Jan Paul van Hecke believes things are finally starting to click for Tottenham after their derby win at Chelsea.
It has been a frustrating start to the season for Tottenham, who went winless through their first five league games of the campaign but have now taken seven points from their last three matches.
Saturday’s rare win at Stamford Bridge, decided by an own goal from Mike Penders and Mathys Tel’s stunning solo effort, is undoubtedly the finest result of the campaign.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi lead the club’s summer pursuit of Van Hecke, who he has previously referred to as being “like my son”.
And the Dutch defender says the feeling is mutual, and runs through the squad.
“I think he is loved,” said Van Hecke of his team-mates’ feelings towards De Zerbi. “I love him as well! He is a top manager, we are all really happy.
“I know his ideas and how we wants to play, what he wants from me.
“In the first games we did this as well, but [on Saturday] we get better because it needs time, but we did great.”
Tottenham’s poor start to the campaign was not representative of their performances, having often dominated periods of games only to pay the price for profligacy in front of goal.
Van Hecke continued: “The results were not what we wanted. We played some really good football in the first games of the season, but the results didn’t come.
“It all went well [against Chelsea], I think you could see our quality.”
Saturday’s victory was Tottenham’s first at Stamford Bridge since 2018, a dismal record which has hung over the club ever since.
Van Hecke acknowledged the squad were aware of their west London woes, and added he was pleased to give the Spurs faithful something to celebrate.
“In football there are always good records and bad records,” he continued.
“(We didn’t think about it) too much, but of course we knew. You see it everywhere. It gave us extra motivation.
“For the fans it is a great day. They were loud and proud and we felt it on the pitch. It makes you give a little more.
“Everyone is buzzing, fully deserved, we worked really hard so we are really happy.”