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Antoine Semenyo scores late as Bournemouth beat Tottenham

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 22:09:36 +0000

Antoine Semenyo struck a stunning late winner in what is likely his final game for Bournemouth as they beat Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion at Vitality Stadium.

With the game poised at 2-2, Semenyo, who is expected to join Manchester City this week, fired home from outside the box to beat Djordje Petrovic and end the Cherries’ 11-game winless run in style.

Mathys Tel had struck inside five minutes to give Spurs the perfect start.

Picking up a backheel pass from the returning Xavi Simons near the left touchline, the French winger drove past James Hill into the box and neatly finished low past Petrovic into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

But their lead only lasted 17 minutes as Evanilson headed home from a Marcus Tavernier cross to lift the mood at the Vitality.

Bournemouth turned the game on its head when Tavernier was afforded space again on the right to cross and Marcos Senesi cut the ball back for Eli Junior Kroupi to score his seventh goal of the season in the 36th minute.

Second-half substitute Richarlison saw his header strike the woodwork following a corner, before referee Darren England pointed to the penalty spot after Micky van de Ven’s marauding run from his own half.

However, the decision was overturned after a video assistant referee (VAR) intervention, with Hill’s contact on the Spurs centre-back deemed not enough to warrant a spot-kick.

The visitors then found the leveller in the 78th minute when Senesi’s defensive header from a corner fell to Palhinha to produce a stunning overhead kick past Petrovic.

But Semenyo had the final say in his farewell game with an emotional winner in the 95th minute.

Bournemouth have 27 points after 21 games following their sixth win of the season and are only one point behind Spurs.

Man Utd rivalling Man City and Tottenham in race to sign Antoine Semenyo

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:47:47 +0000

Manchester United and Manchester City are firmly in the race to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth.

Semenyo, who scored at Old Trafford in Monday night’s thrilling 4-4 draw against United, has a £65m release clause in his contract which becomes active on January 1 and the forward is attracting interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

City are keeping close tabs on developments with the 25-year-old, with Tottenham also keen – and some insiders believe Pep Guardiola’s side are now the strongest contenders for his signature.

United are considered serious rivals for both City and Spurs, however, with Liverpool believed to still be in the background. Ruben Amorim described Semenyo as a “special player” ahead of the game against Bournemouth.

United have not been actively looking to sign another forward in January but believe the opportunity to sign Semenyo – which will come next month and for a set price – is something they must genuinely consider.

Semenyo, who has scored 29 goals in over 100 appearances for Bournemouth, has been of long-term interest to the bosses at Old Trafford, Sky Sports News has been told.

The biggest obstacle for United is financial, though. While they are not currently at risk of breaching the PSR regulations, a £65m fee could have serious repercussions on what they can afford to spend in the summer, where a defensive-midfielder is the absolute priority.

They are reluctant to get involved in a bidding war for Semenyo with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and will not jeopardise their ability to strengthen the midfield next summer in favour of another attacker.

Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that Spurs had intensified their interest in triggering Semenyo’s £65m release clause on January 1 – and Liverpool have long been keen on the player.

Arsenal have kept an eye on Semenyo’s development but – as it stands – they are well stocked in the forward areas and have five players who can play wide-left.

Despite the speculation over his future, Semenyo’s inner circle insist he remains exclusively focused on training, fitness and match performance for Bournemouth.

The south-coast club hope to keep the Ghana international, whose country will not be at the upcoming AFCON but will face England at next year’s World Cup.

What Amorim said about ‘special player’ Semenyo

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim described Semenyo as a “special player” unprompted in his press conference ahead of Monday’s thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

“It is a top team, top manager with a special player,” Amorim said of Bournemouth, without clarifying which player he was referring to.

Asked if his comment was about Semenyo, he added: “Yes.”

Pressed on if he would like to sign the winger, Amorim said: “It is not that case. There are a lot of special players in the league.

“What I feel is that [Bournemouth have] a top manager, top team – I really like the team – and a top play, I think he is a special player.”

United held strong interest in Semenyo over the summer but ended up signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha for the forward positions.

Semenyo scored at Old Trafford on Monday night after United’s opener to equalise for Bournemouth. It was not the first time he has been among the goal against Amorim’s side.

In fact, the winger has scored in all three of the games Bournemouth have played against United since Amorim took charge.

Tottenham are nothing without our fans – Frank

Samuel Appiah — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 04:58:56 +0000

Manager Thomas Frank says Tottenham Hotspur’s players and supporters “need each other” and that the club is “nothing without the fans”.

Fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his mistake led to Fulham’s second goal in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat – Spurs’ 10th home league loss of 2025.

The Dane said after the defeat that those who booed Vicario “can’t be true Tottenham fans” and called their actions “completely unacceptable”.

Tottenham’s only Premier League home win under Frank, who joined from Brentford in the summer, was the opening-weekend fixture against Burnley.

Their poor home form has led to Tottenham having just 18 points from 13 games to sit 12th in the league table.

Speaking before his side face Newcastle United, who sit directly below them, on Tuesday (20:15 GMT) at St James’ Park, Frank said he understood the disappointment of fans.

“As I said after the game I completely understand the frustration,” he said.

“If you don’t win there will always be a frustration. That is normal.

“Especially as we haven’t won as much as we would have wanted to at home, not only this year but the last long period. So the frustration grows a little bit more.

“We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham is nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing. We need each other.

“My point is that during matches is where we need each other – where I want to create a fortress.

“If you want to create a fortress, it can only be together – fans, team, me. My job is to make sure we do everything we can to perform – but can we do that together? That is where you create a difficult place to play.”

‘Vicario is good to deal with setbacks’

With Spurs already 1-0 down inside six minutes, goalkeeper Vicario came out to deal with a long ball but his weak clearance fell to Fulham’s Harry Wilson, who curled a shot into the open goal from the touchline.

Moments after the goal, Spurs fans booed the Italian when the ball came to him while the team were also jeered off at half-time and at the final whistle.

“I spoke with him after the game and he said he was OK,” Frank said.

“Vic is a relatively good player to deal with setbacks like that. Maybe it would’ve hit harder for others.

“If you are a goalkeeper, you know you make mistakes and how you deal with that is a big part of how good you become as a goalkeeper and a player.”

Vicario apologised after the game to the fans for his mistake and the result.

“The second goal was a mistake of mine, I take responsibility for that,” the 29-year-old told Sky Sports.

“I’m a big man, what can I say? We cannot be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think.”

Two early goals see Fulham win at Spurs

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 22:38:31 +0000

Fulham scored twice in the opening six minutes to stun Tottenham Hotspur and pick up their first away win of the season.

Kenny Tete opened the scoring with his first goal in almost two years, a shot from the edge of the area which was deflected in.

The second goal was a disaster from a Spurs point of view as Guglielmo Vicario came out of his box and gave the ball away with Harry Wilson curling into an empty net from 35 yards out.

