Chris Sutton predicts the score for ‘insipid’ Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest

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Chris Sutton aims sharp criticism at Roberto De Zerbi for Tottenham’s start to the season and reveals what he expects to happen at the City Ground.

Given the media coverage that Tottenham’s summer business has received, the sharks were already circling, ready to jump on De Zerbi and the club at the first slip-up.

That is exactly what has happened following two defeats in the first two matches of the season, with some people already questioning the club’s recruitment decisions.

While Tottenham gave a much better account of themselves against Newcastle than they did at Brighton on the opening day, one pundit was not impressed.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	Manchester CityManchester City	2	2	0	0	6	2	4	6
2	ArsenalArsenal	2	2	0	0	4	0	4	6
3	Hull CityHull City	2	2	0	0	3	0	3	6
4	ChelseaChelsea	2	2	0	0	7	5	2	6
5	BrentfordBrentford	2	1	1	0	4	1	3	4
6	NewcastleNewcastle	2	1	1	0	4	2	2	4
7	EvertonEverton	2	1	1	0	3	1	2	4
8	LeedsLeeds	2	1	1	0	2	1	1	4
9	BrightonBrighton	2	1	0	1	7	4	3	3
10	Manchester UnitedManchester United	2	1	0	1	5	4	1	3
11	SunderlandSunderland	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
12	IpswichIpswich	2	1	0	1	4	6	-2	3
13	LiverpoolLiverpool	2	0	2	0	4	4	0	2
14	BournemouthBournemouth	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1	1
15	Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest	2	0	1	1	2	3	-1	1
16	FulhamFulham	2	0	0	2	2	4	-2	0
17	CoventryCoventry	2	0	0	2	0	4	-4	0
18	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	2	0	0	2	1	6	-5	0
19	Aston VillaAston Villa	2	0	0	2	0	5	-5	0
20	TottenhamTottenham	2	0	0	2	0	5	-5	0

Chris Sutton reveals why he has been disappointed with Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham

Sutton has insisted that, unlike De Zerbi’s Brighton team, who had a clear identity, it is difficult to tell what Tottenham are under the Italian at the moment.

The pundit insisted that the massive changes made to the squad this summer cannot be used as an excuse for the performances we have seen from the Lilywhites so far.

The former Celtic striker told BBC Sport: “I have been very disappointed with Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham so far, however, and not just because of their poor results. When he came in at Brighton, De Zerbi built an amazing team in a short space of time and they were great to watch even if they made a few mistakes along the way.

“In contrast, we still don’t know what his Spurs team are about, even though they have spent an absolute fortune on players. I think that’s on De Zerbi because, although new players take time to gel, his side have put in two really insipid performances so far.

“He has put that down to the team not being fully fit and blamed their pre-season schedule, but they should still be doing much better than they are – with no points and no goals so far. Other clubs, with new managers as well as lots of new players, look much more organised so it is not an excuse.”

Sutton expects Spurs to avoid third straight defeat

Tottenham go to the City Ground looking for their first points of the season, in what has already become a must-not-lose game for the club so early in the season.

Despite being unimpressed with Spurs so far, Sutton believes that they will emerge with a point from their trip to Nottingham Forest.

The pundit said about the clash: “Still, Spurs have surely got to improve soon, which is why I have got them down to pick up a first point here.”

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Tottenham

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