Gerrard believes Tottenham Hotspur's failure to sign a dependable striker in the summer transfer window will cost them a top-four finish this season.

"The team has been strengthened in several areas," Gerrard said in an interview following Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Aston Villa.

"I think the midfield, which is the engine of the team, with Tonali, Fernandes, and Bentancur, has improved the team's strength. In my view, this midfield setup is quite competitive. Then there's Gallagher, who should have started today. Given his performance at Anfield, I think he deserves to start today. So I don't think the midfield is the main issue.

"The team's defense is somewhat weak and inconsistent—too many defensive lapses.

"Opposition sides only need to play a long ball forward, and if the two center-backs can't even deal with that, then there's a problem. The defensive issue needs to be addressed immediately.

"Tottenham Hotspur has made progress in several positions, but the biggest problem is the attack: the team lacks goals, there's no clinical striker leading the line, and there's no consistent goal scorer.

"I say this with no disrespect, but Tottenham's attacking lineup doesn't lack strong, impactful players. But who will score 20 goals for the team?

"The recruitment team needs to ask themselves: 'We failed to bring in a player who could score 20 goals in a season.'

"If you don't have a player like that in your squad, and your defense keeps leaking goals, then Tottenham fans should indeed be worried. The reason is simple: either you keep clean sheets and secure a league position, or you have a top striker like Kane who consistently scores heavily, relying on goal volume to stay at the top. If the defense is porous and there's a lack of clinical finishing, then the outlook isn't optimistic."

When asked if he agreed with De Zerbi's view that Tottenham could compete for a top-four finish this season, Gerrard replied: "Based on today's performance, I don't agree.

"I don't agree with that view. I have great respect for De Zerbi; he's a top coach. But I think he may have said that as a mind game, to put a bit of pressure on Tottenham."

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