Tottenham Goal Drought Deepens as Richarlison Misses Liverpool Cup Tie

Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult start to the season has created an immediate attacking problem for Roberto De Zerbi, with Spurs still waiting for their first Premier League goal after four matches.

The pressure now follows Tottenham into the Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Liverpool, where Richarlison remains unavailable despite the club’s shortage of goals. Reuters reported on September 14 that De Zerbi continues to back his reshaped attack but must find a way to turn possession and attacking talent into goals.

Why is Richarlison not playing for Tottenham?

Richarlison was left out of Tottenham’s Premier League squad after declining a contract extension and making clear that he wanted to leave during the summer. A proposed return to Everton did not happen before the transfer window closed, leaving the Brazilian outside De Zerbi’s league plans.

The decision has become more prominent because Spurs have failed to score in each of their opening four Premier League matches. Richarlison was Tottenham’s leading league scorer last season, so his absence is inevitably being discussed while the current forward line struggles to convert chances.

De Zerbi has defended the decision and said the club has to move forward with the attacking options available to him.

Tottenham’s four-game Premier League goal drought

Spurs have taken only two points from their first four league games and have not scored once, the longest goalless start to a league season in the club’s history.

The Guardian reported after the 0-0 draw with Everton that De Zerbi believes his players are dealing with a mental block as well as fitness problems. Tottenham have shown promising passages of play, but the lack of a decisive final action has quickly become the defining issue of their opening month.

That is particularly concerning after a busy summer in which the club reshaped the attack around players including Dominic Solanke, Savio, Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel.

Injuries add to De Zerbi’s problems

The attack is not Tottenham’s only concern. De Zerbi has also had to manage injuries and fitness issues across the squad, limiting his ability to establish a settled side during the opening weeks.

Mykhailo Mudryk, who joined on loan from Chelsea on deadline day, suffered an ankle injury in training shortly after making his comeback from a doping suspension. Reuters reported that he is expected to remain out until after the international break.

Other key players have also been unavailable or short of full fitness, making it harder for De Zerbi to build continuity around a squad containing numerous summer arrivals.

Liverpool cup tie offers a reset

The Carabao Cup gives Tottenham an immediate opportunity to change the mood. A goal, regardless of competition, would remove some of the pressure surrounding the attack and give De Zerbi a chance to build confidence before the league campaign resumes.

Richarlison’s absence means the responsibility again falls to Tottenham’s new-look forward group. De Zerbi has publicly backed their quality and believes the summer arrivals need time to adapt to his system and reach full fitness.

Four league matches without a goal is already unusual territory for Spurs. If the drought continues much longer, questions about the summer rebuild, Richarlison’s exclusion and De Zerbi’s attacking system will only become louder.