Everton frustrate Spurs to extend their search for first win and goal
By BBC, September 12, 2026Tottenham’s wait for a first Premier League goal of the season continued after Roberto De Zerbi’s side were held to a frustrating goalless home draw by Everton.
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.
Their best chance came in the fifth minute when Jan Paul van Hecke volleyed over a wide free-kick from Andy Robertson at the back post.
Barry’s chance
Everton were marginally the better side and Thierno Barry almost found the crucial goal, but his close-range header was blocked by the face of Antonin Kinsky in the 50th minute.
The Spurs keeper also gave the ball away to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the 65th minute with a sloppy pass out, but recovered well to block the midfielder’s finish with his leg.
With two points Tottenham are 17th in the table, one point above the relegation zone, while Everton are seventh and still unbeaten after the first four games.
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.
Spurs chances
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.