Tottenham held by Everton as goalless league start reaches four games

Tottenham's wait for a first Premier League goal of the season extended to four matches after a 0-0 home draw with Everton on Saturday. According to the Guardian's match report, Spurs have never previously started a league campaign with four consecutive games without scoring. Everton remained unbeaten, while the home side followed their goalless draw at Nottingham Forest with another match in which chances were scarce.

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Spurs began with possession and some early attacking momentum, but they struggled to turn that into clear opportunities. Jan Paul van Hecke sent a half-volley over from a difficult angle following an Andy Robertson free-kick. At the other end, James Garner tested Antonin Kinsky with a free-kick shortly before the interval, producing the game's first shot on target. Neither side had broken through by half-time.

Mateus Fernandes registered Tottenham's first effort on target from distance in the 47th minute, an attempt greeted with ironic cheers from part of the home crowd. Everton then created several opportunities as they became more adventurous. Tyrique George beat Archie Gray and crossed for Thierno Barry, whose header struck Kinsky before going off target. Another George attempt was blocked by Rodrigo Bentancur.

Kinsky subsequently had to recover from his own passing mistake. His misplaced ball reached Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall near the edge of the penalty area, but the Tottenham goalkeeper blocked the resulting effort. Everton had another opening in the 75th minute when former Spurs winger Brennan Johnson shot over after Dewsbury-Hall set him up. Those missed chances kept Tottenham in the contest despite their continuing difficulties in attack.

A late error by Jordan Pickford gave Spurs an opportunity to end their scoring drought. The Everton goalkeeper's clearance went to substitute James Maddison, and Tottenham moved the ball to fellow replacement Lucas Bergvall. Pickford saved Bergvall's low shot, ensuring the visitors left with a clean sheet and a point rather than being punished for their own mistake.

The draw also prolonged Tottenham's poor league record at home. The Guardian reported that Spurs have won only once at home in the competition this year, against Everton on the final day of last season. Supporters booed at the final whistle as another home fixture ended without a victory, while David Moyes's visitors continued their unbeaten start.