Tottenham finished 17th 12 months ago, but were never really in danger of relegation as then-boss Ange Postecoglou juggled an injury-hit squad with a focus on Europe.
However, they have endured a truly disastrous campaign this time around, once again not helped by a lengthy injury list.
Their season has encompassed three head coaches and multiple unwanted records, including losing six games in a row for the first time in their history and going on a 15-game winless run in the league.
Thomas Frank, who succeeded Postecoglou last June, was dismissed in February.
His replacement Igor Tudor’s reign was a new nadir, with the club collecting just one Premier League point from a possible 15 before his 44-day tenure was brought to an end.
De Zerbi then took on the unenviable task of ending their tailspin.
Draws against Brighton and Leeds that bookended wins over Wolves and Aston Villa provided light at the end of the tunnel, and they are now on course to escape – unless there is a dramatic plot twist.
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