Tim Sherwood: 'We lack characters'

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has slammed his side for being "too nice to each other" during their 4-0 defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League.

The game turned in four second-half minutes which saw the Blues score twice and Youness Kaboul dismissed for Spurs following a challenge in the box.

Two late goals from Debma Ba following individual errors added to Tottenham's misery, which Sherwood admits could cost his side in the chase for a Champions League spot.

"It's a lack of characters," the 45-year-old told Sky Sports News. "Too many of them are too nice to each other. It can't always be me dragging it out of them, they need to get it out of each other and not always be everyone's mate.

"It's not a penalty, but you can't legislate for that kind of capitulation. It's not a penalty and it's not a sending off, the game's over then.

"You can't finish top four if you can't beat the top teams. We're miles behind. You're reliant on rolling over on, with all due respect, the smaller sides. We're not even close."

The defeat leaves Tottenham five points off the top four.