Spurs 'a blunt instrument' as 'stuttering start' continues
· Yahoo Sports
Tottenham's goalless league streak extended to 407 minutes as a stuttering start to what was meant to be brave new era continued in Saturday's 0-0 draw at home against Everton.
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It was the first time they have failed to score in their opening four league games across all four tiers - and also in four successive Premier League matches since September 2006.
The grim statistic would be bad enough in any circumstances, but it is even worse after Spurs spent in excess of £300m in the summer, much of it designed to give Roberto De Zerbi's side an added edge.
Instead, they are a blunt instrument.
This was the first Premier League goalless draw, in the 140th game, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
On this evidence, there will be more.
It may seem early days for an apology to the supporters, but De Zerbi felt the need as he said: "I'm sorry to the fans. We are sorry to the fans."
When £85m summer signing Mateus Fernandes had Spurs' first shot on target, the stadium rattled to the sound of ironic applause.
There was no irony when they played the ball around at the back with only seven minutes left, and when the final whistle sounded it was just like old times - or at least like last season - as jeers sent De Zerbi's players on their way.
[BBC]The 'xG' - expected goals - statistic suggests Spurs should have scored three or four goals this season, but their non-penalty xG per shot this season is just 0.066. It gives them an expected conversion rate of 6.6%.
In layman's terms, it means they are not very good when it comes to creating an attacking threat.
De Zerbi, never someone to disguise his emotions, grew more animated and irritated as the game went on, marching on to the pitch at the final whistle for an exchange with substitute Mathys Tel, though the Italian insisted he was trying to help the French winger.
When any side embarks on the sort of root and branch revolution the Italian presided over this summer, it is inevitable there will be teething problems and time required for understandings and relationships to form.
And the change is understandable after two successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League. Indeed, Spurs' last league goal actually came against Everton on the final day of last season, courtesy of Joao Palhinha.
Spurs, however, have a toothlessness that must be a concern. It is certainly a worry for the supporters who watched their players either take too long over chances or, on many occasions, pass on the responsibility.
[BBC]