Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has delivered his verdict on Tottenham Hotspur's chances of challenging for the Premier League title this season.
Ahead of this weekend's clashes, the Lilywhites found themselves five points off early-pace setters Everton.
But perhaps more importantly they were only two points off reigning champions Liverpool who have suffered a major blow with the news that Virgil van Dijk is likely to miss the remainder of the season through injury.
That has led to some suggestions that the title race will be wide open this year.
However, Merson doesn't believe Spurs will be among the teams contesting the title come the business end of the season, citing last weekend's 3-3 draw at home to West Ham United as a big reason.
"I was watching a different game, Merson said on Sky Sports. "I thought Tottenham took their foot off the pedal.
"I think the first goal is bad marking, the second goal - the own goal just went under the carpet.
"It's atrocious defending - the own goal, to score a header like that. And the last goal Aurier gives away the most pointless free-kick I've ever seen in the history of football on the touchline and no one has mentioned Harry Winks.
"Why doesn't he just boot the ball up the pitch? He's trying to beat a player on the edge of the box.
"I didn't think Tottenham were that great, after 30 seconds West Ham had half a chance, had a shot and then for about 15 minutes they blew them away.
"But second half I thought West Ham really done well. They got the goal late and the shackles came off.
"I was really disappointed in Tottenham and the way they let it go. A Mourinho team
"Last week we were talking like this team has got a chance of winning the league. I see enough in that 10 minutes to go as far as to say absolutely zero chance."
Spurs are among the highest scorers across the entire division, although they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season, so it would appear they could challenge for the title - but only if they improve defensively.
