Sandro Tonali and Roberto De Zerbi’s first Premier League match with Tottenham did not go to plan and the Italy international’s performance was so disappointing that he was loudly mocked by the home crowd during Saturday’s 3-0 loss against Brentford.
Trouble in Paradies for Tonali: Fans’ reactions after Brentford 3-0 Tottenham
Tottenham were soundly beaten 3-0 away against Brentford in their first Premier League match of the 2026-27 season on Saturday afternoon in a game that brought a first goal of the campaign for Italy talent Michael Kayode.
It was a particularly underwhelming first appearance for Tonali, who became Tottenham and Italy’s most expensive player ever when he joined from Newcastle at a cost of €115m earlier this summer.
BBC Sport gave Tonali a rating of just 4/10 after his first Premier League appearance for Tottenham, labelling it a ‘desperately poor debut’.
Tonali was loudly jeered on multiple occasions at the Gtech Stadium: Once for a particularly wild effort on the full volley from the edge of the area, which ended up high in the stands, closer to the corner flag than it was to the posts.
The home crowd cheered mockingly once again after Tonali ran into traffic on the edge of the penalty area while trying to dictate a Tottenham attack towards the end of the first half as well.
Tonali’s performance also led to criticism from supporters on social media, one account on X questioning whether his €115m price tag is ‘the worst overspend ever in English football’.
Some Newcastle fans have questioned whether Tonali is unable to perform to the highest level without his former midfield partner Bruno Guimaraes.
One account posted: “That performance today couldn’t be a more accurate representation of his performances without Bruno. They thought they were getting someone who dictates play; he absolutely cannot.”
“No refunds, Spurs,” another Newcastle fan joked.
