Tottenham's major issues were evident during Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge. Their defeat at Sunderland did little to alleviate concerns about their ability to escape the bottom three. De Zerbi's appointment as one of the highest-paid head coaches in the division is a high-risk move, especially given the team's current struggles. Despite his philosophical approach to the game and a distinctive playing style, the team's performance against Sunderland showed that they are not yet capable of executing his plans.
The 1-0 loss, sealed by Nordi Mukiele's deflected effort, highlighted the team's lack of character, spirit, and courage to play. According to Opta, Tottenham's chances of relegation have surged to 49.5% after Leeds beat Manchester United, with the team having earned just one point from a possible 24.
Their 14-match winless Premier League run is their worst since 1935, making them increasingly likely contenders for the drop. De Zerbi's first press conference revealed that he had limited time to implement his tactical ideas, prioritizing character and spirit over tactical nuances. However, the team's performance was devoid of these qualities, with Sunderland's midfield trio outperforming Tottenham's. The hosts controlled the tempo, won more tackles, and made more interceptions, while Spurs' attacking contingent was underwhelming.
De Zerbi faces a significant challenge in getting the team to perform, particularly with the loss of captain Cristian Romero. The upcoming six-game gauntlet will be crucial, and decisions such as leaving Xavi Simons in reserve will be scrutinized.
With two weeks to prepare for the visit of Brighton, De Zerbi must make tangible improvements and get the team to start on the front foot. The basics must be respected, and the team must find a way to win, drawing on the fear of relegation to drive them forward.