Match ReportThe GuardianUnverified source· 22 Aug 2026
New Spurs, Same Old Story as Brentford Ruin De Zerbi's Debut
Tottenham's big-spending summer evaporated within an hour as Brentford's pace exposed their fragile new-look midfield.
Brentford— – —
NS · Premier League
TottenhamCompetition
Premier League
Score
Brentford 3-0 Tottenham (implied)
Venue
Gtech Community Stadium
Key Player
Mamadou Sangaré (Brentford)
What happened. Brentford beat Tottenham 3-0 on the opening day, with new signing Mamadou Sangaré starring on his Premier League debut.
- Sangaré set up Keane Lewis-Potter's first goal and struck the shot for Michael Kayode's third.
- Fans headed for the exits after Brentford's third goal on 49 minutes.
- Tottenham's new signings Tonali, Bergvall, and Gallagher struggled in midfield.
Tottenham's summer spending under De Zerbi failed to bring stability, raising questions about their season ahead.
Read the full story at The Guardian →More to read
BBC Sport
Why Spurs' defeat to Brentford is 'worrying' after summer signings
Daily Mail Football
Roberto De Zerbi warns big-spending Tottenham need time and must improve 'physical condition' and 'organisation' - as boss apologises after crushing loss to Brentford
The Guardian
Roberto De Zerbi says Tottenham are ‘not a team’ and hits out at lack of fight
Sky Sports
Spurs crumble as Brentford show brilliance in convincing win
