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Tottenham’s winless and goalless start to the Premier League season continued with a 0-0 draw at home to unbeaten Everton.

It is the first time Spurs have failed to score in any of their first four league games of a season, while it is now over 400 minutes since their last Premier League goal.

Following last weekend's goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, it was another toothless display from Roberto De Zerbi's new-look, expensively assembled side, who were booed off at the full-time whistle.

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A disgruntled home crowd watched their side have just two shots on target - the first a weak second-half effort from Mateus Fernandes met with ironic cheers - create one big chance and register a paltry expected goals of 0.64.

Everton had the better moments to earn their first away league win since February, but ex-Spurs winger Brennan Johnson blazed a great second-half chance over, while earlier, Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky nearly gifted Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall an opener.

The Toffees weathered Spurs' early storm as the home side had four shots in the opening 10 minutes, with Jan Paul van Hecke missing a great close-range chance.

But the defender's fifth-minute effort proved to be Tottenham's best opportunity as De Zerbi's side became the first Spurs team to go on a four-game goalless run in 20 years.

It was also the first goalless draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League (140th game), and the first time that Spurs have drawn 0-0 in a home game in the competition since September 2017.

Redknapp: Spurs' goalless run 'absolutely diabolical'

Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp:

"After spending £300m, I didn't think there would be a problem scoring goals. But to not score in six hours of football is absolutely diabolical.

"For the first 20 minutes, I thought that this is what I want to see. There was a moment when Fernandes had a shot and the whole crowd celebrated. It's not great.

"The connection with the fans and the players is not there. I don't know when they are going to get their first win. It might go on for longer, but I do still see some positives.

"It cannot stay this way with what is at their disposal. There are things that I don't like. Robertson was your left-back and your wide left player because Marmoush wanted to come inside. That balance didn't really work, so you are lopsided with what you're trying to do.

"Trying to get the best squad is what De Zerbi has to solve. The midfield balance also isn't right. You've got to find a way of getting a Kudus into the ten, or Maddison if he gets fit. I'm not sure how Kulusevski's going to be but when he's fit you've got to get him in.

"Even I'm looking and thinking 'how would I change it?' There are more questions than answers. He tried everything today. He couldn't find it. The quality wasn't there, but they have got quality players."

De Zerbi explains Tel exchange

De Zerbi was involved in an exchange at full-time on the pitch with Mathys Tel, who was brought on as a second-half substitute.

The Italian explained at his post-match press conference: "I coached him on the pitch. The body shape: he's a striker; the striker can't play with the shoulder on the goal.

"If we are playing with (James) Maddison, (Mohammed) Kudus and Savio, he has to play as a striker, and the striker has to look at the goal, or for the cross of (Andy) Robertson. He has to stay inside.

"He started as a striker; now he's playing as a winger, but he started his career as a striker.

"But I love Mathys as a player, as a guy; that is not a problem."

Moyes pleased with Toffees' resilience but wanted more

Everton boss David Moyes:

"I wanted much more from the team, but I told them about coming here.

"We've not had a great record here. Only a couple months ago we missed out on Europe here. I generally felt that we had to come here and show a bit more.

"Tottenham were so good for 20 minutes. They put us under so much pressure. We found it difficult to escape from it. We created a couple chances ourselves, but we didn't play well enough today when we had the ball.

"We know exactly where we're short and what we could do better at and what we'd like to do better. But there'll be some games where we might have to play that way just to get ourselves through. It wasn't the plan, we were forced into it by Tottenham. I thought we did a really good job of being resilient."

The key moments from north London...

HALF TIME: No shot on target for Tottenham, who fail to score in the first half for a 26th Premier League game since the start of last season.

Millions spent, but where is the goalscorer?

Analysis from Sky Sports' Callum Bishop:

"It doesn't take a genius to figure out where Tottenham's biggest concern lies right now. You can't win games if you don't score goals. That's why Spurs haven't won a league game this season, after going 400 minutes without finding the net.

"They have so many creative players, all of whom were on the pitch against the Toffees. Yet the man who they need to score the bulk of their goals was anonymous. Or at the very least, wasn't found.

"Dominic Solanke's fitness for Tottenham feels imperative. As the only out and out number nine available to De Zerbi, the Englishman has to be picked when fit. Purely because it seems Spurs don't have a choice.

