Tottenham Hotspur are misfiring in the Premier League, with injuries, team changes, and arduous tours contributing to a poor start. For the first time in the club's history, they have failed to score in their opening four league games, and two decades have passed since they last drew blanks in four consecutive Premier League matches. While these are outliers, it will take time for Spurs to improve.
Why Tottenham Are Misfiring: Key Factors
The primary issue is the level of player turnover from last season to this and from week to week. Only four men who played at least half of the league minutes last season have featured in 2026-27. One is Richarlison, who has since been omitted from their Premier League squad. His 15 goal contributions in the league were at least twice as many as any other Tottenham player last season, but he will not be scoring or assisting any time soon.
Richarlison is also the fourth-longest-serving player. Ben Davies, Brandon Austin and Rodrigo Bentancur are ahead of him, and of those only Bentancur is likely to play regularly. Many current starters are relatively new recruits. The 11 players who began the goalless draw with Everton last Saturday had spent an average of 1.3 years with the club. Tottenham have averaged the joint-third-youngest starting XI this season too. They have many players without too much experience, either individually or as a unit.
Impact of Injuries and Team Changes
Roberto De Zerbi has made 12 changes to his starting lineups in the league since the first match, more than any other manager in the division. At four alterations per game, their team is changing more than any other, which disrupts cohesion and tactical understanding. Injuries have also played a part, with key players unavailable for extended periods.
Data Comparison: Tottenham vs League Average
| Metric | Tottenham | League Average |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored in Opening 4 Games | 0 | 5 |
| Average Starting XI Age | 24.3 | 26.8 |
| Starting XI Changes per Game | 4 | 1.5 |
| Average Tenure of Starting XI (years) | 1.3 | 2.5 |
Key Takeaways
- Injuries and high player turnover have disrupted team cohesion.
- Richarlison's omission removes a key goal threat.
- Frequent lineup changes hinder tactical consistency.
- Young and inexperienced squad needs time to gel.
FAQ
Why have Tottenham failed to score in their opening four league games?
Tottenham's attacking struggles stem from a combination of injuries, high player turnover, and frequent tactical changes. The absence of key players like Richarlison and the integration of many new signings have disrupted their rhythm.
How many changes has Roberto De Zerbi made to the starting lineup?
De Zerbi has made 12 changes to his starting lineups in the league since the first match, averaging four alterations per game, which is more than any other manager in the division.
What is the average tenure of Tottenham's starting XI?
The 11 players who began the goalless draw with Everton last Saturday had spent an average of 1.3 years with the club, highlighting the lack of continuity.