Steven Gerrard has boldly claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could challenge for the Premier League title if they strengthened in two positions.

Two weeks can be a very long time in football, and that is demonstrated by the change in narrative surrounding Tottenham following back-to-back wins against Coventry City and Chelsea.

Just ahead of the Coventry game, there were suggestions in the media that Spurs could be set for another relegation battle this term.

However, the Lilywhites now find themselves just three points off a top six spot, and with Tottenham having an easy set of fixtures coming up, they could find themselves in the European places very swiftly.

A former Premier League legend has seen enough from De Zerbi’s side to be confident that they are just two pieces of the puzzle away from being a complete team.

Steven Gerrard says Tottenham need to sign a top-class striker and goalkeeper

Gerrard believes from the Lilywhites’ recent performances that they have the required quality across most of the pitch to be a top team.

However, he suggested that Tottenham lack a reliable number nine and a number one, adding that they could challenge for the Premier League title if they strengthen those positions.

Gerrard told The Overlap Daily: “Richarlison is not prolific. He’s not prolific, and he’s obviously upset the manager. He doesn’t deserve to play; don’t feel sorry for Richarlison.

“They’ve got a lot of good players in that front line: Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel. But if they had a Harry Kane now, and a world-class goalkeeper now, this Tottenham team would challenge, in my opinion, because they’ve got everything else really good.

“Sandro Tonali was excellent at the weekend (against Chelsea). Fernandes, his best performance in a Tottenham shirt. I loved James Maddison before he went off. I hope to God he’s not injured, because he gives this team personality and character. He’ll take the ball anywhere, and I think he lifts other people around him. I hope to God it’s only a small issue.

“So this Tottenham team are set in a lot of areas, but they haven’t got that killer nine, and they haven’t got that world-class goalkeeper. Antonin Kinsky gave them a lot of problems with overplaying. He’s a good goalkeeper, but I’m not sure he’s top.

“You’re only as good as your No.1 and your No.9, and I think there’s an opportunity for Tottenham to really go world-class level in them areas. And this Tottenham team will fly. They were excellent at the weekend.”

Spurs are reportedly scouring for a new striker and a goalkeeper

Interestingly, the transfer rumours over recent weeks indicate that De Zerbi and the Tottenham decision-makers agree with Gerrard’s assessment.

It has been widely reported that signing a striker is the club’s top priority in January, with Spurs having allegedly formulated a shortlist of number nine targets ahead of the winter.

We have also seen claims over recent days that Tottenham are plotting a move for Brazilian goalkeeping starlet Otavio, although it is unclear if he is seen as a backup to Antonin Kinsky or someone who can challenge for the number one spot.

The Tottenham squad also have titles on their mind. Mateus Fernandes insisted after the 2-0 win over Chelsea that Spurs want to compete for major honours.

He said: “It’s a battle, a derby, so you need to fight for every ball, every minute. We know that Tottenham don’t have a lot of victories in this stadium. So, we wanted to change this mentality around the club, around the fans.

“We want to fight for big things, for titles. This is our challenge, so we keep going, keep going, keep going, working hard, believing in everyone in the club and doing the right things.”