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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Luke Baker

Sunderland v Tottenham LIVE: Spurs slip to damaging defeat in De Zerbi’s first game

Tottenham Roberto De Zerbi Sunderland De Zerbi Spurs Luke Baker the Premier League Antonin Kinsky Archie Gray Mohammed Kudus

Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Tottenham ended in a damaging defeat as they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian took over from Igor Tudor, who left north London last month, and Spurs entered the contest in the Premier League relegation zone after West Ham beat Wolves on Friday.

An open first half saw Spurs have a penalty decision overturned in the 21st minute and both teams enjoy opportunities, with Brian Brobbey, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke all going close.

However, Sunderland took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike, which proved to be enough as Regis Le Bris’ side clinched back-to-back league wins.

Defeat leaves Spurs languishing two points adrift in the drop zone with six games left to play, still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026.

Relive all the action from the Stadium of Light in our live blog below:

Sunderland vs Tottenham LIVE

  • Tottenham lose 1-0 to Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi's first game as Spurs boss
  • Spurs remain in the Premier League relegation zone with just six games to go
  • REPORT: De Zerbi can’t stop Tottenham pain as relegation crisis grows with Sunderland loss
  • Cristian Romero leaves pitch in tears as Tottenham’s survival hopes dealt hammer injury blow
  • 62' - GOAL! Mukiele's deflected shot loops beyond Kinsky [SUN 1-0 TOT]

WATCH: Mukiele's goal condemns Spurs to defeat

Sunday 12 April 2026 22:01 , Luke Baker

More than a little luck about Sunderland’s winning goal as Nordi Mukiele’s strike took a huge deflection to wrongfoot Antonin Kinsky.

When your luck’s out, your luck’s out...

Micky Van de Ven reflects on Tottenham struggles

Sunday 12 April 2026 21:01 , Luke Baker

Micky Van de Ven has given an honest assessment of Spurs’ ongoing struggles and admits it has been tough mentally for the team.

WATCH: Spurs see late shot tipped over

Sunday 12 April 2026 20:01 , Luke Baker

Truthfully, Tottenham didn’t offer a lot in attack and this was arguably the closest they came to scoring - when Pedro Porro saw his late thunderbolt tipped over the bar.

Regis le Bris: 'We don't know what we can achieve'

Sunday 12 April 2026 19:00 , Luke Baker

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris also spoke to Sky Sports and was happy with his team’s work.

“I liked the win most! In this industry you have to win so find a way,” said Le Bris. “A new coach for Tottenham and the lads did well because we had to adapt but still be proactive.

“We didn't create many chances but lots of opportunities close to the box. Their positional play is unpredictable, we know the ideas and they found one or two passes in the first half but after that it was about key moments.

“The lads are ambitious. They want to win. We don't know what we can achieve. The first goal of staying in the league is done but after that we never know. It is all about standards. This one was tough. Even though Tottenham are struggling in the league, it was still difficult.

“We want to be a top-10 team and we want to achieve that consistency. We still have a lot to do and we want to enjoy this period.”

(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

De Zerbi believes 'one win can change everything' for Spurs

Sunday 12 April 2026 18:11 , Luke Baker

Tottenham now have just six games to save their season as they sit two point adrift of West Ham in 17th in the Premier League table.

Roberto De Zerbi gave Sky Sports his reflections on being in the relegation zone.

“It is what we have to do,” said De Zerbi. “We can just work. I am an honest man and I am telling you what I think. My opinion is that we have big players who are in a bad moment in terms of results and the parts of the season.

“We have to work on one win because with one win we can change everything this season. I have 24 hours per day and it is not a problem of time. We created chances in the first half, the same we have done in the week. The players of the quality are great but we have to believe more in ourselves and the crucial part is to win one game.

“We can play much better than today but after five or six training games it is difficult. All together we have to stay focused to win one game.”

