Spurs' second-half collapse shows size of De Zerbi's task

LONDON, Aug 29 : Tottenham Hotspur's initially improved performance against Newcastle United gave way once again to familiar failings in Saturday's limp 2-0 loss, leaving coach Roberto De Zerbi's attempt to establish a connection with their fans in tatters.After a dreadful display at Brentford last weekend, in which the scoreline of 3-0 arguably flattered the visitors, Spurs looked sharper for much of the first hour against Newcastle before any optimism was dashed by two cheap goals.Spurs showed glimpses of the crisp attacking play De Zerbi was hired to bring. Then the fragility that led to the Italian becoming their third coach of last season came to the fore as they unravelled in the second half.De Zerbi wrote in his programme notes that he wanted the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to become