Tottenham 0-0 Nottingham Forest, Still Without a Goal After First Three League Matches of New Season

In Premier League Round 3, Tottenham drew 0-0 away at Nottingham Forest, leaving their league goal tally at zero in the new season. This is the first time since 1980 that Tottenham have failed to score in their opening three league matches of a season.

In their previous two league matches, Tottenham suffered defeats against Brentford and Newcastle. The team, which spent nearly £400 million in the summer transfer window, is already under significant pressure. Against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham still failed to end their scoring drought.

During the match, Nottingham Forest had a goal ruled out by VAR. Neco Williams put the ball into the net from close range inside the penalty area, but VAR determined that he had handled the ball beforehand, and the referee ruled out the goal.

Nearly £400 million spent, still no goals after three rounds

Tottenham spent nearly £400 million in the summer transfer window, making them one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League summer window. However, after three league matches, the team have not only failed to score but have collected just one point.

In this match, Tottenham enjoyed more possession, but they lacked attacking solutions against Nottingham Forest's defense and failed to score.

This is Tottenham's first time since 1980 going without a goal in their opening three league matches of a season. After heavy spending in the summer window, the team have instead set such a record, and manager De Zerbi's pressure is increasing.

VAR rules out Nottingham Forest goal

The controversial decision occurred in the second half. Nottingham Forest's Williams received a cross from a teammate inside the penalty area and put the ball into the goal from close range, but VAR intervened and determined that Williams had handled the ball first, ruling out the goal.

Slow-motion replays showed that Williams' right arm did touch the ball, but whether the contact constituted deliberate handball became a topic of discussion after the match. Nottingham Forest felt the decision was too harsh, while Tottenham believed VAR made the correct call.

For Tottenham, the decision was crucial. If the goal had stood, Tottenham would have suffered three consecutive defeats to start the season and their situation would have become more difficult. Although they only earned one point, they at least avoided a worse outcome.

Tottenham's attacking problems

With zero goals in three matches, Tottenham clearly have issues in attack. From the flow of the games, Tottenham have lacked effective ways to break through defenses in settled play, with low-quality crosses from the wings and a shortage of through balls capable of splitting defenses.

Since taking charge, De Zerbi has emphasized possession and passing football, but Tottenham's current squad setup does not appear to fully suit this approach. The attacking players lack understanding, overlapping runs occur frequently, and attacks often fail to produce results.

Next, Tottenham will enter the international break, giving De Zerbi nearly two weeks to adjust the team's attacking system. However, time is limited, and if Tottenham still cannot score after the league resumes, their position could fall further.

For Tottenham supporters, this start is undoubtedly disappointing. Nearly £400 million in spending has not produced immediate results and has instead led to the club's worst start in 46 years. De Zerbi needs to find solutions quickly, otherwise greater uncertainty may surround his position.