No instant De Zerbi bounce for troubled Tottenham as Sunderland pile on the pain
Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike left Spurs in the bottom three.
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.