Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur result: Spurs suffer more misery in Roberto De Zerbi's first game as Premier League relegation fears grow

Nordi Mukiele scored the only goal as Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 1-0 against Sunderland on Sunday, in a huge blow to their survival chances.

In Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge, the Italian was hoping to secure Spurs’ first league win in 2026 but, instead, the North London outfit were handed their seventh league defeat in eight games.

Spurs started the game brightly in an even first half and had a couple of half-chances to get themselves in front before referee Rob Jones pointed to the penalty spot following a collision between Luke O’Nien and Randal Kolo Muani.

However, Jones was sent to the monitor to have another look and eventually - and correctly - overturned his decision, as Sunderland pushed on.

They eventually went ahead when defender Mukiele drove forward and drifted in from the right, before unleashing an effort which clipped the heels of Micky van de Ven and looped beyond the hopeless Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs were toothless in attack as they searched for an equaliser, which made it easier for Sunderland to hold on for a victory to take them into the top 10, handing Spurs their 16th league defeat of the season.

Having dropped into the relegation zone for the first time on Friday following West Ham United’s 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, they remain two points from safety in 18th place.

Roberto De Zerbi loses his first game in charge, and Spurs' relegation fears have just got a whole lot worse!

Huge cheers ring around Stadium of Light as Sunderland win a free-kick in their own penalty box.

There's not long now for Spurs to save this one... just the two minutes remaining.

Wilson Isidor replaces Brobbey, who has worked tirelessly today.

The defender plays a one-two with Tel on the edge of the box before sending a thunderbolt whistling over the bar!

Roefs got a touch, but Spurs can't capitalise on the following corner.

Now it's Spurs who are throwing everything at Sunderland, as the hosts struggle to get hold of the ball and get their lines clear.

Hume needlessly brings down Tel on the left and gets booked.

Spurs have a free-kick, which Roefs turns over the bar for a corner. Spurs can't make the most of it, but they're still deep in Sunderland's half as they push for what could be a massive goal.

As expected, a big chunk of time has been added at the end of this one, with the fourth official signalling 11 extra minutes!

Plenty of time for Spurs to get back into it.

Sunderland are still pushing and they come close when Noah Sadiki's cross bobbles across the six-yard box, but there isn't a red and white shirt nearby to stab it in.

That could have easily been game over!

Xavi Simons is thrust into the action as Spurs chase an equaliser.

Chris Rigg, who is on a booking, comes off for Chemsdine Talbi, while Trai Hume replaces the goalscorer Mukiele.

It's Spurs who are in desperate need of a goal, but Sunderland look the most likely to score the next goal. They're enjoying a good spell of possession.

Can Spurs get back into the game and avoid a seventh defeat in eight games? Will they be able to turn it around and escape from the relegation zone?

Or can Sunderland hang on to move into the top 10 and close in on the European spots?

We have a little over 12 minutes remaining, plus a fair amount of added time after that collision between Kinsky and Romero.

Diarra looks to break through with a run behind but Udogie just nudges him off the ball to deny what would have been a brilliant goalscoring chance for 2-0.

Finally, we're back underway.

Kinsky's head is strapped up but he's fine to carry on for now.

De Zerbi also made a triple change just after the goal and before the collision, with Joao Palhinha, Pape Sarr and Mathys Tel coming on for Bergvall, Grey and Richalison.

Romero looks as though he's going to have to be replaced, and he looks gutted to have to go off.

Both Kinsky and Romero are still being treated on the pitch.

Romero gradually gets to his feet and looks OK, while Kinsky is getting his head bandaged up.

How big a goal could that be in the relegation battle?

As things stand, Spurs remain two points from safety.