Sky Sports pundit Graham Souness says Hugo Lloris is “past his sell-by date” after watching Tottenham lose 2-0 at home to Aston Villa on Sunday.
The visitors scored twice in the second half through Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Lewis to grab all three points and leave Tottenham playing catch-up with the top four.
Spurs are now two points clear of fourth-placed Manchester United, who have a game in hand over Antonio Conte’s side, with Tottenham facing Arsenal and Manchester City in their next three Premier League games.
Tottenham were booed off the pitch by their fans and Lloris was the target of post-match scrutiny after a poor performance in net.
Lloris was charged for Aston Villa’s opener after his clearance from Luiz’s long-range shot allowed Ollie Watkins to set up Buendia to score.
And Souness is not convinced that Lloris – who played in the World Cup final for France last month – can still play at the highest level.
Souness said on Sky Sports: “I’m not a fan of Lloris. It has expired.
“Since the start of last season, he has made four mistakes that have led to goals – the worst record of any goalkeeper.”
Conte described Tottenham’s fourth-place finish last season as a “miracle” and wants supporters and media to be realistic about their chances this season.
“I know what the reality is because I am the coach,” Conte told reporters.
“The club knows very well what my thoughts are on the situation. The situation was very clear. I continue to work and improve and help you improve the club, create a solid foundation and then grow.
“You have to know that there are clubs that can invest £200m or £300m and others with a different policy and I repeat you have to respect the policy.
“The policy needs to be very clear to all people, otherwise we have created a situation that is not positive for the environment, to create expectations that are not realistic, frankly.”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment. Now we have to start fighting hard because the situation in this league can slip fast.
“If you’re asking me if I’m scared, I’m not. I believe in my job, I believe in these players, but don’t ask me for things I can’t promise you.”
Clement Lenglet, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissuma and Richarlison arrived in Tottenham’s summer recruitment drive, but Tottenham fans chanted Daniel Levy during the match.
Conte added: “I keep saying that last season we did a miracle.
“I was very clear with the club because at that point and before I became a title contender, because I remember very well in the summer at the beginning people were talking about Tottenham as a title contender, but in my experience it was a bit crazy to read that.
“People think you arrive and win. This could happen for a team that has been used to winning in the past. But if you are not used to it, it means that you have to create this situation and for this reason you need time and patience.
“I understand that the fans are disappointed because they can say ‘but we have been patient for a long time’, I understand that, but the situation is this. If you want the truth, I can tell you the truth.
READ MORE: Spurs fan literally gave up on Spurs after Antonio Conte’s show against Aston Villa
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