Tottenham have endured a difficult opening to the new Premier League campaign, remaining without a victory or a goal across their first three matches. The 0-0 stalemate at Nottingham Forest last weekend proved particularly frustrating, with Roberto De Zerbi's side failing to register a single shot on target—a first occurrence in a league fixture for more than four years. That draw did at least secure their opening point of the season, though the manner of the performance raised questions about their attacking threat.
The north London club's struggles come despite a substantial £332m investment during the summer transfer window, which brought 10 new arrivals to the club. According to Reuters, Tottenham's striker shortage has been exposed by their goalless draw with Forest, highlighting the gap between spending and immediate on-pitch results. The club's worst league start since 2008 now sets up a crucial fixture as they seek their first victory.
Spurs will host Everton on Saturday 12 September 2026, with the match kicking off at 17:30 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and broadcast live on Sky Sports. This encounter represents an opportunity to break their barren run and build momentum as the season develops.
Bridge's perspective on early concerns
Sky Sports News' Tottenham correspondent Michael Bridge offered reassurance about the club's position, despite the concerning statistics.
I'm not concerned. It's only three games, and Spurs would've taken a draw at Nottingham Forest. It's a hard place to go under a very good manager in Oliver Glasner.
Bridge acknowledged the heavy defeat to Brentford but contextualised it within the broader picture of a squad undergoing significant transition.
I was at the Brentford game where Spurs were well beaten. I can fully appreciate that Tottenham being under-prepared is unacceptable, so I'll flip it round and say Brentford gave Spurs a good hiding and they fully deserved their win.
The Newcastle match, meanwhile, remained competitive but exposed a lack of clinical finishing.
Newcastle could have gone either way, but Spurs weren't clinical enough. But the reason why I'm not concerned is that it's still so early in the season.
Bridge emphasised the scale of the squad overhaul as a mitigating factor.
The last three games have shown me a little bit of a realisation that you can't expect it all to click so quickly when there have been so many incomings and departures.
De Zerbi's working relationship with the medical team
Questions have emerged about De Zerbi's approach to player management and his interaction with Tottenham's medical staff, particularly regarding substitution decisions. Bridge clarified the situation.
De Zerbi absolutely did not have any complaints about the medical team. He's working closely with the medical team.
The reporter highlighted the club's efforts to prevent a repeat of previous injury crises.
Let's not forget that in the last couple of seasons Spurs have suffered an injury crisis, with key players missing an entire season. Tottenham Hotspur have worked hard over the last few months to ensure that this doesn't happen again, including an investigation which looked into whether the pitch had a bearing on such serious injuries.
Bridge stressed that De Zerbi's substitution protocols were medically driven rather than tactical.
To clarify, De Zerbi doesn't want to take players off at certain minutes, but he's instructed to do so by his medical staff. He's not challenging them or being divisive. He's working alongside them. They are ensuring that De Zerbi has these players for the long term to hopefully prevent situations like Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison from occurring again.
De Zerbi's credentials and the scale of the rebuild
Bridge defended De Zerbi's appointment and the trust placed in him to reshape the squad.
If it wasn't for De Zerbi, there'd have been a very high chance Tottenham would be in the Championship right now.The Italian manager's rescue mission last season earned him the authority to oversee a comprehensive squad transformation.
Spurs have given De Zerbi the keys to mould the squad how he sees fit. I'm of the opinion that he has earned the right to have those keys. He has made tough decisions, including allowing Luka Vuskovic to go to Brighton and to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke for a big fee despite him having a year to go on his contract.
Bridge urged patience with the integration process, suggesting that the true measure of De Zerbi's work will emerge later in the campaign.
I must reiterate, it's three games in. For me, the start of the season for Spurs can be seen as post-transfer window. I think we won't see the real Spurs until maybe even November because there have been so many changes: new captain, new forward line, new midfield, new defence. It takes time.
Expectations and financial reality
The scale of Tottenham's summer investment creates clear performance benchmarks. Bridge outlined what the club must realistically target.
With the outlay, you have to expect that they must finish in European places. It won't be made public, but the aim must be to get back into Europe. Now, of course, when I say Europe, ideally it's the Champions League. But even if it was Europa League football, people are now more aware than ever that additional home fixtures generate revenue.
Brad, in my personal view, mid-table is the very least they should be aiming for.
The statistics behind the goalless streak
Tottenham face an unwanted piece of history on Saturday. Should Everton keep a clean sheet, it will mark the first occasion in the club's Premier League history that they have failed to score in their opening four league matches of a season.
The underlying attacking metrics paint a concerning picture. Despite ranking mid-table for shots attempted in the Premier League this season, Spurs occupy the bottom position for expected goals (xG) per shot. Their overall xG stands at the third-lowest in the division, while only Coventry City have underperformed their chances more significantly than Tottenham.
The benchmark for Premier League sides since the start of last season shows an average xG per game of 1.41. Spurs have yet to reach that average return in any single match under De Zerbi's management.
