Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has claimed that the team has not improved on last season.

Spurs are currently seven points adrift of the Champions League places following Sunday's 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in the Premier League.

Despite the club spending in excess of £100m during the summer, Vertonghen believes that results have not reflected that investment.

"I think the top four are stronger than last year and we've stuck to the same level," the Belgian is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard. "We haven't improved on last year.

"I don't want to look at the table at the moment, as I think the gap will look very big. What needs to happen in the summer? That's something for the chairman and for the manager. I can't say that."

Tottenham's Premier League season resumes on Saturday when Southampton visit White Hart Lane.