Solanke rusty as Spurs draw another blank at home to Everton

Tottenham Hotspur remain without a goal or a win this season after a dour goalless draw with Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Dominic Solanke, making his first Premier League start of the campaign, was withdrawn on 63 minutes after a rusty display that earned him a 4/10 rating.

  • Result: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Everton in the Premier League
  • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
  • Spurs still waiting: First goal and first win of the season still elusive
  • Lowest rating: Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson both 4/10
  • Highest rating: Jarrad Branthwaite 8/10 for Everton
  • Substitutions: Spurs made a triple change on 63 minutes

Confirmed line-ups

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andrew Robertson; Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali; Savio, Mateus Fernandes, Omar Marmoush; Dominic Solanke

Substitutes: Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel, James Maddison, Tosin Adarabioyo. Unused: Dubravka, Davies, Gallagher, Senesi.

Everton

Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Vitalii Mykolenko; Harrison Armstrong, James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall; Brennan Johnson, Thierno Barry, Tyrique George

Substitutes: Jack Grealish, Jake O'Brien, Hayden Hackney. Unused: Travers, King, Graham, Dibling, Alcaraz, Keane.

Selection notes

Dominic Solanke was handed his first Premier League start of the season, with Mathys Tel among the substitutes. James Maddison and Tosin Adarabioyo were introduced late. Everton started Brennan Johnson against his former club, but he struggled and was replaced by Hayden Hackney on 75 minutes.

Player ratings in full

Tottenham Hotspur: Antonin Kinsky 6, Archie Gray 7, Jan Paul van Hecke 6, Micky van de Ven 6, Andrew Robertson 7, Rodrigo Bentancur 6, Sandro Tonali 6, Savio 7, Mateus Fernandes 5, Omar Marmoush 5, Dominic Solanke 4. Subs: Mohammed Kudus 4, Lucas Bergvall 5, Mathys Tel 5, James Maddison n/a, Tosin Adarabioyo n/a.

Everton: Jordan Pickford 7, Ainsley Maitland-Niles 6, Jarrad Branthwaite 8, James Tarkowski 6, Vitalii Mykolenko 5, Harrison Armstrong 6, James Garner 5, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 6, Brennan Johnson 4, Thierno Barry 5, Tyrique George 5. Subs: Jack Grealish n/a, Jake O'Brien n/a, Hayden Hackney n/a.

Every starter was rated, with the substitutes who made a meaningful contribution also scored. The ratings were compiled by the chief football writer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and reflect a match short on clear chances.

The numbers

  • 0 — goals scored by Tottenham so far this season
  • 0 — wins for Tottenham so far this season
  • 4 — lowest rating on the pitch, shared by Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson
  • 8 — highest rating, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
  • 63 — minute Tottenham made a triple substitution

Why Spurs still can't score — and why Everton will be happier

Tottenham's front line lacked sharpness. Dominic Solanke looked short of match fitness and was replaced on 63 minutes by Mathys Tel, who at least offered a couple of tricky runs. Omar Marmoush and Mateus Fernandes both rated 5/10; Fernandes even saw one shot greeted with ironic applause, a reflection of how rare goal attempts were.

Everton's plan worked. Jarrad Branthwaite produced a superb early block and was very solid throughout, with James Tarkowski providing a no-nonsense partner. Jordan Pickford made a good late save from Lucas Bergvall. The visitors lacked attacking thrust, but a point at Spurs is a solid result.

For Tottenham, the search for a first goal and first win continues. The creativity of James Maddison and the directness of Mohammed Kudus may be needed from the start sooner rather than later if this pattern persists.

Talking points

  • Solanke's 4/10 on his first start raises the question: should Spurs persist with him or turn to Tel from the off?
  • Brennan Johnson, facing his former club, was poor and missed a huge opportunity — is he better as an impact substitute?
  • Everton's defensive resilience earned a deserved point, but their lack of attacking threat will worry fans.
  • Sandro Tonali, a £100m midfielder, showed only the odd touch of class — is he being used correctly?

What happens next

Tottenham must find a cutting edge before their next Premier League fixture if they are to avoid a prolonged winless start. Everton will take confidence from a clean sheet and a disciplined away performance as they look to build on this point.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score between Tottenham and Everton?

Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Everton in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

How did Dominic Solanke rate against Everton?

Solanke was rated 4/10 on his first Premier League start of the season, described as rusty and lacking match sharpness.

Who was the highest-rated player in Spurs vs Everton?

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite received the highest rating of 8/10 for his superb early block and solid display.

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