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Granit Xhaka: 'Give this football club respect'

Sunday 12 April 2026 17:40 , Luke Baker

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has demanded Sunderland be given more respect after victory took them into the top 10 and on the brink of European football.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Before the season, nobody expected us to be where we are. When I signed it was 2 per cent chance of us staying up and now it is over 100 per cent. Give this football club respect. We stay humble and see what we can do until the end.”

On the victory over Spurs, Xhaka added: “After four weeks of not being at home, it was so important to give the fans what they needed. We knew before the season that we can beat everyone if we stay like this with the hunger and desire and take the three points.

“It’s bot the first time we are playing against a team who have changed manager. He [Roberto de Zerbi] has the mentality to win but we knew what we had to do and it was nearly a perfect game.

“It's not my job to speak about Spurs. I am not a Spurs player. I look after these boys and this football club. We look after ourselves and let's see where we get to.”

(Getty Images)

Bleak start to the year for Spurs

Sunday 12 April 2026 17:16 , Luke Baker

We’re almost reaching historically bad levels in 2026 for Tottenham.

Only Derby in 2008 (18), Sunderland in 2003 (17) and Swindon Town in 1993 (15) have had longer winless runs to start a calendar year in the Premier League than Spurs’ current streak of 14 games in 2026.

Notably, all three were relegated in those campaigns...

Roberto De Zerbi: 'I'm sorry for the result and the Romero injury'

Sunday 12 April 2026 17:02 , Luke Baker

Roberto De Zerbi has spoken to Sky Sports about that defeat and reckons Spurs didn’t deserve to lose but must now bounce back.

“I think we played a good game,” said De Zerbi. “Not enough to win, though we didn't deserve to lose. But we have to accept it, to move on and to prepare for the next game.

“Normally it's not the right Tottenham because we played a good game but we are suffering in this moment. We have to be stronger because we have enough quality to come out from this difficult moment.

“I'm sorry for the result, I'm sorry for the Romero injury. I hope for us, and for him as well, that it's not something important.”

De Zerbi can’t stop Tottenham pain as relegation crisis grows with Sunderland loss

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:49 , Luke Baker

Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Tottenham ended in a disheartening defeat after they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian took over from Igor Tudor, who left north London last month, and Spurs entered the contest in the Premier League relegation zone after West Ham beat Wolves on Friday.

An open first half saw Spurs have a penalty decision overturned in the 21st minute and both teams enjoy opportunities, with Brian Brobbey, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke all going close.

However, Sunderland took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike, which proved to be enough as Regis Le Bris’ side clinched back-to-back league wins.

Defeat leaves Spurs languishing two points adrift in the drop zone with six games left to play, still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026.

Read the full report:

De Zerbi can’t stop Tottenham pain as relegation crisis grows with Sunderland loss

Defeat for De Zerbi on debut

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:27 , Luke Baker

Worrying, worrying times for Tottenham and now Roberto De Zerbi

Cristian Romero leaves pitch in tears as Tottenham’s survival hopes dealt hammer injury blow

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:15 , Luke Baker

Cristian Romero left the pitch in tears with a leg injury during Tottenham’s clash at Sunderland as relegation-threatened Spurs suffered what could be a hammer blow to their survival hopes.

Spurs captain Romero nastily collided with his goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky on the 64th minute, with both men receiving treatment from Tottenham’s medical team.

There was particular concern for the Czech stopper, who was being checked over for a head injury and concussion. With first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario injured, Roberto De Zerbi was facing the prospect of requiring the services of third-choice Brandon Austin in what was his first game as Spurs boss.

But after a lengthy delay, it was the Argentine defender who needed to be replaced, with Romero visibly upset as he limped towards the touchline, hampered with an apparent dead leg. Wiping his teary eyes with his shirt, he was replaced by Kevin Danso, while Kinsky was deemed OK to continue.

Romero leaves pitch in tears as Spurs’ survival hopes dealt hammer injury blow

WATCH: Mukiele's deflected goal condemns Tottenham to crushing defeat

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:10 , Luke Baker

Here’s the moment that cost Spurs today. Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike

FULL-TIME! Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:05 , Luke Baker

And it’s all over. More problems for Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi has some job on his hands. It’s 14 games without a win for Spurs. And they have taken one point from the last 24...

