Paul Merson speaking on Sky Sports, with Roberto De Zerbi in a circular frame inset

Paul Merson and Roberto De ZerbiSky Sports and Imago

Paul Merson perplexed by Roberto De Zerbi call in Tottenham stalemate vs Nottingham Forest

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Published on:

05 Sep 2026, 5:31 pm

Paul Merson has questioned Roberto De Zerbi's tactics following Tottenham Hotspur's stalemate at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs were held 0-0 at the City Ground as they remain without a goal three games into the Premier League season.

Tottenham may have their first point of the campaign, but the draw leaves them at the wrong end of the division and already playing catch-up.

Neco Williams had a goal ruled out by VAR for handball, with that the closest either side went to making a breakthrough.

De Zerbi made three changes for the match, with Savio making his first league appearance for the Lilywhites.

But the way the Italian set out his side had former Arsenal player Merson confused.

Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham tactics not working

De Zerbi named Mathys Tel, Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher, Savio and Omar Marmoush in his starting line-up.

There was some confusion as to exactly how Spurs would set themselves up for the contest in the East Midlands.

It turned out that Gallagher played off Marmoush, with Savio and Tel out wide.

There were times when Gallagher dropped very deep, though, to cover gaps left by Pedro Porro out on the right.

Merson questioned the set-up when speaking on Sky Sports after the game, with Spurs looking ineffective in attack throughout.

"I like Gallagher, but he's a central midfielder," Merson said. "Surely you bring Marmoush deeper?"

Merson does have a point, and you have to wonder if it is better to go with Dominic Solanke - a second-half substitute here - up top as more of a focal point.

Keith Hackett reacts to Premier League announcement on Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham controversy

Tottenham's dreadful attacking numbers vs Nottingham Forest

Spurs may have had more possession (58.6 per cent) but they had a rather dreadful zero attempt on target.

Twelve shots, and none of those on target. That really is a worry for De Zerbi, having seen his side go three without a league goal.

Spurs did generate an expected goals (xG) return of 1.57 - better than Forest's 0.65 - with a large part of that coming through Marmoush's first-half chance.

The attacker was through on goal but slipped the ball wide, not even testing Matz Sels.

De Zerbi needs to have a serious think this week about how best to set out his side, even if it means leaving out some big names.

One point from three games, and no goals scored, really is not good enough.

Dominic Solanke