Tottenham 0-0 Everton: What De Zerbi and Robertson saidpublished at 21:18 BST
21:18 BST
Media caption,
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We played 30 minutes very well. Then we lost some confidence because we didn't score. We lost energy because our physical condition is not good enough yet. We made many mistakes in the last third - we made wrong decisions in finishing and passing.
"But we started late and had many problems in the squad because of the World Cup players, injuries, transfer market where situations were too late not because of our responsibility. Now we are working. We started 10 days ago to work with all players.
"We have to improve. We have to analyse better the situations individually and collectively.
"Football is like this. You could have lost the game today. We have to respect that. We are sorry to the fans because they stayed very, very close to the players, especially in the first half. But when you have fans and a coach like me who are very passionate, you can be angry when you don't score or shoot when you have chance.
"We have not players with many, many goals in their careers but anyway we have great players. I love my group. I am realistic that if we extend the first 30 minutes to more time on the pitch, we are going to win many, many games."
On James Maddison: "He is a great player - maybe the biggest talent in the squad. But he is not in the right physical condition to play. Hopefully he can work with the more in a couple of weeks. He will be important like he has done in his career."
On the team's level currently: "I think the first 30 minutes have been the best this season. I think during that part of the game, we could have shot more times and created more chances. But I think it's only normal process."
Tottenham defender Andy Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's about staying positive. Keep going and keep working hard every week. Today for large parts, I thought we were really good. But we are missing the key part. You win games by scoring goals. We have the quality but we are not showing it at the moment.
"Bump in the road in the first half was we went down to 10 men for a while. We should not let things like these affect us. That was the shift in the first half but we came back into the game. I never felt Everton were on top any time.
"Our final decisions in the final third have to be a lot better. Not rush it and stop looking at the clock and not panic. Lot of positives to take from today and lot of work to do as well.
"We conceded five goals in the first two games but we have keep two clean sheets now. It takes a lot of courage to do that. It's a huge positive. We have to put the whole package together. It's not because of the lack of trying. If you can't win, do not get beaten."
On reaction from fans at full-time: "They were excellent in the first half and kept pushing us and pushing us. It's natural unfortunately this club has been through a lot during the last couple of years. These fans have walked through these gates far too many times and not seen their team win. We need to change that together. We need to stick together and push together. We were all frustrated at the end because I thought we should have won the game with the chances we had.
"Fans come to the game and want to be entertained and we didn't give them that today. So no problem with them showing the frustration."
Did you know?
Only Crystal Palace in 2017-18 (first seven games) have endured a longer start to a Premier League season without scoring than Tottenham Hotspur in 2026-27 (first four), while it's Spurs' longest goalscoring drought to the start of a season in the top four tiers.
It has been 407 minutes since Tottenham Hotspur last scored in the Premier League, while they have failed to score in four successive Premier League matches for the first time since September 2006.
Tottenham analysis: Goalless start stretches to 400 minutespublished at 19:54 BST
19:54 BST
Joe Rindl BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Spurs have not scored in any of their first four league matches, over 400 minutes of football, and again struggled to create many meaningful moments in their 0-0 draw with Everton.
After back-to-back 17th-placed finishes and £302m spent in the summer transfer window, the only way seemed up for Spurs before this season.
Instead, after five matches in all competitions their only victory has come against Charlton in the Carabao Cup, while their league start is statistically their worst since 2008-09.
Throughout the match, and in front of a restless home crowd, the Spurs attackers seemed to lack confidence and often opted against shooting in promising positions.
The frustration was particularly telling when a tame shot from summer signing Mateus Fernandes was easily saved by Jordan Pickford in the 47th minute and greeted by ironic cheers.
James Maddison came on as a late substitute, having missed his side's last two league fixture with a shoulder injury, but he was unable to conjure up any late magic.
Spurs were instead booed by a handful of their supporters at full-time following the first ever goalless draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They visit Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in their next match on Tuesday.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Hull City" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Everton match", for example.
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Sutton's predictions: Tottenham v Evertonpublished at 08:44 BST
08:44 BST
This is absolutely massive for Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi. First and foremost, though, he needs to take a bit of responsibility for his side's poor results.
He blamed the Spurs strikers after their 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest, but at least he has got some in his squad.
I just find it wild that in a billion-dollar industry, which football is now, Everton got themselves in a position where they let Beto leave, knowing there was a possibility that Folarin Balogun might fail his medical and without having anyone else lined up.
Could they still go to Spurs and nick something? Absolutely. I am still not sure whether Tottenham being at home counts as an advantage.
But this game has a draw written all over it, and is actually an easy game to predict.
Spurs are a 'law of averages' team, or at least that's the way I see it. Eventually they have to score and eventually they have to win too, but I don't see both things happening this weekend.
Tottenham v Everton: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:36 BST 11 September
19:36 BST 11 September
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Everton look to continue their unbeaten start visiting a Tottenham side yet to win in the Premier League this season.
BBC Sport examines some of the key themes going into their meeting in north London.
