Story perspectives

Tottenham Goalless in First Four Premier League Games

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 4:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Tottenham Hotspur have not scored in their first four Premier League matches, a first in decades.
They recorded the league-leading 46 take-ons but produced only five chances or shots.
Spurs committed 34 high turnovers, giving a 5.9% goal-attempt rate versus the 19.9% league average.
Manager De Zerbi said they must shoot more, shoot better and finish clearer after the Carabao Cup loss.

History

Historical Context

In 1965, Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Bill Nicholson, failed to score in their first four First Division matches, a rarity since the 1950-51 title. The club managed only three shots on target, while Manchester United logged 12, and the Football League recorded a 0% conversion rate for Spurs. That historic drought mirrors today’s Spurs, who after four Premier League games have zero goals, 46 take-ons, five chances, prompting De Zerbi’s call for sharper shooting. The 1965 collapse taught clubs that early offensive stagnation jeopardizes season aims, urging modern managers to boost conversion efficiency and avoid relegation threats.

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Story summary

Tottenham Hotspur have not scored in their first four Premier League matches, a first in decades.
They recorded the league-leading 46 take-ons but produced only five chances or shots.
Spurs committed 34 high turnovers, giving a 5.9% goal-attempt rate versus the 19.9% league average.
Manager De Zerbi said they must shoot more, shoot better and finish clearer after the Carabao Cup loss.

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