PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2026
(5.30 PM)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0(0) EVERTON 0(0)

Attendance:- 60,477

Referee:- Darren England
Assistants:- Scott Ledger, Alex James
Fourth official:- Gavin Ward
VAR:- Paul Tierney
Assistant VAR:- Adam Nunn

Teams:-
Spurs (4-2-3-1):- 31. Kinsky; 14. Gray (sub 4. Tosin, 85), 6. Van Hecke, 37. Van de Ven (Capt.), 3. Robertson; 30. Bentancur (sub 15. Bergvall, 63), 16. Tonali; 17. Savio, 18. Fernandes (sub 20. Kudus, 63), 22. Marmoush *sub 10. Maddison, 77); 19. Solanke (sub 11. Tel, 63)

Subs not used:- 39. Dubravka; 5. Senesi, 33. Davies; 8. Gallagher

No bookings

Everton (4-1-4-1):- 1. Pickford; 2. Maitland-Niles (sub 15. O'Brien, 75), 6. Tarkowski (Capt.), 4. Branthwaite, 16. Mykolenko; 37. Garner; 22. Johnson (sub 30. Hackney, 75), 45. Armstrong, 8. Dewsbury-Hall, 19. George (sub 10. Grealish, 65); 11. Barry

Subs not used:- 12. Travers; 5. Keane; 20. Dibling, 24. Alcaraz, 31. King; 58. Graham

Booked:- Dewsbury-Hall (foul on Tonali), Garner (foul on Savio)

Where have all the good times gone?

Spurs have failed to score in their first four league games for the first time in their history. They've made their worst start since 2008 (remember two points from eight games?). There were ironic jeers when we hit our first (weak) shot on target early in the second half, and boos in the second half when we passed backwards one time too many for the liking of the home crowd.

That home crowd has seen just won league win in the calendar year in 13 games. That was, of course, the narrow win over Everton on the last day of the season. We couldn't even beat the team against whom we have gained the most Premier League points. In truth, despite our domination in terms of possession. David Moyes' team looked the more likely winners. When, oh when, will the good times return to Tottenham?

Gary Lineker was presented with his legacy number by Gary Mabbutt before the game. Oh, for a goal poacher and striker of his ilk. Spurs rarely managed to deliver the ball to Solanke, who has still to justify the £65 million fee paid for him two years ago. Mind you, Tonali, Fernandes, Savio and Marmoush have yet to do the same, but it is early days for them.

In 1974, Bill Nicholson lost 6 of his last 7 games in charge. We failed to score in four of those games. "Sir" Bill decided for himself it was time to go. In 2003, another legendary Spurs figure Glenn Hoddle was sacked after losing 4 of his first 6 games. For all his justified praise in keeping us up in his seven games in charge last season, one wonders how long the hierarchy will be patient with RDZ. This bottom scraping by Spurs must not continue.

The cockerel stands proud above the stadium. When will we be proud again?

Both Savio and Marmoush started today, playing either side of Solanke, with Fernandes in the middle. Spurs started off playing some exciting (yes!) football. Savio and Gray were combining well. Andy Robertson (our other full back in the absence of both Pedro Porro and Udogie) helped Marmoush on the left. Our best first half chance came from an early Robertson cross beyond the back post where Van Hecke fired just over the bar.

For all their fancy touches, Savio, Marmoush, Fernandes and Tonali failed to deliver a killer ball.

Savio did win an early corner and Marmoush was fouled which led to the Robertson delivery to Van Hecke. Savio cut a ball back to Fernandes, but his shot was blocked. More early pressure ultimately came to nought. Those Spurs players were demonstrating their flair, but too often over-played the ball without passing.

Everton responded and won a corner, following which the former Arsenal player Ainsley Maitland-Niles fired wide from outside the box. Spurs had a player off the field after treatment and Everton had a little pressure with another corner.

After 27 minutes, Tonali found Gray with a good pass to his right. Archie cut into the area, but saw Mykolenko block his shot. After the corner, Fernandes missed the target when he should have scored.

Marmoush fed Robertson, who was overlapping, but his shot was easy for Pickford. Tonali had a shot deflected and Fernandes took the corner, but that was overhit and out of play. Another Robertson cross was slapped clear by Jordan Pickford.

As we entered added time, Everton had a free kick and Kinsky saved low at his left post from Garner.

There were no changes for the second half. Spurs kicked off playing towards the South Stand. That early shot on target was by Fernandes, but easy for Pickford.

Everton had a good chance when Tyrique George got the better of Gray and delivered a cross which Barry headed at Kinsky, who did save well at close range. George had a subsequent effort well blocked by Bentancur.

Bentancur was guilty of a couple of poor passes, but he was not the only below par passer of the ball today.

Spurs made a triple change. Lucas Bergvall (awarded a new contract this week) replaced Bentancur, Tel replaced Solanke and Kudus came on for Fernandes. Marmoush played in the middle ahead of Savio, Kudus and Tel. Kudus was a player who looked as if he might make things happen for us.

Jack Grealish (on loan again from Man City) replaced George on Everton's left wing.

Kinsky dropped a rickett by passing to the feet of Dewsbury-Hall but redeemed himself with the save. Such play is just not good enough.

Referee Darren England waved play-on after a foul on Tonali. Spurs didn't take the advantage offered. Dewsbury-Hall was then shown the first of only two yellow cards of the game. Bergvall passed low to Savio, whose shot was hit into the arms of Pickford.

Everton started to look more dangerous with Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall to the fore. Former Spur Brennan Johnson missed the target when offered a good chance and was soon substituted. His replacement was summer signing Hayden Hackney, and he offered a threat in a couple of triangular moves with Grealish and Dewsbury-Hall.

Maddison replaced Marmoush and Tel moved to the central position with Kudus on the right and Savio on the left. We had a couple of chances when Tonali had a shot blocked and Savio had a shot blocked for a corner.

Tonali headed over a Savio cross. With time running out, Pickford made a poor clearance. Savio passed inside to Bergvall whose shot was saved low to his left by the England goalkeeper.

A chorus of boos greeted the final whistle.

This was our first home 0-0 draw in the Premier League for a full 9 years (September 16th, 2017) against Swansea.

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