De Zerbi’s £165 million attack under fire as Spurs fail to score

Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham side secured a point at Nottingham Forest but remain without a goal for the third successive Premier League match, leaving the £165 million attack under intense scrutiny and the manager facing mounting criticism, as reported by TOM COLLOMOSSE, FOOTBALL on 5 September 2026.

Tottenham held Nottingham Forest to a 0‑0 draw at the City Ground, failing to register a single shot on target and leaving the side without a goal for the third successive league match.

De Zerbi slams his forwards

De Zerbi vented his frustration, saying, “In the last third we have to improve. We have to improve and take better decisions, make keep calmer when we are close to doing something important in the final third.” He added that missed chances from Omar Marmoush and Mathys Tel highlighted poor decision‑making.

The manager also explained that he withdrew Savio, who made his Premier League debut after a £75 million move from Manchester City, and Destiny Udogie on medical advice, describing them as “crucial players” whose fitness could not be risked.

Oliver Glasner, Forest’s boss, was furious after VAR ruled out Neco Williams’ apparent goal, arguing the decision should not have been taken without a clear and obvious error. Williams countered that the ball had not struck his arm.

Spurs’ goalless start marks the first time since 1974 that the club have failed to score in each of their opening three league games.

The summer spending has been reported at between £165 million and £400 million, reflecting the scale of the investment behind the new‑look side.

De Zerbi will look to spark his attack in the next league fixture, hoping the points haul can be matched by the long‑awaited first goal of the season.