Tottenham 0-2 Newcastle
by Kadeem Simmonds
at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

TOTTENHAM manager Roberto de Zerbi has promised fans this season won’t be a repeat of the previous following Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.

Second-half goals from Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa condemned Spurs to consecutive losses to open the 2026/27 season.

Two games, two defeats, six goals conceded and no goals scored despite Tottenham’s outlay of £252.5 million on new signings to bolster the squad and avoid a third season fighting relegation.

With fears of a third season going the same way, De Zerbi apologised to the fans for the “environment” and called for patience as the club rebuilds for the future.

“I’m sorry for the fans, for the environment, because after two defeats, maybe somebody can think it’s the same story, the same as the last two seasons,” he said. “I have no doubt it’s not like this.

“I am sorry for the club because they are building a great squad but maybe we are not ready yet. When you are building something new, it is tough.”

Eight new players combined started the match between the two sides. But it was two of Newcastle’s 2025 additions in Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa who gifted the visitors three points.

The pair endured a difficult first season with Newcastle, neither showcasing why they were purchased for a combined £110m.

But under new manager Matthias Jaissle, the duo have started the campaign like new players eager to impress.

Both players found the back of the net after a goalless first-half. Elanga followed up his goal in the opening weekend by finding the back of the net again, after being unable to score in the Premier League last season, while Wissa opened his account for the season and looks like a different player playing slightly deeper.

“It’s not just talking to them and hoping they do better than last season,” the manager said after the match when asked what he has done to get a tune out of the two attackers. “Not just the coaches but the players as well, we tried to encourage them.

“Not just Wissa and Anthony but all the players. We think we are here to improve them, encourage them. We can trigger their full potential.”

When asked if part of his remit was to get something out of last year’s signings, Jaissle added: “That is always the job of the coach. We are pleased with what we have seen so far.”

Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes, though both teams had chances.

World Cup winner Pedro Porro’s volley flew over the bar, while summer signing Jan Paul van Hecke saw his header saved by Newcastle’s new goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.

Ex-Magpie Sandro Tonali grew into the game, the boos from the away section clearly getting to the Italian after leaving Newcastle for Tottenham in a £100m summer switch.

He nearly got an assist when his scuffed shot fell to Porro in the box, but his effort was blocked by Lewis Hall, preventing what would have been the game’s opener.

The first goal finally arrived an hour into the match. A cross-field pass from Nico Gonzalez was headed into Elanga’s path by Amar Dedic.

Turning in the box, the Swede’s left-footed effort beat Antonin Kinsky and went in off the right-hand post to take his tally to two goals in two Premier League matches. 

Ten minutes later and it was two. A Lewis Hall corner was headed back by substitute Nick Woltemade and Wissa’s flick, as he fell backwards, beat Kinsky.