Spurs were wretched in the first half – and Fulham’s Samuel Chukwueze hit the post as the visitors threatened to blow them away.

Thomas Frank’s hosts did improve after the break and Mohammed Kudus’ sweet volley into the top corner gave them hope.

But Spurs could not find an equaliser and were booed off by their own fans at full-time. They sit 10th in the table, just one point above 15th-place Fulham.

Vitinha nets hat-trick as PSG down Spurs in eight-goal thriller

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:57:25 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur went down to their first Champions League defeat this season despite leading twice against holders Paris St-Germain in a thriller at Parc des Princes.

For the first hour, Thomas Frank’s side delivered a vast improvement on the limp display that drew so much criticism after the north London derby defeat by Arsenal, but it was ultimately not enough to keep PSG at bay.

Richarlison gave Spurs a deserved lead when he headed home from close range after 35 minutes, but PSG crucially drew level seconds before the interval when Vitinha’s superb right-foot strike flew high past keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Randal Kolo Muani restored Spurs’ lead five minutes after the break with a scrambled finish against his parent club, but it was the signal for PSG to deliver an irresistible spell of the sort that accounted for Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in last season’s competition with three goals in 12 minutes.

Vitinha produced another special moment, this time with his left foot, to equalise once more, then Spurs were on the ropes when Pape Matar Sarr lost possession for Fabian Ruiz to put PSG ahead for the first time just before the hour.

Willian Pacho took advantage of more confusion in the Spurs defence to add PSG’s fourth, before Kolo Muani gave the visitors hope with an emphatic finish after 72 minutes.

PSG swiftly snuffed out any hopes of a comeback when Vitinha completed his hat-trick from the spot four minutes later after Cristian Romero’s handball.

The holders were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when substitute Lucas Hernandez was sent off for a blatant elbow on Xavi Simons.

We missed Mohammed Kudus against Copenhagen – Van de Ven

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:53:24 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has acknowledged that the team felt the absence of Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus during their 4–0 Champions League win over Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Kudus missed the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium due to a minor injury, depriving Spurs of one of their most creative players.

“Mohammed Kudus is an unbelievable player and we missed him in the game against Copenhagen,” Van de Ven told Telecom Asia. “Hopefully, he will be fit for us at the weekend against Manchester United. He’s an important player for us, and I don’t know the details of his absence, but hopefully he should be back.”

Kudus has featured in 15 matches this season, contributing one goal and four assists, and is expected to play a key role when Spurs host Manchester United this weekend.

Benin name ex-Hearts of Oak midfielder Salifu Ibrahim in squad for friendly

I am impressed with Mohammed Kudus’ performance – Didier Drogba

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:32:00 +0000

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has heaped praise on Mohammed Kudus and two other standout performers in the English Premier League this season.

The Ghanaian international, who joined Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window in a £55 million move, has made an immediate impact, registering five assists and one goal in nine league appearances so far.

Speaking in an interview with Sporty TV, Drogba was asked which players have caught his eye this season.

The Ivorian icon replied, “I like Kudus.

“I used to like [Nicolas] Jackson because I saw a lot of similarities [with myself].

“Of course, my brother, of course, Mohammed Salah, King Salah,” the Ivorian legend added.

Statistically, Kudus has been one of the most influential wingers in Europe’s top five leagues, leading the charts for assists, accurate crosses, duels won, and successful attacking actions.

The 24-year-old will be aiming to maintain his impressive form when Tottenham face Chelsea in a highly anticipated London derby this weekend.

Mohammed Kudus is a brilliant player – Everton boss David Moyes

Holders Newcastle overcome Spurs to reach last eight

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0000

A pair of headers from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade sent holders Newcastle United into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Tottenham.

Spurs have hurt a number of sides with their aerial ability this season, particularly at set-plays, but the much-changed hosts gave Thomas Frank’s team a taste of their own medicine at St James’ Park.

Newcastle took the lead midway through the first half when Schar easily rose above Lucas Bergvall to head them in front from Sandro Tonali’s corner.

Spurs players protested to referee Chris Kavanagh as Tonali took the corner just as defender Djed Spence got to his feet after putting his boot back on, but the goal stood.

Woltemade doubled his side’s lead with his sixth goal of the season after the German met Joe Willock’s scooped cross and nodded past goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who missed the ball completely.

Spurs went close to immediately pulling one back when midfielder Pape Sarr’s first-time effort forced Aaron Ramsdale into a flying save to his left.

But Newcastle saw the game out to reach the last eight of the competition for the fourth consecutive season.

Buendia stunner fires Villa to win at Spurs

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:30:19 +0000

Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia scored brilliant goals to earn a deserved 2-1 victory over Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Rodrigo Bentancur opened the scoring for Tottenham after just five minutes when tapping home after Joao Palhinha headed across goal to get Thomas Frank’s side off to a great start.

Spurs then looked to be largely in charge and were the more likely side to score a second, when out of nowhere Rogers equalized with a marvelous dipping effort that gave Gugliemo Vicario no chance.

Tottenham were again the better side for the first 30 minutes of the second half but then Villa pounced again after Matty Cash’s brilliant ball over the top was touched by Lucas Digne who laid off for Emiliano Buendia to slot it perfectly into the bottom left corner.

The result sees Villa climb into 10th in the league and continue their revival, they have now gone five matches without defeat in the Premier League. Spurs fall to sixth, slipping behind Chelsea on goal difference after they lost their second Premier League match of the season, both of which have come at home.

Spurs fight back from two down to draw at Brighton

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:12:21 +0000

Tottenham fought back from two-goals down to secure a deserved point against Brighton.

The Seagulls were second best for much of the match but found themselves 2-0 up after 31 minutes thanks to Yankuba Minteh’s early strike and Yasin Ayari’s powerful drive.

However, Richarlison halved the deficit just before half-time when he stopped a shot by Mohammed Kudus before slotting in.

Spurs dominated the second half but their finishing let them down as Richarlison and substitute Xavi Simons were both unable to make the most of promising opportunities.

But the equaliser came eight minutes from time when Jan Paul van Hecke turned Kudus’ cross into his own net.

Spurs then pushed for a winner as they looked to continue their impressive start to the season, but Brighton held on for the point.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank warns Kudus to brace for hostile West Ham return

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:04:08 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has warned Mohammed Kudus to brace himself for a hostile reception when he returns to the London Stadium to face former club West Ham United.

The Ghanaian forward joined Spurs from West Ham during the summer transfer window, a move that has infuriated many Hammers supporters. Some have labelled him a “Judas,” while others were seen burning his jersey in protest.

Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank admitted he does not expect Kudus to be welcomed warmly.

“You don’t think they will applaud him? Maybe not,” Frank remarked with a smile. “I’m pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise, but then you get into your zone. I’m sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere.”

The Spurs boss, however, urged the 24-year-old to stay calm and keep his focus on the pitch as Tottenham look to recover from last weekend’s defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

“The thing he should do is focus on his game. That is what you can control,” he added.