"However, whether it be rustiness following his latest setbacks or another reason, Solanke didn't offer anywhere near enough as the number nine. He managed just 19 touches. That's less than Kinsky in goal.

"More worryingly, he had zero shots. If the man whose job is to find the net isn't even letting fly at it, no wonder Spurs are struggling in the final third.

"Only De Zerbi can answer if the reason for this is because his team-mates aren't utlising him enough, or if Solanke can't be relied upon to be the replacement to Harry Kane. Of course, replacing Kane is practically impossible. But, in the three years since he left for Germany, Solanke is the only one Spurs have splashed the cash on to fill his shoes.

"While reinforcements were clearly needed across the pitch after last season, the fact a fitter, more reliable striker wasn't on the agenda is a concern. And it's biting Spurs now. They can't get an improvement until January now, so De Zerbi has to find a way to get Solanke more involved."

What the result means and next fixtures...

Tottenham fixtures

Everton fixtures

Premier League fixtures

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Spurs may have failed to win any of their first three Premier League games this season, but summer signing Matheus Fernandes is convinced he has joined a squad set to start fighting for trophies.

The £85m midfielder was wanted by a list of clubs after impressing for West Ham last season, with Man Utd keen on a deal but ultimately unable to go head-to-head with Spurs on the fee.

For Fernandes, it was his conversations with head coach Roberto De Zerbi which persuaded him the north London project was for him.

"I spoke with the Mister and he was the key for this decision," Fernandes told Sky Sports ahead of the Saturday Night Football clash with Everton.

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"You can feel when you speak with him, the energy, the passion about football.

"He spoke with me, he spoke with my dad, he spoke with my mum. So it was not just about me, it was about the people around me. He said to my dad, 'we'll take care' [of] me.

"He's a top manager. You can feel on the pitch, off the pitch as well. And I'm very happy to work with him."

Fernandes made his feelings for De Zerbi clear to the Spurs boss himself when the deal was done.

"The first day of the pre-season, I met him and he was very happy. I was very happy as well for playing for him. I said, 'Look, I chose Tottenham because one of the biggest parts was you'."

It wasn't just De Zerbi's way with words. The Italian's style of football also impressed Fernandes. "For me as a midfielder, I like so much," he said.

Fernandes believes the quality of the Spurs squad can raise his own level of performance, too.

"I believe that I can be a much better player than I was last season," said the 22-year-old Portuguese, who recorded three goals and four assists in the Premier League for the Hammers.

"If you look at the squad, it's a big team with big players, important players, players with experience, players with a lot of quality. So, when you play with better players, I think you play better. So, I believe that I can be much better."

Spurs' players have been unable to turn that perception into more than one point so far. But, despite substantial criticism in the early weeks of the season, Fernandes is full of belief the team will soon start to prove their doubters wrong - and deliver in a significant way.

"I know what it's like: when you win, you are the best. When you lose, you are the worst," he said.

"We just focus on us. If you believe in the club, if you believe in the manager, you know that you need to take some time to learn the timings, everything tactical, and when you arrive there, it's like ketchup. It starts spilling."

Fernandes' first two seasons in English football have ended in relegation, at Southampton and then West Ham. But he is at Tottenham to win.

"This is one of the reasons that I came here, to play for winning something," he said.

"We want to win the games, we want to fight for the titles and, with this squad, it's normal that we want to fight for the titles.

"Now, we didn't win the last three games, so things need to calm. We need to take time. And then, like I said, it's like ketchup, when you win one game, it's going to be more easy."

Fernandes, his Spurs colleagues and the club's supporters will hope that starts on Saturday.

The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison has taken aim at Spurs following the collapse of his proposed transfer to Vasco da Gama - Sunday Mirror

Arsenal title winner Emmanuel Petit believes his former side had a lucky escape after missing out on Vinicius Jr this summer - Sunday Mirror

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Enzo Maresca insists Manchester City had no choice but to splash the cash in the summer due to the "crazy" transfer market - Sunday Express

Benjamin Sesko says he is loving life at Manchester United, and the positive "vibes" spreading under boss Michael Carrick - Sunday Mirror

Xabi Alonso accused his Chelsea players of being "soft" after they failed to keep a clean sheet for the 20th Premier League game in a row - Sunday Telegraph

EFL

Leicester City manager Russell Martin said that he feels criticism he has received has 'become really personal' as he opened up on a turbulent start to the season with the League One side - Mail on Sunday

