBournemouth | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 3 |
| 18 |  CoventryCoventry | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 10 | -9 | 3 |
| 19 |  FulhamFulham | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 2 |
| 20 |  TottenhamTottenham | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 2 |
- READ MORE: ‘I love him’ – De Zerbi is a fan of Tottenham star who played just 6 minutes vs Aston Villa