Tottenham Hotspur finds itself rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, despite a summer transfer outlay exceeding £300 million. The club’s struggles continued with a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on August 29, 2026, marking their second consecutive loss of the new season.

The latest setback at home saw Newcastle secure victory through second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, scored within a 10-minute spell. While Tottenham registered 17 attempts, with six on target, they failed to convert any, a stark contrast to Newcastle’s two goals from just two shots on target. Goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek had made several saves in the first half to keep Spurs in the contest.

De Zerbi faces familiar challenges

The result leaves Tottenham in 20th place, having played two matches, lost two, and scored zero goals. This dismal start echoes the club’s recent Premier League history, which saw them finish 17th in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day each time. This domestic decline stands in stark contrast to their recent European achievements, including a Europa League triumph two seasons ago and reaching the Champions League last 16 in March.

Manager Roberto de Zerbi, appointed at the end of March last season, earned 11 points in his first seven matches to secure the club’s top-flight status. Now, he faces renewed pressure despite the significant investment in the squad.

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“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,” De Zerbi told BBC Sport after the Newcastle loss.

Heavy investment, little return

Tottenham’s summer spending spree saw several high-profile arrivals:

• Mateus Fernandes from West Ham (£85m)

• Sandro Tonali from Newcastle (£100m)

• Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton (£52m)

• Savio (formerly Savinho) from Manchester City (£75m)

Savio missed the Newcastle match due to muscle fatigue. Additionally, Omar Marmoush made his debut on loan from Manchester City, a deal set to become a permanent £60m transfer next summer. Defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, along with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, joined on free transfers.

Despite the influx of talent, the team’s performance has yet to improve, with their home form remaining a concern – only three league wins from their past 23 matches at their stadium. Former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Joe Hart highlighted the growing discontent. “The frustration in the stadium, and among the fans, will be they are looking at that Spurs team and wondering what they are trying to achieve,” Hart commented.

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With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, De Zerbi has indicated he is still seeking “one player more in one specific position,” even as players like Kevin Danso, Pape Matar Sarr, and Richarlison are linked with moves away from the club.

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