Four hundred million spent, zero points

AP:

Tottenham’s remarkable US$400-million summer spending spree is yet to translate into on-field success in the Premier League.

Two games. Zero points.

Indeed, big-spending Spurs are still searching for their first goal of the campaign after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle yesterday, a week after being dismantled 3-0 by Brentford.

Five of Tottenham’s raft of new signings started the match, including Sandro Tonali, whose every touch was booed by the visiting fans following his US$133-million move from Newcastle, and Omar Marmoush, whose loan switch from Manchester City was finalised only on Thursday.

They made little impact as Tottenham were picked off in the second half. Anthony Elanga swivelled in the penalty area before bending a shot in off the post in the 62nd minute, while Yoane Wissa hooked home a clever finish from close range 10 minutes later.

Spurs, who are coming off back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, are one of three teams to have lost both of their matches so far. It appears it could take time for so many new players to gel. One of them, Savio, was absent yesterday because of a muscle injury.

Not since the 1974-75 season have Tottenham lost their opening two league matches without scoring a goal.

Another draw for Liverpool

The Andoni Iraola era is yet to fully ignite at Liverpool.

For the second straight weekend, Liverpool needed a late equaliser to salvage a point in the Premier League, with summer signing Víctor Muñoz’s 82nd-minute strike earning a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

The Reds also drew 2-2 last week in Iraola’s first league match in charge. On that occasion, a stoppage-time penalty by Dominik Szoboszlai denied Newcastle victory.

There may be teething problems early in Iraola’s tenure, particularly in defence, where Liverpool continue to look vulnerable, but at least there have been signs of resilience.

Liverpool twice came from behind against Forest. Alexander Isak scored the hosts’ first equaliser in the 60th minute to cancel out Dan Ndoye’s first-half goal.

Then, after Morgan Gibbs-White converted a penalty to restore Forest’s lead, Muñoz smashed a shot in off the crossbar after running on to a through ball from Florian Wirtz.

New investor Bhatia in attendance

The Liverpool match was attended by Amit Bhatia, the leader of an investor group, which also includes Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, that has reached an agreement to acquire a minority stake in the club for a reported US$2.2 billion.

Bhatia posed for photographs with Liverpool owner John Henry on the pitch ahead of the match against Forest. The game was also preceded by reports that the Reds had agreed to a US$166-million deal to sign Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

Disappointment for Coventry

The CBS Arena became the Premier League’s latest new venue as Coventry hosted a top-flight match for the first time since 2001, when the club played at Highfield Road.

What was expected to be a memorable occasion for Frank Lampard’s side was spoiled by a 1-0 defeat to fellow promoted outfit Hull, who moved to a maximum six points after stunning Manchester United 2-0 at home last weekend.

Liam Miller scored the winner in the 82nd minute for Hull, who began the season as favourites for relegation.

Bournemouth concede late again

Another weekend brought another painful stoppage-time setback for Bournemouth.

James Tarkowski’s goal in the first minute of added time secured Everton a 1-1 draw, a week after Bournemouth suffered a 2-1 defeat at Manchester City thanks to Josko Gvardiol’s winner in the same minute.

Everton, who remain unbeaten after opening their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, started Iliman Ndiaye, a winger reportedly attracting interest from Manchester City.