Four months on from finishing 17th and avoiding relegation on the final day of the Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur have spent more than £350m and once again sit 17th.

It's been a disastrous start for Roberto De Zerbi, who has seemingly solved his side's defensive leak all whilst creating a problem going in the other direction.

There were promising signs against Liverpool, as the Lilywhites scored their first goal against Premier League opposition of the campaign, but those signs still pointed towards Carabao Cup exit.

In many ways, it summed things up that Spurs took 17 shots but could only find the back of the net when Connor Gallagher was well-placed to head home on the line following Giorgi Mamardashvilli's fumble at the corner.

De Zerbi, himself, admitted that his side 'have to shoot better' in his post-match press conference, saying: "We have to shoot more times, we have to shoot better, we have to finish better in a clear situation.

"We are sorry for the result, disappointed, frustrated for the result, I think it's unfair. But we have to accept and be stronger than this unlucky moment because I'm honest with myself and I'm honest with you."

As Tottenham continue to struggle in front of goal with a new-look frontline, questions will continue to surround De Zerbi's dispute with Richarlison and whether he should be brought in from the cold.

Alan Hutton urges Spurs to make Richarlison decision

Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has urged ENIC to let Richarlison leave as the Brazilian's public dispute with De Zerbi continues, explaining they cannot let a highly-paid 54-cap Brazil international sit stagnant in the background.

Hutton told Football FanCast: "If the situation with Richarlison continues then they may regret it. He’s an international striker that they paid a lot of money for and he’s unavailable, while the team can’t score. That’s not a good situation.

"Ultimately, the player has made a decision in trying to force a move. Spurs want to keep him and Roberto De Zerbi will have tried to talk to him, but for whatever reason it hasn’t worked. At some stage the club has to recognise that, if he really doesn’t want to be there, it’s best to let him go."

Richarlison didn't even make the squad for the Carabao Cup game against Liverpool and has often taken to social media to air his disagreement this season.

It's easy to see where that frustration comes from. Spurs closed the door on the forward's exit in the summer and De Zerbi has since closed the door on first-team appearances.

It's easy to see where that frustration comes from. Spurs closed the door on the forward's exit in the summer and De Zerbi has since closed the door on first-team appearances.

At a time when his side have failed to score a single Premier League goal, however, they could certainly do with someone who has netted 75 goals in England's top flight.

The fact remains that Spurs have got an international-calibre striker waiting in the wings who would instantly solve their current problems under De Zerbi.