adminTottenham Hotspur have endured a frustrating opening to the Premier League campaign, with their lack of attacking threat becoming one of the biggest concerns surrounding Roberto De Zerbi’s team.
The North London side’s start under their new head coach has fallen well below expectations. Despite significant investment during the summer transfer window, several of Tottenham’s new arrivals have struggled to make the desired impact on the pitch.
Spurs spent around £394 million on new players following a disastrous previous campaign, with the club carrying out a major overhaul across several areas of the squad. However, their performances so far have left supporters increasingly frustrated.
Tottenham finally picked up their first Premier League point with a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest, but once again they failed to find the net. The result means De Zerbi’s side have now gone 270 minutes without scoring in the league.
The solitary point moved Tottenham from the bottom of the table to 18th after the third round of fixtures, but their attacking statistics remain a major concern.
Agbonlahor Calls for Solanke and Maddison
The criticism intensified following Tottenham’s display against Forest, particularly because they failed to register a shot on target throughout the match.
Several of Spurs’ attacking players, including Savio, Omar Marmoush, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Mohammed Kudus, attempted to break down the Forest defence but struggled to create a genuine threat.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes De Zerbi needs to make changes to his attacking lineup and has specifically called for Dominic Solanke and James Maddison to be given starting roles.
According to Agbonlahor, the English pair could bring greater creativity, movement and goals to a Tottenham attack that has so far struggled to click.
“Solanke has to start in the game,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.
“They need Maddison back in there. They need Solanke leading the line, and then two wingers off them.
“But it’s a big worry to not score yet.”
De Zerbi Could Change His Starting XI
De Zerbi will now be looking for a response from his players when Tottenham face Everton in their next Premier League fixture.
The Italian manager was reportedly unhappy with some of his players’ decision-making during the Forest draw, potentially opening the door for changes to his starting lineup.
Solanke could be one player pushing for a starting place after making substitute appearances in all three of Tottenham’s league matches so far. His inclusion could see Marmoush move towards the left side of the attack.
However, Agbonlahor’s suggestion that Maddison should immediately return to the starting XI could prove difficult to implement.
The England international has missed Tottenham’s last three matches in all competitions after suffering a shoulder injury during the opening-day defeat to Brentford.
Given Maddison’s recent injury problems, De Zerbi may be reluctant to rush him back into action. His availability for Saturday’s meeting with Everton therefore remains uncertain.
With Tottenham desperately searching for their first league goal of the season, De Zerbi now faces an important selection dilemma. The Italian must find a way to unlock his attack quickly, or pressure on the new manager could increase significantly.
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