Tottenham Hotspur player ratings as Roberto De Zerbi's big money midfield signings disappoint in loss to Newcastle

Tottenham-Newcastle live Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Roberto De Zerbi is still in search of his first Premier League win of the season as Spurs were stunned by Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

There were little signs of life in Spurs who fielded several of their big money summer signings and doubts will only grow after another mediocre performance in which they were second best by some distance.

Newcastle showed energy, fight and intelligence throughout -- all things Spurs were desperate short on and De Zerbi will need to act quickly before another league season slips away.

Here are ESPN's player ratings from the game.

Manager rating (out of 10)

Roberto De Zerbi, 4 -- Spurs continue to look short on fitness and De Zerbi's system is hurting his players more often than not. His starting line-up raised a few eyebrows and it was an image of putting square pegs in round holes. The changes from the bench also did little so De Zerbi might once again look to get some new faces in before the transfer deadline. There was a typically positive set up from De Zerbi but as was the case last season, there was no sign of a real defensive system in place and when Newcastle punched on the break there was little by way of answer. There's still much work to be done here.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)

Antonín Kinsky, 5 -- Little he could've done about either goal but there are still huge question marks over the decision to make him number one at the club. There was a lack of presence and confidence in the area yet again that clearly filters through to the defence.

Pedro Porro, 7 -- One of the better performers as he operated at right wing. Could've given Spurs the lead if not for a brilliant Lewis Hall block and attempted to keep going at Newcastle.

Jan Paul van Hecke, 6 -- As usual he showcased his ability on the ball with some fine passing, especially in the first half, but he also offered up his weaknesses in defence with some slow, ponderous play when up against Wissa. Did make one very important tackle though.

Micky van de Ven, 6 -- Picked up a booking early on but it was more Tonali's fault that stitched him up. Did well considering he was walking on a tightrope and made one excellent block from Wissa.

Andy Robertson, 6 -- Given the run around by Elanga for the majority of the game but going forward offered some impressive glimpses of what he can offer the team. Should've done better with Dedic's goal however.

Rodrigo Bentancur, 6 -- Busy and energetic in midfield but did let Wissa go free for the goal. He did try to impose himself however and attempted to control the game for Spurs -- something that can't be said for the big money signings.

Sandro Tonali, 4 -- A desperately poor showing which will delight the away fans just as much as the result. Some lazy passes, poor positioning and generally never got hold of the game as he likes to.

Archie Gray, 6 -- The effort was there from Gray as ever and he wasn't at fault on either goal but having Porro just ahead of him certainly helped. The jury is still out on whether right-back really is his permanent position.

Mateus Fernandes, 5 -- Played in a more advanced area but had little impact on the game outside of set-pieces. A lot more will be needed moving forward as like Tonali he disappeared when it mattered.

Mathys Tel, 3 -- Perhaps the worst player in a Spurs shirt and on the pitch in general. No end product, no drive or ambition. He looks like a player desperate short on confidence and surely won't keep his place moving forward.

Omar Marmoush, 7 -- Put the hard work in, showed lots of energy and tried to get in behind Newcastle when possible. Definitely offered some positivity for Spurs fans here as they will be needing this type of presence in attack. Also encouraging was how he grew into the game and began to get a feel for his role.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes: no rating)

Destiny Udogie, 6-- Nearly set up a goal for Solanke and seemed more adept at balancing things at full-back than the experienced Robertson. Might've done enough to get a start.

Mohammed Kudus, 5 -- A huge positive for Spurs seeing Kudus out there after such a bad injury. Lacked sharpness as you'd expect.

Mikey Moore, 5 -- Looked to get involved when he could but clearly lacks the ability for this level as it stands, his wild show into the stands a perfect example.

Dominic Solanke, NR