One significant issue has been the lack of consistency in attacking personnel. De Zerbi has deployed three different attacking combinations across his three league games this season and has rotated 10 different starters across the front three in his 10 league matches in charge.
Squad rotation extends beyond the attacking line. Tottenham have made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season—the most of any club and their joint-most in the opening three games of a campaign in the competition's history.
Physical output and running statistics
A troubling trend has emerged in Tottenham's physical performance metrics. During De Zerbi's seven-game spell last season, Spurs were outrun on just one occasion as they dramatically escaped relegation on the final day. This season, however, they have been outrun in every match.
The running statistics reveal a significant decline. Tottenham rank second-bottom for distance run and 16th for sprinting distance in the Premier League this season, a sharp contrast to their top-five positioning under De Zerbi last season. Higher physical output, improved attacking threat and better quality in the final third are all essential to reverse their fortunes.
Supporter sentiment on the slow start
Tottenham's fanbase has offered mixed reactions to the opening three matches, with many advocating patience given the scale of the squad overhaul. One supporter, RichN, captured a common perspective:
I think it's mad to expect a team with nine or 10 new players, nearly all first 11 players, to gel straight away. It'll take time. Also, still having our previous most creative players in Kudus, Kulusevski, Simons and Maddison either still out or not match fit is a huge handicap for De Zerbi.
Others expressed greater concern about the lack of attacking output. Russ K stated:
After the money that has been spent on assembling De Zerbi's 'Dream Team', we should have made a stronger start than what we have. No goals in the first three games is a real cause for concern. We need a goal scorer, and for me, Troy Parrott would have been an excellent addition.
Mitch L offered a more optimistic assessment:
Not too concerned at all; can see improvement at times game by game. Forward line just needs to click and will come in time. Savio is refreshing to see, very direct and will get us goals through his play. Think one or two goals and confidence is back, and we see them kick on.
Dbuk1 emphasised the unprecedented nature of the rebuild:
It's not concerning at all. We have had a big turnaround of players for the first time in my living memory at Spurs. It's been three games, and we still haven't got a fully fit squad. Everyone calm down and give it time!
Another fan, LF, drew a comparison to Arsenal's development under Mikel Arteta:
Not concerning at all. We have signed a number of players who need time to gel. We also have a number of players still returning from long-term injuries who, once fit, will bolster the squad. Mikel Arteta had five to six seasons to get Arsenal where they are now, so give De Zerbi time!
THFC-TrustTheProcess highlighted the impact of injuries on attacking options:
In the first two games, we were missing attacking players. Savio, Maddison and Kulusevski all out, and Kudus only on the bench after missing pre-season. The expected goals in the last game were miles better than what we produced for most of last season. Just need to start taking our chances. No need to panic yet!
SLB110890 invoked a historical reference:
I said when we had Frank, Rome wasn't built in a day! We have 10 new players and got rid of a load of players who only managed to help us just about avoid relegation. To get all those players to gel instantly is unrealistic; be patient and let the Italian build Rome.
Jmzrc, a Brighton supporter familiar with De Zerbi's methods, offered perspective from experience:
I support Brighton, so I'm familiar with De Zerbi's approach. As Lewis Dunk has said, it took time for players to work out the system and what was expected, but when they did, we were flying. De Zerbi is a system manager, so I think Spurs will be strong once the new players bed in. Be patient.
Imran expressed concern about creative capacity:
The lack of creativity in the team concerns me. Any player with it is injured. Can't see Spurs scoring enough goals
Steven Davids advocated for measured support:
To make so many changes in a short space of time and expect instant results isn't realistic. Patience and support are what the club needs. Better results and performances will come.
Hadcarr acknowledged the challenge while remaining cautious:
It's concerning but not surprising. A group of individuals will take time to gel into a team. All Spurs can hope for this season is mid-table.
Dwilliams drew on recent history:
At the moment I'm not too overly concerned. Yes, the lack of attacking threat in the last few games hasn't been ideal. Let's not forget that this time last season we had beaten Man City 2-0 and were near the top, so a lot can change.
Bravo31 voiced stronger alarm:
We don't seem any better than last season, defence unsure, no midfield flair or aggression, and no one as an out-and-out goal scorer. Concerned!!
Timm900 set a benchmark for concern:
It's far from an ideal start, especially considering how much money has been spent, but with the amount of players that have been brought in, it's bound to take a little time to gel. If it hasn't markedly improved after 10 games, then it's time to panic.
Transfer market context and squad composition
Reuters reported that Tottenham missed out on signing Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye, who instead joined Manchester City, leaving a gap in the striker department. Additionally, Richarlison was omitted from Spurs' Premier League squad, further limiting attacking options.
On the defensive side, the club signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea on a permanent deal, adding depth to the backline as part of the broader reconstruction.
What happens next
Tottenham's immediate focus turns to Saturday's encounter with Everton. The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 12 September 2026 at 17:30 offers the perfect opportunity to end their goalless streak and secure a first victory of the campaign. Success against Everton could provide the platform for momentum to build as the season progresses and injured players return to full fitness.
