Tottenham's Gloom Deepens with Defeat to Newcastle
Tottenham’s early-season gloom deepened in North London as Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa struck to hand the visitors a composed, clinical victory and leave Spurs staring at an unwelcome slice of history.
Two games. Two defeats. No goals.
For the first time since the 1974-75 campaign, Tottenham have opened a league season with back-to-back losses without finding the net, a stark statistic that cut through the afternoon as the home crowd drifted away in frustration.
De Zerbi rages at ‘unfair’ scoreline
Roberto De Zerbi did not hide his anger at the outcome, insisting the final 2-0 scoreline did not reflect what he felt his side produced for long spells.
“Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded I think we played better than Newcastle,” he told BBC Sport, adamant that Spurs had controlled much of the contest before being picked off.
He was far less forgiving about his team’s structure without the ball.
“We lost ball possession in the first half because we didn't defend in the right way, the distance between the defenders and attackers was too big. We can improve in the defensive phases but today was an unfair result.”
That gap between units gave Newcastle the space they needed to grow into the game. Once Elanga punished them, the mood inside the stadium shifted. When Wissa added the second, it turned from irritation to resignation.
Wasteful in the final third
If the shape out of possession bothered De Zerbi, the decision-making near goal infuriated him.
Tottenham created promising situations, especially just after the interval, but too often chose the wrong pass, delayed the shot, or simply failed to pull the trigger.
“At the beginning of the second half we had some chance to create the potential chances. We created many chances to score, we have to improve the last decision, because that will make a difference,” he said.
His words captured the paradox of this Spurs side: plenty of build-up, plenty of effort, not enough incision. The moves were there. The finish wasn’t.
“At the end we are disappointed for the result and our fans. We are working to be a great team. When we become a team I think we can change the story of the last two seasons for Tottenham. We are working to be good on the pitch, if you believe in work and training then you have to improve day by day.”
Big spending, brutal start
All of this comes after a summer that was supposed to reset the club’s direction.
Spurs threw more than £350 million at the transfer market, rebuilt the squad around De Zerbi’s demanding, possession-heavy approach, and spoke openly about leaving behind the trauma of last season’s final-day relegation escape.
Instead, they have opened this campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Brentford and another lifeless loss here, the new era stalling almost as soon as it began. The anxiety in the stands is growing. So is the scrutiny.
De Zerbi, though, is refusing to flinch.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he delivered a pointed response to those already doubting the project.
“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.”
No panic, he insists. But with history already weighing on their shoulders and the goals still missing, how long will Tottenham be allowed to talk about plans before they are forced to deliver proof on the pitch?
