Four Goalless League Games Leave De Zerbi Defending Physical Fitness Levels
Tottenham Hotspur extended their goalless start to the Premier League season to four full matches following a 0-0 draw against Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The result leaves the North London club on a 407-minute goal drought across their opening four league fixtures, marking their longest goalscoring drought to begin a league campaign since September 2006.
In post-match comments delivered to rights-holding broadcasters following the final whistle, manager Roberto De Zerbi and defender Andy Robertson addressed the tactical, physical, and decision-making shortcomings currently affecting the squad’s output in the final third.
Andy Robertson
playerRoberto De Zerbi Cites Pre-Season Disruptions and Energy Drop-Offs in Everton Stalemate
When asked about his side’s fade after a promising start, Roberto De Zerbi detailed how physical limitations and late squad assembly hindered their attacking fluidity after the opening half-hour.
“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.”
De Zerbi’s tactical framework relies heavily on high-tempo pressing and rapid transitions, elements that degraded as physical fatigue set in against Everton’s defensive block. The absence of match sharpness has compounded these execution errors, forcing midfielders and wide forwards into hurried choices during transition sequences. Further complicating selections, midfielder James Maddison remains unavailable for full match execution while working through his own physical recovery program.
Everton
clubAndy Robertson Demands Sharper Decision-Making to Resolve Final-Third Deficiencies
Speaking after the scoreless finish, defender Andy Robertson highlighted the psychological aspect of the goal shortage while insisting the squad must maintain composure in front of goal.
“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. 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.”
Robertson’s focus on decision-making underscores the contrast between Spurs’ build-up play and their output inside the penalty area. While structural possession patterns allowed Tottenham to control territorial dominance during key stretches, rushed final passes and poor shot selection prevented clear openings against Everton’s low block.
Despite the persistent struggles in front of goal, Tottenham’s defensive record presents a direct contrast to their opening fixtures. After conceding five goals across their first two Premier League matches of the campaign, De Zerbi’s side has now recorded back-to-back clean sheets against Bournemouth and Everton.
Managerial and player declarations were originally broadcast on BBC Match of the Day and Sky Sports.