Former Arsenal winger Paul Merson believes that Tottenham Hotspur's mixed start to the 2019-20 season has already precluded them from being title contenders.

Mauricio Pochettino's side drew games against Arsenal and Manchester City alongside suffering a shock home defeat to Newcastle United prior to the international break.

However, the North London side looked to be back to their best during a rampant first-half display which saw them score four goals against Crystal Palace.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports News, Merson said: "Tottenham made Crystal Palace look average.

"They are a team that have won away to all the big teams, but in the first 45 minutes, Spurs were back to the side we all know on Saturday, but for me it's already too late for them to catch Liverpool."

Spurs find themselves in third position after five games, with Liverpool seven points ahead having enjoyed a perfect start to their Premier League campaign.

Last year's Champions League finalists take on Olympiacos in Athens on Wednesday night ahead of resuming their league campaign against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium this weekend.