When Spurs faced Everton in their final match of last season, they needed to win to stay in the division. A 43rd-minute goal by on-loan midfielder Joao Palhinha proved decisive as Tottenham finished in 17th for a second successive season.
Since relegation was avoided in dramatic fashion, Spurs have spent a net total of about £160m in the summer transfer window on 10 players. Their return so far has been a solitary point, and that arguably fortuitous in its arrival after their goalless draw at Nottingham Forest last Saturday.
Forest wing-back Neco Williams had what would have been a match-winning goal ruled out for handball after a VAR review to save Tottenham from opening with three defeats.
Roberto de Zerbi's side are one of only two Premier League teams yet to score a goal, along with Aston Villa, and Tottenham are creating few real chances. Only Villa, who have managed just one shot on target this season, and promoted Hull City, have lower expected goals totals so far.
That can be partly explained by De Zerbi's ongoing search to settle on his preferred starting line-up. He has made eight changes to the starting XI in the Premier League this season, the most of any manager and Spurs' joint-most in the first three games of a campaign in the competition.
Everton made just one change when they continued their unbeaten start to the season by scoring a 96th-minute equaliser to draw 2-2 with Manchester United last weekend, with Brennan Johnson replacing Iliman Ndiaye following the latter's move to Manchester City.
Deadline-day signing Ainley Maitland-Niles was the unlikely hero, scoring his first Premier League goal in nearly eight years, and only his second in all 110 appearances in the competition.
While the former Arsenal full-back ultimately decided the result, winger Tyrique George was perhaps the Toffees' standout performer. He initially impressed on the left before switching to the right to make room for substitute Jack Grealish and promptly scored his first goal for the club to level affairs at 1-1.
George's numbers were his best so far in an Everton shirt, carrying the ball with menace and creating clear-cut chances.
It is the kind of individual performance from a relatively inexperienced youngster that Everton will need this season given their squad currently consists of 18 outfield players.
James Garner, who hobbled off in the second half against Manchester United, is not expected to reduce the options of David Moyes further, with his withdrawal put down to cramp.
Tottenham, though, have only lost one of their past 17 Premier League home games against Everton (W12, D4), while they have never failed to score in any of their first four league games in a campaign before.
De Zerbi on team fitness, hunt for three points and Richarlison's futurepublished at 15:36 BST 11 September
15:36 BST 11 September
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
James Maddison is available and Mohammed Kudus is "very close to being ready to start the game" against Everton.
De Zerbi confirmed Mykhailo Mudryk is sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up in training, adding: "We need him back as soon as possible. For him, he's suffered too much, and for us because he's an important player for us."
Dejan Kulusevski has not trained with the squad this week, but his set back is "not a big problem."
The Spurs boss said he does not know if striker Richarlison will leave: "What l can say is that I know very well what the club has done for Richarlison, and very well what Richarlison has done for the club in the last two months. I know, he knows, the club knows, his agent knows, everyone knows - better than you [the media], much better."
He said Maddison playing on the left could be "a good solution" in light of injuries, with De Zerbi adding: "He's very smart and when you play with smart players they can smell the right position."
Despite only earning a point from the opening three games, De Zerbi insists they "are better than last season" and "are working well" in training.
On their search for the first win of the campaign, he added: "We are not winning and we are not scoring, but I am positive because I believe in my players and this group. I am not happy because I suffer from defeats and when we don't score, but I am experienced enough to see improvement."
De Zerbi said it's "not enough to say we need to win the game" against Everton because they "need to build the right way to win a game". On what that means, he explained: "We have to press, win the ball, play with courage all whilst following the plan."
'We're building something great' - new Bergvall deal after uncertain summerpublished at 12:40 BST 11 September
12:40 BST 11 September
Image source, Getty Images
Lucas Bergvall says Tottenham is the "right place" for him after extending his contract with the club.
Three months ago, the Sweden midfielder was facing an uncertain future and exploring options away from Spurs after playing limited minutes at the end of last season.
Bervall, 20, joined Tottenham in 2024 and later signed a deal that ran until 2031, but has penned another extension with the north London outfit as he looks forward to a "really good season".
"We're building something great here," Bergvall said. "It's an exciting time for the club and that's why I'm happy to extend my contract.
"I'm always trying to achieve as much as possible, to be the best version of myself both on and off the pitch and I know this is the right place to do that.
"My goal is to produce more for the team - performances, goals and assists - to help as much as I can. I'm getting better every day in training and I'm looking forward to what will be a really good season ahead."
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi added: "Lucas is brave, he wants responsibility and has the personality to play in big moments.
"He also understands that development is a process and he has shown a fantastic attitude towards working on the areas of his game where he can become even better.
"I believe his best football is still ahead of him and we want to give Lucas the platform to reach his full potential."
Did Chelsea's breaches really impact the 2016-17 title?published at 17:19 BST 10 September
17:19 BST 10 September
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea should be stripped of the Premier League title for 2016-17, when his Tottenham team finished runners-up.
