Mathys Tel's composed finish gave Spurs the lead before the 19-year-old Frenchman handled in the area to concede the penalty that Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted to level. De Zerbi was philosophical with the teenager afterwards, speaking to Sky Sports.
"He is young and is a talent. I will kiss him and hug him. He doesn't need too many words. He was sorry for the mistake — it can happen to a young player. I am happy for his attitude and mentality."
He was measured in his overall assessment of a performance shaped by the unique anxiety of a relegation battle.
"We played a good game, not great, but there was big pressure. We didn't play calm. We wanted to win immediately. Fighting relegation is like this — you cannot play all games calm. We have to improve and change the habits. Fighting relegation is different to fighting for the Champions League."
De Zerbi was asked about a penalty appeal for a foul on James Maddison that referee Peter Bankes waved away. He declined to press the point.
"I don't want to speak about the Maddison penalty — I didn't see it. I think the referee was not in the right condition today. Maybe he was not so calm. Nothing for the result."
He acknowledged the task that remains and what it requires beyond tactical quality.
"We deserve to stay up and we fight until the end. When you fight relegation, you need to stay strong — not with the legs but with the head."
On Leeds United, he was generous, while also pointing to what Spurs need from the final two rounds.
"Leeds played a good game. We hope they play like this against West Ham because it is right like this."
Tottenham remain one point above the relegation zone with matches against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United still to play. The margin leaves no room for error.