£300 Million Spent, Still Bottom of the League

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi stated he was "not angry" and that there was "no panic" after a second consecutive loss left his team rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. For the club's supporters, however, it was a dishearteningly familiar story.

Goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa within ten second-half minutes secured a 2-0 victory for Newcastle, prompting thousands of Spurs fans to leave the stadium before the final whistle.

They have every right to be displeased, having witnessed only three home victories at their magnificent stadium in the last 23 league matches. Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season and again in 2025/26, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day. This current season, however, was supposed to be different.

After spending over £300 million in the summer, Spurs fans expected the team to challenge for a return to European club competitions. Just two seasons ago, Tottenham won the Europa League, and in March, they reached the Champions League round of 16. Instead, their Premier League record stands at two games played, two losses, no goals scored, and last place among the 20 teams.

"We can improve defensively, but today's result was unfair," De Zerbi said. "I am disappointed with the result because until the first goal conceded, we played better than Newcastle. We are disappointed with the result also for our fans. We are working to become a big team. When we become a real team, we will be able to change Tottenham's history from the last two seasons."

After beating Everton on the final day of last season to secure their top-flight status, Tottenham aimed to ensure they wouldn't be embroiled in another relegation battle this year. The club signed midfielders Matheus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £100 million. Defender Jan Paul van Hecke arrived from Brighton for £52 million, and Manchester City winger Savio, previously known as Savinho, was bought for £75 million. However, he missed Saturday's match due to "muscle fatigue." Defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, along with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, joined on free transfers. Striker Omar Marmoush made his debut against Newcastle after being loaned from Manchester City, a deal that will become a permanent £60 million transfer next summer.

Following a 3-0 away defeat to Brentford last week, Spurs fans endured another painful afternoon. Newcastle scored from both of their shots on target, while Tottenham failed to convert any of their 17 opportunities, six of which were on target.

"Forget the result," De Zerbi insisted. "I am not angry. We are working well, and today we were unlucky with the result. There is no panic. I know where we are going and what the plan is. I am sorry for the fans because of the result. We need to improve, work hard on the pitch, and build the connection between the players."

Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Joe Hart was not as positive about the team's performance.

"The frustration in the stadium and among the fans comes from them watching this Tottenham team and asking what it's actually trying to achieve," Hart stated. "Newcastle underwent huge changes over the summer, more difficult ones than Tottenham's. Yet, after only two games, it's clear what their manager, Matthias Jaissle, is trying to do. The players have bought into his ideas and are performing magnificently. The worrying thing for Tottenham is that the same cannot be said for them. There have been many changes, and it's not easy to integrate so many new players under such pressure.

Almost no one has found a cure for the club's problems, so there's clearly no easy solution. The team hasn't collapsed suddenly. Tottenham has been struggling in the league for quite some time. Roberto De Zerbi needs to quickly help his new players adapt because things move incredibly fast in the Premier League. At the moment, it seems his players are hesitant and overthinking every action."

Former England international Rob Green added on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"Lukáš Horníček made a few saves in the first half, but Tottenham lacked inventiveness, creativity, and goals. The same questions that faced Tottenham last season remain this season. Such performances indicate that a huge improvement is needed from the players brought into the club. Above all, strong characters will be necessary to turn the situation around. It doesn't take much for Spurs fans to turn against the team and for confidence to start draining from the players."

The transfer window closes on Tuesday, and on Friday, De Zerbi stated he was still looking for "one more player for a specific position."

After the match against Newcastle, he was asked about potential departures for Kevin Danso, Pape Matar Sarr, and Richarlison, who have been linked with leaving Tottenham.

"I have a very good relationship with them, but if they want to leave, they must provide a solution to the club – a financial solution. Then they can leave," he said.

De Zerbi was appointed only at the end of March and earned 11 points in seven matches to secure Spurs' Premier League status. The Italian is adamant that the club's problems cannot be solved quickly.

"We need to improve. It's impossible in just ten days, and with the transfer window still open, to change the consequences of two seasons like the previous ones," De Zerbi said. "We need to work hard on the pitch and build a connection between the players. Before the end of last season, we were practically already in the Championship, but together we managed to save ourselves. Now we need to remain calm and focus on improvement. We have a great squad and excellent players."