Spurs suffer another stinging defeat in De Zerbi's first game
Spurs suffer another stinging defeat in De Zerbi's first game Roberto De Zerbi's spell at Tottenham Hotspur began with a defeat at the Stadium of Light due to Nordi Mukiele's deflected goal. Spurs were hoping for a new-manager bounce but although the visitors looked somewhat more structured they were far from a classic De Zerbi side. No doubt the Tottenham higher ups knew that the team wouldn't be playing like Brighton did overnight but defensive frailties remained with Brian Brobbey heading over a great chance early on.
With just over 20 minutes gone, Spurs were awarded a penalty by referee Rob Jones. It seemed like the official gave it based on Luke O'Nien rashly sliding in on Randal Kolo Muani. However, VAR intervened and sent the referee to the screen where he noticed that Omar Alderete had just won the ball prior to that and the decision was reversed.
The visitors had their best chance just before the break when Destiny Udogie put in a low cross that was cleared favourably into the path of Dominic Solanke but he couldn't beat Robin Roefs from close range. Both sides looked cautious and potentially happy with a point. Indeed, neither were risking too much going forward which may be why the only goal of the game came from a great deal of fortune.
Habib Diarra linked with Nordi Mukiele and the Frenchman put in a speculative effort that took a big deflection off of Micky van de Ven which meant there was nothing Antonin Kinsky could do to stop it from dropping agonisingly into the net. In reaction to that De Zerbi made a triple change with João Palhinha, Pape Sarr, and Mathys Tel all coming on but it made little difference. The Italian manager then had to replace Cristián Romero after a clash between the defender and his goalkeeper meant that he couldn't continue with Kinsky needing to be bandaged up.
Spurs never really looked like they would be able to create the kind of chance they needed to at least take a point from the Stadium of Light and remain in the relegation zone. Sunderland meanwhile are back in the top 10. Incidents: The story of the match 1': The match begins Sunderland leads 1-0 against Tottenham Hotspur.