Winless Tottenham Sit 17th as De Zerbi Points to Defensive Stability
Speaking to reporters in London following a 0-0 draw against Everton on September 12, 2026, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi addressed mounting questions surrounding his side’s early-season form. The result left Tottenham 17th in the Premier League table after four matches without a top-flight victory or a single league goal scored in the 2026-27 campaign.
Despite off-season transfer spending exceeding €350m, which brought Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali alongside Matheus Fernandes, Savio, and Omar Marmoush to the club, Tottenham opened the league calendar with losses to Brentford and Newcastle before recording back-to-back goalless draws. Facing scrutiny over the team’s attack, the Italian head coach directed attention toward his side’s defensive output.
Everton
clubDe Zerbi Emphasizes Defensive Record Following Everton Draw
When asked about the narrative surrounding Tottenham’s goal drought, De Zerbi challenged the media’s focus on his team’s lack of attacking output.
“In Italy for example now, I should be the best coach, no? Two games, two clean sheets, or no? Tomorrow, what do you write? Clean sheet or no goals?”
De Zerbi framed defensive resilience, achieved through consecutive shutouts against Nottingham Forest and Everton, as a positive structural development following heavier defensive concessions early in the campaign. After conceding three goals to Brentford and two to Newcastle, Tottenham adjusted their defensive shape to prevent goals against. However, the lack of conversion inside the penalty area leaves the club near the relegation zone ahead of upcoming domestic fixtures.
Roberto De Zerbi
coachThe emphasis on defensive stability follows a heavy summer outlay designed to reshape the squad after De Zerbi’s arrival late in the 2025-26 season. While Tottenham secured a win in the EFL Cup against Championship side Charlton Athletic, top-flight conversion has eluded the squad across their opening four league fixtures.
The post-match briefing was reported by Football Italia.