Tottenham find themselves in a difficult position after just two Premier League games, sitting bottom of the table without a point following defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United. The 0-2 loss at home to Newcastle was the latest sign that a summer spending spree approaching £400 million has yet to translate into results, and the pressure on Roberto De Zerbi to find a response is already building.

Off the pitch, the Richarlison situation has added an unwanted distraction. De Zerbi has formally excluded the Brazilian from his Premier League squad, and the manager was blunt when asked about it, stating the decision was not his own. Richarlison has publicly pushed back at the club on social media, and a proposed return to Everton collapsed over a financial dispute. Trabzonspor remain interested ahead of the Turkish window closing, with Mohamed Salah and Fabinho reportedly making personal contact with the striker to encourage a move.

There is at least one source of genuine optimism. Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined on a deadline-day loan from Chelsea to reunite with De Zerbi, is ready to make his first competitive appearance in 21 months when Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Former Spurs man Gus Poyet has described the signing as a big gamble given the length of the absence, but De Zerbi clearly believes in the winger's potential. Forest have their own problems after back-to-back defeats, which gives Spurs a chance to claim their first points of the campaign at the City Ground.