Why Spurs are struggling to score: De Zerbi's tactical transition explained

Four games into the Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City remain the only sides yet to find the back of the net. Despite a £320m recruitment drive, much of it aimed at attacking reinforcements, the team is currently facing a significant scoring drought.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi is implementing his signature style, which encourages opponents to press in order to create space behind them. In possession, Spurs often adopt a 2-3-2-3 shape, anchored by Rodrigo Bentancur, with fluid rotations between the wingers, full-backs, and midfielders.

The primary challenge lies in unlearning the habits developed under the previous regime. Where Spurs previously avoided central risks, De Zerbi demands a brave, central-focused approach. This transition requires players to be comfortable in congested areas, which is proving to be a hurdle for a squad still adjusting to these unconventional demands.

The return of James Maddison from a shoulder injury is a major boost, as his profile is ideally suited to operating in the tight spaces De Zerbi targets. Furthermore, the return of Pedro Porro—who excelled in a central role for Spain during their World Cup victory—could provide the necessary creativity to unlock defenses.

While individual finishing has been inconsistent, the underlying patterns are emerging. Players like Omar Marmoush and Destiny Udogie have shown promising movement, but the final execution—the timing of the through-ball or the decision-making in the box—is yet to click. With more time on the training pitch, the small details are expected to fall into place, allowing the team to convert their build-up play into goals.