{
  "id": 4257363,
  "title": "Spurs slow start continues, but signs of real progress flash with Marmoush, Fernandes, Van Hecke in full flow",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/spurs-slow-start-continues-but-signs-of-real-progress-flash-with",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T19:09:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/spurs-slow-start-continues-signs-190953708.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham Hotspur have begun the Premier League season with a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, but there are signs of progress in their performances. Roberto De Zerbi has taken full control of the team after the previous managers struggled to make an impact. The match against Newcastle highlighted some issues with defending out of the back, as Newcastle used aggressive counter-presses to push Spurs back and force them into making the first move. However, the team showed more structure and execution in the middle thirds of the pitch, with Jan Paul van Hecke's precise passing to Omar Marmoush, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali being particularly effective. The final third, however, still needs improvement as the attacking signings are yet to arrive and key players are still recovering from injuries. Despite these challenges, Marmoush has been an excellent fit as a forward for De Zerbi, showcasing his skill in tight spaces and ability to create chances for teammates. With some time for key players to return to full fitness and the right players scoring goals, De Zerbi's project at Tottenham appears to be heading in the right direction.",
  "summary": "Tottenham Hotspur are yet to win a game or score a goal this Premier League season, however Spurs fan should take away from the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle a renewed sense of optimism with Roberto De Zerbi now fully in charge.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Roberto De Zerbi reaction — Spurs manager stresses need for calm and patience despite 0-2 start",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/roberto-de-zerbi-reaction-spurs-manager-stresses-need-for-calm-and",
        "published": "2026-08-29T19:04:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}