Roberto De Zerbi's reign at Tottenham began with a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, leaving the club two points from safety after 17 league losses this season. Nordi Mukiele's deflected strike just before the hour mark proved decisive as Spurs failed to find an equaliser.
The result was compounded by West Ham's 4-0 win over Wolves, which pushed Tottenham into the relegation zone for the first time this campaign. De Zerbi, appointed after Igor Tudor's sacking following five winless league games, watched his side struggle to create clear chances despite a second-half triple substitution.
Controversy arose when referee Rob Jones awarded a penalty to Randal Kolo Muani after 20 minutes, but reversed the decision following a VAR review. Replays showed the striker went down under minimal contact from Omar Alderete before Luke O'Nien slid in, with Jones deeming the fall a dive.
Brian Brobbey proved a persistent threat, drawing yellow cards from three Tottenham defenders before half-time. Cristian Romero was forced off with a dead leg after a collision with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who required treatment for a bloodied head.
Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa increased Tottenham's peril, leaving them three points behind the Midlands side in 16th place. Sunderland's victory lifted them into the top half of the table.