Nordi Mukiele’s deflected goal made the difference - slightly fortunate but Spurs didn’t offer a huge amount. They’re int he relegation zone and the path to survival is getting ever and ever harder.

Meanwhile, Sunderland are back into the top 10 and only one point behind Brentford in seventh. The dream of European football is very much alive!

(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 90+10 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 16:01 , Luke Baker

The Sunderland fans in full voice. It looks like Tottenham will come up short and stay rooted in the bottom three.

SAVE! Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 90+7 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:59 , Luke Baker

That’s the closest Spurs have come for a while. Patient build-up by Tottenham, a give-and-go by Porro who then thunders the ball goalwards from 20 yards with a first-time strike.

It’s always rising but Roefs tips it over the bar to be on the safe side. Decent save.

And the corner comes to nothing as a shot sails harmlessly wide to sarcastic jeers from the home supporters.

A sub from Sunderland to waste a few more seconds as the lively Brobbey is taken off to a huge ovation, with Wilson Isidor on in his stead.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 90+5 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:56 , Luke Baker

A Danso long throw is easily dealt with by Sunderland. Have Spurs run out of ideas?

Udogie fires a low cross from the left but again, the Black Cats defence is equal to it.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 90+2 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:54 , Luke Baker

Tel brought down on the left and it’s a decent position for a free-kick. Porro whips it in, under the bar and Roefs tries to catch it but spills it over the bar for a corner. Porro’s corner then comes to nothing

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 90 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:52 , Luke Baker

Tottenham survive again. Diarra and Sadiki link well, the latter puts the ball into the six-yard box but Talbi hasn’t attacked from the back post and the ball is hooked clear from nearly off the line.

Then, at the other end, Tel curls in a cross but it flies harmlessly out for a goal-kick

And we’ll have 11 minutes of injury time. There was a big delay for Romero and Kinsky to receive treatment, so that makes sense.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 88 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:49 , Luke Baker

Sunderland appeal for a penalty after a coming together between Danso and Brobbey as the latter tries to get on the end of a cross. There’s some very light contact but not enough for a penalty.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 84 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:46 , Luke Baker

Xavi Simons on for Conor Gallagher in a final roll of the dice from De Zerbi

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 81 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:44 , Luke Baker

Double substitution for Sunderland and one of the players to leave is goalscorer Nordi Mukiele, who receives a standing ovation from the home fans.

Chris Rigg also heads off, with Trai Hume and Chemsdine Talbi coming on. Can Sunderland see this out?

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 78 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:39 , Luke Baker

Is this game drifting away from Spurs? This would be a really damaging defeat and, if he had any doubt, let Roberto De Zerbi know what a task he has on his hands.

But there’s still time for someone to emerge as a hero for Tottenham

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 74 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:37 , Luke Baker

The newly-introduced Tel runs at Mukiele down the left but then falls over his own feet and loses the ball. Hmmmm.

Brobbey then does brilliantly to hold off his man and flick the ball to the onrushing Sadiki. It’s played inside again but Udogie does just enough to slow down the attacker and Kinsky smothers the ball on the floor.

Chris Rigg gets yellow carded for talking back to the referee.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 70 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:31 , Luke Baker

After a lengthy delay, Cristian Romero gets substituted and he’s in tears as he’s walking off. He knows how important these games are for Spurs and doesn’t want to be subbed but Kevin Danso comes on. It looked like maybe a dead leg for Romero?

Meanwhile, Kinsky will continue, having his head strapped up after the collision with Romero’s leg drew blood.

And we’re back underway

(Getty Images)

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 66 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:29 , Luke Baker

As Romero and Kinsky receive treatment, just to let you know that Spurs were planning a triple sub before conceding that goal and they stuck with the plan even after Mukiele’s deflected strike.

Mathys Tel, Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr are on, with Richarlison, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall replaced.

