An expert lip reader has shed light on what went on between Roberto De Zerbi and Mathys Tel during their heated conversation after Tottenham's draw with Everton.

Spurs remain winless after four games and are yet to score a goal following another drab display on Saturday against David Moyes' side.

After the match, De Zerbi approached Tel on the pitch and appeared to give him a dressing down, with the forward having struggled to make an impact after coming off the bench as a makeshift striker.

Fans have since speculated about the tense interaction, with some suggesting it hinted at signs of a falling out between the pair. 

One even appeared to claim that Tel had bitten back at De Zerbi by saying: 'I was here to play football.'

However, Nicola Hickling, expert lip reader and founder of LipReader, has revealed what was actually said. 

Hickling claims De Zerbi said to Tel: 'You're playing like a stud,' suggesting that the forward was running around aimlessly like a horse.

In the clip, the Spurs boss can then be seen to spin, as if he was playing as a striker, with Hickling adding that he said: 'Like that. I need like that, attack focus.'

Tel is said to have replied: 'Yeah, but then I went back to play for the ball.'

Speaking after the game, De Zerbi offered further context on what had gone on, with his second comment seemingly suggesting that Tel needs to stop playing with his back to goal. 

'Yes, I coached him on the pitch,' De Zerbi said in his press conference. 'The body shape of a striker. The striker can play with the shoulder on the goal. 

'If we are playing with (James) Maddison, (Mohammed) Kudus and Savio, he has to play as a striker, and the striker has to look at the goal, no?

'Or on the cross of Robertson. He has to stay inside because he started (his career) as a striker. Now he's playing as a winger, but he started in his career as a striker.'

Tel was dropped to the bench for the Everton clash after De Zerbi publicly criticised his display against Nottingham Forest the week before, yet the Spurs boss insisted there were no issues between the pair of them.  

He added: 'But I love Mathys as a player, as a guy. There is not a problem.'

Tottenham are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round, before they entertain Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.