Tottenham Hotspur suffered a second consecutive league defeat without scoring for the first time since the 1974-75 season, falling 3-0 at home to Newcastle United on Sunday. The loss deepened concerns over the Spurs’ start to the Premier League campaign, despite significant investment in new players over the summer.
Tottenham made five changes to their starting lineup from the opening-day defeat against Brentford, marking the club’s largest lineup rotation between the first two matches of a top-flight season. However, the reshuffle failed to spark the desired turnaround as Newcastle continued their strong start under new manager Matthias Jaissle, who took charge following the departure of Eddie Howe.
Newcastle, who had drawn 2-2 against Liverpool in their season opener after conceding an injury-time penalty, displayed sharp attacking play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Two players who struggled under the previous management, Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, each scored to secure the visitors’ victory. Elanga, signed last season from Nottingham Forest for £60 million, had not scored in the league prior to this campaign but has already found the net twice. His goal at Spurs showcased his skill, notably outmaneuvering £100 million signing Sandro Tonali, who endured a difficult match for Tottenham.
Wissa, purchased from Brentford for an initial £50 million and sidelined much of last season with injury, enhanced his growing confidence with a composed finish late in the game. Newcastle’s new summer signings also contributed, including Nico Gonzalez, who made his debut after arriving from Manchester City for £52 million, and Amar Dedic, recently signed from Benfica for £30 million, whose assist set up Elanga’s opener.
Tonali, Tottenham’s marquee signing from Milan this summer, struggled throughout the game, drawing jeers from the Newcastle fans every time he touched the ball. He was substituted late in the second half, ending a frustrating performance. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged the difficulties in integrating a large number of new players, stating the team would need time to gel.
Omar Marmoush, another recent arrival from Manchester City, started in place of the injured Savio but was unable to make a significant impact, missing a key chance during the first half. Tottenham did display occasional attacking intent, but their finishing and cohesion failed to convert opportunities against a resolute Newcastle side.
The defeat came amid further challenges off the pitch for Tottenham, as De Zerbi confirmed that three players—Richarlison, Kevin Danso, and Pape Matar Sarr—have requested transfers ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Richarlison, who has one year remaining on his contract, is reportedly attracting interest from Everton, while Spurs seek approximately £20 million for Sarr. De Zerbi stressed the difficulty of maintaining balance amid such turnover but expressed a desire to resolve the situation promptly.
Tottenham’s struggles stand in stark contrast to Newcastle’s encouraging start and raise questions about the club’s direction after their heavy summer spending. With a crucial match against Arsenal looming in November, Spurs face mounting pressure to find stability and results.