Matchday Four: Aston Villa, Tottenham and Coventry Still Search for First Premier League Goal

Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and newly promoted Coventry City will enter Matchday 4 still searching for their first Premier League goal of the season. The three clubs share the same unwanted record, but the reasons for their slow starts are not the same.

Villa have the most troubling return so far. Unai Emery’s side opened with a 4-0 defeat at Brighton, lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal and then drew 0-0 at Hull City. The Hull match offered chances but no breakthrough, including a close-range miss by Emiliano Buendía. Villa now have one point from three games and remain scoreless.

Their attacking numbers have intensified the concern. The Times reported that Villa recorded only one shot on target across their first three league matches, their lowest total since 2003-04. Emery has already taken the club into the Champions League, making the early attacking problems more striking. Still, the article notes that three matches are too early to consider the season lost. Villa host Nottingham Forest on September 12, giving them an immediate chance to respond.

Tottenham’s situation includes the added complication of a new manager, Roberto De Zerbi. Spurs began with a 0-0 draw against Brentford, lost 2-0 at Newcastle United and drew 0-0 at Nottingham Forest. Tottenham had the ball in the net at Forest, but Neco Williams’ effort for the hosts was ruled out by VAR. Spurs still failed to score, despite opportunities for Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke.

De Zerbi therefore faces the twin task of establishing his methods and getting Tottenham’s attack working quickly. The article says the team has shown organization and spirit, suggesting it is not short of attacking ideas, but its decision-making in the final phase remains a problem. Matchweek four games will be played from September 12 to 14, with Villa, Tottenham and Coventry all seeking a first goal.