Kudus was a key figure during his time at West Ham, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 80 appearances before his controversial switch to North London.

Levy exits role as Tottenham executive chairman

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:00:15 +0000

Daniel Levy’s near 25-year reign as executive chairman of Tottenham is over.

Spurs’ official announcement said he had “stepped down”, but BBC Sport understands the decision was taken out of Levy’s hands.

Well-placed sources said the ownership agreed for him to leave his position amid a belief that change would lead to greater sporting success.

Levy was appointed in March 2001 and leaves after the club won the Europa League in May to end a 17-year wait for a trophy.

The 63-year-old was the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman and earned an estimated £50m-plus during his time in charge, but he was also the target of regular protests from Spurs fans, especially last season.

Levy will go with immediate effect and there will be no notice period, with the timing of his departure after the summer transfer window a deliberate move.

However, one source familiar with Levy told BBC Sport the former chairman had to operate with “one hand tied behind his back” during his tenure, and had to diversify revenue streams as a result.

They said they felt there’d been insufficient investment in Spurs for the past 25 years, and the question was whether that would really change.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” said Levy, who had a reputation in football for being a shrewd operator and tough negotiator.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

“I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Tottenham’s European trophy success last season came against the backdrop of a difficult Premier League campaign in which the team finished 17th under head coach Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked in the summer and replaced by Thomas Frank.

There were a number of protests aimed at Levy last season, with prominent banners at the home defeat by Leicester in January carrying the messages “Our game is about glory, Levy’s game is about greed” and “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change”.

There were also regular chants of “Levy out” during the campaign.

During his tenure, Levy oversaw the switch from White Hart Lane to the £1bn state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which the club made their new home in 2019.

Spurs also reached the Champions League final under former manager Mauricio Pochettino in 2019 but missed out on the trophy following a 2-0 defeat by Liverpool.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has described Tottenham as the “most profitable club in Premier League history” because of the money their new stadium generates, a historically lower wage structure and a “degree of caution” on transfer spending.

This summer, according to FootballTransfers.com, Spurs have spent about £181m on signings who have included attacking midfielders Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus.

Tottenham have been making key appointments in recent months. Before Frank’s arrival, the club named Vinai Venkatesham as their new chief executive in April.

Peter Charrington becomes non-executive chairman, a new role, following Levy’s exit.

Charrington, is a director of Tottenham’s owners Enic, a vehicle for running the club owned by the Tavistock Group, which in turn is owned by the Lewis family. He was appointed to the Spurs board in March as a non-executive director.

Levy and his family hold a stake in Enic.

In announcing Levy’s departure, the club said: “Tottenham Hotspur has been transformed over the last quarter of a century.

“It has played in European competitions in the last 18 of 20 seasons, becoming one of the world’s most recognised football clubs, consistently investing in its academy, players and facilities, including a new, world-class stadium and state-of-the-art training centre.

“The club has also competed regularly at the highest level, enjoying a number of fantastic on-field successes, including the recent Europa League cup win.”

Tottenham said there would be “no changes to the ownership or shareholder structure”.

Charrington thanked Levy for his service and added: “This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.

“We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

The change of leadership comes with the club sitting fourth in the Premier League after three games of the 2025-26 season.

Who and what is behind the Levy decision?

BBC Sport has been told that there is a sense from the Lewis family that success on the pitch has not been consistent enough over the years of Levy’s reign.

Spurs have won two trophies during his 25 years at Spurs, the first being the League Cup in 2008.

The Lewis family are aware of some of the supporter discontent – much of it directed at Levy – that has engulfed the club in recent years.

Tavistock figurehead Joe Lewis, 88, is understood to have had a peripheral role in the decision for Levy to leave his post.

It is understood that younger generations of the family – Vivienne and Charlie, who are Joe’s children – have been key in making the decision.

Vivienne has been particularly visible at Spurs in recent months. Nick Beucher – the grandson-in-law of Joe Lewis – has also taken a greater involvement.

BBC Sport understands all the hierarchical changes over the past few months have led to today’s announcement.

It is understood the role of executive chairman will be removed with a view to modernising the board’s structure.

The Lewis family have been at the forefront of those changes, including the decision regarding Levy.

Levy will remain a shareholder of Enic but will cease to have any direct involvement with the club.

The share structure of Enic will remain unchanged.

The Lewis’ initiated a thorough external review of Tottenham’s operation earlier this year, and well-placed sources told BBC Sport that followed a number of concerns from the Tavistock Group.

The financial operation of the club was among the areas reviewed.

It is also understood the ownership made a significant investment into the club over the past few months which has helped Spurs in the transfer market.

The review also resulted in the aforementioned board changes, including the appointments of Charrington and Venkatesham.

Dominant Bournemouth end Spurs’ unbeaten start

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 16:53:09 +0000

Evanilson’s early goal earned dominant Bournemouth a richly deserved victory at Tottenham, whose impressive Premier League start under Thomas Frank came to an unceremonious end.

The Cherries were frustrated to be knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brentford in midweek but were full of energy and invention against Spurs, doing to their opponents what Frank’s side inflicted on Manchester City last weekend.

As they did at home to Wolves last Saturday, Bournemouth took the lead with their first attack of the game as Marco Senesi picked out Evanilson, whose low shot looped off Cristian Romero and over goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

The visitors should have been out of sight early in the second half after creating a succession of opportunities to add to their advantage, but a combination of poor finishing and smart goalkeeping helped keep Spurs in the game.

Antoine Semenyo headed narrowly over the crossbar five minutes after Evanilson’s opener, while David Brooks was denied by the crossbar early in the second half.

The hosts’ first shot on target – a Lucas Bergvall drive from the edge of the box in the 68th minute – flew straight at Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, while Mathys Tel’s sweetly struck volley in second-half stoppage time was the closest they came to salvaging a point they scarcely deserved.

The win moves Bournemouth level on points with Spurs, with both teams having won two of their opening three league matches.

Tottenham sign Simons from RB Leipzig for £52m

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:22:45 +0000

Tottenham have signed the Netherlands attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig for £51.8m (60m euros).

The 22-year-old said he has “been dreaming of this for a long time” after completing his medical and joining Thomas Frank’s side.

He added: “I’m really happy and can’t wait to get going.

“It’s a great club and when I met the head coach I knew straight away that this was the right place for me.”

Spurs manager Frank said Simons, who has signed a “long-term deal”, is a “great addition” who “already has good experience” despite his age.

The midfielder follows Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus as summer arrivals at Spurs.

Chelsea held talks with Leipzig over a move for Simons this summer but are set to complete a £40m move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

Spurs failed in their bid to sign Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, while one of their main targets Eberechi Eze chose to join rivals Arsenal from Crystal Palace.

Spurs stun Man City to maintain flawless start

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 16:21:49 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur made it back-to-back Premier League victories under new manager Thomas Frank by stunning Manchester City once again at Etihad Stadium.

