Tottenham and Nottingham Forest played out a 0-0 Premier League draw at the City Ground as a competitive game ended in a stalemate.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side picked up their first points of the new season after successive defeats against Brentford and Newcastle United.
The Lilywhites named a strong starting XI as Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Savio returned to the team.
However, the latter two only lasted about an hour as they were substituted for Andy Robertson and Mohammed Kudus.
De Zerbi explains Tottenham double sub
“No, I’m not happy. But football is like this,” began De Zerbi when asked about his decisions to sub the Tottenham duo.
“Savio has not the best physical condition to play 90 minutes. He’s an important player for us, a crucial player. Destiny is another crucial player for us.
“I think Kudus and Robertson, they played well. But, you know, to start one game like today, it’s not so easy to come in from the bench and adapt immediately.
“I’m not happy when we have the plan, but it’s for my advantage, for my business, the management of the players after injuries.”
It wasn’t the ideal result, but on the positive side, Tottenham got their first points of the season, and their performance wasn’t objectively terrible.
If key players work their way back up to full fitness and the new signings get to grips with the system quickly, De Zerbi can expect consistent performances then.
Until then, they will very much remain a work in progress.
