Tottenham Hotspur remain rooted in the Premier League relegation zone after new manager Roberto De Zerbi began his reign with a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light — a result that marked Sunderland’s first win over Spurs since April 2010.

Spurs’ first real opportunity of the De Zerbi era arrived after just five minutes, but it echoed familiar frustrations. Randal Kolo Muani teed up Richarlison inside the box, only for the Brazilian to produce a tame first-time effort that failed to trouble the goalkeeper.

After a shaky start, Sunderland gradually grew into the game, with former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka pulling the strings in midfield. He even went close with an ambitious Olimpico attempt directly from a corner, which was expertly tipped over by Antonin Kinsky.

The goalkeeper looked far more assured than in previous outings, showing clear improvement after his difficult display against Atletico Madrid a month earlier.

Most importantly, Kinsky produced two vital close-range saves to deny Brian Brobbey, both times reacting well after Spurs’ defence failed to track the striker from Xhaka set-piece deliveries.

Yet it was Tottenham Hotspur who went into the break feeling most aggrieved, having also seen a penalty decision overturned by VAR after a clash between Omar Alderete and Luke O’Nien was initially ruled as a foul on Randal Kolo Muani inside the box.

Although Spurs had shown better fluidity in attack, there remained a lingering concern that set pieces could punish them as the second half approached.

They again began the half brightly, with Luke O’Nien making a crucial intervention to deny Richarlison at the near post during a dangerous counter-attack.

The Brazilian later spurned another decent opportunity around the hour mark, dragging his effort wide from a tight angle when well placed.

As has often been the case for Spurs, those missed chances were quickly punished. Sunderland took the lead almost immediately through Nordi Mukiele.

The defender surged down the right flank before cutting inside and unleashing a strike that took a wicked deflection off Micky van de Ven, looping past the goalkeeper in a cruel and fortunate finish.

That could have sparked a response from Tottenham Hotspur, but Sunderland — having started the weekend as one of only three sides yet to lose a league match after scoring first this season — showed no intention of surrendering their advantage.

The hosts also remained determined to end a run of three consecutive home games without a point, with Destiny Udogie forced into two vital interventions to deny a second Sunderland goal. He first disrupted Brian Brobbey as he attempted to meet a cross, before making a crucial goalline clearance in the 88th minute.

Despite 11 minutes of added time offering Tottenham Hotspur hope of salvaging something, they could not find a breakthrough. Pedro Porro came closest deep into stoppage time, only for his effort to be tipped over in the seventh minute of injury time.

The final whistle confirmed another painful defeat for Spurs, extending their run of frustration and deepening the sense of crisis around the club.

While there were brief signs of improvement in the first half, the broader concern remains that time is running out for Tottenham to make the changes needed to avoid a first relegation in 49 years.

Next weekend’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion now takes on enormous significance, arguably exceeding even their recent European finals in importance. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s ambitions of a European place have received a major boost from this result.