Sports Mole

Fans were treated to three Premier League matches at 2:00PM on Sunday, with perhaps the most pivotal result Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 defeat against Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa will also have huge ramifications at both ends of the table, while Newcastle United lost 2-1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the early afternoon's action.

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi's relegation woes increase

Tottenham Hotspur's 1-0 defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light has left the club stranded in the bottom three.

Roberto De Zerbi's visitors were awarded a penalty just after the 20th-minute mark, but an on-field review saw referee Robert Jones overturn his initial decision of a foul on Randal Kolo Muani by Omar Alderete.

That decision could be looked back at as a costly moment given Sunderland would take the lead on the hour mark through Nordi Mukiele, whose long-range strike deflected past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

The shot-stopper then clashed against teammate Cristian Romero after Black Cats forward Brian Brobbey pushed the defender, though it was Romero that had to come off for Kevin Danso with just over 20 minutes left on the clock.

The result leaves Tottenham in 18th place with 30 points, whereas Sunderland end the afternoon in 10th place with 46 points.

Spurs were always going to encounter difficulties at the Stadium of Light, and there would have been few tougher debut matches for De Zerbi, but another loss may have robbed the squad of any confidence that they can achieve survival.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa: Unai Emery suffers Champions League blow

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 stalemate by hosts Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a result that will impact both ends of the table.

Villa took the lead shortly after 20 minutes, when Morgan Rogers's powerful cross was driven low into the path of Forest centre-back Murillo, who could do little as the ball bounced off him and into the net.

However, Neco Williams equalised seven minutes before the interval, when he struck low into the bottom-left corner from the left side of the box.

Villa missed a number of strong opportunities to take the lead in the second half, ultimately settling for a point and ending the day in fourth place with 55 points.

They are only three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, and a win for Chelsea against Manchester City on Sunday would leave them four points behind in sixth.

Nottingham Forest will be pleased with the point as they are now 16th with 33 points, three ahead of 18th-placed Tottenham.

Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle: Jean-Philippe Mateta sinks Eddie Howe's Toon

Crystal Palace staged a late comeback to beat Newcastle United 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

In what was an otherwise dull first half, William Osula opened the scoring for Newcastle minutes before the break, scrambling on the floor inside the six-yard box to poke home a low cross after slick play on the right.

Jefferson Lerma came close to levelling the scoreline in the second half, but his close-range header somehow struck the bar instead of the back of the net.

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta would draw the Eagles level after Tyrick Mitchell unselfishly passed across the box to the unmarked striker, and that goal was followed by the forward also converting a 94th-minute penalty to give the Eagles all three points.

Three points for Palace means they end the weekend in 13th place with 42 points, the same total as Newcastle, who are 14th due to goal difference.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero was forced off in tears during Sunday's Premier League clash with Sunderland, sparking fears of a serious injury for the World Cup winner.

The Argentina international started as part of a first-choice backline in Roberto De Zerbi's maiden match, alongside regular central partner Micky van de Ven, as well as Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

Romero picked up his ninth yellow card of the Premier League season during a tetchy first half - in which Tottenham also had a penalty overturned - before De Zerbi's men conceded a highly unfortunate opening goal in the second half.

Sunderland full-back Nordi Mukiele charged infield and let fly with a speculative effort on his weaker left foot, which took a wild deflection off of Van de Ven and sailed into the back of the net.

Not long after the visitors fell behind, Romero was involved in a nasty collision with his goalkeeper Kinsky, leaving both needing treatment on the turf for several minutes.

Tottenham's Cristian Romero taken off in tears against Sunderland

Kinsky was treated for a head wound and was bandaged up, but following a concussion assessment, it was decided that the Czech goalkeeper was OK to continue.

Romero also looked as if he would soldier on at first too, but the South American ultimately had to call it a day and was replaced by Kevin Danso.

Romero was visibly emotional as he trudged off the field, during which time he received plentiful support from his teammates, including a couple of kisses on the head from Van de Ven.

