{
  "id": 4298636,
  "title": "Spurs' second-half collapse shows size of De Zerbi's task",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/spurs-second-half-collapse-shows-size-of-de-zerbis-task-4298636",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T23:05:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1521519/spurs-second-half-collapse-shows-size-de-zerbis-task"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tottenham Hotspur's second-half collapse in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Newcastle United highlighted the significant challenge facing coach Roberto De Zerbi. After an initially improved performance against Brentford, the team showed glimpses of sharp attacking play, a change De Zerbi hoped to bring to the club. However, the Italian's tenure was marred by a fragility that led to the team unraveling in the second half, as they faced a 21st defeat in 39 home league games. De Zerbi had invested over £300 million in new players, yet he admitted, \"You can't buy mentality in the transfer market.\" Despite his confidence in his players' abilities, De Zerbi expressed his desire to move on, stating that the team would demonstrate their worth \"with me or with another coach.\" Newcastle, in contrast, showcased a strong start to the season with an unbeaten record, dispelling doubts over the summer departures of key players and the coach Eddie Howe.",
  "summary": "LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s initially improved performance against Newcastle United gave way once again to familiar failings in Saturday’s limp 2-0 loss, leaving coach Roberto De Zerbi’s attempt to establish a connection with their fans in tatters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Spurs' second-half collapse shows size of De Zerbi's task",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/spurs-second-half-collapse-shows-size-of-de-zerbis-task",
        "published": "2026-08-29T20:32:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}