WORLD FOOTBALL

Fernando Torres might have picked the wrong career after a video showed him smashing a punch machine's record at the new Madring circuit in Madrid where the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker was at VIP guest this weekend - The Sun on Sunday

Manchester United flop Memphis Depay could be hit with a significant ban following allegations he directed an 'offensive' gesture towards opposition supporters while playing for Corinthians - Daily Express

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

Former Rangers title winner Lee McCulloch is in the frame to take over the technical director role vacated by Dan Purdy - Scottish Sun on Sunday

John Souttar's transfer to Aris Thessaloniki has hit a late stumbling block - Scottish Sun on Sunday

Rangers have already lost the league and face a battle to stave off the challenge of Hearts again for second.

That's the shock opinion of former World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit - Scottish Sun on Sunday

HORSE RACING

Saffie Osborne made history as she became the first woman to ride the winner of a British Classic as Highwayman led home a Joseph O'Brien one-two in the Betfred St Leger - Independent

CRICKET

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It has been a winless and goalless start to the new Premier League season for big-spending Tottenham.

Last weekend's 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest saw Spurs fail to have a shot on target for the first time in a league game in over four years as they battled to their first point of the season.

Roberto De Zerbi's new-look side are yet to click after a £332m summer outlay which saw 10 new players arrive.

Having made their worst start to a league season since 2008, Spurs go in search of their first victory on Saturday as they host Everton, live on Sky Sports​​​​​​.

Here, Sky Sports News' Tottenham reporter Michael Bridge answers your questions, while we also look at the stats behind their start and hear your thoughts on their opening three league games...

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Michael Bridge answers your questions...

Spurs94: How concerned are you about the start to the season?

"I'm not concerned. It's only three games, and Spurs would've taken a draw at Nottingham Forest. It's a hard place to go under a very good manager in Oliver Glasner.

"I was at the Brentford game where Spurs were well beaten. I can fully appreciate that Tottenham being under-prepared is unacceptable, so I'll flip it round and say Brentford gave Spurs a good hiding and they fully deserved their win.

"Newcastle could have gone either way, but Spurs weren't clinical enough. But the reason why I'm not concerned is that it's still so early in the season.

"The last three games have shown me a little bit of a realisation that you can't expect it all to click so quickly when there have been so many incomings and departures."

Tony H: Is De Zerbi losing control after coming out and complaining about his medical team after the Forest draw?

Dave Perryman: Do you think it's wrong for De Zerbi to publicly criticise his players and medical staff?

"De Zerbi absolutely did not have any complaints about the medical team. He's working closely with the medical team.

"Let's not forget that in the last couple of seasons Spurs have suffered an injury crisis, with key players missing an entire season.

"Tottenham Hotspur have worked hard over the last few months to ensure that this doesn't happen again, including an investigation which looked into whether the pitch had a bearing on such serious injuries.

"To clarify, De Zerbi doesn't want to take players off at certain minutes, but he's instructed to do so by his medical staff.

"He's not challenging them or being divisive. He's working alongside them. They are ensuring that De Zerbi has these players for the long term to hopefully prevent situations like Mohammed Kudus and James Maddison from occurring again."

Spurs4Life: Why are the Spurs fans getting on De Zerbi's back? Do they not remember the rocky start Mauricio Pochettino had?

Rich: How much pressure must there be on De Zerbi to get it right?

"If it wasn't for De Zerbi, there'd have been a very high chance Tottenham would be in the Championship right now.

"Spurs have given De Zerbi the keys to mould the squad how he sees fit. I'm of the opinion that he has earned the right to have those keys.

"He has made tough decisions, including allowing Luka Vuskovic to go to Brighton and to bring in Jan Paul van Hecke for a big fee despite him having a year to go on his contract.

"I must reiterate, it's three games in. For me, the start of the season for Spurs can be seen as post-transfer window.

"I think we won't see the real Spurs until maybe even November because there have been so many changes: new captain, new forward line, new midfield, new defence. It takes time."

Brad Taylor: What are Spurs actually aiming for this season? Top four to six? Top half? Survival?

Dan: Based upon a much slower start to our campaign, would a mid-table finish be more realistic?

"With the outlay, you have to expect that they must finish in European places.

"It won't be made public, but the aim must be to get back into Europe.

