Tottenham reaction: Joe Cole dismisses Spurs' credentials for Premier League title after Wolves loss

TNT Sports' Joe Cole has dismissed Tottenham's Premier League title credentials following their dramatic 2-1 defeat to Wolves.

Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina struck in stoppage time to secure a stunning win at the death for Gary O’Neil’s side, as Ange Postecoglou’s team suffered back-to-back defeats following Monday's 4-1 loss to Chelsea.

Those two defeats have punctured the early-season momentum they built up and which saw them top the Premier League.

“I didn't really consider them as title contenders,” Cole said on TNT Sports after the match.

“I know there was a lot of noise and it's a lesson learned for a lot of teams. The Premier League is unforgiving; they've lost some influential players and the lads that have come in are not quite up to match fitness. It takes your level down a bit.

“If they had taken a point today, it would have carried on a bit of momentum. But they are miles off making a challenge for the league."

Cole believes that Tottenham’s lack of squad depth is starting to show, and highlighted how the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal have a better ability to cope with injuries.

“Man City have lost two centre-halves [Manuel Akanji and John Stones] and [Kevin] De Bruyne, but they're easily replaceable and nothing changes," he explained.

“Arsenal are like that to an extent, and are at that second level which Tottenham need to get to.

“If [Gabriel] Martinelli gets injured, then an [Emile] Smith Rowe or [Leandro] Trossard can come in. Tottenham are not there yet and there are not like-for-like replacements.”

Lescott highlighted how the absence of James Maddison - who has picked up an ankle injury - is massive blow to Spurs, and says now is a good time to take stock and reassess their aims for the season.

“In the space of a week they've lost two games," Lescott said.

“It's not over by any means, but they may have to re-evaluate their expectations and where they will look to strengthen in the window.

“Like any squad, you're reliant on your best players, but you can't be reliant on one individual and then you lose him.

“I don't mean in terms of the quality, but in terms of style. [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg brings different strengths to Maddison, but they don't have a replacement for him or someone that's equally efficient.”

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