Spurs came here last November and inflicted a 4-0 humbling of City in a scintillating performance, and they went home once more with all three points courtesy of a resolute defensive display.

They started slowly as Omar Marmoush latched on to Pedro Porro’s loose header and squeezed a shot narrowly wide of the far post before seeing a thunderous strike from range pushed away by Guglielmo Vicario.

The Egyptian was lively early on and forced another excellent save from the Spurs goalkeeper after being played through by Erling Haaland.

With their first real threat of the game, Spurs took the lead courtesy of a lightning breakaway as Richarlison’s low cross was converted by Brennan Johnson.

The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but that was overturned following a review by the video assistant referee.

With seven minutes added on in the first half because of an injury to City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, Spurs doubled their lead through Joao Palhinha who smashed in after a loose pass from goalkeeper James Trafford inside his own area.

It capped a difficult few minutes for the City keeper who could have been dismissed for a collision on the edge of the box with Mohammed Kudus.

Haaland should have pulled one back before the break but headed over from close range, and the home side were left frustrated in the second period as Tottenham made it two clean sheets from two in the league so far this season.

Karren Brady explains West Ham’s decision to sell Mohammed Kudus to Spurs

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:20:10 +0000

West Ham United Vice Chair Karren Brady has explained the reasoning behind the club’s decision to part ways with Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus, who joined Tottenham Hotspur earlier this summer on a five-year deal.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Brady pointed to financial constraints and Kudus’ dip in form last season as major factors behind the transfer.

“The financial restraints and the PSR and all the rules and regulations in football mean that you have to do some trading. That’s just the way it is. All clubs are having to do it… so that was the decision made. [Kudus] didn’t particularly have a good season for West Ham last year by his own standards. So we looked to move on,” she explained.

Kudus, who was named West Ham’s second-best player in his debut campaign, struggled to replicate his form in his second season, registering just three assists in 32 league appearances before sealing the switch.

The 22-year-old has since made a bright start at Spurs, providing two assists on his Premier League debut in their 3-0 victory over Burnley.

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PSG win Super Cup on pens after late Spurs collapse

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:45:19 +0000

Tottenham’s late collapse saw them blow a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup lead with five minutes to play as Paris Saint-Germain snatched the first European trophy of the season on penalties in Udine.

Set-piece goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero either side of half-time had looked set to give Thomas Frank a dream start in his first competitive game as Spurs boss, with a heroic defensive performance keeping the Champions League winners at bay for much of the game in Italy.

But as Frank’s side tired while PSG were rejuvenated by the introduction of Fabian Ruiz in particular, their backline was finally breached in the dying minutes as fellow substitute Kang-In Lee rifled in from the edge of the box.

Tottenham still looked likely to hold on for a second trophy in less than three months with their advantage still in tact until the 94th minute – when Goncalo Ramos’ stooping header sent the game to the lottery of penalties.

True to form, Spurs took the lead in the shoot-out after Vitinha missed PSG’s first kick, but once Van de Ven and Mathys Tel both failed to score from 12 yards, Nuno Mendes stepped up to cement their heartbreak as the French champions bounced back from their Club World Cup final defeat exactly a month ago by the barest of margins.

Spurs open talks to sign Man City winger Savinho

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:35:12 +0000

Tottenham are in talks with Manchester City over a move to sign Brazil winger Savinho.

Discussions have been held between the two clubs in recent days over a possible deal for the 21-year-old.

Negotiations are at an early stage and it remains to be seen whether City will sanction a move for the Brazil international.

Sources have told BBC Sport that City are not looking to sell Savinho and that it would take offers of more than £50m for the club to consider doing so.

Should City obtain a fee in that region, the club would make a substantial profit on a player they signed from French club Troyes for £30.8m just a year ago.

Savinho was a regular under Pep Guardiola last season, scoring three times in 48 appearances across all competitions.

But City signed France winger Rayan Cherki from Lyon in a £30m deal this summer, which could limit Savinho’s opportunities at the Etihad.

Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his attacking options after Son Heung-min was sold to Major League Soccer side LAFC last week.

Mohammed Kudus arrived in a £55m deal from West Ham earlier this summer, while the club failed to secure a £60m move for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs’ need for attacking reinforcements has been heightened since midfielder James Maddison was ruled out for the majority of the upcoming season with a knee injury.

The England international sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during a pre-season friendly draw against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea, earlier this month.

Maddison to miss majority of season with torn ACL

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:10:44 +0000

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is expected to miss the majority of the forthcoming season.

Sources have told BBC Sport that Maddison is set to have surgery and will become a long-term absentee as he starts his recovery programme.

The 28-year-old suffered the injury in the pre-season draw against Newcastle in South Korea last weekend.

Manager Thomas Frank confirmed after the match that Maddison had injured the same knee that ruled him out of the Europa League final victory against Manchester United in May.

Since returning from Asia on Monday, Maddison has undergone tests in recent days to ascertain the severity of the injury.

Initial fears were that Maddison had suffered a cruciate ligament injury and those concerns have now been realised.

Maddison, a 2023 signing from Leicester City, scored 12 goals in 45 appearances for Spurs last season.

He has seven England caps, the most recent of which came in 2024.

Son leaves Tottenham to join MLS side LAFC

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 05:30:04 +0000

Son Heung-min has joined Los Angeles FC on a two-year contract with the club paying a Major League Soccer record fee to sign him from Tottenham Hotspur.

BBC Sport understands the fee to be more than £20m.

Son’s contract includes an option for an additional two years.

The forward revealed in a news conference on Saturday that he would leave Tottenham after 10 years at the club.

The 33-year-old was present at LAFC’s 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Mexican side Tigres UANL on Tuesday.

The paperwork and medical were completed this week, allowing Son to complete the transfer.

The fee paid to Spurs for the South Korean surpasses the previous MLS record of £16.5m paid by Atlanta United to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in February.

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said.

“Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to LA to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans.”

Son joins an LAFC side currently sixth in the Western Conference and reunites with former Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris.

He made his final appearance for Tottenham in a 1-1 pre-season friendly against Newcastle in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday.

After arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 he scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs.

He was captain when Tottenham beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in May to clinch their first trophy in 17 years.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said: “Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade.

“Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he’s also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the club and all over the world.

“Sonny has given so much to this club, both on and off the pitch, and for that we are forever grateful.

“We wish him all the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back at the club as a beloved and cherished member of our Spurs family.”

Mohammed Kudus eyes big impact at Tottenham

Samuel Appiah — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 12:26:51 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur forward Mohammed Kudus is eager to make a significant impact at his new club.

The Ghana international completed his move to the North London side earlier this summer, joining from West Ham United.

Kudus, 24, signed a five-year contract with Spurs in a deal reportedly worth £55 million.

Having already featured in Tottenham’s pre-season fixtures, Kudus said he wants to be dependable both in attack and in defence.

