Tottenham Hotspur left Nottingham with a point, but their attacking statistics showed just how difficult things remain in the final third.
Spurs attempted 12 shots against Nottingham Forest, yet none found the target. Things had become so desperate that even a Pedro Porro pass which travelled all the way into the goalkeeper’s arms could almost be mistaken for an effort on goal.
Still, there were positives for Roberto De Zerbi to take from the 0-0 draw. Tottenham had lost their previous four meetings with Forest, often looking short of ideas and intensity. This time, however, De Zerbi’s side looked considerably more organised.
Despite still having a new-look squad that is trying to develop an understanding, Spurs showed much better structure both in possession and when defending. They also recorded their first clean sheet of the campaign.
The biggest weakness was obvious: Tottenham simply could not create enough attacking cohesion.
With the number of attacking options now available to De Zerbi, there is every reason to believe that will eventually change. The Italian still needs to work out which combinations fit together best, because right now Spurs’ attacking pieces look like they have been thrown into a box without anyone knowing where they belong.
One player who stood out, however, was Rodrigo Bentancur.
De Zerbi wanted Tottenham to strengthen every area of the squad during the summer, particularly midfield. But despite the huge investment in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, Saturday’s performance highlighted just how valuable Bentancur remains.
The Uruguayan’s experience is clear. When fully fit, he offers Tottenham both defensive aggression and composure in possession. He covers enormous ground, wins challenges and can remain calm when surrounded by pressure.
Against Forest, Bentancur recorded 18 defensive contributions — more than any other player on the pitch. He made nine clearances, including seven with his head, alongside six recoveries, two interceptions and a tackle.
Tonali was the closest player to matching those numbers, producing 12 defensive contributions through four tackles, four recoveries, two blocks, a clearance and an interception.
De Zerbi wants his teams to move the ball quickly through the lines or exploit space out wide. Bentancur is particularly useful in the latter area, although improving his progressive passing could make his overall influence even greater.
De Zerbi himself described Bentancur’s display as a “great game” and also highlighted the performances of Tonali, Micky van de Ven and Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher’s contribution was less obvious but equally important. He frequently dropped into a right-back position, allowing Pedro Porro to push higher alongside Savio or move inside into midfield.
That tactical adjustment helped Spurs compensate for the absences of James Maddison and Xavi Simons.
De Zerbi also explained why Gallagher was so useful in a difficult environment.
“You know, I have experience enough to know what this stadium is. This stadium is English football, and Gallagher, he knows better this type of games,” he said.
The Spurs boss also backed Mateus Fernandes to eventually become one of Tottenham’s best players while admitting he still has to find his ideal starting XI.
Pushing Porro higher up the pitch nearly produced the breakthrough when the Spaniard delivered a superb curling ball for Omar Marmoush, who managed to get onto it but could only send his effort narrowly wide.
Defensively, Tottenham looked stronger than they have done so far this season.
Morgan Gibbs-White managed to break through the Spurs backline on two occasions, but Antonin Kinsky came to Tottenham’s rescue both times. The goalkeeper also launched an enormous pass that eventually created another opportunity for Marmoush.
One of the biggest scares came when Gibbs-White escaped and Kinsky’s save sent the ball into the air. Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke raced back, but Tonali’s attempted clearance went badly wrong before ultimately becoming a vital touch on the goal line.
Neco Williams then appeared to force the ball over the line with his hands while trying to protect his face. VAR eventually ruled in Tottenham’s favour.
Aside from those moments, Spurs were well organised and much more comfortable building from the back.
Van de Ven looked sharper and even came close to scoring with a header from a corner. His partnership with Van Hecke is also beginning to develop after the pair previously played together at Netherlands Under-21 level.
But while Tottenham’s defence showed encouraging signs, the attack remains a major concern.
De Zerbi’s forwards currently look like a group struggling to understand one another. There is talent throughout the attack, but the combinations are not yet producing the fluid football the manager wants.
That helps explain why Tottenham were so interested in Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool forward would have provided a more established attacking option, although Liverpool were determined to keep him.
Savio and Mathys Tel both possess enormous potential, but their youth means inconsistency is inevitable.
Savio can look almost impossible to stop one moment before giving the ball away with a risky decision moments later. Tel has also shown flashes of quality but has struggled to maintain that level throughout games.
Tel’s position could become even more difficult once Mohammed Kudus reaches full fitness.
The Ghanaian looked understandably rusty during his second appearance from the bench but still managed to create an excellent opportunity for Dominic Solanke.
Once Kudus is ready to start, potentially against Everton, he could occupy the right flank while Savio or Marmoush operates from the left.
That leaves Tel under pressure to prove that he deserves his place — and his performance against Forest did little to strengthen his case.
De Zerbi admitted Tottenham need to become much better in the final third.
“We played well but in the last third we have to improve. We have to take the better decisions,” the Spurs boss explained.
The Italian pointed to several situations where Tottenham had opportunities to create clearer chances but failed to select the right pass or make the right movement.
For De Zerbi, the biggest issue is not simply creating opportunities but making the correct decision when those opportunities arrive.
He was nevertheless encouraged by Tottenham’s defensive organisation and team spirit.
“I’m very happy for the spirit of the team, for the organisation, with and without the ball,” De Zerbi said.
“We are not happy because we didn’t win, but I think this is the right spirit and the right way to move on in this moment.”
Mykhailo Mudryk also made his Tottenham debut in the second half, replacing Tel in the 74th minute.
The Ukrainian still looked short of match fitness, having not played competitive football since November 2024, but De Zerbi believes he can improve considerably once he gets back to full physical condition.
“Mudryk is not ready yet. He’s working to reach the best physical condition. He needs time, he needs work,” De Zerbi said.
The Spurs boss also acknowledged that both Tel and Mudryk possess significant potential but must improve their decision-making if Tottenham are going to score consistently.
De Zerbi now has enough options to completely change his attacking trio. The challenge is finding three forwards who can complement each other and consistently produce chances and goals.
Tottenham’s defensive structure at Forest offered encouragement. Their attack, however, remains a work in progress.
The big question now is whether De Zerbi can turn a collection of talented attackers into the free-flowing, decisive attacking unit that his teams are known for.
