Tottenham’s new coach Roberto De Zerbi saw his rebuilt side suffer a heavy opening-day defeat at Brentford, underlining his concern that spending heavily will not automatically remove the club’s fragile mentality. Despite surviving relegation last season and receiving major backing for new signings, Spurs were outworked and outplayed, capitulating when Brentford applied pressure.

De Zerbi said Spurs lost too many physical duels and admitted some players were not fully conditioned after late returns from the World Cup or recent arrivals. Four new signings started, while £100m midfielder Sandro Tonali was overshadowed by Brentford’s record signing Mamadou Sangare; Brentford led 3-0 by the 49th minute and also missed a penalty.