(Credit: Imago)

Archie Gray in league of his own as Tottenham star sets unwanted Premier League record

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

11 Sep 2025, 3:10 pm

Archie Gray was one of the main benefactors of the Tottenham injury crisis last season.

Having signed from Leeds United as a star of the future, Ange Postecoglou had no choice but to blood the teenager early.

Harry Redknapp tipped Gray to star for Spurs this season despite the immense competition for places.

However, there is one part of his game that the midfielder will want to improve after the latest reveal.

Tottenham player Archie Gray cups his left ear with his left hand.

Gray had to fill in across the park for Postecoglou (Credit: Imago)

Archie Gray the most shot-shy player since data records began

Despite starting against Burnley, Gray has since lost his place in Thomas Frank's team as expected.

That is by no means a reflection on his performances, but more so that the Dane needs different personnel depending on the opponent.

Gray is likely to be benched against West Ham, who could provide a trickier opponent after their early-season slump.

The 19-year-old is certainly more famed for his defensive work, and that has been reflected in an intriguing statistical reveal.

Gray is currently the most shot-shy player since the data revolution began in 2003, according to The Athletic on 11 September.

The teenager never scored a senior goal for Leeds
He scored four goals for the Peacocks at youth level
Gray has scored once for the England under-21s

They report that the Englishman has played 1,814 Premier League minutes and taken only one shot.

Furthermore, that effort was taken against Bournemouth when the pair met last season.

Archie Gray looking in the distance wearing a Tottenham tracksuit.

Gray has areas he must improve (Credit: Imago)

When could Archie Gray get more opportunities for Tottenham?

Gray has featured as an unused substitute in Spurs' last two games, having started against Burnley.

Indeed, it will likely be against weaker opposition that the teenager features, and he will have to remain patient for chances.

His most likely route to the first team will be in the cup competitions, primarily in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

However, the midfielder could also benefit from action in the Champions League, given that they have a favourable run of games.

While Gray will not want to hold such a statistic to his name, it gives him an area for development in North London.

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Archie Gray