“In as much as I offer a lot offensively, defensively I want to be able to make the team feel like they can also depend on me,” Kudus told Hayters TV.

“The full backs also need me in times like that, especially in games where we have to be defending sometimes, so it’s something I am bringing to the team,” he added.

Last season, Kudus played 32 matches for West Ham United, scoring five goals and showcasing his versatility.

Now, he hopes to take his game to a higher level with Tottenham as the new Premier League season draws near.

Bayern midfielder Palhinha joins Spurs on loan

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 08:25:42 +0000

Tottenham have signed Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha on a season-long loan deal.

The 30-year-old, who joined the German side from Fulham in 2024, was limited to just 17 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank was keen to sign a defensive-minded midfielder following his appointment, with question marks over the futures of Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Tottenham also have the option of signing Palhinha on a permanent basis at the end of his loan.

The Portugal international has significant Premier League experience, making 68 top-flight appearances in two years at Fulham before his move to Bayern for £42.3m.

Palhinha comfortably topped the rankings for tackles with a total of 300 during his previous stint in the English top-flight – 109 more than any other player – and ranked sixth for interceptions (92).

His combative style of play, however, does carry risks having received 27 yellow cards across 2022-23 and 2023-24 – at least five more than anyone else.

Palhinha becomes Spurs’ third summer signing, following the £55m acquisition of Mohammed Kudus and French forward Mathys Tel’s arrival from Bayern on a permanent basis after a loan spell.

Son to leave Tottenham this summer after 10 years

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 07:45:02 +0000

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min says he will leave the club this summer after 10 years.

The South Korea international joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has scored 173 goals in 454 appearances.

He was captain when Tottenham beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in May to clinch their first trophy in 17 years.

The 33-year-old, who is under contract with Spurs until 2026, is in advanced negotiations with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

Son described the decision as “the most difficult one I have made in my career” as he spoke to media alongside new manager Thomas Frank.

“I came to north London as a kid – a very young age, a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English,” Son said.

“Leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment.”

Tottenham are in Seoul as part of their pre-season preparations, with Son set to start and skipper the side against Newcastle in their friendly on Sunday – meaning his final appearance for the club could come in his home country.

Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou as head coach in June, described Son as “a true Spurs legend” and “one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League”.

“If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans,” Frank said.

“It could be a beautiful ending.”

Tottenham also face Paris St-Germain in the Uefa Super Cup on 13 August, but Son may depart by then.

‘I need new environment to push myself’

Son said winning a title in Europe with Spurs “felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could”.

He made his Tottenham debut in September 2015 and went on to make 333 Premier League appearances.

He scored 127 times in the league – level with former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink at 16th in the league’s all-time scorers list, above the likes of Dwight Yorke, Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright.

Son formed a memorable attacking partnership with Harry Kane, now at Bayern Munich, and the pair hold the record for the most goal combinations in the Premier League.

The pair registered a record 47 combinations, Son scoring 24 goals to Kane’s 23. In a prolific two-season period – 2020-21 and 2021-22 – they linked up 21 times for goals.

Son became the first Asian player to win the Premier League golden boot, sharing the title with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah with 23 goals in the 2021-22 season, and a year later was the first from the continent to reach 100 Premier League goals.

He featured in the Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019 – which the Reds won 2-0 – and took over as club captain from Hugo Lloris in August 2023.

“I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change – 10 years is a long time,” Son added.

“I spent a lot of time reflecting on whether I wanted to experience football in a different environment, and I had those conversations with myself over and over again.”

Son also provided 101 assists in all competitions and holds Spurs’ record for Premier League assists with 71.

He has also made the sixth-most appearances in the history of the club – behind only Cyril Knowles, Pat Jennings, Gary Mabbutt, Steve Perryman and Glenn Hoddle.

Kudus was exciting against Reading – Thomas Frank

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:47:39 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has heaped praise on Mohammed Kudus following his impressive debut for the club against Reading.

Spurs secured a 2-0 victory over the Championship side in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Kudus, who recently joined the North London outfit, made an immediate impact by providing the assist for Tottenham’s second goal.

Speaking after the match, Frank expressed his satisfaction with the Ghanaian midfielder’s performance.

“Mo Kudus, he’s the newest one. I thought he was exciting to watch — had four or five very good actions where you can see what he’s about: his pace, his one-on-one skills, the way he can twist and turn going forward,” he said.
“That was a positive,” he added.

Kudus signed for Tottenham from West Ham United on a six-year contract in a deal reportedly worth £55 million.

The former Ajax playmaker will be aiming to build on his bright start when Spurs take on Luton Town in their next pre-season fixture at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, with kick-off set for 14:00 GMT.

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Mohammed Kudus shines on Tottenham debut in preseason win over Reading

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 18:00:35 +0000

Mohammed Kudus announced his arrival at Tottenham Hotspur in style, delivering a commanding performance during a 2-0 preseason win against Reading FC on Saturday afternoon.

The Ghanaian international, who recently joined Spurs from West Ham United in a £55 million deal, was named in the starting lineup by manager Thomas Frank and immediately justified the hype with a dynamic display at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Kudus was instrumental throughout the contest, linking up smoothly with his new teammates and showcasing the creativity, pace, and tactical intelligence that made him a coveted signing this summer.

Tottenham broke the deadlock in the 49th minute through young striker Will Lankshear. Just four minutes later, Kudus made his mark by setting up Luka Vušković with a precise assist, putting the result beyond doubt and earning praise from fans and pundits alike.

The 24-year-old midfielder signed a five-year contract with Spurs and is expected to play a central role in Postecoglou’s plans as the club looks to make a strong impression in the upcoming season.

Kudus’ debut performance offered Tottenham supporters a glimpse of the flair and composure he brings to the pitch—and hinted at bigger things to come.

Tottenham confirm Mohammed Kudus signing from West Ham

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:30:23 +0000

Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have officially completed the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United in a deal reported to be worth £55 million.

The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the North London outfit, marking the end of his two-year stint at the London Stadium.

Kudus joined West Ham in August 2023 and made his Premier League debut the following month. He made an instant impact on the European stage, scoring twice on his full debut in the UEFA Europa League.

His performances quickly earned recognition, including a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month award in December.

In his debut season in England, Kudus impressed with 14 goals and nine assists across all competitions. He featured 80 times for the Hammers over two seasons, scoring 19 goals.

At Tottenham, Kudus will wear the No. 20 jersey as he looks to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

Kudus should have joined a bigger club like Chelsea – Laryea Kingston

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:53:07 +0000

Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston has expressed surprise over Mohammed Kudus’ imminent move to Tottenham Hotspur, stating he had expected the talented midfielder to land at a “bigger club” like Chelsea.

Kudus, 24, is reportedly close to completing a £55 million transfer from West Ham United to Spurs, with a five-year contract on the table.

