Danny Murphy Reveals When Tottenham Could Sack Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi is under growing pressure at Tottenham, but former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy believes the club won't sack him before November, even if Spurs lose again this weekend.

Tottenham have picked up just two points from their opening four Premier League games and are yet to score a single goal in the league so far this season. Things got worse on Tuesday night when they crashed out of the Carabao Cup, losing 3-1 to Liverpool at Anfield.

Murphy called that result "a little bit embarrassing," but he still thinks Spurs will end up finishing in the top half of the table this season.

Spurs host Aston Villa on Saturday in their last game before the international break, and there's a growing feeling that another defeat could really crank up the heat on De Zerbi. Even so, Murphy doesn't think the club will panic and make a change straight away.

Speaking on White & Jordan, Murphy explained why he thinks Spurs will stick with their manager for now. 

"They'll climb up the table. I still think they will be in the top half," he said. "I am surprised how poorly they've started, but actually the turnover of players, a lot of new players have come in, some of them late. He's not yet established his best 11."

He admitted some of De Zerbi's decisions have been puzzling to watch. "There's a few decisions when you watch them play. I've done most of the games where it's kind of a little bit baffling, but they've got enough. It's just about getting through this initial bad spell. Last night didn't help."

On the Liverpool defeat specifically, Murphy felt De Zerbi made the right call with his selection given the circumstances. 

"I think he picked a strong team, which he should have done because he's under a bit of pressure. He's got a lot of quality and competition for places, but he picked a really strong team and they played okay. They missed a couple of big chances in the first half which can change momentum in a game, but to lose 3-1 it's a little embarrassing."

Murphy also acknowledged how quickly things can turn for a manager once results start slipping. 

"There comes a point with every manager at every club where the fans will start and if they lose to Villa at the weekend before the international break, all of a sudden amazingly he's under pressure. Even if they lose at the weekend, I still think they'll give him a month or two after they get back from the international break."

Spurs will have plenty of time to think things over regardless of the result against Villa, with a three week gap before their next match away at Manchester United on October 10, due to the season's first international break.

Heading into the weekend, Tottenham sit 17th in the table after back to back goalless draws with Nottingham Forest and Everton, results that followed earlier defeats to Brentford and Newcastle United.

De Zerbi took over at Spurs in March on a five year deal through to 2031. He guided the club to three wins from seven matches to close out last season, securing their place in the Premier League on the final day, finishing two points above West Ham, who were relegated.