Sunderland vs Tottenham LIVE
Tottenham travel to Sunderland this afternoon needing a victory to claw themselves out of the relegation zone. They make the trip to Wearside for Roberto De Zerbi’s first game at the helm since the Italian’s appointment just over a week ago. The former Brighton boss comes in at a crucial time for Spurs, with the north London club staring down the barrel of a shock relegation.
West Ham’s 4-0 win over Wolves on Friday meant that Spurs slipped below the dreaded dotted line for the first time this season - and the first time since August 2015 - but all three points here would lift them back out of trouble and potentially as high as 15th, above Leeds, Nottingham Forest and the Irons.
De Zerbi has had to deal with a multitude of injuries since his arrival, and it remains to be seen what sort of team he can select this afternoon in what is a must-win affair for Spurs. Keep up to date with all the latest from the Stadium of Light with our live blog.
Sunderland vs Tottenham latest updates
- GOAL! Mukiele opens scoring
- GOOD SAVE! Mukiele denied by Kinsky
- CLOSE! Xhaka strikes wide
- NO PENALTY! Kolo Muani decision overturned
- CLOSE! Brobbey nods over
Sam Tabuteau reports
16:04 , Oli GentTottenham's players sink to the floor. New manager, same result as they slip to their seventh league defeat in eight games. It is really difficult to see a way out right now for the north London club, they were hopeless today.
FT: Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
16:02 , Oli GentThere we have it. A defeat on his debut for Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs are still in the relegation zone.
Thanks for joining us on Standard Sport, be sure to come back very soon for even more LIVE action.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
16:00 , Oli Gent90+10 mins: One more minute to go here. Spurs are in the drop zone. Still.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:58 , Oli Gent90+8 mins: Brobbey comes off to a near standing ovation. He’s replaced by Isidor.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:56 , Oli Gent90+5 mins: Not good news for Spurs as Forest claim a point against Villa. De Zerbi’s men really need to turn this around in the dying embers here.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:52 , Oli Gent90+3 mins: Tel makes the dart down the left and is chopped down by Hume, who is booked. Free kick, Tottenham.
Sam Tabuteau reports
15:51 , Oli Gent90+2 mins: Still hope here as the board goes up to show 11 minutes of added time. Can Spurs steal something here? On the basis of play, you would have to say no, but funnier things have happened.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:51 , Oli Gent90 mins: 11 added minutes.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:46 , Oli Gent86 mins: And finally, with five minutes and added time to play, Xavi Simons is on for Spurs.
Sam Tabuteau reports
15:43 , Oli Gent85 mins: There has been no sign that an equaliser has bee coming for Spurs, they remain on the backfoot. Reminder they are winless in each of their last 32 Premier League games after going behind (D8, L24). Worrying times for De Zerbi and Spurs.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:43 , Oli Gent83 mins: Rigg and Mukiele are replaced for Sunderland, with Chemsdine Talbi and Trai Hume coming on.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:42 , Oli Gent82 mins: A good bit of defending from Danso and Van de Ven as Xhaka picks out Rigg in the pocket. The youngster lets fly, and Van de Ven slides across to produce a good block.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:41 , Oli Gent80 mins: Long throw chance for Sadiki to launch in, but Palhinha clears well at the near post.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:36 , Oli Gent76 mins: Another close shave for Spurs as Udogie makes a huge intervention. Sunderland break forward at speed as Brobbey sets Diarra away, and Udogie steps across Chris Rigg before the youngster can get there.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:33 , Oli Gent73 mins: Palhinha tries to nutmeg Sadiki in his own half, makes a mess of it, and gets away with it as he’s fouled by the Sunderland midfielder.
Sam Tabuteau reports
15:31 , Oli Gent71 mins: To make matters worse Romero is going to have to come off here after a hefty collision. It just gets worse for Spurs and they have now lost their captain, who is replaced by Kevin Danso. Kinsky is bandaged up.
Sam Tabuteau reports
15:28 , Oli Gent68 mins: Sunderland fans serenading the weary Spurs support with chants of 'You're going down'. If it was not clear already, Spurs are in massive trouble, and they look set to end the day in the relegation zone. The club's boardroom are also in attendance.
They took a risk to bring De Zerbi in and so far there is little evidence he is the man to turn things around.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:27 , Oli Gent67 mins: A nasty collision between Romero and Kinsky has both Spurs players down.
Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:24 , Oli Gent64 mins: Gray, Bergvall and Richarlison are sacrificed for Tel, Sarr and Palhinha.