Incidentally, Spurs are winless in each of their last 32 Premier League games when conceding first (D8 L24), since a 4-1 win against Aston Villa in November 2024. That does not bode well.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham, 64 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:27 , Luke Baker

This is a nasty one. Romero and Kinsky collide and both men go down. Concern for Kinsky especially as the medical team come on to treat the goalkeeper. They’ll be checking for head injury and concussion.

GOAL! Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham (Nordi Mukiele, 62 mins)

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:23 , Luke Baker

Oh dear Tottenham! Not what they needed. Roberto De Zerbi finds his side 1-0 down and there’s a huge element of misfortune.

Nordi Mukiele cuts in from the right flank and decides to chance his arm. He strikes the ball from outside the box, it takes a huge deflection of Van de Ven and loops beyond the helpless Kinsky, who is rooted to the spot.

When you’re down the bottom, sometimes the luck is just against you. But fair play to Mukiele for giving it a go.

(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

SAVE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 59 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:21 , Luke Baker

Well, I say ‘save’ but Roefs didn’t have to do much there. Spurs sweep forward and get the ball to Richarlison on the left. He hits it but he shot is tame and easy for Roefs to clutch.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 55 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:15 , Luke Baker

Sadiki surges down the left and switches the ball inside to Brobbey. He gets it out of his feet but his strike at goal is well over the bar. That’s Sunderland’s first real moment of the second half.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 52 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:14 , Luke Baker

Udogie and O’Nien tussle just outside the Sunderland area and the Spurs man goes down but nothing doing says referee Robert Jones. The correct call, I think.

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 50 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:12 , Luke Baker

That is a crucial tackle from Luke O’Nien! Richarlison is slipped in and pulls his leg back to shoot but the Sunderland centre-back slides in and nicks the ball away. The last touch is off Richarlison as well, so only a goal-kick.

The Sunderland crowd have been surprisingly subdued today. The players could probably do with them getting the Stadium of Light rocking

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 47 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:08 , Luke Baker

Mukiele hobbles away from a challenge but he’ll run it off. Bergvall then launches a long throw into the Sunderland but Romero fouls Xhaka when jumping for the ball.

KICK-OFF! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 15:07 , Luke Baker

Back underway at the Stadium of Light. Can Roberto De Zerbi begin his tenure with a win?

HALF-TIME! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:53 , Luke Baker

No goals at the Stadium of Light but a compelling half nonetheless.

Both keepers called to make saves in first-half injury time, while Spurs (rightly) had a penalty overturned by VAR when Kolo Muani went down.

Other than that, Brobbey has been a nuisance for the Spurs defence, putting himself about and three Tottenham defenders are on a booking.

But all to play for after the break in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game as Spurs boss

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

SAVE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 45+4 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:50 , Luke Baker

NOW A SAVE DOWN THE OTHER END! Roefs makes himself big at the near post and parries behind for a corner.

It was a a good ball in from Udogie, a poor clearance fell straight to Solanke and he got the shot on target but Roefs did what he needed.

The corner comes to nothing and Sunderland survive

SAVE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 45+2 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:48 , Luke Baker

Xhaka delivers a Sunderland free-kick from the left, it’s flicked on and Brobbey is in. He lashes the ball at goal from the right edge of the six-yard box but Kinsky, comes off his line slightly makes himself big and makes the save! Really good from the much-maligned Spurs keeper - a first real save of the match from either stopper.

The follow-up shot is blocked and Tottenham scramble clear. Slaps on the back for Kinsky. Well earned.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 45 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:46 , Luke Baker

Tottenham win a corner and Porro goes over to take it. Can they find a breakthrough before half-time? Not this time.

The ball is half-cleared, comes back out to Porro on the right and he whips another ball in, which Solanke tries to bicycle kick but scuffs well wide.

Five minutes of injury-time to end this half upcoming.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 42 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:42 , Luke Baker

Sarcasrtic jeers for Richarlison as he does well to bundle past Diarra down the left initially, gets to the byline but Diarra has recovered, pressures him and Richarlison slices the ball into the crowd. The Sunderland fans enjoyed that

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 39 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:41 , Luke Baker

Brobbey is causing his typical problems and now Van de Ven is in the book as well for hauling him down just outside the area. You can’t get involved in tussles with the Sunderland striker.

