Tottenham Hotspur's wretched start to the Premier League season continued as they were held goalless by Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, extending their scoreless run in the competition to 407 minutes. Despite dominating possession for long spells, Roberto de Zerbi's overhauled squad once again failed to find a way past the opposition goalkeeper, this time Jordan Pickford.
The result marks the first time in the club's history that Spurs have gone without a goal in their opening four league matches across all four divisions, and it is also the first occasion since September 2006 that they have failed to score in four consecutive Premier League fixtures. The frustration was compounded by the fact that this was the first goalless draw at their current stadium in 140 Premier League matches played there.
The alarming form comes despite a summer spending spree in excess of £300 million, much of it invested in reshaping the team's attacking options under the Italian coach. Yet for all the outlay, Spurs managed just one shot on target in the entire first half, and their first effort of note did not arrive until the 46th minute, when new arrival Mateus Fernandes tested Pickford - a moment greeted with sarcastic cheers from the home crowd.
Everton, who themselves lacked cutting edge going forward, nevertheless created the two clearest opportunities of the match. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Brennan Johnson both spurned chances that could have condemned the hosts to defeat, with Jarrad Branthwaite marshalling the visitors' defence impressively throughout.
De Zerbi turned to his bench in search of a breakthrough, introducing summer signings Omar Marmoush and Savio, while handing Dominic Solanke his first league start of the season. Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison were also summoned as the game wore on, and it was substitute Lucas Bergvall who came closest to snatching a late winner, forcing a smart save from Pickford after being played into space.
Afterward, De Zerbi offered a public apology to supporters.