Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Sun 19 April 2026 11:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur remained stuck in the Premier League relegation zone, as Roberto De Zerbi’s side played out a 2-2 draw with Brighton on Saturday.

Pedro Porro and Xavi Simons would both score on home soil, before a late dagger from Georginio Rutter earned the Seagulls a point at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On the evening itself, nobody impressed as much as Simons, who thought he had won the game in the second half, as his long-range strike sent the South Stand into raptures.

The Dutchman has had a tough time since his summer move from RB Leipzig, but is beginning to grab Tottenham’s survival challenge by the scruff of the neck.

With the run-in approaching, and the Lilywhites still in the bottom three, Simons’ Spurs teammates need to begin following suit.

Xavi Simons is ready to guide Tottenham survival push

From minute one against Brighton, the versatile attacker took control of the clash in the final third for Spurs, who have been without inspiration for months.

As a player, Simons is someone always looking to make something happen, with his willingness to drive and create never waning, even on days when his actions do not come off as planned.

With 11 carries and 51 touches, the 23-year-old was the man entrusted with providing the spark in the final third.

And that he certainly did, as his delightful ball found fullback Porro, who headed home to give De Zerbi’s side the lead.

Reacting to the moment on Match of the Day, former shotstopper Joe Hart said, “Simons picks up that little pocket, and only players like him see those passes.”

That is certainly the case at Spurs.

Throughout the second half, Tottenham continued to look for Simons in possession, who provided what was thought to be the moment of the game in the latter stages.

Picking the ball up on the edge of the box, the Dutchman let rip with an effort that flew into the back of the net via the post to Bart Verbruggen’s left – a goal matching the previous screamers that he has become known for throughout his career.

After a star man performance, Simons went down on the edge of the Spurs box in the final stages, causing a scare as he lay on the floor writhing in pain.

Though he would get up and drag himself back into action, he has every right to feel hard done by after more costly errors saw the Lilywhites lose points in additional time.

Xavi Simons now needs Tottenham teammates to follow suit

The 23-year-old was one of the statement signings made across the Premier League last summer, with the former wonderkid’s stocks at an incredible high after spells with PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.

After a tough start to life in North London, Tottenham have needed Simons to step up, and he most certainly did against Brighton.

Throughout what has been a dismal campaign, Spurs have looked devoid of ideas, with no fluidity or inspiration in the final third.

And as the season has progressed, and the woes in North London have worsened, those on the pitch at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have played within themselves, without any real risk in the final third.

No matter the end result of his actions, Simons simply will not stop driving and attempting to force an opening.

In this regard, his teammates need to begin following suit. De Zerbi’s side sits 18th in the standings as of now, and will simply have to take more risks as they look to climb the division.

Luckily, they have the inspiration of Simons right infront of them to learn from.