Both Spurs centre-backs are on yellow cards and now their right-back as well! Porro booked for chatting back to the referee.

A long wait to take the free-kick - 20 yards out, just right of centre, golden opportunity - and eventually, Xhaka sticks it into row Z. Poor.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 36 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:38 , Luke Baker

No goals yet in this game but it’s been tense and needly so far

(Getty Images)
(Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 34 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:34 , Luke Baker

There is a little undercurrent to this clash. Brobbey and Porro tussle for the ball near the sideline and the Sunderland striker gets frustrated and appears to throw out an arm slightly. Porro goes down clutching his face.

Brobbey was winning that battle, he didn’t need to flick out that arm in frustration. But he gets a yellow card for his troubles. Replays suggest that is the right call, not enough for a red and didn’t catch him fully but petulant from Brobbey and he could have cost his team.

CLOSE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 31 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:33 , Luke Baker

Sunderland are getting closer and closer! A long throw is hefted into the box, nodded to the edge of the area by Spurs and Granit Xhaka strikes it sweetly first time.

The ex-Arsenal man keeps it low and it fizzes through the air, just millimetres wide of the post. Agonising!

CHANCE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 29 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:30 , Luke Baker

Sadiki has to do better there, doesn’t he?

The free-kick for Romero’s yellow card is lofted into the box, three Sunderland players are unmarked at the back post and it’s Sadiki who tries to head the ball home but it flicks off his head and goes wide. That has to be on target!

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 27 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:29 , Luke Baker

Almost a chance for Spurs as Richarlison heads the ball down and it doesn’t quite fall for a teammate.

Then, as Sunderland break, the ball is played into Brobbey 40 yards from goal and Romero just slides through the back of him. Advantage comes to nothing and it’s brought back for a free-kick, with Romero shown a yellow card. His ninth of the season! Never going to be anything else, he absolutely smashed him.

NO PENALTY! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 23 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:27 , Luke Baker

WOW! Out of nothing, Spurs have been awarded a penalty...

Kolo Muani into the box, towards the byline with Alderete shadowing him. Then O’Nien slides in, the ball runs loose and Kolo Muani goes down. To the bafflement of the crowd, the referee points to the penalty spot! There was nothing in that. Surely VAR will intervene?

Yep! We go to VAR. Over to the pitchside monitor and it shows Alderete got the ball, then Kolo Muani stared going down, then O’Nien slides in and maybe makes contact. Nothing doing and it’s rightly overturned

(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

CHANCE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 19 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:21 , Luke Baker

And that’s the best chance so far! It falls to Sunderland as patient build-up ends with a reverse pass to Le Fee, who stands up a cross from the byline.

Brobbey holds down Van de Ven and gets up for the header but nods it over the bar from six yards out. His grimace tells the story - he knows he should have done better

(Getty Images)

CLOSE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 18 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:19 , Luke Baker

Nearly disaster for Spurs! Le Fee rakes a low ball into the box and Romero goes for a flicked backheel clearance but it only squirts off his foot and nearly falls for Brobbey to lash home but Kinsky is quick off his line and smothers the ball a millisecond before the Sunderland forward can get there. What on earth was Romero doing?

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 17 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:16 , Luke Baker

Gallagher pulls back Xhaka and gives away the free-kick in midfield but when Alderete tries to get the ball back in the box, it trickles harmlessly to Kinsky.

Spurs almost get in trouble trying to play our from the back, with Sunderland putting on the full-court press but Brobbey absolutely clatters Romero and a Spurs free-kick eases the pressure.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 14 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:14 , Luke Baker

Porro lofts a free-kick in from the left but it’s way too long and flies harmlessly out of play for a goal-kick, prompting sarcastic cheers from the Sunderland fans. Fair to say that’s not the Spanish international’s best.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 10 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:11 , Luke Baker

Kolo Muani in for a challenge with Mukiele and goes down awkwardly. Looks like he may have twisted a knee slightly but he’s back up and seems to be moving well enough.

