'Big shock': Michail Antonio stunned by what has now happened at Tottenham
Source: Tbrfootball

Michail Antonio has described Tottenham Hotspur losing James Maddison to injury as a "big shock".

However, the West Ham ace - speaking on The Footballer's Football Podcast - is adamant that you can't rule Spurs out despite the personnel crisis they're in at present.

Tottenham played out one of the most chaotic games in Premier League history on Monday night, losing 4-1 at Chelsea.

Spurs were just 2-1 down and had chances to equalise as late as the 93rd minute, stunning fans and neutrals with their high defensive line despite being down to nine men.

Only in the latter stages of injury time did the visitors add gloss to the scoreline as Nicolas Jackson completed a very late hat-trick against Tottenham.

'I wouldn't say it's the end of their season' As well as losing Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie to suspension, Spurs also have to contend with losing Maddison and Micky van de Ven due to injury.

And on top of that, Tottenham forward Richarlison has had a groin operation that Ange Postecoglou believes will rule him out for a month.

Meanwhile, in a further blow to Spurs, Maddison and Van de Ven are expected to be out until the New Year, the Lilywhites boss said on Friday (via Fabrizio Romano).

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"The way they were pressing with nine men all over the field for the amount of time they had to do, they had to put so much strain on their body," said the Hammers forward.

"I wouldn't say it's the end of their season. They have their philosophy and I think they have been working on it.

"Obviously important players like Madderz coming off is a big shock and will be a miss from them. But you can't rule them out.

"It took them going down to nine men to lose their unbeatable streak. And hopefully they can get someone else to step in and take that opportunity."

Bumps in the road no surprise as Tottenham make fans proud - TBR View Let's hope Antonio is right. Tottenham have been so bright in the early stages of the season, but as is often the case, injuries, suspension and fatigue will take their toll as the campaign progresses.

Nevertheless, Spurs have exceeded expectations, laid the foundations for a bright future and very quickly consigned the horrors of last season to the dustbin.

There were always going to be bumps in the road, but over the coming months - and the next few transfer windows - there's scope for Tottenham to build something great at N17.