Five Things We Learned From Tottenham’s 0-0 Draw With Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur finally picked up their first Premier League point of the season after playing out a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
However, despite avoiding a third consecutive league defeat, Spurs were unable to score once again and remain without a Premier League goal this season. Here are five major talking points from the match.
1. Tottenham’s goalscoring problem is becoming a serious concern
The biggest issue for Tottenham remains their lack of goals.
After failing to find the net against Brentford and Newcastle, Spurs once again drew a blank against Nottingham Forest. That means Roberto De Zerbi’s side have now gone three consecutive Premier League matches without scoring.
Tottenham did have moments when they looked capable of creating danger, but their attacking moves repeatedly lacked the final pass, quality or composure needed to produce a goal.
Considering the amount of investment made in the squad during the summer, the continued lack of attacking output will be a major concern for De Zerbi.
2. Spurs finally have something positive to take from their defence
Although Tottenham struggled to create chances, there was at least one significant improvement: they kept their first clean sheet of the Premier League campaign.
After conceding three goals against Brentford and two against Newcastle, the Spurs defence looked considerably more solid at the City Ground.
Forest did have a goal ruled out in the second half after VAR determined there had been a handball in the build-up. Tottenham were relieved to escape that moment without falling behind.
The clean sheet gives De Zerbi something to build on, even though much more improvement is still required at the other end of the pitch.
3. Tottenham still need more creativity
Another obvious lesson from the match was Tottenham’s lack of creativity in the final third.
Spurs struggled to consistently unlock a Forest defence that was organised and difficult to break down. Their possession often failed to translate into clear opportunities, while the final ball was frequently missing.
The absence of a natural creative presence in attacking midfield continues to be an issue. Tottenham need players capable of receiving the ball between the lines, turning under pressure and creating opportunities for the forwards.
Until that improves, Spurs are likely to continue finding it difficult to score consistently.
4. The new signings need time to develop as a team
Tottenham have made significant changes to their squad, bringing in several new players during the summer transfer window.
However, adding quality individuals does not automatically produce an instantly functioning team.
The players still need time to understand De Zerbi’s tactical ideas, develop chemistry and learn each other’s movements. That was particularly noticeable in the attacking areas against Forest.
There were flashes of promise, but Spurs still looked like a team trying to establish its identity.
The positive side is that the squad has plenty of new options, meaning De Zerbi has the personnel to improve the situation. The challenge now is finding the right combinations and getting them working together.
5. One point is better than another defeat, but Spurs need much more
The result ended Tottenham’s run of two consecutive Premier League defeats and gave De Zerbi his first league point as Spurs manager.
Nevertheless, the draw should not disguise the problems facing the team.
Tottenham are still searching for their first league victory and, even more worryingly, their first Premier League goal of the season. Their defensive improvement is encouraging, but the attacking performances must improve quickly.
With the quality Tottenham have added to their squad, supporters will expect results to improve once the new players become fully integrated.
For now, the 0-0 draw at Forest provides a small step forward, but De Zerbi still has plenty of work to do before Tottenham begin looking like the side many expected them to be this season.