Sam Tabuteau reports
15:23 , Oli Gent63 mins: Sunderland have the lead in fortuitous fashion, but you can't say it has not been coming. A cruel deflection as Mukiele's shot cannons off Van de Ven. Triple change from De Zerbi, who is finding familiar issues to his predecessors.
Goal! Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham
15:22 , Oli Gent61 mins: Sunderland are ahead, and it’s Mukiele who has it. It goes in via a wicked deflection off Van de Ven. The Frenchman makes a dart through the centre, cutting inside of Gallagher, and letting fly with his left.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
15:20 , Oli Gent60 mins: Spurs are showing some intent as Richarlison is sought out by Gallagher. He drives into the box and takes aim, but his effort, like it was in the first half, is tame.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
15:18 , Oli Gent57 mins: The Spurs hierarchy are here in full force. Watching on as their side flatter to deceive once more. There seems to be movement on the visiting bench, however...
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
15:14 , Oli Gent53 mins: Spurs claiming a foul as Udogie chases down a long ball in behind, but O’Nien gives him a nudge aside, legally, in the referee’s eyes.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
15:09 , Oli Gent49 mins: A high-octane start from the hosts ooking to continue their first-half momentum. Spurs know they’ll need to have something in response if they are to get anything out of this one.
Kick off!
15:06 , Oli Gent46 mins: Back underway.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:52 , Oli GentTottenham go into the break level, but they can count themselves lucky not to be behind. Sunderland have dominated, and come close to scoring on a couple of occasions. Plenty for De Zerbi to work on at the break, but Spurs are still in this and have options off the bench.
HT: Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:50 , Oli GentThere's the interval. Not the best of first halves from Spurs, but they go in level after 45 minutes of Sunderland knocking on the door. Plenty for De Zerbi to dissect.
What will the second half have in store?
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:49 , Oli Gent45+4 mins: Good save! Roefs gets down really well to stop Solanke!
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:47 , Oli Gent45+2 mins: Good save! Another lob into the box from the hosts results in Kinsky foiling Mukiele as the Frenchman looks to stab home from close range.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:47 , Oli Gent45+1 min: Five added minutes.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:45 , Oli Gent45 mins: The closest Spurs have come as Porro whips in the cross and Solanke goes for the acrobatic, but it’s wayward.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:43 , Oli Gent43 mins: A couple of minutes and stoppage time for Spurs to find that elusive opener before the break. Can they muster a goal?
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:39 , Oli Gent39 mins: Le Fee and Xhaka stand over this free kick. The Frenchman moves away to let the captain take... but he blasts it over.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:37 , Oli Gent37 mins: It’s a yellow now for Van de Ven as both Spurs defenders are in the book. He’s cautioned for a shove on Brobbey. A free kick in a dangerous area for Sunderland.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:34 , Oli Gent36 mins: Sunderland are the ones with the momentum as we edge towards the break. De Zerbi has been in conversation in the dugout, work for his side to do right now.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:33 , Oli Gent34 mins: Brobbey’s head has gone here as Porro goes down after an alleged elbow. The replay shows a frustrated throw on the Spurs right-back from the Sunderland striker, who is booked for his troubles.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:32 , Oli Gent32 mins: Close! Xhaka’s effort whistles just wide as Sunderland edge closer to an opener. The long throw comes out to the Swiss on the edge of the area, and he looks to arrow one into the corner, but it whizzes past the far post.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:29 , Oli Gent30 mins: Close! Mukiele ghosts in at the far post and attacks Le Fee’s delivery, but he nods wide of the target!
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:28 , Oli Gent29 mins: Lucas Bergvall has had just six touches so far, the fewest of any Spurs player on the pitch. De Zerbi will want to see an improvement from the Swedish midfielder.
His teams have always been noted for their ability to dominate possession, but so far it is Sunderland's midfield that has had the better of the play.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:28 , Oli Gent28 mins: Free kick, Sunderland. Romero is booked for a strong tackle on Brobbey as he chases the Dutchman deep into midfield.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:24 , Oli Gent24 mins: That penalty always looked likely to be overturned. Kolo Muani looked to have put his leg into Alderete, while the contact from O'Nien came after the ball had gone. Correct decision.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:23 , Oli Gent23 mins: VAR are checking this penalty! Kolo Muani goes down under challenge from O’Nien and Alderete, and the referee blows, but VAR tells him to go to the screen. The Frenchman is adjudged to have been on the way down already, and the spot kick is ruled out.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:19 , Oli Gent20 mins: Spurs not helping themselves with some loose touches as they try to play out from the back. Kolo Muani, too, has been guilty of giving away possession by trying unsuccessfully to spin into space.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:19 , Oli Gent19 mins: Close! The first real chance for either side as Brobbey has a big opportunity! Reinildo and Le Fee work it nicely down the left and the big striker gets up early, but he nods over!
