In Premier League Matchday 3, Tottenham drew 0-0 with Nottingham Forest away, claiming their first point of the season. However, they have yet to score in the league. After the match, The Athletic analysed Tottenham's situation.

When will Tottenham's attack find its rhythm?

The trip to City Ground was both a step in the right direction and a frustrating missed opportunity for Tottenham.

Tottenham performed well in the first half but never truly threatened Hjelde's goal; across 90 minutes, they didn't register a single shot on target. Marmoush could have broken the deadlock when a through ball from Pedro Porro put him one-on-one, but the Egyptian international's shot went wide of the post. He had another chance in the second half but shot over the bar.

Despite significant investment in their attack, the forwards have yet to find their rhythm. Part of the reason is a lack of cohesion: Savio's pre-season preparation was disrupted by transfer speculation; Marmoush has not yet developed understanding with some of the attacking players who have recently returned.

This is something De Zerbi needs to address, and it will take time. However, constantly expecting Marmoush to receive attacking passes while being tightly marked by tall opposition defenders is unlikely to be a sustainable long-term strategy. Notably, this is the first time since 1974 that Tottenham have failed to score in their opening three league matches.

On the positive side, Tottenham recorded their first clean sheet of the season, and the old issues surrounding mentality, intensity in challenges, and fitness did not resurface. Sandro Tonali delivered his most convincing midfield display since joining, covering large areas, making timely interceptions and clearances, while driving counter-attacks. Meanwhile, the defence effectively neutralised Liam Delap and substitute Igor Jesus.

Forest are also in transition under Glasner's restructuring. Tottenham had plenty of opportunities to attack by exploiting their away advantage but failed to capitalise. This match could easily have been won. De Zerbi should take the positives, but there is still much work to do.

How did Savio perform in his Tottenham Premier League debut?

Last week, Savio missed the 0-2 defeat to Newcastle United due to minor muscle fatigue, forcing Tottenham fans to wait an extra week for his Premier League debut.

Throughout the summer, anticipation around Savio in Tottenham colours has been building. The Brazilian international made no secret of his desire to play under De Zerbi, liking and commenting on virtually every social media post related to the North London club. In a 5-1 League Cup victory over Charlton, he came off the bench, scored a goal, and provided an assist for Ben Davies, further raising expectations.

His league debut for Tottenham was noteworthy. Since Mohammed Kudus's Achilles injury in January, the right wing has been a major problem for Tottenham. De Zerbi was previously forced to deploy striker Kolo Muani and midfielder Conor Gallagher in this role, with difficult results.

Although Savio didn't seriously threaten Hjelde's goal or create outstanding chances in this match, it was clear he is a talented winger with impressive pace, excellent dribbling skills, and the ability to cause problems for opponents.

The young player's debut was full of promise. With Kudus withdrawn after nearly 60 minutes, there is hope he can perform even better.

Does Tottenham lack a true attacking midfielder?

De Zerbi currently faces a dilemma regarding midfield selection.

The Italian manager has typically used a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his career. Last season, he achieved good results with this shape, successfully guiding Tottenham away from the relegation zone. However, this season, his current midfielders may be better suited to different formations.

Over two consecutive weeks, De Zerbi has paired Rodrigo Bentancur and Sandro Tonali as central midfielders, with Fernandes or Conor Gallagher as the attacking midfielder ahead of them. Gallagher started this match, but the team's lack of creativity and penetration through midfield remains unresolved.

Although De Zerbi has acknowledged Gallagher's capabilities as an attacking midfielder and mentioned that Fernandes began his career in that role at Sporting CP, neither is a natural fit for the position. Kudus can also play attacking midfield, but in the Premier League he operates primarily on the wing.

James Maddison needs time to regain fitness after missing most of pre-season; Simons remains sidelined following an ACL injury suffered in April.

Until these two players return, if Gallagher or Fernandes were positioned deeper, Tottenham's midfield could provide greater penetration. This adjustment could allow them more touches on the ball, better supply to the strikers, and more passes into the spaces between the defensive lines.

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