How can 'fragile' Tottenham Hotspur turn things around?

Are Tottenham Hotspur just unlucky or have they really been that bad as they've just recorded their worst-ever start to a Premier League season after five games? The answer is a bit of both. Spurs should have been at least 2-0 up before they conceded just on half time at home against Aston Villa on Saturday. Then, predictably, they crumbled and were 3-0 down before they knew it. That is clearly the main worry for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi as he aims to stop them sinking into a third-straight season of relegation scrapping. In his post-game remarks he said Spurs are ‘too fragile’ and added that if ‘you are not strong you lose’ when discussing their display. Poor defensive decisions at key moments must stop One moment changed this game totally and left Spurs reeling and how often has that happened to them not just at the start of this season, but over the last few years? A poor defensive clearance from Andy Robertson led to Johan Manzambi giving Villa an undeserved lead right on half time. In the worst moment possible Spurs were their own worst enemies. A first half full of promise, energy and creating chances galore gave way to panic, tentative defending and a total lack of belief in the second half. And it all came from an avoidable defensive mistake, which has so often been the catalyst in their demise. Spurs dropped their heads when they went 1-0 down and never recovered, and the stats show that isn't just a problem under De Zerbi. Playing players where they can have the biggest impact They have now failed to win any of their last 48 games in all competitions when falling behind. There is no resilience. No belief they are going to turn things around when the chips are down. Spurs are extremely fragile. You can change the players, and Spurs have spent over $430 million this summer doing that, but that fragility is so hard to get rid of once it seeps into the fabric of a team. The majority of the Spurs team which has been through tough times over the last few years are still there. 11 players who were there before De Zerbi played for Spurs against Villa on Saturday. Now may be the time to go even bigger, and braver, with playing more of the new signings who aren't as fragile. Bringing in Martin Dubravka in goal and Tosin Adarabioyo in defense should be considered as their experience will help see Spurs through tough moments. Maybe even Marcos Senesi could come in too and Spurs could consider switching to a back three? Why would they do that? It would allow Pedro Porro and Andy Robertson to be wing-backs and be more concerned with getting on the ball in the final third and using their quality, which is considerable, and suits them much better. Being brave and starting Mateus Fernandes in his natural position as a number eight, alongside Sandro Tonali, should be the play too. Savio and Mohammed Kudus are their most skillful and direct attacking midfielders and should be given the freedom to roam in central areas and out wide. At this point, what is the worst that could happen? De Zerbi could well stick with what he's doing and it will eventually change, but he now has a lot of time to work things out over the international break and being brave is the answer. Here's the Spurs team I would go with when everyone is fit: ——- Dubravka ——- —- Tosin —- Van Hecke —- Van de Ven —- —— Porro —- Fernandes —- Tonali —- Robertson —— —— Savio —— Kudus —— ——- Marmoush ——- And here is the team De Zerbi will probably go with more often than not: ——- Kinsky ——- —- Porro —- Van Hecke —- Van de Ven —- Robertson —- —— Bentancur —- Tonali —- —— Kudus —— Savio —- Marmoush —— ——- Solanke ——- Belief in, and patience with, De Zerbi is key There is no quick fix for this. Spurs have won just five of their last 36 home league games and playing in front of their own fans seems to magnify all of their problems. De Zerbi isn't the problem. He is the answer. For Spurs not to be leading against Villa after the way they played in the first half is out of his control. That has happened time and time again at the start of this season. Spurs are in a moment where nothing is going their way. The rub of the green isn't with them. That will change. But the decision makers at Spurs have to give things time. Keeping De Zerbi in charge is their best chance of turning this around. And Spurs' hierarchy will have to be brave if things don't go well for them in the upcoming games. After the three-week international break, which will feel like three months for Spurs fans, they head to struggling Manchester United, host new boys Coventry City, head to rivals Chelsea and then host Crystal Palace. If Spurs are still winless after that run then pressure will be massive on Roberto De Zerbi. They have to see it through until at least January and then reassess the situation. It's a risk but things can change very quickly in football. One lucky goal. One big decision going their way. One purple patch is all it takes. Spurs aren't as far away from turning this around as it seems.