This is about Chelsea making £47m in secret payments, according to a Premier League investigation, to unregistered agents and third parties to seal transfers between 2011 and 2018.
The transfers included Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto'o, Willian, Ramires, David Luiz, Andre Schurrle and Nemanja Matic.
Four of those - Hazard, Willian, Luiz and Matic - were at the club in 2016-17.
During that period Chelsea won two Premier League titles (2014-15 and 2016-17), two FA Cups (2011-12 and 2017-18), the EFL Cup (2014-15) and the Europa League (2018–19).
"If they admitted they broke the rules, the Premier League title was for the second-best team," Pochettino said.
Tottenham were relentless at the end of the 2016-17 season, winning 12 of their final 13 matches to finish on 86 points.
Yet Antonio Conte's Chelsea were almost as relentless, winning 11 of their last 13 to take the title with 93 points.
Spurs' tally would have been enough for the title in 2015-16, when Leicester finished on 81.
However, since 1999-2000, when Manchester United were champions on 79 points, 86 points would only have won the title twice, including the two most recent seasons.
Tottenham's problem in 2016-17 was too many draws at the start of the campaign. Despite an unbeaten 11-game start, only five of those were victories.
Chelsea lost more matches - five to Spurs' four - but secured 30 wins to Tottenham's 26.
Pochettino might argue that the attacking influence from Willian and Hazard proved the difference, with those two players having attacking contributions in eight different matches which led to points.
Then there is the mere aspect of sporting advantage - how the signings of players like Hazard enabled Chelsea to win trophies, qualify for the Champions League and therefore attract more top talent.
Premier League releases festive football schedulepublished at 16:14 BST 10 September
16:14 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.
Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.
Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.
A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.
The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.
The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.
Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.
The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.
Gossip: Spurs eye Club Brugge striker Tresoldipublished at 07:03 BST 10 September
07:03 BST 10 September
Tottenham and Manchester United both had representatives in Belgium on Tuesday to watch Club Brugge's German striker Nicolo Tresoldi, 22. (Teamtalk), external
Mudryk set to be out for number of weeks with ankle injurypublished at 18:49 BST 9 September
18:49 BST 9 September
Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella Senior football correspondent and football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set for around six to eight weeks on the sidelines after injuring an ankle in training.
The 25-year-old is understood to have sustained the injury on Monday and is currently believed to be in protective boot.
Mudryk joined Spurs from Chelsea on a season-long loan on deadline day - making him the first player to move between the clubs in 17 years - and came on as a 74th-minute substitute in Saturday's goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, which was his first senior appearance since November 2024.
The injury coincides with a three-week international break and a return in October is considered a realistic prospect.
The Ukraine international - who had also been expected to accept a call-up to the his national team squad - was handed a four-year ban in December 2024 after testing positive for banned substance meldonium, but in July this year he was cleared to return to professional football after resolving his doping case with the Football Association.
Three starting centre-back options 'great' but 'also the problem' - fans on Senesipublished at 17:21 BST 9 September
17:21 BST 9 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Marcos Senesi's minutes and if he can be a long-term starter in Roberto de Zerbi's Tottenham team.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: It's great to have three starting options, but that's also the problem. With two of them (Jan Paul van Hecke and Senesi) having an almost identical profile, it's hard to balance game time with all of them. But with how bad our defence has been, why not give him a go against Everton?
Aston: I'm quite disappointed that Senesi isn't getting game time. I think he's an excellent player and I was looking forward to seeing him quite a bit. Obviously Van de Ven is our first-choice centre back, but I'd like to sometimes see Senesi play with him instead of Van Hecke. But all three are amazing, so there's gotta be some competition!
Nick: I'm not sure that Senesi has complained about his lack of game time, but I have long thought Spurs' biggest problem is our players think themselves better than they are. I'd rather they forced themselves into first team reckoning, or changed the game from the bench rather than moaning about not being picked. Looking at better teams, when they make changes players bust a gut to make sure they stay in. Look at Myles Lewis-Skelly - he's keeping Bruno Guimaraes out of the team. Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino also always make sure Arsenal see out the game from the bench. Whereas whenever we bring on a sub, everything falls flat and our football dies a death.
Martyn: The fact we spent £52m on Van Hecke means it's obvious he was going to be first choice. I expect us to play three at the back sometimes, where Senesi will thrive alongside the two Vans. He's a quality defender and will get his chances. We're three games in... Overreaction to everything at Spurs. Fueled by the social media.
Johnny: Senesi won't be RDZ's first-choice starter - that will be Van de Ven, his captain, and Van Hecke, a player whom he trusts from their time at Brighton together. With Kevin Danso and Cristian Romero leaving, Senesi will get other opportunities though, either through squad rotation, the result of injuries, being a few goals up in a game and resting players (we can dream) or actual good form in training. After three league games, I'm surprised this is even a question really.
Stuart: I think everyone expected Van de Ven to leave so Senesi was his replacement. I can't see him starting much unless Van de Ven gets injured.