adminTottenham Hotspur finally picked up their first point of the 2026/27 Premier League season after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The result will probably feel more disappointing for Oliver Glasner and Forest, who had home advantage and created moments that could have produced all three points. For Roberto De Zerbi, however, securing a point may provide at least some relief after a difficult opening to the campaign.
Spurs once again struggled badly in front of goal and failed to record a single shot on target throughout the contest. Despite spending heavily during the summer transfer window, Tottenham’s expensive new arrivals were unable to provide the attacking spark required to break Forest down.
Several players delivered underwhelming performances and could now find themselves vulnerable to losing their places in De Zerbi’s starting XI.
Spurs players who struggled against Forest
One of the biggest concerns will be Omar Marmoush.
The Egyptian forward arrived from Manchester City on loan with an obligation to buy, meaning expectations have been high for him to become an important figure in Tottenham’s attack.
Marmoush remained on the pitch for 84 minutes at the City Ground but struggled to convince that he can be the reliable goalscorer Spurs desperately need.
He did have Tottenham’s clearest opportunity of the afternoon in the 71st minute, but his effort flew high and wide when he should have at least tested Matz Sels.
His overall performance was also underwhelming, with Marmoush losing 62% of the ground duels he contested.
Destiny Udogie was another player who struggled to make a significant impact.
The Italian was selected ahead of summer signing Andy Robertson at left-back, but the decision failed to pay off as Udogie endured another difficult outing.
The 23-year-old lost 71% of his ground duels and failed to make a single tackle during the match. With Ola Aina and Dan Ndoye providing a threat on Forest’s right side, Udogie was unable to consistently deal with the pressure.
His contribution going forward was equally disappointing. Udogie failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles and was unable to connect with a teammate from any of his crosses.
De Zerbi must consider dropping Mathys Tel
With Tottenham having invested more than £300m on new players during the summer, few would have expected them to reach the third league game of the campaign without a victory or even a goal.
De Zerbi’s team have fallen well short of expectations so far, and the manager now faces the difficult task of finding a solution before Spurs’ poor start develops into another disappointing season.
There are several players who could be removed from the starting lineup, but one decision looks increasingly difficult to avoid: Mathys Tel may need to make way.
The French forward has been given plenty of opportunities since joining Tottenham from Bayern Munich in 2025, but he has yet to provide the attacking output expected of him.
Tel has started all three of Spurs’ Premier League matches this season, yet his performances in the final third have continued to raise questions.
His display against Forest offered further evidence that a change may now be necessary.
The 21-year-old played 74 minutes but completed just one of his five attempted dribbles. He also failed to register a shot during the entire match, while only 29% of his attempted crosses into the penalty area found a Tottenham teammate.
His limited involvement was further reflected in his 40 touches, a surprisingly low figure given his position. Even goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky had more touches, registering 42.
Tel also struggled whenever he was required to compete physically, losing 80% of the ground duels he entered.
There is no doubt that De Zerbi continues to see considerable potential in the youngster, but potential alone will not be enough if Tottenham are serious about challenging for success this season.
The manager has shown considerable faith in Tel by selecting him from the beginning in each of Spurs’ first three league matches. However, the forward has yet to repay that confidence with consistent performances or end product.
After another ineffective display against Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi may now have little choice but to make a change.
Dropping Tel could give another attacking player the opportunity to inject greater energy and creativity into a Tottenham side that desperately needs a spark.
With Spurs still searching for their first goal and victory of the new campaign, De Zerbi must be prepared to make difficult selection decisions — and Tel’s place in the starting XI should now be firmly under consideration.
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