Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has urged supporters to remain calm despite his side sinking to the bottom of the Premier League table following a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United. Second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa secured the victory for the visitors, leaving the North London club without a point or a goal after their opening two fixtures of the campaign.
The latest setback prompted thousands of home supporters to leave the stadium before the final whistle. Frustration among the fanbase has been mounting following a difficult domestic run that saw Tottenham finish 17th in the standings in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day of the previous campaign.
Those struggles prompted heavy investment during the summer transfer window, with the club committing more than £300 million to squad reinforcements. The significant outlay brought in high-profile additions including midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £100 million, Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million, defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million, and winger Savio. Free transfers like defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, along with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, also arrived, while striker Omar Marmoush made his debut following a loan arrangement from Manchester City ahead of a permanent £60 million switch next summer.
Despite failing to convert any of their 17 attempts on goal against Newcastle, De Zerbi defended his players' overall performance. The manager insisted that the scoreline did not reflect the run of play and stated that he harbored no anger toward his squad.
De Zerbi noted that the team was still evolving and needed time to integrate its numerous new faces. He apologized to the supporters for the outcome while emphasizing that there was no reason to panic at this early stage of the season.
Football analysts have pointed out the stark contrast between Tottenham's disjointed start and the immediate cohesion shown by other clubs undergoing transition. Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart observed that Newcastle had successfully implemented a clear tactical identity under their manager despite facing their own summer upheaval. Hart added that Tottenham's players appeared to be second-guessing their decisions on the pitch, highlighting the urgent need for De Zerbi to foster chemistry among his new signings before the league schedule gathers further momentum.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
