Tottenham Hotspur's bleak start to the Premier League campaign continued unabated as they were held to a goalless draw by an unbeaten Everton side on their own turf. The match, which ended 0-0, extended Spurs' inability to find the back of the net into a fourth consecutive league fixture, a scenario that has not occurred in the club’s recent history.
In fact, it marks the first occasion in which Tottenham have failed to score in any of their opening four league games of a season, and it pushes the interval since their last Premier League goal beyond the 400‑minute mark. The previous weekend’s encounter with Nottingham Forest also concluded without a goal, and this latest fixture proved no different. Roberto De Zerbi’s freshly assembled, high‑priced squad once again produced a performance that left the home supporters disgruntled and ultimately led to a chorus of boos as the final whistle blew. The Tottenham faithful witnessed a night of scant chances – only two shots on target for the home side – the first of which was a feeble second‑half effort from midfielder Mateus Fernandes that was met with a mixture of irony and jeering from the crowd.
Statistically, the Spurs managed a meagre expected‑goals (xG) figure of 0.64, underscoring the lack of quality in their attacking output. Everton, on the other hand, enjoyed more promising moments and were able to claim their first away league victory since February. Former Spurs winger Brennan Johnson produced a brilliant chance in the second half, while earlier in the game Tottenham goalkeeper Antonín Kinský nearly handed a soft opening goal to Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall when he failed to claim a routine ball.
The Toffees weathered an early surge from the home side, which saw four attempts within the opening ten minutes. Jan Paul van Hecke missed a close‑range opportunity that could have given Tottenham the lead, and his effort in the fifth minute turned out to be the most threatening chance for the home team throughout the match.
This early pressure was insufficient to break the deadlock, and De Zerbi’s side became the first Spurs team in two decades to endure a four‑game goalless run. The draw also set a few unwanted records for the North London club. It was the inaugural goalless Premier League draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in its 140‑game history, and the first time Spurs have been held to a 0‑0 stalemate at home in the competition since September 2017. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp voiced his frustration after the match: “After spending £300 million, I didn’t expect a goal‑scoring problem.
To go six hours of football without a single goal is simply diabolical. The first 20 minutes gave me hope, but when Fernandes struck and the crowd celebrated, it was clear we were far from impressive.
The connection between fans and players is missing, and I can’t see when the first win will come. The balance of the side is off – Robertson was forced into a left‑back role while Marmoush drifted inside, leaving the team lopsided. De Zerbi must find a way to get the best out of his squad, especially in midfield.
We need Kudus in the ten, Maddison when he’s fit, and a clear role for Kulusevski. Even I am left wondering how I would change things – there are more questions than answers.” De Zerbi was also seen having a heated exchange with substitute Mathys Tel on the pitch after full‑time. In the post‑match press conference, the Italian manager defended his decision to play the young forward, explaining: “I coached him on the pitch.
He is a striker by nature; a striker cannot rely on shoulder‑to‑goal play. If we line up with Maddison, Kudus and Savio, Tel must act as a striker, looking for the goal or for Robertson’s crosses.
He started his career as a striker, even if he now operates on the wing. I like Mathys as a player and a person; that is not the issue.” Everton manager David Moyes offered his perspective on the encounter: “I expected more from my side, but I reminded the players of what’s at stake.
We haven’t performed well here historically, and missing out on Europe a few months ago added pressure. Tottenham pressed us hard for the first 20 minutes, and we struggled to break free. We created a few chances but weren’t good enough when we had the ball.
We know our shortcomings and where we can improve. Some games will force us to adopt a more defensive approach just to stay in the competition. It wasn’t our plan; Tottenham forced us into it, yet I think we showed resilience.” Key moments of the match included: - 5th minute: Jan Paul van Hecke’s close‑range effort, the best chance for Tottenham, went wide.
- 45+1 minute: Everton’s James Garner struck a long‑range free‑kick that was palmed away by Kinský, marking the first shot on target of the game. - 47 minute: Mateus Fernandes produced a weak low shot that was easily saved by Jordan Pickford, prompting sarcastic cheers from the Spurs supporters. - 50 minute: Thierno Barry’s back‑post header was comfortably handled by Kinský. - 66 minute: Kinský saved a near‑certain goal when a pass from him to Dewsbury‑Hall was turned straight at the goalkeeper.
- 89 minute: Everton keeper Pickford made a crucial save after Lucas Bergvall’s attempt, preventing a late winner. Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop summed up the situation succinctly: “It doesn’t take a genius to see where Tottenham’s biggest problem lies – they cannot win games if they cannot score. After 400 minutes without a goal, the lack of a reliable number nine is glaring. Dominic Solanke, the only true striker available, was barely involved, registering just 19 touches and no shots.
Whether the issue is his rustiness, a lack of service, or De Zerbi’s tactics remains to be seen, but the club cannot afford to wait until January for a solution. The onus is on the manager to find a way to get Solanke more involved or to reinvent the attack altogether.” In summary, the match reinforced the narrative that Tottenham’s season is being defined by an alarming scarcity of goals despite a roster filled with creative talent. The club’s leadership faces mounting pressure to rectify the offensive dysfunction, whether through tactical adjustments, player rotations, or potential January signings. Until then, the Spurs supporters will continue to endure a frustrating spell of goalless football, hoping that a breakthrough is just around the corner.