Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole believes Tottenham Hotspur could be facing another relegation battle in the 26–27 season following the club’s latest defeat to Aston Villa.
Spurs finally managed to break their goal drought this weekend after putting two past Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after a goalless first four weeks in the Premier League.
But that was not enough for the Lilywhites to secure all three points, as they conceded three goals against Unai Emery’s men.
In fact, up until the closing moments of the game, it looked like Spurs were set to lose 3-0 after going three down with four minutes to play.
Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke pulled two back for Tottenham, but those goals have done little to paper over the cracks in north London, with Spurs now sat in 19th place in the Premier League table.
Joe Cole warns Tottenham could face relegation battle
Speaking on TNT Sports, former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has now given his take on Tottenham’s latest outing. Cole believes that Spurs are set for a long season that could well involve another relegation scrap.
Of course, it is far from the sort of campaign Tottenham would have been hoping for after their £400 million summer spending spree.
Cole said: “I feel like they have overpaid for every player they have bought this summer. And I just think you cannot rule them out of being in and around the relegation battle. Because they have got that thing. They are not scoring goals and they look so weak at the back.”
Joe Cole highlights Jan Paul van Hecke’s struggles against Aston Villa
Cole also opened up on Tottenham’s defence against Villa and highlighted the performance of £52 million‑rated van Hecke.
The Dutchman struggled defensively against former Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who found it easy to get past the centre‑back in one‑v‑one situations.
Cole was adamant that not even van Hecke’s goal could cover up what was a poor defensive display.
He added: “He scored the goal. But he has to be disappointed with his performance because, you know, I know the way that they play, they leave the centre‑halves a little bit vulnerable, Stevie.
“But, you know, that is why you buy centre‑halves who can deal with those one‑on‑one challenges. I know he is a handful, Jackson. But for the goal it is not good enough.
“I know he has scored the goal and everything, but I think they have got a real problem with – forget scoring goals – I think they look fragile as well. And then you put the two together and it only comes up with one conclusion. This is going to be a long season for Tottenham.”