Arabic version: لماذا لم يسجل هجوم توتنهام الجديد بعد؟

According to BBC News, Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City are the only Premier League sides yet to score after four games. Spurs have added £320m of talent, much of it in attacking areas, but Roberto De Zerbi’s new approach has yet to produce league goals.

De Zerbi’s teams seek to invite pressure by slowing play and passing backwards before accelerating through direct passes or powerful carries into the space left by opponents. Tottenham’s possession shape has often resembled a 2-3-2-3, with Rodrigo Bentancur usually anchoring midfield ahead of the central defenders. Players rotate between wide and central zones while maintaining the overall structure.

The emphasis on central play can draw opponents infield and open room for wingers, but it demands players who can receive under pressure, spot runs and deliver difficult passes. Spurs have reached positions behind opposition midfields, yet have often failed to recognise or attempt through balls. Omar Marmoush’s attacking runs have generally been positive, although the passes to release him have not always arrived.

James Maddison’s return from a shoulder injury in the Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool could help Tottenham progress into attacking zones more often. Pedro Porro’s return may also offer a more natural fit for De Zerbi’s ideas after he played centrally in possession for Spain during their World Cup-winning summer. Destiny Udogie has also shown the physicality and timing to exploit space on the left.

De Zerbi is asking players to embrace a more central, riskier build-up than the flank-focused approach used under Thomas Frank last season. The report says Tottenham’s moves are often close to creating clearer chances, but improved decision-making, timing of off-the-ball runs and final-ball execution will be needed if those promising positions are to become goals.