Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle: What de Zerbi saidpublished at 20:34 BST
20:34 BST
Media caption,
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Sport: "Disappointed for the result because until the first goal we conceded I think we played better than Newcastle. 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.
"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. 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."
Did you know?
Since the start of last season Tottenham Hotspur have lost the joint-most Premier League home games (11 – level with Wolves).
Tottenham Hotspur have lost their opening two matches of a league campaign without scoring for the third time in their history, previously doing so in the 1947-48 (2nd tier) and 1974-75 (top-flight) seasons.
Analysis: Pre-season optimism evaporatespublished at 19:55 BST
19:55 BST
Michael Emons BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Spurs have finished 17th in the Premier League the past two seasons, staying up on the final day of 2025-26.
But hopes were high for a much-improved campaign after manager Roberto de Zerbi spent over £300m in the summer, more than any other team.
Yet, after an awful performance in the 3-0 loss at Brentford last week, Tottenham followed that up with another defeat, thousands of fans leaving the ground before the final whistle.
Winger Savio, known as Savinho while at Manchester City before his £75m summer move, had made an impressive debut, scoring in the midweek 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton, but was ruled out because of what De Zerbi called "muscle fatigue".
Striker Richarlison and midfielder James Maddison were also not included, but De Zerbi will be worried by the amount of chances Spurs missed, while they also conceded goals to both shots on target that Newcastle registered.
Marmoush should have hit the target but volleyed wide in the first half, and also fired wide after a bright run from the halfway line, and later had an effort comfortably saved by Lukas Hornicek.
Pedro Porro, playing in a more advanced position than normal at right wing had a number of opportunities, but had one shot blocked by a sliding Lewis Miley and another effort tipped over.
Substitute Dominic Solanke flicked the ball goalwards late on, only for Lewis Hall to clear off the line on another frustrating evening.
Spurs have now only won three of their past 23 home league games. Any pre-season optimism has gone.
Luton sign Tottenham forward Donley on loanpublished at 15:06 BST
15:06 BST
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Jamie Donley featured for Tottenham Hotspur in pre-season friendlies this summer
Luton Town have signed Tottenham Hotspur forward Jamie Donley on a season-long loan deal.
The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international has previously had loan spells with Leyton Orient, Stoke City and Oxford United.
"Jamie's a quality player and someone who we have kept our eye on since January," boss Jack Wilshere told the club website., external
"He's a player that can make the difference in the final third, and he also gives us something different in the centre of midfield, being left-footed."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Newcastle" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Everton match", for example.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Newcastlepublished at 11:07 BST
11:07 BST
We all thought this was going to be Tottenham's season but their defeat by Brentford was one of the extreme results at the weekend.
Roberto de Zerbi's said after the game that the players weren't fit enough, lost all the duels, weren't physical enough then used excuses about the pre-season and players coming in after the World Cup.
It looks like Newcastle are going to be the counter-attack kings this season. They've brought Nico Gonzalez in but whether he'll start I'm not sure but they have got pace as well.
Anthony Elanga scored last week having not scored at all in the Premier League last season but I have to say I haven't got a clue what this will be. I'm going to go for a Spurs win but I couldn't tell you why.
Tottenham v Newcastle United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:06 BST 28 August
19:06 BST 28 August
Big-spending Tottenham host a Newcastle side that boast an excellent recent record against the north Londoners. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes..
After making such a shocking start to the season against Brentford last Saturday, Tottenham's 5-1 victory against Charlton in the League Cup at least provided a much-needed fillip.
The manner of Spurs' insipid defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium was as bad as anything seen under Thomas Frank or Igor Tudor last season and was of great worry to boss Roberto de Zerbi and fans alike.
Brentford had an xG of 3.87, six big chances and their 26 shots was the most Spurs had faced in 142 Premier League fixtures dating all the way back until October 2022.
The Lilywhites have accrued just 79 points from their last 77 Premier League matches since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, a tally that is under half Arsenal's total of 162 across the same period.
Just 36 of those points have come at home and surely top of De Zerbi's to-do list this season will be getting the club back to winning ways in front of their own supporters.
The north Londoners have a poor recent record against the Geordies with only one win in eight league encounters (D1, L6) and no clean sheet in 14.
Not only that, but Newcastle's tally of 13 away wins at Spurs in the Premier League is more than they've recorded against any other club.
One thing that has been guaranteed in meetings between these sides is goals. It is the most played fixture in Premier League history to never end 0-0, with at least one goal scored in all 62 of their meetings.