The inconsolable centre-back also embraced De Zerbi before taking his leave, and the Spurs boss will no doubt be asked for an update on his captain's condition in his post-game press conference.

However, Romero's tearful withdrawal was not a positive sign for Tottenham, who will end the weekend in the Premier League relegation zone if they cannot come back at the Stadium of Light.

Tottenham's remaining fixtures after Cristian Romero injury

Tottenham's remaining matches 2025-26

April 18: vs. Brighton (H)

April 25: vs. Wolves (A)

May 2: vs. Aston Villa (A)

May 11: vs. Leeds United (H)

May 17: vs. Chelsea (A)

May 24: vs. Everton (H)

While the exact nature of Romero's problem is unclear, there is no knowing what games for club - or indeed country - he might miss with his latest issue,

However, the Argentina international is now a serious doubt for the clash with De Zerbi's old club Brighton & Hove Albion next Saturday, as well as the trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers before the end of the month.

Romero has registered an impressive six goals and four assists in 31 Tottenham matches this season, but he has also missed another 14 games through injury or suspension.

The Premier League have explained why Tottenham Hotspur had a penalty overturned in their Premier League showdown with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Lilywhites made a positive start to their maiden match under new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who selected Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison in the final third.

The former was awarded a penalty - which would have been Spurs' first of the Premier League season - by referee Rob Jones midway through the first half, having gone down under pressure from Omar Alderete and Luke O'Nien.

The Black Cats were understandably incensed at the official's decision, and following a conversation with the VAR room, Jones was sent to the monitor for an on-field review.

Replays showed Sunderland defender Alderete getting his foot to the ball first before Kolo Muani fell over O'Nien, and Jones ultimately reversed his decision to give Tottenham a spot kick.

Premier League issue statement after Tottenham penalty overturned

The Premier League Match Centre explained the referee's revised call in an X statement, posting: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of penalty to Tottenham Hotspur.

"Referee announcement: 'After review, home 15 clearly plays the ball first, before any subsequent contact. Final decision is a drop ball to the goalkeeper. No penalty.'"

The Kolo Muani penalty overturn was the first real flashpoint of the first half at the Stadium of Light, where both Spurs and Sunderland players became increasingly tetchy as the whistle approached.

Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro were all cautioned by referee Jones, as was the fired-up Brian Brobbey, who swung an arm in the direction of Porro during a tussle.

Sunderland-Tottenham penalty incident a refreshingly correct use of VAR

With every single VAR decision that is made in the Premier League, it is important to remember that the technology should only be used to overturn 'clear and obvious' mistakes.

Too many times since its implementation have we seen goals overturned, penalties given - or not given - for minor infringements, which neither referees nor linesman could have realistically seen in real time.

There is also the argument of referees not blowing their whistle often enough due to the VAR 'safety net', although the opposite was true in Jones's case, whose initial call was understandable given his view of the incident.

However, the replays clearly showed that no foul had been committed, and Jones was able to make a relatively quick decision on viewing the evidence, in a good example of how VAR should be used.

Roberto De Zerbi has named his first Tottenham Hotspur lineup to take on Sunderland in Sunday's Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian has made a total of five changes to Igor Tudor's final XI in the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest before the international break, and his attacking selection is particularly intriguing.

Indeed, De Zerbi has gone with three recognised centre-forwards in Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke, the former two of whom will likely feature out wide.

Kolo Muani comes into the XI at the expense of Mathys Tel, who drops to the bench after an injury scare on international duty, while Xavi Simons also has to make do with a place among the substitutes.

Djed Spence, Kevin Danso, Pape Sarr and Guglielmo Vicario - out following hernia surgery - have also lost their places in the XI, as Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Conor Gallagher and Antonin Kinsky come in.

Gallagher and Bergvall could comprise part of a three-man midfield with Archie Gray in a 4-3-3, or the latter could function at right-back, with Porro playing a more advanced role in a 4-4-2 shape.

