Tottenham have not improved, admits Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen is concerned that Tottenham have failed to improve this season while the teams around them have moved up a level.

Spurs’ faint hopes of a top-four finish were dealt another severe blow on Sunday as local rivals Arsenal sealed a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane thanks to Tomas Rosicky’s stunning early goal.

I don’t want to look at the table at the moment

Jan Vertonghen

That defeat left Tottenham fifth in the table but nine points behind third-placed Arsenal, who have played a game less than their neighbours.

The loss has led to further questions about head coach Tim Sherwood’s future at the club beyond the summer – and Vertonghen is worried about his side’s lack of progress this term.

“I think the top four are stronger than last year and we’ve stuck to the same level,” Vertonghen told the London Evening Standard. “We haven’t improved on last year.

“I don’t want to look at the table at the moment, as I think the gap will look very big.

“What needs to happen in the summer? That’s something for the chairman and for the manager. I can’t say that.”