Roberto De Zerbi has been named Premier League Manager of the Month for October, the first monthly award of his time as Tottenham manager. The Italian guided Spurs through a run of three wins and a draw that lifted the club out of the relegation zone and up to 11th in the table, after a difficult opening in which Tottenham had failed to win any of their first five league matches.
Tottenham's turnaround began with a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United, where the side salvaged a point despite being reduced to 10 men. Victories followed over Coventry City by 3-1, then a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge against London rivals Chelsea, only Tottenham's second Premier League win at that ground in 36 years, and finally a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace that completed an unbeaten month and 10 points from a possible 12.S1S2
De Zerbi, 46, becomes the first Tottenham coach to win the award since Ange Postecoglou, who claimed it three consecutive times between August and October 2023. He was chosen ahead of five other nominees: Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, Unai Emery of Aston Villa, Xabi Alonso of Chelsea, Marco Rose of Bournemouth and Fabian Hürzeler of Brighton. The winner was determined through a combination of supporter votes and a panel of football experts, according to the Premier League.S2
De Zerbi credited his players and staff for the result, saying the club had changed its behaviour, the quality of its play and the performance of its players after the Manchester United match. Progress has since faced a setback, with a 1-0 defeat by Leeds at the start of November. Tottenham host Ipswich on November 21 and travel to Sunderland eight days later.S1
