Tottenham Hotspur find themselves at the foot of the Premier League table following a frustrating 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, yet manager Roberto de Zerbi refuses to succumb to turmoil. Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa in a devastating 10-minute second-half burst sealed the result and sent a significant contingent of Spurs fans packing for the exits well before the final whistle.
The loss extends a deeply uncomfortable home record — just three victories from their last 23 league matches at their own stadium. After finishing 17th in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, only escaping relegation on the very last day last term, expectations were sky-high this campaign. Over £300million was poured into the squad in the summer, with fans anticipating a return to European competition after lifting the Europa League two seasons ago and reaching the Champions League last 16 in March.
Instead, Spurs sit 20th — level on points with the league leaders but two games played and none scored. "We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result," De Zerbi said. "Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded, we played better than Newcastle. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team, we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham."
De Zerbi, who has won four, drawn two and lost four in 10 matches across all competitions since taking over, remained defiant. "Forget the result," he insisted. "I am not angry, we are working well and were unlucky today with the result. There is no panic. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I'm sorry for the fans for the result. We have to improve. We have to work hard on the pitch and find the connection between the players."
The summer overhaul saw midfielder Mateus Fernandes arrive from West Ham for £85million, Sandro Tonaki from Newcastle for £100million, defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52million, and winger Savio (formerly Savinho) from Manchester City for £75million — though Savio missed Saturday's clash due to "muscle fatigue." Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson joined on free transfers, while striker Omar Marmoush made his debut after a loan move from Manchester City that becomes a permanent £60million deal next summer.
Newcastle clinical with their chances, converting both shots on target, while Spurs squandered 17 attempts — six on target — after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Brentford the previous week.
Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Joe Hart offered a starker assessment. "The frustration in the stadium, and among the fans, will be they are looking at that Spurs team and wondering what they are trying to achieve," Hart said. He contrasted Tottenham's disjointed display with Newcastle's clear direction under Matthias Jaissle, despite the Magpies undergoing equally massive summer change. "The concern for Tottenham is they can't say the same. But there's been a lot of change and it's not easy to bed in that many players under so much pressure. Hardly anyone has been able to find the remedy at the club so it's not like it's an easy fix. They've not just suddenly fallen off a cliff, they've been struggling in the league for a while."