Roberto De Zerbi’s debut as manager of Tottenham ended in disappointment, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Italian succeeded Igor Tudor, who departed from North London last month. Tottenham came into the match positioned in the Premier League relegation zone, following West Ham’s victory over Wolverhampton on Friday.
The first half was open and competitive, with Spurs having a penalty decision reversed in the 21st minute and both teams creating chances. Notable efforts came from Brian Brobbey, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke.
Sunderland broke the deadlock in the second half, with Nordi Mukiele scoring a deflected goal just 11 minutes after the break, which ultimately secured back-to-back league victories for Regis Le Bris’ side.
This defeat leaves Spurs two points adrift in the relegation zone with six games remaining, still in search of their first Premier League win of 2026.
Martin Swinney – Sunderland AFC/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
De Zerbi made a bold choice by starting goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky, who had not played since a brief and difficult appearance in a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid last month.
This was one of five changes made by the former Brighton manager, following Spurs’ last match against Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, the adjustments did not yield immediate improvement.
A strong effort from Pedro Porro was denied by Robin Roefs, and Spurs continued to threaten as Randal Kolo Muani set up Richarlison, whose shot was comfortably saved by the Sunderland goalkeeper.
At the other end, Cristian Romero was crucial in denying a Sunderland attack, while Kinsky tipped over Granit Xhaka’s corner that followed.
Kinsky made a commendable stop to thwart Brobbey after he was set up by Enzo Le Fée, though Brobbey later headed over from another chance.
A penalty was awarded to Spurs in the 21st minute after Kolo Muani was deemed to have been fouled, but after a VAR review, referee Rob Jones overturned his call as Omar Alderete was found to have won the ball cleanly.
Chances continued to flow; Solanke’s shot was saved by Roefs, while Mukiele’s header from a Le Fée free-kick went wide, and Xhaka’s powerful strike from distance flew past the post.
In first-half stoppage time, a solid save from Kinsky denied Brobbey again, and Roefs made a crucial stop at the other end against Solanke.
Early in the second half, Luke O’Nien made a vital intervention to stop Richarlison, who then saw a low shot saved by Roefs.
Sunderland finally struck in the 61st minute, with Mukiele cutting in from the right and his shot taking a deflection off Micky van de Ven, leaving Kinsky wrong-footed.
De Zerbi responded with a triple substitution, bringing on Mathys Tel, João Palhinha, and Pape Matar Sarr. However, a worrying incident occurred when Romero and Kinsky collided.
After a lengthy stoppage, Kinsky returned to the field with a bandage around his head, while a tearful Romero was substituted for Kevin Danso.
Spurs were granted 11 minutes of added time to find an equalizer, but despite Porro’s efforts being denied twice by Roefs—once from a free kick and again from a fierce strike—they could not escape with a point, marking their 16th league defeat.