Although the North London side ultimately secured his signature, the Ghanaian star had previously been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking to Sporty FM, Kingston acknowledged that the switch represents upward mobility in Kudus’ career—but believes the former Ajax playmaker could have aimed higher.

“Mohammed Kudus moving from West Ham to Tottenham is one step in his career,” he said.
“But I was expecting him to move to a bigger club like Chelsea.”

If the deal is finalized, Kudus will become Ghana’s most expensive footballer, surpassing the €55 million Arsenal paid for Thomas Partey in 2020.

Kudus is expected to play a key role for Tottenham as they return to the UEFA Champions League next season—a competition he previously featured in during his spell at Dutch side Ajax.

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Dr Bawumia reacts to Mohammed Kudus’ move to Tottenham Hotspur

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:39:55 +0000

Former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed delight over Mohammed Kudus’ high-profile move to English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham has reportedly reached an agreement with West Ham United for the Ghanaian international in a deal worth £55 million.

Kudus is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a six-year contract with the North London club.

Reacting to the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Bawumia—an avid Tottenham supporter—shared his excitement about the transfer.

“I am excited to see our Ghanaian starboy make this move to my Spurs. All the best in your medical, Mohammed Kudus,” he posted.

Kudus joined West Ham United in 2023 from Dutch side Ajax in a £38 million deal and enjoyed an impressive debut season. He scored eight goals and provided nine assists across all competitions. In the Premier League, he made 35 appearances, netting five goals and delivering four assists.

The 24-year-old’s contract with West Ham runs until 2028 and includes a release clause which was activated earlier this month—£80 million for non-English clubs, £85 million for domestic rivals, and £120 million for Saudi Arabian teams.

As Spurs prepare for a return to Champions League football, Kudus’ pedigree in European competitions, particularly during his time at Ajax, is expected to bolster their ambitions.

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Tottenham agree £55m deal to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:50:15 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur have struck a deal with West Ham United to sign Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus in a transfer worth around £55 million.

The 24-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Thursday before signing a six-year contract with the north London club.

Sources close to the player indicate that Kudus had made Spurs his preferred destination should he leave West Ham this summer.

With personal terms already agreed, the transfer is expected to be finalised swiftly.

Kudus, who joined the Hammers from Ajax for €41.5 million in 2023, is under contract until 2028. His current deal includes a buyout clause triggered only during the first 10 days of July: £80 million for clubs outside England, £85 million for Premier League sides, and £120 million for Saudi Arabian teams.

In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Kudus scored five goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances. That followed an impressive debut campaign in which he tallied eight goals and nine assists across all competitions.

If completed, the transfer would be the first direct deal between the two London rivals since Scott Parker moved from West Ham to Tottenham in 2011.

Chelsea and Newcastle were also monitoring Kudus earlier in the window but have been beaten to the punch by Ange Postecoglou’s side.

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Mohammed Kudus prefers Tottenham move amid Chelsea interest

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 20:38:42 +0000

Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus has reportedly set his sights on joining Tottenham Hotspur, according to Sky Sports News.

The West Ham United attacker has been at the centre of transfer speculation this summer, with clubs from both the Premier League and Saudi Pro League expressing interest. However, Kudus is currently focused solely on a potential switch to Spurs.

Tottenham have already opened talks with West Ham over the 24-year-old, although their initial £50 million bid was swiftly turned down by the Hammers.

Despite the rejection, Kudus is said to be unwilling to entertain offers from other suitors, including Chelsea, until a deal with Spurs is either agreed or falls through.

West Ham are holding out for a higher fee, but Kudus is reportedly eager to make the move in order to play European football.

Personal terms with Spurs are not expected to be a stumbling block, should both clubs reach an agreement.

The Ghana international is contracted to West Ham until 2028, with the club retaining an option to extend the deal by an additional year.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Kudus’ situation, despite his current preference for a move to North London rivals Spurs.

West Ham reject £50m Mohammed Kudus bid from Tottenham

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 08:38:25 +0000

West Ham United have received an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to sign Mohammed Kudus.

The bid was worth £50million ($68m) and has been turned down but club-to-club talks continue.

Kudus is prioritising Spurs if he leaves West Ham and personal terms for the 24-year-old Ghana international are not expected to be an issue.

The Athletic reported in June that Kudus’ contract, which runs until 2028, has a buyout clause that is only active for the first 10 days of July, valued at £80million ($108m) for European clubs, £85m for Premier League sides and £120m for Saudi Arabian teams.

The forward has remained on Chelsea’s radar after they stalled on completing a deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge from Ajax in 2023, before West Ham sealed his signature.

West Ham signed Kudus for a fee of €41.5million (£35.6m, $48.8m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons in August 2023, and he immediately became a key part of David Moyes’ side, recording 18 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances during his first season.

Utilised in multiple positions across West Ham’s frontline, Kudus had a less fruitful 2024-25 campaign, scoring five goals and assisting four in 35 appearances as his side finished 14th in the Premier League.

Before joining West Ham, Kudus scored 27 goals in 87 appearances for Ajax, helping the club to consecutive Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022.

Spurs have been keen to add a forward to their squad during the summer, despite being bolstered by the permanent addition of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for €35m, plus €10m in potential bonuses following his loan spell at the club last season.

The north London club hoped to persuade Bryan Mbeumo to join new head coach Thomas Frank in joining from Brentford, but the forward has informed Spurs he favours a move to Manchester United. Meanwhile, The Athletic reported Spurs made an enquiry over Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, who has since signed a new contract on the south coast.

Tottenham make enquire about Ghana and Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo

Samuel Appiah — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:03:29 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, making an initial enquiry about the Ghana international.

However, the North London club are not currently pushing ahead with a transfer.

Semenyo is reportedly open to a move to Spurs, but Bournemouth’s £70 million valuation of the 25-year-old has cooled interest from Tottenham and other potential suitors, including Manchester United.

The in-form winger has become a key player under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, netting 21 goals over the past two seasons. He enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, scoring 13 times in 42 appearances across all competitions.

New Spurs head coach Thomas Frank is keen to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season, despite recently completing the permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich following a successful loan spell.

Tottenham are also keeping tabs on Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United.

Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in January 2023 and signed a new five-year contract with the Cherries in July 2024. Before making the move to the Premier League, he made 125 senior appearances for Bristol City and had loan stints at Bath City, Newport County, and Sunderland.

Spurs sign Tel on permanent £30m deal from Bayern

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 13:51:25 +0000

Tottenham have signed French forward Mathys Tel on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich.

Spurs have agreed to pay a fee of about £30m for the 20-year-old, who will sign a six-year contract when his loan deal ends on 30 June.

Tel, who is with the France squad at the European Under-21 Championship, joined Spurs on loan during the January transfer window with an option to buy him for £45m, but they successfully negotiated the fee down.

He made 20 appearances for Spurs last season, scoring three goals, and was an unused substitute for their victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Tottenham are interested in signing Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who is also a target for Manchester United.

