Tottenham begin matchday three without a single Premier League point, and the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi is already building. Back-to-back defeats, a 3-0 loss at Brentford followed by a 0-2 home defeat to Newcastle United, have left Spurs at the foot of the table after just two games. The scale of the problem is stark given the club has spent close to £400 million across the summer, a figure that now draws scrutiny from UEFA financial regulators according to recent reports.

The squad overhaul brought in several high-profile arrivals, including Sandro Tonali, whose agent confirmed the Italian midfielder was eager to join De Zerbi's project. On deadline day, Spurs also completed a double raid on Chelsea, signing Mykhailo Mudryk on loan and Tosin Adarabioyo permanently. Mudryk, who has been absent from competitive football for 21 months, is now ready to feature, with De Zerbi expected to manage his minutes carefully on return. The injury list remains long, with Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, James Maddison, and Savio all sidelined.

Off the pitch, the Richarlison situation has become a distraction. De Zerbi has officially excluded the Brazilian from the Premier League squad, and Trabzonspor are pursuing a late deal ahead of Friday's Turkish transfer deadline. Richarlison publicly criticised the club on social media after a proposed return to Everton collapsed.

Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, a ground where they have lost 3-0 on each of their last two visits, making the fixture a stern test of whether this expensively assembled squad can finally find its footing.