"Now, of course, when I say Europe, ideally it's the Champions League. But even if it was Europa League football, people are now more aware than ever that additional home fixtures generate revenue.

"Brad, in my personal view, mid-table is the very least they should be aiming for."

The stats behind Spurs' winless start

Spurs are aiming to avoid unwanted history on Saturday - if Everton keep a clean sheet, then it will be the first time Tottenham have failed to score in their first four league games of a season.

Their struggles in front of goal are a result of a lack of quality chances created.

Despite ranking mid-table for shots attempted in the Premier League this season, Spurs are bottom for expected goals (xG) per shot, as you can see below.

Spurs' overall xG is the third lowest, while only Coventry have underperformed their chances more than Spurs, which you can see below.

Since the start of last season, the average xG per game by a Premier League side is 1.41, but Spurs are yet to reach that average return for xG in any game under De Zerbi.

One of the Italian's issues has been a lack of consistency in his attacking selections. De Zerbi has started with three different attacking combinations in all three league games this season and has used 10 different starters across his front three in his 10 league games in charge.

And it is not just the front line where De Zerbi has faced selection issues. Tottenham have made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season, the most of any side and their joint-most in the first three games of a campaign in the competition.

Spurs' running stats are another alarming area of concern this season.

Tottenham were only outrun once in De Zerbi's seven games in charge last season as they dramatically escaped relegation on the final day. This season, however, Spurs have been outrun in every game.

In fact, they rank second-bottom for distance run and 16th for sprinting distance in the Premier League this season, having been in the top five under De Zerbi last season.

Higher physical output, improved threat and better attacking quality are all needed to kickstart their season.

Your views on Spurs' start...

RichN: I think it's mad to expect a team with nine or 10 new players, nearly all first 11 players, to gel straight away. It'll take time. Also, still having our previous most creative players in Kudus, Kulusevski, Simons and Maddison either still out or not match fit is a huge handicap for De Zerbi.

Russ K: After the money that has been spent on assembling De Zerbi's 'Dream Team', we should have made a stronger start than what we have. No goals in the first three games is a real cause for concern. We need a goal scorer, and for me, Troy Parrott would have been an excellent addition.

Mitch L: Not too concerned at all; can see improvement at times game by game. Forward line just needs to click and will come in time. Savio is refreshing to see, very direct and will get us goals through his play. Think one or two goals and confidence is back, and we see them kick on.

dbuk1: It's not concerning at all. We have had a big turnaround of players for the first time in my living memory at Spurs. It's been three games, and we still haven't got a fully fit squad. Everyone calm down and give it time!

LF: Not concerning at all. We have signed a number of players who need time to gel. We also have a number of players still returning from long-term injuries who, once fit, will bolster the squad. Mikel Arteta had five to six seasons to get Arsenal where they are now, so give De Zerbi time!

THFC-TrustTheProcess: In the first two games, we were missing attacking players. Savio, Maddison and Kulusevski all out, and Kudus only on the bench after missing pre-season. The expected goals in the last game were miles better than what we produced for most of last season. Just need to start taking our chances. No need to panic yet!

SLB110890: I said when we had Frank, Rome wasn't built in a day! We have 10 new players and got rid of a load of players who only managed to help us just about avoid relegation. To get all those players to gel instantly is unrealistic; be patient and let the Italian build Rome.

Jmzrc: I support Brighton, so I'm familiar with De Zerbi's approach. As Lewis Dunk has said, it took time for players to work out the system and what was expected, but when they did, we were flying. De Zerbi is a system manager, so I think Spurs will be strong once the new players bed in. Be patient.

Imran: The lack of creativity in the team concerns me. Any player with it is injured. Can't see Spurs scoring enough goals

Steven Davids: To make so many changes in a short space of time and expect instant results isn't realistic. Patience and support are what the club needs. Better results and performances will come.

Hadcarr: It's concerning but not surprising. A group of individuals will take time to gel into a team. All Spurs can hope for this season is mid-table.

Dwilliams: At the moment I'm not too overly concerned. Yes, the lack of attacking threat in the last few games hasn't been ideal. Let's not forget that this time last season we had beaten Man City 2-0 and were near the top, so a lot can change.

Bravo31: We don't seem any better than last season, defence unsure, no midfield flair or aggression, and no one as an out-and-out goal scorer. Concerned!!