The former Spurs striker believes his old side let themselves down on Saturday.
Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that his old side need to be beating teams like Bournemouth if they are to be taken seriously as title contenders.
Spurs were held to a goalless draw by the Cherries in Saturday’s early kick-off as the North London side, once again without top scorer Harry Kane, looked devoid of ideas in front of goal.
The stalemate extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season to nine games, but was undoubtedly a disappointing and frustrating result.
It is likely to see Spurs lose ground at the top of the table, and Crooks believes that Mauricio Pochettino’s side cannot be taken seriously as title contenders if they continue to fail to win games such as this one.
Crooks told BBC Sport: “I’ve always thought Spurs have the talent but there was no no cutting edge today.
“If we are going to take them seriously as title contenders, they have got to go to places like Bournemouth and win – not just get a 0-0 draw.”
Spurs have ambitions of sustaining a season-long title challenge after last season’s promising campaign, in which they rose to challenge Leicester City in the second half of the season before dropping away late on and finishing third.
They have shown positive signs so far this term, but they will need to develop a killer instinct if they are to avoid results such as this weekend’s coming back to haunt them in May.
One plus is that they are likely to welcome star striker Kane back sooner rather than later. Judging by Saturday’s showing, that cannot come a moment too soon.
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