No instant De Zerbi bounce for troubled Tottenham as Sunderland pile on the pain

Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Tottenham ended in defeat after they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian took over from Igor Tudor, who left north London last month, and Spurs entered the contest in the Premier League relegation zone after West Ham beat Wolves on Friday.

An open first half saw Spurs have a penalty decision overturned in the 21st minute and both teams enjoy opportunities, with Brian Brobbey, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke all going close.

However, Sunderland took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike, which proved to be enough as Regis Le Bris’ side clinched back-to-back league wins.

Defeat leaves Spurs languishing two points adrift in the drop zone with six games left to play, still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026.

De Zerbi gave a start to goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who had not appeared since his 17-minute nightmare in the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid last month.

It was one of five changes the former Brighton boss made from Spurs’ last outing against Nottingham Forest, but he was not able to oversee an instant improvement.

Pedro Porro’s early effort was saved by Robin Roefs and Spurs threatened again when Randal Kolo Muani played Richarlison in, but the forward had his meek shot held by the Sunderland goalkeeper.

At the other end, Cristian Romero had to make an important intervention from a Sunderland attack and Granit Xhaka’s in-swinging delivery was tipped over the crossbar by Kinsky from the resulting corner.

Kinsky made a brave stop to deny Brobbey after he had been found by Enzo Le Fee and the Netherlands striker nodded over from his next opportunity.

Spurs were awarded a penalty