Tottenham’s 2026/27 season so far: Why De Zerbi’s Rebuild Is Already Under Pressure

Tottenham Hotspur started the 2026/27 season hoping Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look squad would help them avoid another relegation battle. But after five Premier League games, Spurs have just two points, no wins, and the same old question: what is happening at Spurs?

The 3-0 loss at Brentford to start the season was a warning sign. Tottenham looked shaky in attack and defence, but it seemed possible they just needed time to gel. The 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle was more worrying. Spurs had 17 shots and created chances, but conceded twice after the hour. De Zerbi said Newcastle’s first goal hurt his players’ confidence, and they couldn’t bounce back despite having time left. 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and against brought Tottenham their first points and clean sheets. They also extended the wait for a league goal to four matches. There were promising spells at the City Ground, but the Forest goalkeeper faced few serious tests. Against Everton, frustration grew as another home fixture passed without the attacking breakthrough supporters had been waiting for.

Cup matches gave Spurs a short break from their league struggles. They beat Charlton Athletic 5-1 in August, with Mikey Moore one of five different scorers. That game showed De Zerbi has attacking options. But the good run didn’t last as Liverpool knocked Tottenham out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win at Anfield in the third round.

Aston Villa was next. Tottenham finally got their first Premier League goals of the season from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke, but both came after Villa had already gone 3-0 up. Spurs’ late push wasn’t enough to change the result or the growing pressure on De Zerbi. After five league games, they have scored just twice, conceded seven, and lost three times.

People have mixed feelings about De Zerbi’s start. Some, like former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara, are worried about relegation and have criticized the team’s lack of fight after the Villa loss. Others, like Clinton Morrison, think the club should be patient and give De Zerbi time to improve results.

Tottenham’s problems go beyond just scoring. They’ve had good spells, especially against Newcastle, but haven’t turned them into goals. As like the previous two seasons, when the other team scores, Spurs often struggle to respond and change the game. De Zerbi himself has said that mentality and teamwork are key issues and something he can’t buy in the transfer market.

The international break gives Spurs a chance to work on their problems, but it won’t change their place in the table. Right now, they need to create better chances, score earlier, and stay in games when things get tough. With more game time and opportunities for the players to gel, the hope is that Tottenham can bounce back quickly following the international break; however, if results don’t go their way, then further cries against what De Zerbi is trying to build will only get louder.