Spurs boss De Zerbi defends 'crucial' Tonali

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi defended midfielder Sandro Tonali following a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle, Tonali's former club. Tonali had been rested for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Charlton to work on his fitness, but struggled on his return as Newcastle fans booed his every touch and he was substituted in the 75th minute after being partly at fault for Anthony Elanga's opening goal. De Zerbi, who also apologised to Spurs fans for the team's successive league defeats, expressed strong support for the £100 million midfielder, stating his affection for his players grows stronger on difficult days.