Tottenham Hotspur's difficult start to the 2026/27 Premier League season continued as Roberto De Zerbi's side were held to a 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Spurs failed to find the net for a third consecutive league game, while Forest thought they had finally broken the deadlock through Neco Williams, only for VAR to rule out the goal for handball.
The result gave Tottenham their first Premier League point of the season, but their lack of attacking threat produced two unwanted records that underline just how badly things have gone under De Zerbi.
1. Tottenham Failed to Have a Shot on Target
Tottenham failed to register a single shot on target against Nottingham Forest, marking the first time they have failed to hit the target in a Premier League match since April 2022, when Antonio Conte's Spurs faced Brentford.
That statistic is particularly concerning considering the huge investment Tottenham made during the summer transfer window.
Spurs spent more than £300 million strengthening their squad, with the likes of Savio and other attacking additions expected to transform their fortunes in the final third. Yet, against Forest, Tottenham struggled to create any meaningful threat.
Despite De Zerbi's reputation for possession-based, attacking football, his team looked short of ideas for much of the contest. Their inability to test the Forest goalkeeper represents a major concern for a side expected to compete much higher up the Premier League table.
2. Spurs Have Failed to Score in Three Straight Premier League Games
The Forest draw also extended another embarrassing run for Tottenham.
Spurs have now failed to score in three successive Premier League matches, something they had not done since November 2021.
The run began with a 3-0 defeat to Brentford on the opening weekend, followed by a 2-0 loss against Newcastle United. A goalless draw at Forest means Tottenham remain without a Premier League goal after three matches.
Even more remarkably, it is the first time Tottenham have failed to score in their opening three league games since 1974-75.
De Zerbi Under Immense Pressure
For De Zerbi, the statistics make for uncomfortable reading. Tottenham have undergone a huge squad rebuild and invested heavily in attacking talent, but they remain winless and goalless after three Premier League matches.
With pressure already building around the Italian manager, Spurs desperately need their expensive new-look attack to start producing, otherwise De Zerbi will be under immense pressure.