Many of us had forgotten what it feels like to watch a functioning Tottenham Hotspur side.
It had become a distant memory, reserved for social media posts titled "On this day". It felt consigned to a different age. We had grown used to facing teams that were better prepared, more organised and more efficient. We had given up hope of seeing our team construct an attacking move born out of training and organisation.
Our players have tried, they have run their socks off on occasion, but without ever stopping to think, "Why am I doing this?". Our primary tactic seemed to involve endless sideways passes out to Pedro Porro. I had started to resent the Spaniard, but it was never his fault. It was the system.
That has now changed. Hit and hope is no longer the Tottenham way. Roberto de Zerbi has awoken something in this group. They are remembering who they are – good players, Europa League winners, seasoned internationals, part of a club that means something to millions.
He has taught them when to slow the game and when to accelerate it. Watch how many players now stop the ball and put their studs on it. It is controlled, deliberate. Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow, like an experienced tango dancer at a milonga.
The curtains have been pulled back on our season. Suddenly, we are in control of the ball and, most importantly, our own destiny.
This does not feel like a new-manager bounce. It feels like a change in approach and values. Despite injuries in key areas, he has found a way to give this team control.
He has us believing again. He has us playing football, and he has us dreaming of a future further up the table.
We are not safe yet, but dry land is within reach. Another performance like Sunday's might just be enough to carry us onto the Premier League shore for 2026-27.
Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch – a Spurs podcast
