Match ReportDaily Mail FootballUnverified source· 23 Aug 2026
De Zerbi admits Spurs youth exposed in Brentford defeat
Tottenham's inexperienced lineup was bullied by Brentford in a 3-0 humbling.
Brentford— – —
NS · Premier League
TottenhamCompetition
Premier League
Score
Brentford 3-0 Tottenham
Venue
Gtech Community Stadium
Key stat
Four Spurs starters aged 21 or under
What happened. Tottenham suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brentford, with De Zerbi admitting his young team were exposed.
- Archie Gray became Spurs' youngest captain at 20 years 163 days.
- Bergvall was replaced at half-time after a mistake led to Brentford's second goal.
- Bentancur and Sarr were late back from World Cup duty.
“I knew before the game, Lucas, 20, in this type of game, maybe he could suffer more than Rodrigo Bentancur, nine years older.”
— Roberto De Zerbi
De Zerbi insists time is needed for his new squad to build bonds and find its soul.
In this story
R. De Zerbi
S. TonaliMore to read
Mirror Football
Roberto De Zerbi 'knew last week' that Tottenham had major issue before Brentford mauling
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
BBC Sport
Spurs 'didn't fight in the right way' - Di Zerbi
