Tottenham's struggles in front of goal persisted as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The result leaves Spurs without a goal in their opening three league games, a stark contrast to last season's top scorer Richarlison's absence and prompting questions about the club's attacking strategy. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were left frustrated after a second-half goal was disallowed by VAR.
Disallowed Goal Sparks Controversy
The decisive moment came in the second half when Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams appeared to bundle the ball into the net. The sequence began with James McAtee's pass to Morgan Gibbs-White, whose shot deflected off goalkeeper Toni Kinsky. As the ball spun towards the open goal, Sandro Tonali attempted to clear but missed. Williams then intervened, only for replays to show the ball struck his hand at close range. Referee Craig Pawson consulted with VAR and ultimately disallowed the goal, a decision that incensed the home crowd.
For Nottingham Forest manager Roberto De Zerbi, the draw offered a first point of the season and signs of improvement. However, the primary focus remained on Tottenham's lack of offensive threat. The visitors managed a dozen efforts at goal but failed to register a single shot on target.
Tottenham's Attacking Woes
Tottenham has a history of selling or discarding their top scorer in recent seasons, a trend that continued with the club's approach to Richarlison. In their search for a consistent goal threat, eyes have turned to players like Omar Marmoush, who led the line in a non-traditional role. Marmoush showcased flashes of promise with his movement, including a first-half burst past Pedro Porro that ended with a shot wide. However, a generous foul call by referee Pawson on Williams negated the chance. Later, Marmoush blazed another opportunity over the bar from a long pass by Kinsky, drawing criticism from De Zerbi for not seeking passing options.
Dominic Solanke, a late substitute, headed over Tottenham's final chance from a Mohamed Kudus cross.
Forest's Defensive Solidity and Missed Opportunities
Oliver Glasner's Nottingham Forest adopted a comfortable approach, conceding possession but posing a threat on turnovers. They had the better openings in the first half, with Liam Delap releasing Gibbs-White for a save by Kinsky. Murillo, Jair Cunha, and Delap also had efforts over the bar.
Delap, making his first start for Forest after a significant transfer from Chelsea, contributed to the team's combative style. Forest's defense, organized with three central defenders and wing-backs, proved difficult for Tottenham to penetrate. Even with players like Savio on the ball in advanced areas, Forest held firm.
After the disallowed goal, Forest also had penalty claims ignored by Pawson for an alleged foul on Jesus by Bentancur, and Glasner believed a foul on Williams by Kudus under a high ball warranted a penalty. The match also saw the debut of Mykhailo Mudryk for Tottenham, his first appearance in 646 days. The goalless draw marks the first time since 1974 that Spurs have failed to score in their opening three league games.