Tottenham Hotfoot Park are misfiring in the Premier League, failing to score in their opening four league games, a first in over two decades. While the lack of goals is visible, the root cause appears to lie in constant player turnover and injuries disrupting team chemistry.
The Guardian reports that Roberto De Zerbi is struggling to forge a settled side due to frequent changes both between last season and this one, and from week to week. With only four players from last season’s squad featuring so far this term—and one of them, Richarlison, now omitted from the Premier League squad—the club faces deeper structural issues than just finishing.
KEY FACTS
- Tottenham failed to score in their first four league games for the first time in over two decades.
- Player turnover remains high, with only four players from last season regularly featuring.
- Richarlison has been omitted from Tottenham’s Premier League squad despite scoring 15 goal contributions last season.
- Manager Roberto De Zerbi is attempting to settle the team amid ongoing personnel changes.
- The club is dealing with injuries and an arduous tour schedule, compounding instability.
THE STORY
What happens next?
Tottenham must find consistency quickly if they hope to recover from their poor start. With the squad continuing to shift due to injuries and tactical adjustments, stability seems elusive.
The Guardian notes that the level of turnover between last season and this one is a major issue. Only four players who appeared in at least half of last season’s league minutes have played in 2026-27 so far. That kind of disruption makes it difficult for any manager, even one as experienced as De Zerbi, to implement a cohesive game plan.
Until the roster stabilizes and key players like Richarlison return—or are replaced with equally impactful talent—their offensive struggles will likely persist.
Who is affected?
Everyone associated with Tottenham is feeling the impact of the team’s downturn, from players hoping to prove themselves to fans enduring another disappointing season opener.
Ricardo De Zerbi, appointed as head coach, inherits a squad in flux. His challenge isn’t simply tactical—it’s personnel-based. The absence of key contributors like Richarlison, who led the team in goal involvements last year, leaves a significant void in attack.
Supporters are growing restless after watching their side fail to register a shot on target in multiple matches. The pressure mounts with each passing week without improvement.
How did we get here?
Tottenham’s current woes stem from a combination of factors including heavy player rotation, injury concerns, and possibly fatigue from international duties or extended travel schedules.
According to The Guardian, the team’s inability to convert promising attacking positions into actual shots—and goals—isn’t solely about finishing. It reflects broader issues around cohesion and familiarity within the lineup.
This pattern mirrors past seasons where Spurs built leads through individual brilliance rather than collective structure. Without that spark—and with turnover limiting rhythm—their misfiring continues unchecked.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Tottenham have not scored in their first four league games.
- This marks the longest goal drought to open a Premier League season for Spurs.
- Ricardo De Zerbi is the current head coach working to stabilize the team.
- Few returning players from last season’s squad remain active this term.
Still unconfirmed:
- Exact timeline for injured players’ returns.
- Whether De Zerbi will rotate further or stick with emerging regulars.
- Impact of fixture congestion on future performances.
WHY IT MATTERS
A strong start in the Premier League can define a team’s entire campaign. For Tottenham, falling behind early risks derailing ambitions for European qualification and fan confidence alike.
WHAT TO WATCH
All eyes will be on whether Tottenham can maintain a consistent XI long enough to build momentum—and whether De Zerbi adapts his tactics accordingly.