Goalless Streak Plagues Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued with a 0-0 draw at home against Everton, extending their goalless run to four consecutive league matches. This marks the first time since September 2006 that Tottenham has failed to score in four successive Premier League games [1]. The recent draw against Everton was also their third 0-0 result in the last four games [2]. The team’s offensive struggles are evident, with their attackers reportedly lacking confidence and often opting against shooting from promising positions [3]. A fan even noted anxiety among the players following another goalless draw [4]. In their latest outing, Tottenham registered an expected goals figure of 0.64 against Everton [5], highlighting their inability to create significant scoring opportunities. Mateus Fernandes had Tottenham’s first shot on target in the second half, a tame effort easily saved [5].
Squad Changes and Injury Concerns
Tottenham’s squad has seen significant changes and has been hit by a series of injuries. New signing Sávio joined late in the transfer window [6] and was played in an attacking position against Everton [1], as was Omar Marmoush [1]. However, several key players suffered injuries during pre-season in Australia, including Mickey van de Ven, Mateus Fernandes, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke [6]. James Maddison, who suffered a shoulder injury, returned as a late substitute against Everton [3], providing a potential boost. Other notable absences included Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro due to injury, with Archie Gray starting at right-back in Porro’s place [2]. Richarlison, Tottenham’s leading scorer last season with 11 Premier League goals [7], was left out of the squad due to a contract dispute and a failed deadline-day move [7].
Managerial Outlook and Transfer Activity
Coach Roberto De Zerbi, who leads Tottenham Hotspur [8], has acknowledged the team’s slow start, attributing it partly to pre-season injuries and late transfer window signings [6]. Despite the significant summer spending, De Zerbi stated he does not feel pressure, emphasizing the club’s clear plan and project [8]. Sandro Tonali, who became the most expensive Italian player ever last summer [8], is expected to be a key part of the starting lineup, alongside players like Andrew Robertson, Omar Marmoush, Mateus Fernandes, Sávio, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke [9]. Off the field, Tottenham is reportedly in advanced talks with Piero Ausilio for a new role, which could further strengthen the Italian presence at the club [10]. Meanwhile, young midfielder Lucas Bergvall has signed a new contract with Tottenham, despite previous interest from Chelsea [11].
What it means
Tottenham Hotspur currently sits in 17th place in the Premier League table with just 2 points from four games, having drawn two and lost two, without scoring a single goal while conceding five. This winless and goalless start reflects a significant struggle for form. Their recent results show two consecutive 0-0 draws, preceded by two losses where they failed to score. This indicates a severe lack of attacking threat and an inability to convert chances. The next fixture sees Tottenham host Aston Villa in the Premier League. This match will be crucial for Roberto De Zerbi’s side to break their goal drought and secure their first win of the season, as they look to climb out of the relegation zone and build some much-needed momentum.
Sources
- BBC Sport: Toothless Spurs blank again as new era turns into a false dawn bbc.co.uk ↩
- The Guardian: Tottenham still waiting for first league goal of season after draw against Everton theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Tottenham analysis: Goalless start stretches to 400 minutes bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: 'I think these Spurs players look anxious' bbc.co.uk ↩
- Sky Sports: Winless Spurs remain goalless after another bore draw against Everton skysports.com ↩
- The Guardian: De Zerbi says Spurs have ‘mental block’ after wait for league win continues theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Richarlison's move to Vasco da Gama falls through bbc.co.uk ↩
- Football Italia: De Zerbi insists he’s not under pressure over Tottenham transfer spending football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: De Zerbi: ‘I’m sure’ about Tonali’s quality, ‘can’t change my idea now’ football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Report Ausilio in advanced and positive talks with Tottenham Hotspur after Inter exit football-italia.net ↩
- BBC Sport: Bergvall signs Tottenham deal after saying he wanted to leave bbc.co.uk ↩