£380 million was invested by Tottenham in the summer transfer window of 2026, but that huge expense still could not help them win at home. The 0-2 defeat to Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur is a clear warning that Spurs' rebuilding process will not be completed with expensive deals alone.
Before the match, long-time host Paul Coyte stirred up the atmosphere with a confident statement: "We have spent a lot. We have returned to the right direction. We will go further. We are very strong". However, 90 minutes later, the reality on the field was completely different.
Tottenham fielded 5 out of 8 new players in the starting lineup, including Omar Marmoush, who moved from Manchester City for £60 million. Sandro Tonali also had his first home game after a £100 million deal from Newcastle. The appearance of expensive contracts created an atmosphere of a transition, but Spurs still lacked the necessary cohesion.
Marmoush had some notable handling in the first half, Mathys Tel forced goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek to show his talent after a dangerous shot, and Jan Paul van Hecke almost scored with a header. However, Tottenham could not maintain the pressure and gradually revealed gaps between the lines.
Newcastle took advantage of that situation well. In the 62nd minute, Nico Gonzalez made a long pass to the right wing for Amar Dedic, before this defender headed the ball into the dangerous area. Anthony Elanga turned around, passed Tonali and then unleashed a beautiful shot into the right corner of the goal, opening the score for the away team.
Yoane Wissa then doubled the gap with a smart finish, when Tottenham continued to concede from a set-piece situation. Just 3 minutes later, Tonali was substituted amidst cheers and mockery from Newcastle fans.
Tottenham can improve their form as the new players understand each other better. Spurs still have a chance to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline, while Savio is absent from this match due to muscle problems after his debut. However, Tottenham's problems are not only in personnel.
The Spurs" lost 2 opening matches of the season without scoring a goal, for the first time since the 1974-1975 season. More disappointingly, from the 37th to the 87th minute, they did not have a single shot on target. Tel's free kick in the 68th minute was even considered one of the worst shots that fans have witnessed at home in many years.
Tottenham has lost 21 Premier League matches at home in the last three seasons, equal to Wolves in terms of the most defeats in this period. Last season, Spurs only won 3 home matches and had to wait until the final round to be guaranteed relegation after defeating Everton 1-0.
The defeat against Newcastle therefore raises a bigger question about De Zerbi's ability to change Tottenham. They have had money, have brought in a series of famous players, but the connection between the lines has not yet formed. For a team that has fallen into the relegation race last season, rebuilding a competitive mentality may be as difficult as completing the squad.
De Zerbi admits the biggest problem lies in psychology. According to him, it is impossible to buy "the right psychology" in the transfer market or create balance just by bringing in many players. A team can change quickly, but there are also cases where more time is needed for individuals to truly become a team.