The 25-year-old’s former manager at Brentford, Thomas Frank, was named Spurs boss on Thursday.

Spurs open talks with Brentford over head coach Frank

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:29:37 +0000

Tottenham have opened talks with Brentford over their head coach Thomas Frank following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou.

The Dane, 51, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou.

Brentford would be entitled to compensation for Frank, with sources indicating it would cost Tottenham more than £10m to extricate him from his contract which runs until 2027.

That figure could rise depending on how many members of staff Frank decides to bring with him if he is named Spurs boss.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday, 16 days after leading Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, their first major trophy for 17 years.

However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, as they finished 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.

Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 and guided them into the Premier League, winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2021 and establishing them as a top-flight club on a small budget.

Brentford finished 10th in the 2024-25 Premier League season, seven places and 18 points above Spurs.

Chief football officer Munn expected to leave Spurs

Meanwhile, Tottenham are expected to confirm the departure of chief football officer Scott Munn this week.

The Australian administrator, who joined Spurs in 2023, is understood to have left the north London club amid an internal reshuffle.

Munn was a key figure in the appointment of fellow Australian Postecoglou in June 2023.

Vinai Venkatesham started in his role as chief executive last Monday, while executive director Donna Cullen left the club.

Munn’s exit is another significant change in what is gearing up to be a crucial summer for Tottenham.

In addition to their search for new men’s and women’s head coaches, Fabio Paratici, the club’s former managing director of football, is in talks over a return to the club once his Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities linked to his time at Juventus expires in July.

The Italian has been working with Spurs on a consultancy basis during his suspension, with the process towards his permanent reappointment ongoing.

There has been interest from the Middle East in Paratici, but it is understood he is keen to rejoin Tottenham.

Tottenham return is unrealistic – Pochettino

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 08:17:19 +0000

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has ruled himself out the running to replace Ange Postecoglou, saying a return to Tottenham at this point is “not realistic”.

Postecoglou, 59, was sacked on Friday, despite leading the club to their first piece of silverware in 17 years with victory in the Europa League.

Pochettino, whose five-year stay at the club came to an end in November 2019, has been linked with a return to Tottenham.

But the Argentine, who was appointed US manager in October 2024, says he is happy in his new role.

“Today it’s not realistic,” said Pochettino, 53. “Look where I am. Look where we (his backroom staff) are. The answer is so clear.

“I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumours].

“I’ve seen the rumours, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that.

“If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”

Pochettino was speaking after the United States were beaten 2-1 by Turkey in Connecticut.

It was the side’s third straight defeat, leaving Pochettino with five wins and four losses from nine matches in charge.

The United States are hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

During his time in north London, Pochettino helped Spurs reach the final of the Champions League in 2019, as well as to a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is a leading contender to replace Postecoglou, while there is interest in Fulham coach Marco Silva.

Postecoglou sacked by Spurs after Europa League win

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 17:07:19 +0000

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final.

A 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao brought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years.

However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.

The Australian had told fans “season three is better than season two” as they gathered at a victory parade to mark European success in his second campaign.

Despite that, the 59-year-old’s time in north London ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been tipped as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – now managing the United States – are among the other candidates to have been considered.

Spurs said Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments” in becoming only the third manager in their history to win a European trophy.

But they added they could not base their decision on “emotions aligned to this triumph” and felt a change was necessary after a “review of performances”.

Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou’s first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year.

“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,” he said in a statement.

“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”

Levy’s to-do list after paying Postecoglou £2m Europa bonus

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 23 May 2025 05:18:10 +0000

For Tottenham, a summer of opportunity beckons. Their historic Europa League triumph in Spain means they can head into the close season with a bounce in their step.

Their 17-year trophy drought is over and, pertinently, they are back in the Champions League.

With that, swings open certain doors. Finances are stronger; you can attract players – or managers in Spurs’ case – who wouldn’t have necessarily given your club a second glance.

The Champions League is where the elite players demand to perform. It’s the platform the best emerging talent dream of reaching.

Life’s easier in the Champions League and Daniel Levy can take solace in that before what is gearing up to be a busy summer.

Here we look at their to-do list, from the manager’s future, to recruitment plans and the bonuses for European glory.

To keep Postecoglou or not?

Of course, the biggest development this summer will inevitably be the identity of their head coach.

Ange Postecoglou etched his name into Tottenham folklore on Wednesday night, yet his position heading into next season remains uncertain.

Whether the euphoria of what unfolded in Spain changes the direction of travel regarding Postecoglou’s future should become clear in the immediate future.

Prior to this week’s success, the expectancy was that Postecoglou would leave before next season; the Australian ultimately paying the price for a dreadful domestic season.

BBC Sport understands the club are some way down the line in the process of identifying potential replacements for Postecoglou.

So with that in mind, if Spurs have the strength in their initial convictions then Postecoglou may still be on borrowed time.

That said, how do you dismiss a manager who has just led you to such glory?

However the next few days unfold, what is clear for Tottenham is that they must execute the change in leadership, if there is to be one, smoothly – certainly more professionally than their previous managerial search that saw them lurch from candidate to candidate before finally resting on Postecoglou.

Among the contenders are believed to be Thomas Frank – who has a relationship with technical director Johan Lange – Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner.

All may have had reservations about joining Tottenham prior to Wednesday night. But with Champions League football to look forward to, Spurs have become a significantly more attractive option.

The potential re-appointment of Fabio Paratici must also be considered.

Paratici, who left his position as managing director of football in 2023 after an appeal against a two-and-a-half-year Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities dating back to his spell at Juventus was rejected by Italy’s highest sports court, is in talks over a return when his suspension is lifted in July.

How influential could he be in the decision over Postecoglou and his possible replacement?

How would Paratici – who also has some interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia – and Lange co-exist in relatively similar roles?

If Paratici does complete a return, does that mean current chief of football Scott Munn’s days are numbered particularly with Vinai Venkatesham already confirmed as the club’s next chief executive?

But before all that, the bonuses

In the short term, Levy will sign off a £2m bonus to Postecoglou for lifting the club’s first European trophy since 1984.

The players will also split a performance-related package of around £3m for their success, though it is understood that automatic pay increases for Champions League qualification are not universal across all personal contractual agreements.

Either way, you’d imagine Levy will have no qualms with paying for his club’s historic success.

We shouldn’t, however, expect the Tottenham chairman to continue spending lavishly this summer. History tells us it’s not his style.

But building on Wednesday night’s euphoria will come at significant expense.

Forming a squad capable of competing in the Champions League is an altogether different proposition from seeking to improve a team that could yet finish 17th in the league.

Experience the goal for recruitment

BBC Sport understands that the sense within the club’s recruitment team is that their young squad should be supplemented with more experience.

For instance, an established central midfielder is believed to be on the club’s radar this summer.

If they lose vice-captain Cristian Romero to La Liga, they will look to replace the Argentina international with a ready-made replacement.