Brobbey then shows his patented strength in the penalty box to hold off Romero but Gray helps out his captain to nick the ball away

(Richard Sellers/PA Wire)

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 8 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:08 , Luke Baker

Nice run from Diarra and he tries to feed Brobbey but the ball is put behidn for a corner. Le Fee initially goes to take it for an outswinger but a change of heart as Xhaka jogs over to curl an inswinger instead.

The ball is whipped in towards the goal and Kinsky tips it over to be on the safe side. Gasps from around the ground.

The next corner is defended better and Spurs - decked out in yellow this afternoon - scramble it away

CHANCE! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 6 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:06 , Luke Baker

Good from Spurs again. Kolo Muani strides forward, Sunderland back off and he slips it left to Richarlison. the Brazilian hits it first time as he enters the box but it’s weak and straight at Roefs.

De Zerbi looks a bit frustrated. Richarlison could have taken a touch there.

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 5 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:05 , Luke Baker

Roberto De Zerbi a pensive figure in the dugout so far. It’s beena decent start from Spurs. Richarlison tries to slide a ball through for Solanke but it’s cut out.

(Action Images via Reuters)

Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham, 2 mins

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:03 , Luke Baker

Spurs appear to have set up in a 4-3-3 as expected, with Richarlison, Solanke and Kolo Muani as a front three. Solanke through the middle.

AND AN EARLY CHANCE! Good movement by Solanke, who gets to the byline, is fed the ball, cuts it back into the six-yard box and Bergvall is millimetres away from getting there. But Sunderland scramble it away.

KICK-OFF! Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:01 , Luke Baker

Underway as Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham play for the first time. Can he get a tune out of the strugglers?

Sunderland v Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 14:00 , Luke Baker

The players are out and we’re about to get going here at the Stadium of Light

Jamie Carragher and Darren Bent analyse Spurs' starting XI

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:55 , Luke Baker

Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Darren Bent have analysed Roberto De Zerbi’s first Spurs selection. They think Antonin Kinsky will need plenty of protection

Sunderland players arrive

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:49 , Luke Baker

Here some shots of the Black Cats players arriving a little earlier

(AFP via Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Tottenham ready to go

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:39 , Luke Baker

Spurs are ready to rock and roll on Wearside

Roberto De Zerbi dismisses talk he joined Tottenham for money

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:30 , Luke Baker

Roberto De Zerbi scoffed at suggestions he joined Tottenham for the money and promised to rapidly improve the mentality of his squad in a bid to secure safety.

Tottenham initially turned to De Zerbi after Thomas Frank was sacked on February 11, but were unsuccessful after his exit from Marseille in the same week and instead went down the interim route with Igor Tudor.

It proved a disastrous appointment with Tudor losing five of his seven matches before he departed by mutual consent on March 29 and this time De Zerbi did answer Spurs’ SOS call, despite the realistic threat of a bottom-three finish.

With no relegation release clause included in a bumper five-year contract, De Zerbi was asked if money was the major factor behind agreeing to take over Tottenham in such a precarious position.

“No,” De Zerbi insisted. “You can find the right answer in my history because I left a lot of money in my life and the money never changed my focus on my work.

“Marseille was a special place. I didn’t say goodbye yet to my former fans, my former club, because I didn’t want to make any polemic. And in that moment, it was good to stay at home.

“For me, it’s not a problem this situation for Tottenham. When you come in this club, you have not to decide depending on the situation in that moment. You have to have a longer vision. Now, the focus is on this season, these seven games, to keep (in) the Premier League.”

(Getty Images)

Tottenham players urged to follow example of Archie Gray in relegation battle

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:20 , Luke Baker

Tottenham’s senior players have been urged to follow the example of Archie Gray if the club are to avoid a first relegation in 49 years.

During a hugely disappointing season Gray has been a standout performer, and David Howells – who helped Tottenham avoid relegation twice in 1994 and 1997 – believes others must follow the lead of the 20-year-old ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sunderland.

