Harry Kane fires another blank as Everton hold winless Spurs

Harry Kane's barren spell continued as the goalkeeping heroics of Tim Howard ensured Everton secured a 0-0 draw at winless Tottenham.

The England striker has yet to find the net this season and suffered another day to forget after blowing a gilt-edged chance to give Mauricio Pochettino's side their first success of the new campaign.

The Toffees started brightly but were soon thankful to Howard for denying Kane with a one-on-one save after the forward had sprinted clean through on goal in what proved to be the best opportunity of the contest.

American stopper Howard was in inspired form throughout as he also kept out efforts either side of half time from Ryan Mason, while Nacer Chadli blazed another opening over the top.

Everton went close through Tom Cleverley, who was later stretchered off with an ankle problem, and Arouna Kone who almost snatched victory late on with a glancing header.

Spurs' frustrating evening was further compounded by an injury to Mousa Dembele, as the stalemate means they have failed to win any of their opening four matches of a season for the first time since 2008-09.

16' - EVERTON CHANCE! Kyle Walker attempts to take a high ball down and is caught by Cleverley who rampages towards the area and lets fly with a stinging shot that Lloris tips over the bar.

23' - TOTTENHAM CHANCE! Everton are caught on the break and Kane sprints clean through on Howard, but the Toffees keeper saves the day with an outstretched left boot to deflect it to safety.

28' - TOTTENHAM CHANCE! Chadli jinks in from the left once more and teases a sublime pass in behind for the run of Mason, only for Howard to deny Spurs again with a smart save.

55' - TOTTENHAM CHANCE! A poor touch by Barry presents Mason with a clear sight of goal but his shot from eight yards is beaten away by the superb Howard.

66' - TOTTENHAM CHANCES! Chadli blazes over on the rebound after his initial run and pass led to Kane's shot being blocked back into his path.

73' - EVERTON CHANCE! Oviedo curls a delightful right-foot cross towards the run of Kone who glances a header just past the far post.

Harry Kane has scored just two goals in his last 12 Premier League appearances.

Everton have failed to score in four of their last five league games against Spurs.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last seven Barclays Premier League games at home to Everton (W4 D3).

Spurs last failed to win any of their opening four league matches of the season in 2008-09, which ultimately led to the sacking of manager Juande Ramos.

(Stats courtesy of Opta and Infostrada)

Harry Kane. The striker has yet to find the net this campaign after failing to put a foot wrong for the majority of last term. The Premier League has a history of one-season wonders but that won't be Kane's fate. It's only a matter of time for the Spurs hitman who remains a very real threat. It's an old cliché that form is temporary, but Kane will prove this to be the case in the weeks and months ahead. However, that won't stop the headline-writers from highlighting his lack of goals at present.

Tim Howard (Everton): Earned his side the point with three top-class saves, the best of which came when he thwarted Kane one-on-one.

Tottenham: Lloris 7, Walker 6, Alderweireld 7, Vertonghen 7, Rose 7, Bentaleb 6, Dier 7, Chadli 7, Mason 7, Dembele 6, Kane 6. Subs: Alli 6, Pritchard n/a.

Everton: Howard 9, Coleman 7, Stones 7, Jagielka 7, Oviedo 7, Barry 6, Cleverley 6, McCarthy 6, Barkley 7, Kone 7, Lukaku 5. Subs: Deulofeu n/a, Naismith 6, Mirallas 6.