Tottenham Hotspur are in serious trouble. The club sit bottom of the Premier League table with just two points from five matches, and the pressure on manager Roberto De Zerbi is intensifying by the day. A 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa in their most recent league outing summed up a nightmare start to the campaign, leaving the north London side without a single win as the season approaches its second month.

The situation has grown complicated enough that former Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been linked with the job, with reports suggesting the Dutchman is seeking a new challenge after turning down the Netherlands national team role. Yet the club's hierarchy has moved to steady nerves publicly. Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham issued a vote of confidence in De Zerbi, acknowledging the difficult start but urging patience as the manager attempts to implement his ideas despite unprecedented summer investment.

Defensive problems are adding to the strain. Jan Paul van Hecke, a summer signing, picked up a foot injury on international duty with the Netherlands and faces a fitness race ahead of a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on October 10. Losing him would further stretch De Zerbi's options at the back.

With a difficult away fixture looming and a managerial cloud hanging over the club, Tottenham need results fast. The next few weeks could prove decisive in determining whether De Zerbi gets the time he needs to turn things around.