“You definitely would hope that some of the older players would look across at Archie in the changing room and say, ‘look at this young man, he’s stepping up and it’s not fazing him, this is where we all need to be in terms of attitude and performance’. Yeah, absolutely he’s been the one consistent shining light,” Howells told the Press Association.

“I thought he was our best player again (against Nottingham Forest). I did say after the game against Atletico Madrid that he looked like an England midfielder, I did because he really looked the part.”

Archie Gray has been praised for his performances (PA Wire)

Roberto De Zerbi in the house

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:11 , Luke Baker

De Zerbi is in the building and ready for his first game in charge of Spurs.

(Action Images via Reuters)
(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Sunderland v Tottenham team news

Sunday 12 April 2026 13:03 , Luke Baker

Two fascinating line-ups, with Roberto De Zerbi’s first Spurs XI naturally going to get plenty of attention. We’ve seen the Italian’s penchant for attacking play straight away.

Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani can all play up front, so how will he arrange that trio? As a front three in front of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Conor Gallagher?

Interestingly, Xavi Simons, who many Spurs fans are desperate to see given a run in the team is still on the bench - neither Igor Tudor nor Thomas Frank seemed to truly trust him either.

Antonin Kinsky is in goal as expected, with Guglielmo Vicario still out injured, while the back four is as expected.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have some players fit to start again, so Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Enzo Le Fee all come back into the starting XI. Mukiele is preferred to Lutsharel Geertruida at right-back as Luke O’Nien continues alongside Omar Alderete at centre-back. The impressive Brian Brobbey is up top once more.

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Diarra, Rigg, Le Fee; Brobbey

Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Richarlison

Sunderland team news

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:51 , Luke Baker

And here’s how Sunderland line up. Mukiele preferred to Geertruida at right-back, while Enzo Le Fee is fit to start in attacking midfield and Brian Brobbey continues up top

Tottenham team news

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:49 , Luke Baker

And the teams are out. Here’s how Spurs will line up for De Zerbi’s first game at the helm.

Kinsky in goal as expected, while Richarlison, Kolo Muani and Solanke all start. The new boss using his attacking horses

De Zerbi regrets Kudus injury setback

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:40 , Luke Baker

We’ll have team news in a few minutes’ time but one player Roberto De Zerbi knows he won’t have available is Mohammed Kudus.

Kudus suffered an injury setback and may be out for the rest of the season, with De Zerbi acknowledging the spanner in the works.

“Yes, I started with not too big luck,” De Zerbi joked. “Kudus was in my head a crucial player, especially for the position, but we have to look forward anyway.

“I think we have a lot of very good attackers and we have to help them, to put them in the best condition to show their qualities.”

Mohammed Kudus may be out for the season (Getty)

The huge Roberto De Zerbi risk Tottenham are taking that could spell disaster

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:24 , Luke Baker

This is not a “vibes” appointment. It’s the complete opposite,” writes Will Castle.

Tottenham’s move for Roberto De Zerbi reflects the do-or-die situation they find themselves in, by the fact he could theoretically deliver either the miraculous best or cataclysmic worst case scenario for the club.

De Zerbi, on the surface, is a coup for a team verging on the most humiliating relegation in Premier League history. The Italian was a resounding success story at Brighton, arriving with an unknown quality to English football only to become one of the continent’s most sought-after managers by the end of his two-season stint, apparently earning admirers at Barcelona and Liverpool.

Tottenham must be attracted by De Zerbi’s free-flowing style of football. Traumatised by 44 days of Igor Tudor-ball, a footballing ideology bereft of inspiration, such a tactical revolution is needed and desired. Implementing that now, however, is a big risk.

Read Will’s full comment piece on the De Zerbi appointment:

The huge De Zerbi risk Tottenham are taking that could spell disaster

Roberto De Zerbi apologises for Mason Greenwood comments

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:11 , Luke Baker

New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his comments surrounding Mason Greenwood and his past.