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:15 , Oli Gent16 mins: He tries to clip it up to Alderete at the far post but he overcooks it, and the central defender’s cross is safely into the arms of Kinsky.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:15 , Oli Gent15 mins: Free kick, Sunderland. Xhaka is pulled back by Gallagher and the Black Cats have a chance to throw a set play into the box.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:13 , Oli Gent14 mins: De Zerbi has just called for Destiny Udogie to push high and wide and the Spurs full-back nearly breaks in behind. At his best, Udogie is one of the most dynamic full-backs in the Premier League. His return to fitness will be a real boost for De Zerbi.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:12 , Oli Gent12 mins: Patient build-up from Spurs as they look to play it through the thirds. Gallagher ruins that phase of play with a punt into the left channel looking for Udogie, but Roefs comes out and collects.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:08 , Oli Gent8 mins: Two examinations for Kinsky early with two quick-fire Sunderland corners. Xhaka and Le Fee both whip in inswingers towards the Spurs deputy keeper, but he tips over the first and the second delivery is headed clear.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:05 , Oli Gent6 mins: Big chance! De Zerbi is frustrated as the ball is worked out to Richarlison on the left by Kolo Muani. The Brazilian looks to take it first time, but strikes tamely into Roefs’ hands.
Sam Tabuteau reports
14:03 , Oli Gent5 mins: It looks like a 4-2-3-1, with Bergvall as the 10 and Richarlison and Kolo Muani high and wide. A nice move ends with Porro shooting on goal. That is the sort of move De Zerbi will want to see more of.
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham
14:02 , Oli Gent3 mins: Good start from Spurs as Solanke makes a well-timed run behind the Sunderland defence before cutting it back for Bergvall, who can’t make contact.
Kick off!
14:00 , Oli Gent1 min: We’re underway.
Five minute warning!
13:55 , Oli GentThe players are out, and we’re about to get underway.
Sam Tabuteau reports
13:50 , Oli GentIt has been windy up here in the north-east today, so expect Sunderland to try and use that to their advantage. They are one of the best sides in the Premier League when it comes to long throws and Antonin Kinsky will need to command his area with authority.
A big afternoon for Kinsky as he looks to make amends following his performance against Atletico.
Wanting to emulate who?
13:47 , Oli GentIn his pre-match press conference, De Zerbi said that he wanted to bring back a previous Spurs manager’s style of play...
Roberto De Zerbi wants Spurs to play like they did under Ange Postecoglou again 👀 pic.twitter.com/PIAjAe2GmH
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) April 10, 2026
De Zerbi pre-match
13:40 , Oli GentRoberto De Zerbi’s first pre-match interview as a Spurs manager. Here’s what he had to say...
"I believe in Kinsky."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Roberto De Zerbi on giving the Spurs 'keeper his first start since being substituted against Atletico Madrid 👀🧤 pic.twitter.com/hCKPWi6w4e
'Not acceptable'
13:33 , Oli Gent"No club in the Premier League should be going without a win for this long, it's not acceptable.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Jamie Carragher on Tottenham Hotspur's poor run of results 📉 pic.twitter.com/NGq1caNhcZ
Three things we learned from Arsenal defeat
13:24 , Oli GentSome positive reading for you Spurs fans before this game, as Matt Verri dissects Arsenal’s crushing 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth...
Fan reaction
13:17 , Oli GentHe went all full force, I'd rather Tel over Muani and a midfield of Xavi, Gray, Bergvall
— Arî (@ari_coys) April 12, 2026
Sam Tabuteau reports
13:07 , Oli Gent"The time for talking is over. Spurs must deliver." @tabuteauS gives his pre-match thoughts from the Stadium of Light.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) April 12, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/fenCo27T9s #SUNTOT | #THFC pic.twitter.com/4E8FeixQaZ
Fan reaction
13:00 , Oli GentGreat lineup.
— Tottenham - Fan (@TottenhamF1525) April 12, 2026
I hope we get the win.
Come on lads.