Sunderland make four changes for Tottenham Premier League clash

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has also rung the changes despite masterminding a 2-1 Tyne-Wear derby triumph over Newcastle United last time out, making four alterations in total.

Enzo Le Fee has been promoted back to the first XI, but in place of Chemsdine Talbi rather than Chris Rigg, as the 18-year-old starts alongside Brian Brobbey in attack once more.

Le Bris has made a further three changes in defence, as first-choice goalkeeper Robin Roefs - back from a hamstring injury - returns over Melker Ellborg as the last line of defence.

Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo Mandava are also preferred to Trai Hume and Lutsharel Geertruida out wide, but Daniel Ballard (hamstring) does not make the squad.

Spurs will rise above West Ham United and climb out of the Premier League relegation zone with all three points against Sunderland, who in turn could overtake both Fulham and Bournemouth to break into the top half with a victory.

Tottenham lineup: Kinsky; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall, Gallagher; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Richarlison

Subs: Austin, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Bissouma, Tel, Spence, Sarr

Sunderland lineup: Roefs; Mukiele, Alderete, O'Nien, Reinildo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Le Fee, Brobbey, Rigg

Today's Premier League predictions include the blockbuster battle between Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur debut away to Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm)

© Iconsport / SUSA

Nottingham Forest play host to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon looking for the win that could move the club clear of the relegation zone.

At a time when Forest sit in 16th position in the Premier League table, Villa begin the weekend in fourth place, holding a six-point advantage in the race for Champions League qualification.

We say: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Aston Villa

With Forest growing in confidence under Pereira, this should prove to be a highly-competitive fixture. Much may also depend on how the managers handle squad rotation in between Europa League games, but a hard-fought draw feels like the most likely outcome.

> Click here to read our full preview for Nottingham Forest vs. Aston Villa, including team news and predicted lineups

Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United (Sunday, 2pm)

© Imago / Sportimage

A rejuvenated Crystal Palace side seek a third straight win in all tournaments when they welcome an out-of-sorts Newcastle United to Selhurst Park for Sunday's Premier League clash.

The Eagles put three past Fiorentina without reply in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday, while the Magpies have had a few weeks to stew on a crushing home loss to bitter rivals Sunderland.

We say: Crystal Palace 2-2 Newcastle United

Some fatigue will almost certainly set in for Crystal Palace, who should not keep a sixth straight clean sheet at Selhurst Park against a refreshed and re-energised Newcastle side.

However, no Guimaraes often means no party for Newcastle, who are also short on numbers in defence and may have to settle for a point in the capital.

> Click here to read our full preview for Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle, including team news and predicted lineups

Sunderland vs. Tottenham (Sunday, 2pm)

© Iconsport / FEP/Icon Sport

The third managerial era of the 2025-26 Tottenham Hotspur season is about to commence, as Roberto De Zerbi makes his second Premier League debut on Sunday, away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion boss inherits a squad still searching for their maiden top-flight win of 2026, while the Black Cats seek a third triumph in four Premier League games after stunning Tyne-Wear adversaries Newcastle United a few weeks ago.

We say: Sunderland 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Glowing reports have already emerged from De Zerbi's first training sessions, with Tottenham players purportedly waxing lyrical about the Italian's methods in these early days.

Expect to see a strong reaction from the Lilywhites on the field as a result, albeit not a strong enough reaction to translate into all three points, as a rejuvenated Sunderland side should hold out for a share of the spoils.

> Click here to read our full preview for Sunderland vs. Tottenham, including team news and predicted lineups

Chelsea vs. Man City (Sunday, 4.30pm)

© Iconsport / Dylan Hepworth/Every Second Media/Alamy Live News

Royal blue and sky blue collide at Stamford Bridge in Sunday's Premier League blockbuster, as Champions League-chasing Chelsea and title outsiders Manchester City lock horns in the capital.

