Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge of Tottenham Hotspur ended in defeat after they were beaten 1-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The Italian took over from Igor Tudor, who left north London last month, and Spurs entered the contest in the Premier League relegation zone after West Ham beat Wolves on Friday.
An open first half saw Spurs have a penalty decision overturned in the 21st minute and both teams enjoy opportunities, with Brian Brobbey, Richarlison and Dominic Solanke all going close.
However, Sunderland took the lead 11 minutes into the second half through Nordi Mukiele’s deflected strike, which proved to be enough as Regis Le Bris’ side clinched back-to-back league wins.
Defeat leaves Spurs languishing two points adrift in the drop zone with six games left to play, still searching for their first Premier League win of 2026.
Nottingham Forest earned a vital point in their quest for safety after a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa at the City Ground.
Neco Williams' goal seven minutes before the break cancelled out Murillo’s earlier own goal to make it four games unbeaten for Vitor Pereira’s side.
The draw means they are three points clear of the drop zone with six games to go.
Villa, who strengthened their Champions League qualification hopes, will rue a string of missed chances, with Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins both going close.
But both sides will respect the point after midweek away trips in the Europa League and this match could serve as a dress rehearsal for a two-legged semi-final in a few weeks.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty in the fourth minute of stoppage time snatched a 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace against Newcastle, who saw their European qualification hopes suffered a fresh blow.
Mateta had earlier stepped off the bench to cancel out William Osula’s opener at Selhurst Park before the Frenchman’s late spot-kick earned the Eagles just their second home win in the Premier League since November.
A much-changed Newcastle were unable to put their Tyne-Wear derby disappointment from three weeks ago behind them as they remained five points behind seventh-placed Brentford.