Paul Merson shares why Tottenham have reason for concern pre-Everton - 'Really worrying'

Paul Merson has labelled Tottenham Hotspur's clash with Everton a "cup final" given their current predicament.

Unlike Everton, Spurs went big with their spending in the summer after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes.

Spurs spent around £334million on new recruits, but results have so far been disappointing.

Roberto De Zerbi's side started their season with a 3-0 loss at Brentford, which was followed by a 2-0 home loss against Newcastle United.

The Lilywhites did stop the rot somewhat last week when drawing 0-0 at Nottingham Forest for their first point of the campaign.

But no wins and zero goals scored from three matches is clearly not good enough as Everton prepare to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Why is Paul Merson worried for Tottenham?

Tottenham are level on points and goal difference with Aston Villa in the final relegation spot.

It goes without saying that Spurs chiefs were expecting far more than this from De Zerbi at this stage.

Another defeat this weekend really would leave Tottenham in disastrous territory, even more so if others around them pick up points.

Giving his verdict to Sky Sports, Merson said he believes the Lilywhites will spiral if they are on the end of another bad result on Saturday evening.

"Spurs have to beat Everton this weekend. It's a cup final for them - I'd go as far as to say this is their season on the line," he said.

"If they lose to Everton, then you starting thinking: this is going to be another grind of a season. Here we go again. You would start really, really worrying as a Tottenham fan."

Merson went on to say: "If they beat Everton, then they've got every chance of beating Aston Villa at home next week.

"If they don't beat Everton, they're not beating Villa. That's how it works. It's a snowball effect."

Everton will of course hope that is very much the case as they look to seek some revenge from their final-day defeat to Spurs four months ago.

Tottenham could achieve unwanted first this weekend

Everton will make the trip to the capital in a confident mood on the back of last week's draw with Manchester United.

That maintained the Toffees' unbeaten start, with five points from three matches a good return.

However, defeat to Spurs on Saturday would shift the narrative and one win from four does not sound anywhere near as good.

As for Spurs, they are simply in desperate need of points and goals.

If they fail to score again this weekend, it will mark the first time in their history they have failed to score in any of their first four league matches at any level.