Tottenham Hotspur have endured a nightmare start to the new season, sitting rock bottom of the Premier League table. Roberto De Zerbi's side are still winless after five frustrating top-flight games before the extended international break, despite spending in excess of £300million over the summer.
Spurs still short of quality and depth
Remarkably, given their lavish spending spree, Spurs still look short of quality and depth across the pitch, and it already feels like additions need to be made in January. Tottenham embarked on a full squad overhaul in the summer, bringing in 10 new players, and it is clear some are still finding their feet after a disrupted pre-season.
De Zerbi, though, has plenty of problems to fix once the transfer window reopens.
Striker shortage at the top of the list
Arguably Tottenham's most glaring oversight this summer was their failure to bring in an out-and-out striker. The versatile Omar Marmoush arrived from Manchester City on loan, with a £60m obligation to buy at the end of the season, but has so far looked an awkward fit.
The Egyptian is not particularly adept at leading the line, instead looking to drop deep and receive the ball, and that has placed great emphasis on Dominic Solanke to be Spurs' talisman, despite the England forward clearly lacking sharpness.
Attacking combinations disjointed
Tottenham's attacking combinations have looked disjointed and lethargic, and a lot of that has to do with their lack of a focal point. With last season's top goalscorer, Richarlison, out in the cold having asked to leave the club, Spurs have been left to rely on Marmoush and Solanke, who scored six league goals between them last year.
A new striker is imperative, with Richarlison's situation also in need of resolution. But January is a particularly difficult month to find value, especially when you are in the market for a goalscorer.
Wing and right-back concerns
Despite bringing in Chelsea loanee Mykhailo Mudryk, Tottenham also feel light on the wing, with Mathys Tel flattering to deceive and £85m man Savio yet to really get going.
There is also the question of whether Spurs need to sign a back-up right-back. De Zerbi thought about it during the summer after Djed Spence left for Inter Milan but ultimately decided to put his trust in Archie Gray to fill in for Pedro Porro. With Porro now out injured, though, Spurs' vulnerability in that position has been exposed, and they look a significantly weaker side without him in the team.
