Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham Hotspur have overcome their “mental problem” after moving out of the Premier League relegation zone with a vital 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday.

Tottenham took control of the match early, racing into a two-goal lead in the first half. Conor Gallagher opened the scoring with a powerful long-range strike before Richarlison doubled the advantage with a well-taken header.

Villa pushed late into the contest and managed to pull one back in stoppage time through Emiliano Buendía, but it was too late to deny Spurs a second consecutive victory.

The result lifts Tottenham to fourth-bottom in the table, one point clear of third-bottom West Ham United, with both sides still facing three crucial matches in the battle to avoid relegation.

When Roberto De Zerbi arrived in March to replace the dismissed interim coach Igor Tudor, Tottenham Hotspur were in deep trouble, having gone 15 league matches without a win since December.

Following defeats at Sunderland and a draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, De Zerbi has overseen crucial back-to-back away victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa, revitalising Spurs’ hopes of avoiding a first relegation since the 1977–78 season.

The Italian coach said the turnaround has largely come from rebuilding his squad’s confidence after a difficult campaign.

“I think it was a mental problem and these two wins, I hope we can play with more confidence and better mentality,” he said.

“Villa are a very good team, with a lot of quality players and a great manager, but we played very well for 60 minutes both with and without the ball.

“I’m pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.

“High pressure is about mentality, and in possession we played very well when we needed to attack space or shoot. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of.”

Conor Gallagher’s first goal since joining from Atlético Madrid in January proved to be the standout moment of a tireless performance that embodied Tottenham Hotspur’s renewed fighting spirit.

“Gallagher, when he plays well, we play with 12 players. He is an amazing player,” said Roberto De Zerbi. “Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel also played an amazing game. The two centre-backs, both with and without the ball, I am really pleased.”

Tottenham now face a crucial run-in, hosting Leeds United before travelling to Chelsea FC, and ending the season at home against Everton FC.

Meanwhile, West Ham United are set to face Premier League leaders Arsenal FC next weekend, but De Zerbi insisted his side cannot afford complacency in the tense relegation battle.

“The season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting on Monday night with Leeds, they are playing very well,” he said.

“We can’t forget what the situation was before Wolves. It was a very sad situation, and those memories must stay in our heads.”