Tottenham set unwanted club record after fourth straight league blank
Tottenham’s 0-0 draw at Everton has left Roberto De Zerbi with an unwanted club first: Spurs have failed to score in each of their opening four league matches.
Historic scoring drought deepens
The Everton stalemate followed league defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United, as well as another scoreless outing against Nottingham Forest. Tottenham have never previously begun a league season with four consecutive matches without a goal.
A point at Everton offers little relief after another display in which Spurs could not make a decisive impact in the final third. Pressure is growing on the attack after the side again failed to test the opposition enough to find a breakthrough.
- Tottenham have played four league fixtures without scoring.
- The run includes defeats against Brentford and Newcastle United.
- They have drawn blanks against Nottingham Forest and Everton.
- Back-to-back clean sheets have come against Forest and Everton.
De Zerbi points to defensive progress
De Zerbi chose to focus on the improvement at the other end, arguing that consecutive shutouts show his team are becoming more solid.
The Italian said two clean sheets in two games would earn major praise in his homeland, challenging the focus on Tottenham’s lack of goals. He questioned whether the immediate verdict should be about defensive security or the scoreless attack.
Spurs have therefore found a measure of stability, but the balance remains badly off. Their defensive work has tightened while their forwards have yet to register a league goal.
Tel exchange explained
There was visible frustration after the final whistle when De Zerbi held an animated discussion on the pitch with Mathys Tel. The substitute had struggled to alter the game after coming on in the second half.
De Zerbi insisted there was no issue between them, saying the conversation concerned Tel’s positioning as a central forward. With James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Savio operating around him, Tel was instructed to play on the shoulder of the goal and keep his focus towards the target.
The manager also referred to a Robertson cross, saying Tel should have stayed inside the box. He stressed that, although Tel has recently featured as a winger, he began his career as a striker and must use those instincts in penalty-area situations.
De Zerbi underlined that he values the player and described the on-field exchange as coaching rather than a confrontation.
Liverpool test comes before Villa visit
Tottenham now head to Anfield for a Carabao Cup third-round tie against Liverpool, with the trip offering an immediate and demanding chance to end their drought.
Premier League action resumes on Saturday when Aston Villa visit Tottenham. De Zerbi’s next task is clear: retain the defensive discipline shown in the last two matches while finally producing the attacking edge his side have lacked all season.
