Tottenham's Goal Crisis: De Zerbi Told to Stop Starting Mathys Tel, Mikey Moore the Long-Term Solution

Tottenham Hotspur's goal drought at the start of the 2026/2027 Premier League season has come under intense scrutiny. Four matches have passed without a single goal, and they sit 17th in the current standings. Pressure is now mounting on manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is seen as having yet to find the right formula for his attack. One of the most scrutinized decisions is the trust placed in Mathys Tel, the 21-year-old winger signed for £30 million from Bayern Munich.

Tel, who scored only four goals in all competitions last season, has again failed to show promising form. In the match against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, he did not take a single shot, lost the ball 17 times, and created no key chances. Those statistics strengthen the argument that he is not yet worthy of being a first-choice option in Tottenham's forward line. De Zerbi was even seen scolding Tel after the match against Everton, though the content of the conversation is not known for certain.

De Zerbi has in fact recognized the need for a new striker. He had targeted Cody Gakpo from Liverpool, but the Dutch player stayed at Anfield. Tottenham also came close to signing Iliman Ndiaye for £60 million, but he instead joined Manchester City. These failures have forced Tottenham to look for an internal solution, especially with the injury suffered by Mykhailo Mudryk. The Ukrainian player still has to undergo recovery, leaving limited options on the left wing.

Omar Marmoush was tried in that position against Everton, but the result was not yet satisfactory. Meanwhile, young player Luca Williams-Barnett is considered too early to be burdened with major responsibility. The name Mikey Moore has emerged as a long-term hope. Moore, currently on loan at Koln, is showing rapid development. Last season with Rangers, he scored seven goals and provided four assists from the left-wing position, the same position as Tel. At academy level, Moore scored 19 goals in 24 U18 matches, an impressive record.

"Moore has pace, finishing, and the will to make something happen. He is the most promising academy graduate since Harry Kane," wrote an analyst at Football Fan Cast.

The decision to loan Moore to Koln this season appears right to add playing time. If his development goes according to plan, he could become the solution on Tottenham's left wing next season. De Zerbi, known for liking to give opportunities to young players, may consider Moore as a replacement for Tel. For now, however, Tottenham must survive with the available options and try to escape the goal crisis.

For fans in Indonesia, Tottenham's situation reflects how big clubs face pressure after heavy spending. Failure to recruit primary targets and reliance on young players are valuable lessons. The Indonesian league also often faces similar dilemmas, where clubs must maximize their academies when funds are limited. Tottenham, with abundant resources, still struggles to find a sharp striker, showing that money does not always guarantee an instant solution.

Looking ahead, will De Zerbi stick with Tel or immediately change strategy? If the negative trend continues, his position could be under threat. Meanwhile, Moore in Germany has a golden opportunity to prove himself. Next season, he could be the answer to Tottenham's attacking problems. But it all depends on how he uses the loan period and whether De Zerbi is still trusted to lead the long-term project.