Fans were thrilled with the cameo by new recruit Savio against Charlton as he notched a goal and an assist on his debut. At £75m (rising to £85m with add ons), he's remarkably only the club's third most expensive signing of this summer alone following their unprecedented splurge in the transfer market.
But other than netting nine times for Girona in 2023-24, the Brazilian has never scored more than once in a top-flight season, a figure De Zerbi wants a huge improvement on. "The best wingers score many goals," the Spurs boss says. "I spoke with him: we put the (target) on 10-12 goals because we need 10-12 goals from the wingers."
Newcastle looking to build on promising start
After such a challenging and downbeat summer Newcastle fans were heartened and enthused by their performance against Liverpool under new boss Matthias Jaissle.
They put in a display full of pace and attacking endeavour and were only denied three points due to Dominik Szoboszlai's last-minute penalty.
At the forefront was player-of-the-match Yoane Wissa. After scoring just one league goal in an injury disrupted first season with the Geordies he had been written off in many quarters, but was superb operating in a new number 10 role.
Another player rejuvenated after suffering a tough debut campaign on Tyneside was Anthony Elanga. Having failed to score a Premier League goal, he finally got off the mark last week and it's surely no coincidence that his side played a style of football that wasn't dissimilar to the one he excelled in at Nottingham Forest.
And continuing on a theme, Joe Willock scored in the Premier League for the first time since February 2024 to end a run of 61 games and 40 shots without a top-flight goal.
One failing from last season that reared its head again was the surrendering of leads. The Magpies took their tally of points dropped from winning positions since the start of last season to a whopping 29.
De Zerbi on Marmoush, Maddison, and 'one more player'published at 15:05 BST 28 August
15:05 BST 28 August
Flora Snelson BBC Sport journalist
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 17:30).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
New signing Omar Marmoush is available to play, as is Micky van de Ven. Mohammed Kudus may have to come off the bench. James Maddison is a doubt after experiencing pain in his left shoulder during the Brentford defeat.
Marmoush is "a very smart player who understands football like a coach". De Zerbi said the Egyptian has qualities no-one else on the squad has, and that he could play as a central striker or a number 10.
De Zerbi said that he is "very happy" with Spurs' transfer business so far, that it has exceeded the expectation he had at the start of the window.
He praised the potential of the young players they have brought in, as well as the "atmosphere and behaviour" which arrived with the more experienced players Spurs have attracted during the window.
Asked about further business to be done, De Zerbi suggested "one player more in one specific position" and noted that he and the owner went for dinner on Thursday and they are on the same page.
On players knowing their place in the squad: "I've been very clear with players, I've told players that if you speak clearly from the beginning, you can't expect surprise. To stay here, they have to feel happy and proud. It's a long and emotional season because we are building a new project with new players. We need the right spirit, first of all, then the right qualities and the organisation of the play."
On players who might want to leave: "If you want to leave and you have not found an offer, it's your problem, not mine. I give respect, I kiss you, I hug you and you have to stay calm inside of the dressing room - not speak too much - because the rules have been clear from the beginning and the end. It's not my problem."
He believes the rules around balancing foreign and homegrown players in each squad are "right".
De Zerbi acknowledged that his team "have to play better, much better" than they did against Brentford.
He clarified that Spurs need time "to play our best" but that they still have the quality to win the game.
On Pape Matar Sarr: "He's good, [but] we have to see in the last day of the market what can happen with him."
On Maddison: "With James, I think we have to find the right plan. He is really positive guy. We are lucky to have James in our team."
'I loved what De Zerbi had to say' - Marmoush seals Spurs switchpublished at 16:03 BST 27 August
16:03 BST 27 August
Image source, PA Media
New Tottenham signing Omar Marmoush says the project under Roberto de Zerbi was "very attractive for me".
The 27-year-old Egypt forward has signed on a season-long loan from Manchester City, with an obligation to buy next summer.
He is the second played to join Spurs from City this summer, after Savio's £75m move.
"It feels amazing to be here," he told club media. "I'm so excited to get started with the team and I can't wait to meet the fans.
"Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world, and the project was very attractive to me.
"I've spoken with the head coach, I loved what he had to say and I'm sure our passion for the game will go very well together."
Marmoush scored 16 goals in 62 appearances for City following his move from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025, but had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland for much of his time at Etihad Stadium.
De Zerbi added: "Omar is exactly the kind of player we want at this club - ambitious, hungry and determined to make a difference.