The Italian faced a backlash due to his stance on Greenwood during their time together at Marseille, having praised the former Manchester United attacker’s character.

In 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning bodily harm towards the same woman, though all charges were subsequently dropped in 2023, with the player denying any wrongdoing.

In response to the criticism, including that of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST), De Zerbi said: “I never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly. I’m sorry if this offended anyone and their feelings with this subject matter – I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance.”

Stadium of Light ready to host crunch clash

Sunday 12 April 2026 12:00 , Luke Baker

It’s a long trip up to Sunderland for Roberto De Zerbi’s first match as Spurs boss but the Stadium of Light is glowing in the morning sun

(Getty Images)
(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
(Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Racism and violence mar Sunderland derby joy

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:46 , Luke Baker

Last time out, the Tyne-Wear derby was back at St James’ Park for the first time since 2016. “Utter chaos” off the pitch. Utter chaos in Newcastle’s flimsy defence yet again and Sunderland were triumphant on Tyneside – doing the double over their great local rivals.

The occasion started with fans fighting on the streets, with heads bloodied and the Sunderland team coach windscreen smashed.

It ended with a devastating 90th-minute winner for the Black Cats from striker Brian Brobbey and jubilant celebrations high up in the Leazes End for the visitors.

In the middle, as if the occasion needed more controversy, the game was paused as an allegation of racist abuse from the home crowd towards Lutsharel Geertruida was logged by match officials.

Read Simon Bird’s report from that drama-filled clash:

Damaged Eddie Howe left on the brink but racism and violence mar Sunderland derby joy

Inside Roberto De Zerbi’s shocking Tottenham impact and the early signs of a revival

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:37 , Luke Baker

Some great reporting from our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney, who says things are looking up for Spurs since Roberto De Zerbi took over.

“After months of utter misery at Tottenham Hotspur, there is genuinely a changed mood around the training ground. The players, according to numerous sources, “love” Roberto De Zerbi,” writes Delaney.

“They feel engaged, like they’re actually progressing. It is more than just the energy that comes from a new manager – since Igor Tudor certainly didn’t inspire this response – or even the clarity that comes from actually having a permanent coach again.

“De Zerbi offers an idea, and enthusiasm. This is precisely why some around the club are said to be conspicuously confident of staying up – even if we won’t see whether that is actually justified until we watch his new team in a few games. The situation remains complicated, and highly pressurised. Others at Spurs, of course, remain anxious.”

Read the full piece here:

Inside Roberto De Zerbi’s shocking Tottenham impact and the early signs of a revival

Early Sunderland team news

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:30 , Luke Baker

Robin Roefs should bolster Regis Le Bris’s squad as Sunderland return to Premier League action. Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Enzo Le Fee, who were all on the bench in the previous fixture, are fit enough to start.

But Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traore, Romaine Mundle, Jocelin Ta Bi and Simon Moore remain out, while Dan Ballard is unlikely to be risked.

Possible Sunderland XI: Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Diarra, Le Fee; Brobbey

Early Tottenham team news

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:23 , Luke Baker

Guglielmo Vicario underwent hernia surgery during the international break and appears set to miss out, with Antonin Kinsky due to deputise in goal.

Mohammed Kudus has suffered a setback in his recovery after returning to training and remains absent.

Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) is not quite ready to return, while James Maddison (knee), Yves Bissouma (muscle), Wilson Odobert (knee), Ben Davies (ankle) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) are also on the injury list.

Possible Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall; Kolo Muani, Simons, Tel; Solanke

How to watch Sunderland v Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:20 , Luke Baker

Sunderland vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 2pm BST on Sunday 12 April at the Stadium of Light.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage on the channel from 1pm BST. A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.

Sunderland v Tottenham

Sunday 12 April 2026 11:06 , Luke Baker

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Sunderland v Tottenham.

It’s a frankly huge day for Spurs. They’re now in the bottom three after West Ham’s win on Friday night and new boss Roberto De Zerbi needs to spark an immediate improvement.

Stick with us for full live coverage

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