Sam Tabuteau reports
12:55 , Oli GentFive changes in total as Roberto De Zerbi names his first starting lineup as Tottenham manager. Kinsky is in for his first appearance since his nightmare performance against Atletico Madrid, while there is still no place in the side for Xavi Simons.
Gallagher, who was loudly praised by De Zerbi pre-match, comes in as part of a midfield three that also includes Bergvall and Gray. Wholesale changes from De Zerbi on a huge afternoon for Spurs.
Tottenham lineup
12:48 , Oli GentTottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Gallagher; Richarlison, Bergvall, Kolo Muani; Solanke
Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Tel, Simons, Bissouma, Spence, Sarr
Sunderland lineup
12:47 , Oli GentSunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, O'Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra; Rigg, Le Fee; Brobbey.
Subs: Ellborg, Hume, Geertruida, Cirkin, J. Jones, H. Jones, Talbi, Mayenda, Isidor
Team news in five!
12:40 , Oli GentWho will line up for both sides this afternoon?
Romero on De Zerbi
12:35 , Oli Gent"You can already see the difference on the pitch" 📈
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2026
Roberto De Zerbi has made an immediate impact at Spurs, says Cristian Romero 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/kLo69hAZkU
Tottenham predicted XI
12:30 , Oli GentHow could De Zerbi line his side up?
Sam Tabuteau had a go at predicting...
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall; Kolo Muani, Simons, Tel; Solanke
Later on!
12:25 , Oli GentChelsea take on Manchester City in a huge clash that could have huge ramifications for the Premier League title race and the chase for a Champions League place.
De Zerbi swaps confusion for clarity in bid to save Spurs from drop
12:20 , Oli GentHeading into Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge away to Sunderland, the brief is simple. Keep Tottenham in the Premier League, writes Sam Tabuteau.
Speaking in his first press conference since his appointment on a five-year deal, De Zerbi offered a glimpse into the future. A return to Ange-ball and a commitment to get Spurs challenging for the Premier League.
But that all feels a long way off happening right now. His first priority is getting points on the board after Spurs slipped into the relegation zone following West Ham’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolves on Friday.
De Zerbi’s long-term aims may be ambitious, but this is a man who believes he “deserves to manage in the Premier League” and is not afraid to radiate that confidence to his players.
Match odds
12:12 , Oli GentSunderland to win: 6/4
Tottenham to win: 6/4
Draw: 15/8
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head
12:05 , Oli GentSunderland wins: 38
Tottenham wins: 50
Draws: 32
Standard Sport prediction
11:57 , Oli GentSunderland have been somewhat bruised in recent weeks after losing three home games on the spin, but a huge derby win over Newcastle before the international break will have renewed confidence ahead of the visit of Spurs.
Spurs really have no excuse not to improve after an absolutely miserable loss to Nottingham Forest last time out. Amid reports that the players have been energised by De Zerbi’s arrival, you fancy their chances of picking up a result away from home. That first win of 2026 may have to wait, though.
Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham
Tottenham team news
11:50 , Oli GentTottenham have been hit with yet another massive injury blow with Mohammed Kudus suffering a setback in his road to recovery, which could see him miss the remainder of the season.
Mathys Tel and Lucas Bergvall have allayed injury fears to train, while Antonin Kinsky is expected to start in goal after Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery on a hernia during the international break.
Pape Matar Sarr should be available despite suffering a shoulder injury while playing for Senegal, while Rodrigo Bentancur is edging closer to returning from a serious hamstring injury.
There is still no Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies or Yves Bissouma.
Sunderland team news
11:43 , Oli GentGoalkeeper Robin Roefs has been absent for Sunderland since the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in February, but was pictured in training this week and is in contention.
Reinildo and Enzo Le Fee were able to come off the bench against Newcastle, so should start this weekend.
The clash is expected to come too soon for Bertrand Traore, Nilson Angulo, Jocelin Ta Bi, Simon Moore and former Spurs youngster Romaine Mundle, while Dan Ballard may also miss out.
How to watch
11:36 , Oli GentTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 1pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Hello and welcome!
11:30 , Oli Gent... to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Tottenham’s trip to Sunderland in the Premiier League.
New hire Roberto De Zerbi makes his debut in the dugout for Spurs this afternoon in a huge match for the north London club, as they find themselves in the relegation zone with seven games to play.
A victory here would lift them out of the bottom three.
Stay tuned for all the updates, with kick off at 2pm BST.