"He has incredible attacking quality but what I also love is his desire to improve and to win.
"He brings pace, intelligence and a real threat in front of goal, and I believe he can take our attacking play to another level."
Paul: A win is a win even though Charlton's much-changed team didn't really compete. Nice to see Solanke get some game time and a goal and Moore's goal will help with his confidence. Savio looked sharp and was very positive in his play and Bergvall got Saturday's performance out of his system. Let's hope for more of the same on Saturday against the Magpies.
Tom: A confidence-boosting night for the squad and new signings. More importantly, tonight confirmed that Mikey Moore must be retained in the squad. A good deal more effective than Tel and can play in the 10. He just needs a manager who believes in him.
Rich: Looked like strangers for the first half an hour, then Fernandes found a new gear and it all clicked. Mikey Moore was the standout and delighted for Savio and Danso with their first goals. Section of the Charlton supporters next to the family area just wanted to fight, that was disappointing. Police and stewards were excellent though.
Keith: There were moments in the second half where you could see glimpses of the team De Zerbi wants, beautiful first time passing orchestrated by Fernandes. Lovely cameo by Savio.
Andy: I can't wait for all our new acquisitions to be in the same starting line-up alongside the players that are coming back from injury. Only then we can get to see the real Spurs. This was a great score against Charlton but it doesn't really tell us too much.
Lem: The victory was expected and relevantly unimportant. It was much more about getting a new mix of players to start to collectively understand their positional play. A good exercise.
The winger - a £75m summer addition from Manchester City - scored and assisted after being introduced as a second-half substitute to a standing ovation from the Spurs crowd.
"His biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals. I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals," De Zerbi said of the Brazil international.
"I spoke with him and we put the goal on 10 or 12 goals [target] because we need 10 or 12 goals from the wingers.
"Last season, we suffered too much because also the number of goals were not enough to compete for anything more than that position [17th in the Premier League]."
Spurs had struggled to make an impact against a much-changed Charlton side before 19-year-old academy graduate Mikey Moore broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Moore spent last season on loan at Rangers and has been linked throughout the summer with another loan for the 2026-27 campaign, despite starting the Premier League defeat at Brentford.
"He is our player from the academy and we have to understand what the best solution is for him and for us," De Zerbi added.
"I would like to keep him because he is young, a good player, but we can't make the wrong decision because he needs to play and put games inside of him.
"With Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, we have to find the best solution."
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Bromwich Albion" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Everton match", for example.
'Nimble, fast and adaptable' - Spurs fans on Marmoushpublished at 14:51 BST 26 August
14:51 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views after Tottenham Hotspur agreed a loan deal with Manchester City for Egypt forward Omar Marmoush, with an obligation to buy the player for £60m next summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Mark: Think he is better than Savio and would like to see him play as a striker. Now seems a good time to sell Richarlison.
Alistair: Feels like an expensive stop-gap measure. City have played the transfer game well and shifted on squad players with a £30m profit. Not sure Spurs will reap the rewards of either purchase.
Daniel: Trust our manager, we saw what he did at Brighton. We need a number nine and if De Zerbi gets the team he wants, we could be in for a good season.
Brian: Good signing - exactly the kind of nimble, fast and adaptable number nine that we need.
Tom: We all know how hard it is to get quality number nines at the moment and Marmoush is quality. Nothing can be read into being the second string behind Haaland. I think that Richarlison doesn't fit into De Zerbi's plans half as well as Marmoush will. Hopefully a really good signing.
Daniel: Marmoush is an excellent signing and I think he's the best of the window so far for Spurs. We need his goals desperately!
Phil: Marmoush should be a great signing as we need a proven goalscorer to play alongside Solanke. Was never going to get enough game time at Man City with Haaland there.
Marmoush follows Savio to Spurs - have your saypublished at 11:20 BST 26 August
11:20 BST 26 August
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham are set to complete a double-raid of Manchester City this week with a loan deal to sign forward Omar Marmoush now agreed, which contains an obligation to make the deal permanent for £60m next summer.
The 27-year-old Egypt international follows Savio from City to Spurs after the north London club signed the Brazilian for an initial fee of £75m on Tuesday.
Marmoush joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for £59m last January but had to play second fiddle to Erling Haaland for much of his time at Etihad Stadium. He has scored 16 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions for City.
Spurs fans, what do you make of the move? Where will Marmoush fit into De Zerbi's line-up?
