Pochettino’s Spurs have developed a “softness” they can’t seem to shake, says Shearer

Tottenham Hotspur have developed a “softness” which they cannot seem to put right, according to Alan Shearer.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men were beaten 2-1 by Leicester City at the weekend, despite taking the lead at the King Power Stadium, which saw them drop to seventh place in the Premier League table.

What is Tottenham’s problem? Five things to know…

• Tottenham are seventh in the Premier League after seven games.
• Pochettino’s men were beaten 2-1 by Leicester City at the weekend, despite taking the lead.
• It was the third time Spurs have surrendered an away lead in four games across all competitions this season.
• The defeat also stretched Tottenham’s winless away run in the Premier League to nine.
• And Shearer believes Pochettino’s side have developed a “softness” they cannot put right.

It was the third consecutive away game across all competitions in which Spurs have lost a lead, having previously surrendered 2-0 advantages against Arsenal and Olympiacos to draw.

The loss also extended Spurs’ wait for a Premier League away victory, with Pochettino’s men last winning on the road against Fulham in January – a run of nine games, seven of which have been defeats.

And Shearer believes Spurs’ away form is stopping them from mounting a serious Premier League title challenge.

“Leicester played poorly when they lost to United last week. However, they showed their qualities when they beat Tottenham on Saturday and deserved the three points,” he told BBC Sport.

“Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs team are having a difficult time at the moment, especially away from home – they have not managed a league victory on the road since January.

“Tottenham have led by a goal at half-time in their past three away matches – against Arsenal, Olympiakos and now the Foxes – but failed to win any of them, which tells you they have a softness about them that they do not seem able to put right.

“They had a brilliant season last time out, reaching the Champions League final and making the top four of the Premier League for a fourth successive year under Pochettino – but they still seem a long way from reaching the next level and mounting a serious title challenge.”

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Pochettino: Difficult to explain Tottenham’s away form

With Liverpool starting perfectly, winning all of their six opening Premier League games, Spurs are already 10 points behind the leaders.

If Spurs are to harbour any hopes of putting a title challenge together, Pochettino’s side need to fix their away form. But the Argentinian has admitted the nature of his team’s struggles need to be analysed further.

When asked after the defeat at Leicester why Tottenham’s away form has been so bad, Pochettino told reporters: “For different reasons, for different circumstances that are difficult to explain now.

“Every single game, if you ask me today why we didn’t win, after dominating the game for 80 minutes and then the circumstances change and we concede.

“We need to be more consistent, show better performances away from home. That is the only way.

“It is a point to analyse, but we are here to try and find solutions for the future.”