The brutal Tottenham reveal that shows sack is only outcome for Roberto De Zerbi

The writing could be on the wall for Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lilywhites played host to Aston Villa on Saturday, with both sides in desperate need of a win.

Spurs started well and looked much the better side as they had a majority share of possession and the chances.

That didn't matter in the end as Villa went 3-0 up as Emi Buendia's rocket made it three on 79 minutes.

The hosts did score two late goals - their first league goals of the campaign - but it was too little, too late.

That may sum up De Zerbi and his Tottenham career as the sack may be the only option for those in the boardroom.

Why Tottenham have to sack Roberto De Zerbi

Just looking at what happened against Villa tells you all you need to know.

Having 64 per cent possession, 20 shots, three big chances, 497 passes and 11 corners should never end in defeat.

The fact that Villa actually went 3-0 up against those stats is representative of the North Londoners right now.

Another defeat, making it three defeats and two draws to start the Premier League season.

The fact that De Zerbi can't hide from is that this is now Tottenham's worst start to a league season after five games.

Their two points and minus six goal difference sits below the 2008-09 season where at this stage they had two points and minus three goal difference.

Juande Ramos was sacked in October for that start and was replaced by Harry Redknapp.

It feels as if the 2026 version of that could be in the pipeline on Hotspur Way.

Who could replace De Zerbi?

Having spent well over £300million on signings over the summer, this start can't be ignored.

Sitting 18th in the Premier League is proof of just how bad it's been.

That has to reflect on De Zerbi after the faith the board have shown in him with their business.

There are other managers out there and many who would jump at the chance to work with this squad.

Eddie Howe is available and does have previous for working with struggling squads and carrying them up the Premier League.

Taking Newcastle United from relegation battles to the Champions League while winning the Carabao Cup is arguably the crowning achievement of his career.

With that sort of manager waiting in the wings, it does make you think about why Spurs would stick by De Zerbi for any longer.

The international break provides a perfect chance to make a change, potentially before it's too late.