Both clubs marked their returns from the international break with resounding FA Cup victories, as Liam Rosenior's men hit Port Vale for seven while Pep Guardiola's side slaughtered Liverpool 4-0.

We say: Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City

Neither Chelsea nor Man City fans should read too much into the Blues' demolition of Port Vale, and a depleted Blues side should suffer the same fate as Arsenal and Liverpool on home soil.

Not yet giving up on their dreams of bringing the Premier League crown back to Manchester, Guardiola's men should flex their attacking muscles and keep Arsenal honest.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in competition for Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi.

Senesi's contract at Bournemouth is due to expire at the end of June, and the 28-year-old is set to be one of the big movers in the free agent market this summer.

The Argentina international has been in strong form for the Cherries this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions, and he was outstanding in his side's 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Senesi arrived at Bournemouth from Feyenoord in August 2022, and he has represented Andoni Iraola's side on 122 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering nine assists.

Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham 'in competition' for Senesi

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Senesi "is about to choose his next team", and Man United are in competition with Chelsea and Tottenham.

"Marcos Senesi is about to choose his next team. His agents are in close contact with Chelsea, Tottenham, and Manchester United. The rest of the teams are much further away," Moretto posted on his official X account.

Tottenham are currently battling for Premier League survival and would surely stand no chance of signing the defender if they are relegated to the Championship.

Man United and Chelsea, meanwhile, are fighting to secure Champions League football for next season, with the pair third and sixth respectively in the Premier League table.

Barcelona are also among the clubs to be linked with Senesi, who has a chance of being included in the Argentina squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Who will win the race for Senesi this summer?

As mentioned, it will be incredibly difficult for Tottenham to agree a deal for Senesi while the club are fighting to remain in the Premier League.

As a result, it would be fair to assume that Man United and Chelsea are ahead, and there is a more obvious route into the starting XI next season at Stamford Bridge, especially with Harry Maguire signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

However, Man United and Chelsea are clearly both extremely keen on the defender, and neither will want to lose out on one of the most glamorous free agents in the upcoming market.

The Stadium of Light hosts Roberto De Zerbi's second Premier League debut on Sunday afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur head north to battle Sunderland.

The Lilywhites remain just a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League table, while the Black Cats sit 13 points better off and are still dreaming the European dream.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for Sunderland and Tottenham.

SUNDERLAND vs. TOTTENHAM

SUNDERLAND

Out: Nilson Angulo (unspecified), Bertrand Traore (knee), Jocelin Ta Bi (ankle), Daniel Ballard (hamstring) Romaine Mundle (hamstring)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Roefs; Geertruida, O'Nien, Alderete, Hume; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Rigg, Brobbey, Talbi

TOTTENHAM

Out: Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia), Ben Davies (ankle), Wilson Odobert (knee), Yves Bissouma (muscle)

Doubtful: Mathys Tel (knock), Pape Sarr (shoulder)

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has reportedly reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Robertson recently announced that he will bring the curtain down on his nine-year stay at Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season.

With Robertson set to become a free agent, he has been linked with a potential move abroad amid interest from Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Juventus.

However, it appears that the Scotland international looks set to continue his playing career in England.

Robertson agrees Tottenham move

A recent report claimed that relegation-threatened Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners for Robertson's signature.

In a fresh update, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Robertson has a 'verbal agreement' in place to join Spurs this summer.

However, the update claims that nothing has been 'sealed' due to Tottenham's precarious position in the Premier League table.

Spurs are currently two points adrift from safety after dropping into the bottom three following West Ham United's 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.

Robertson's proposed move to Spurs will only go through if Roberto De Zerbi's side can avoid relegation to the Championship.

Why are Spurs keen to sign Robertson?

Tottenham can call upon Destiny Udogie, Djed Spence and Souza as their main left-back options.

However, Udogie's recurring injury issues are a cause of concern and raise doubts over his long-term future in north London.

The right-footed Spence is capable of playing on the opposite side of defence, while Souza is only 19 and will need to continue his development before he can make a realistic claim to be the club's first-choice left-back.

