Tottenham's final Premier League position and exact points tally predicted after horror start

It's been a tough start for Spurs in the Premier League this season, capped by a 3‑2 home defeat to Aston Villa before the international break

Tottenham Hotspur look destined for the drop if Opta's projections are anything to go by, following their disastrous start to the Premier League campaign. The north Londoners remain winless and have scored just two goals in five matches.

It's been a brutal opening to the season for a club that committed £394million to Roberto De Zerbi's new recruits - a figure that could eventually rise to £469m. Spurs only escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day last season, with Joao Palhinha firing them to a 1‑0 win over Everton.

But their early‑season form has raised fresh alarm, and Opta Analyst have now released updated projections for how they expect the final table to look after Saturday's 3‑2 defeat to Aston Villa.

Their model has Spurs suffering relegation for the first time since 1977, finishing 18th on 43 points (43.09). Spurs are forecast to finish level on 43 points with Ipswich Town in 17th, though Gary O'Neil's side are projected slightly higher at 43.70.

Even so, the north Londoners have been handed a 30% chance of relegation. Fulham and Coventry City are also tipped for the drop, with both projected to end the season on 39 points.

During TNT Sports' coverage of the match against Villa, both Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard expressed concerns that Spurs could find themselves in another relegation battle.

Cole said: "I think they've got a real problem with, forget scoring goals, they look fragile, as well. Put the two together, and it only comes up with one conclusion. This is going to be a long season for Tottenham."

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Gerrard also voiced his worries about their relegation prospects, adding: "They have fixed some areas. The midfield engine room is stronger with [Sandro] Tonali and [Mateus] Fernandes, [Rodrigo] Bentancur. That's a strong midfield.

"Conor Gallagher could have started. I don't think midfield is a big problem. They are weak and flaky at the back, and concede too many goals. A straight, long ball? If your two centre-backs can't deal with that, you are going to have problems. That needs to be fixed. They haven't got a poacher, they haven't got a goalscorer.

"I say that respectfully because they have good players, exciting players, in the frontline. But who's going to get 20 goals? If you haven't got that, and you concede goals at the back, it might be time to get concerned for Spurs fans."

The Premier League is now on an extended three‑week break for the September and October internationals, and Spurs will return to action on Saturday, October 10 when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.