Tottenham Hotspur's (a Premier League club in North London) costly close-season overhaul got off to a dismal start as they were beaten 3-0 by Brentford on the opening weekend of the English Premier League season. Despite spending over £300 million — including a record signing in midfielder Sandro Tonali and a £85 million outlay on Mateus Fernandes — Spurs were outfought and outplayed throughout, failing to register a single shot on target in the first half. Manager Roberto de Zerbi acknowledged the result exposed fundamental problems beyond squad depth, warning that basic qualities such as physicality and competitive spirit must improve if the club, which narrowly avoided relegation last season, is to justify its enormous investment.