Alan Shearer has hit out at Tottenham for their lacklustre performance during the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
A first-half Joelinton strike gave the Magpies the lead, and although Spurs felt they should have had a penalty after Jamaal Lascelles clumsily took down Harry Kane, they were unable to find the equaliser and fell to their first loss of the season.
Shearer believes Spurs lack the intensity needed to challenge at the top of the table, and also thinks they will struggle even more if they allow midfielder Christian Eriksen to move on, with the Dane dropped from the starting line-up against Newcastle.
Speaking to the Sun , Shearer said: "Everything was at a slow pace. Every pass was slow and every cross was slow. There was no pace to their game whatsoever.
"Without Eriksen in the team there is definitely a lack of creativity.
"Pochettino has a big decision to make – either getting cash for him in this window or letting him go for nothing. But right now they just cannot afford to let him go."
Eriksen's future has been the source of speculation all summer after he admitted at the end of last season that he was keen to pursue a new challenge.
He has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid , Juventus and PSG, but with just eight days left until the European transfer window closes there has still not been a bid for the player.
His contract is due to expire next summer, meaning he could leave on a free if he does not move on in the coming days.
Spurs will look to bounce back from their Newcastle disappointment when they take on bitter rivals Arsenal in the north London derby next weekend.
They lost the reverse fixture last year 4-2 in one of the most thrilling games of the season.