With all that in mind, Tottenham have seemingly identified that area of the pitch as one that needs addressing as part of their summer rebuild.

As long as they are successful in their survival fight, Robertson would be a strong addition to the Tottenham squad, largely because he would bring valuable experience and a strong mentality to a group that has lacked leadership this season.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to pick up an important victory when they travel to Sunderland on Sunday.

The visitors slipped into the relegation zone after rivals West Ham United thumped Wolves 4-0 on Friday, leaving Roberto De Zerbi's side two points from safety with a game in hand.

The hosts, meanwhile, currently sit 11th in the Premier League table and have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the top flight.

Here, Sports Mole details how to watch the contest.

What time does Sunderland vs. Tottenham kick off?

The match will kick off at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon in the UK.

Where is Sunderland vs. Tottenham being played?

The match is being played at the Stadium of Light, which is one of the biggest grounds in the UK with a capacity of around 49,000.

This will be Tottenham's first trip to the ground since 2017 and they are unbeaten in their last seven matches there.

How to watch Sunderland vs. Tottenham in the UK

TV channels

Sunderland vs. Tottenham will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.

Online streaming

There will also be the option to stream the match live in the UK via Sky Go, Virgin TV Go and EE TV if you have a Sky Sports subscription.

You can also purchase a NOW TV subscription to watch the match, with daily and monthly options available for £14.99 and £34.99 respectively.

Highlights

Highlights will be available to watch on the Sky Sports YouTube channel and the official channels of both clubs, while Match of the Day will also broadcast highlights on BBC One from 10:45pm on Sunday.

What is at stake for Sunderland and Tottenham?

Tottenham are in real danger of getting relegated for the first time since 1977 this season and they have given De Zerbi just seven games to save them.

The former Brighton boss returns to the Premier League after a volatile spell in charge of Marseille, where he guided them to a second-place finish in his first season before being sacked midway through his second with the club fourth in Ligue 1 and eliminated from the Champions League.

De Zerbi takes charge of a side that has not won a league game in 2026 and is struggling with an injury crisis, with the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus currently sidelined.

Sunderland, meanwhile, head into this game off the back of a huge 2-1 win over rivals Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.

However, Regis Le Bris's side have lost their last three home games and will be keen to avoid a fourth consecutive home league defeat for the first time since September 2017.

Sunderland are just three points off seventh-placed Brentford and there is still a chance that they could qualify for Europe this season.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their plans to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window, with Giorgio Scalvini on their radar.

However, any transfer planning currently takes a backseat, as survival remains the immediate priority for the north London club following a disastrous 2025-26 campaign.

Spurs currently sit 18th in the Premier League table and are in desperate need of points from their remaining seven matches to retain their top-flight status.

After dismissing two managers in a single season, the club are expected to back Roberto De Zerbi moving forward, although much will depend on where they finish at the end of the campaign.

Strengthening the defence has emerged as a key priority, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin.

Tottenham eye move for Giorgio Scalvini?

According to a report from TeamTalk, Spurs have internally discussed several defensive targets as part of their ongoing recruitment plans, with Scalvini among the options being considered.

The Italian centre-back has made 129 appearances for Atalanta since progressing through the club’s youth academy, scoring eight goals along the way.

Scalvini is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders, although his development has been affected by injury setbacks in recent seasons.

This campaign, the exciting defender has made 16 Serie A starts and scored three goals, showing encouraging signs of returning to his best level.

While several Premier League clubs are monitoring the Italy international, Tottenham are among the interested sides, although no formal approach has been made so far.

New defensive set up at Spurs next season?

De Zerbi could look to reshape Tottenham’s defensive structure, potentially introducing younger profiles into the backline.

Luka Vuskovic has impressed during his loan spell at Hamburg and is expected to return to the club in the summer.

Even so, Spurs may still require an additional centre-back, particularly if Romero or Dragusin depart, making Scalvini an attractive option for the future.