Van de Ven: Spurs performances unacceptable

Micky van de Ven branded Tottenham's recent results as "not acceptable" after their winless start to the Premier League campaign stretched to five games.

Spurs fell to a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday, despite a late fightback, with Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke's goals not enough after Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emiliano Buendia had all scored.

Roberto De Zerbi's team will sit in the relegation zone for the extended international break after accumulating just two points.

Spurs could even be bottom by the end of the weekend if Fulham avoid defeat against Manchester United.

While they ended their wait for a first Premier League goal of the season, this is Spurs' worst start to a campaign in the competition after five games (two points, -6 goal difference), eclipsing their 2008-09 start (two points, -3 GD).

They were also knocked out of the EFL Cup in the third round by Liverpool in midweek, and Van de Ven insisted Spurs will put it right after the break.

"I think in the first half we played really well and created a lot of chances. We conceded with 10 men, and that is always tough," Van de Ven told TNT Sports.

"The second half is just not good enough from us. The way we conceded goals is not good. I want to review it first, but there are things that are not acceptable, and we have to do better.

"We need to stay positive. It is difficult right now because everyone is going on the international break, but when we come back, we have to work."

Spurs have now lost 22 home league games since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, just one fewer than in their previous four seasons combined (23).

And they have failed to win any of their previous 48 games in all competitions in which they have conceded the opening goal (D11 L37), with 37 of those outings coming in the Premier League (D8 L29).

Spurs had a prolific summer transfer window, spending over £300m to bolster a squad that has finished 17th in the last two league seasons.

But pundit Joe Cole believes Spurs could be dragged into the relegation fight once more in 2026-27.

"They have overpaid for every player that they bought this summer," Cole said to TNT Sports.

"You can't rule them out of being in or around the relegation battle. They are not scoring goals, and they look so weak at the back.

"I know that the way they play leaves the centre-halves vulnerable, but that's why you buy centre-halves who can deal with those one-on-one challenges. I know he's a handful, Jackson, but for the goal, it's not good enough.

"I think they've got a real problem with – forget scoring goals – they look fragile, as well. Put the two together, and it only comes up with one conclusion.

"This is going to be a long season for Tottenham."