Spurs tried to sign Crystal Palace and England international Marc Guehi in January and remain interested in the centre-back.

They will be at pains to keep the experience already at the club. Rodrigo Bentancur, whose current deal expires next year, has held initial talks over an extension.

The club have already exercised an option to extend captain Son Heung-min’s contract until the summer of 2026.

That isn’t to say Tottenham will abandon their remit of signing young talent with Southampton’s teenager Tyler Dibling a target.

And whoever is the manager will have a massive say as you’d expect.

Not for the first time, it’s gearing up to be an interesting summer at Tottenham.

Tottenham beat Man Utd to win Europa League & end 17-year wait for trophy

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 21 May 2025 23:36:24 +0000

Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson’s first-half goal was enough to beat Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Victory means under-fire head coach Ange Postecoglou has fulfilled a promise to deliver silverware in his second season at Spurs.

Postecoglou, who said he would “never be a clown” in his pre-match address, brought smiles and unbridled joy to the faces of the 15,000 official and many unofficial Tottenham fans in Bilbao’s San Mames Stadium.

Victory may not save Postecoglou from a Spurs exit in the coming weeks. But the Australian will leave as a hero after joining Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw in winning a European trophy with the north London giants.

In addition to following the lead of Newcastle and Crystal Palace in making this a season of glory for clubs who rarely, if ever, win a trophy, Tottenham are also set to benefit from a £100m windfall after qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

As had to happen in a battle between the two lowest-placed teams ever to contest a European final, for the losers, there was no silver lining.

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will send his side into the final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday with huge questions over his ability to make them competitive following their worst season since the 1973-74 relegation campaign.

Amorim enjoys the backing of the ownership, but his decision to pick Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho in an attacking role did not work. And with skipper Bruno Fernandes unusually subdued, United lacked the guile to drag themselves back into the game once they had fallen behind.

They came close to an equaliser with a Rasmus Hojlund header, following Guglielmo Vicario’s error, that was acrobatically cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven midway through the second half.

Vicario then made a dramatic late save to keep out Luke Shaw’s header.

Villa swat aside Spurs to move into top five

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 16 May 2025 21:49:05 +0000

Aston Villa boosted their hopes of a Champions League spot with a comfortable victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

An eighth win in nine Premier League games lifted Unai Emery’s side into fifth place, behind Newcastle and Chelsea on goal difference, but a point above Manchester City.

They claimed the opener just before the hour mark when John McGinn’s corner was headed down by Ollie Watkins into the path of Ezri Konsa who slotted in from close range.

Boubacar Kamara made sure of the victory, scoring his first Premier League goal with a low, drilled 73rd-minute finish past Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

McGinn also fired an effort narrowly wide in a commanding Villa performance.

They now have to win their final game of the season at Manchester United and hope other results go their way to seal a top-five finish.

Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit Spurs side had little to offer in response and remain fourth from bottom as they turn their attention to the Europa League final against Ruben Amorim’s United on Wednesday, 21 May.

Tottenham beat Bodo/Glimt in semi-final first leg

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 01 May 2025 22:55:21 +0000

Tottenham took a big step towards the Europa League final with a deserved first-leg win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt – but a late goal just leaves a little window of doubt.

It was one of Spurs’ best performances of a wretched season domestically and leaves them two games away from a first trophy since 2008.

Ange Postecoglou’s side took only 38 seconds to open the scoring as Brennan Johnson headed in from Richarlison’s nod down.

And James Maddison doubled the lead when he brilliantly took down Pedro Porro’s long ball before squeezing the ball into the bottom corner.

Dominic Solanke rolled in a nonchalant penalty for 3-0 after Cristian Romero was fouled.

Bodo/Glimt have made headlines in recent times for an intense style of football that has led to impressive results – but they were outplayed until Ulrik Saltnes’ effort flew into the top corner via a deflection off Rodrigo Bentancur.

That was their only shot on target.

The other concern for Spurs was the loss of goalscorers Maddison and Solanke to injury in the second half.

The second leg in the Arctic Circle is no formality, with Glimt beating Porto, Besiktas, Olympiakos and Lazio at home this season.

Their win rate at home in the Europa League since 2022-23 is 70%, compared to 9% on the road.

An all-English final in Bilbao could be on the cards with Manchester United winning their tie 3-0 at Athletic Club.

Fan jeers and a cupped ear – is Postecoglou feeling the friction?

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:26:38 +0000

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou is looking more isolated than ever.

The Australian directed a brief clap towards the furious travelling away fans from near the halfway line following his side’s 1-0 loss at Chelsea but, by then, it could be argued the damage had already been done.

Enzo Fernandez’s second-half header was enough to inflict a 16th defeat of the season on Tottenham and leave them 14th in the Premier League – 10 points away from the top 10 – and the signs are growing some fans have had enough.

Chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” came from the away end after midfielder Lucas Bergvall was replaced by Pape Sarr in the 65th minute.

Remarkably, Sarr found the net with an excellent long-range strike just four minutes later, leading Postecoglou to cup his ear and turn to the away end, only for VAR to then rule out the goal for a foul on Moises Caicedo.

When asked about the incident after the match, Postecoglou said: “Jeez mate, it’s incredible how things get interpreted. We’d just scored, I just wanted to hear them cheer. Because we’d been through a tough time, and I thought it was a cracking goal.

“I wanted them to get really excited. I felt at that point we could potentially go on and win the game. I just felt momentum was on our [side]. It doesn’t bother me. It’s not the first time they’ve booed my substitutions or my decisions. That’s fine, they’re allowed to do that.

“But we’d just scored a goal, just scored an equaliser, I was just hoping we could get some excitement. If people want to read into that that somehow I’m trying to make a point about something, like I said, we’d been through a tough time, but I just felt there was a bit of a momentum shift there.

“If they get really behind the lads, I thought we had the momentum to finish on top of them.”

It’s just the latest in a season of incidents between Postecoglou and sections of the fanbase.

There was the recent exchange with an angry supporter after defeat by Fulham just before the international break, another similar back and forth happened after defeat at home to Leicester and he confronted the away end after they criticised players after losing at Bournemouth in December.

He added when asked if he was alienating the fans: “You know what, I am at such a disconnect with the world these days, that who knows? Maybe you’re right. I don’t know. But that’s not what my intention was.”

This just compounds the lack of progress on the pitch, especially with almost a full squad of players available, as Spurs look to avoid their worst season in the Premier League era.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie Redknapp put it plainly when he said on Sky Sports: “Tottenham were awful. It could have been so much more. Not good enough in any department from Tottenham. Chelsea were so much better.

“When Sarr scored, it looked like Ange cupped his ears to say: I know better. There’s a disconnect between the two [Tottenham fans and Ange Postecoglou] at the moment.

“It’s not ideal for the manager. He’s got some big games ahead. He’s got to keep his head up, got to keep going, working hard and believing in what they do.”

Are Spurs heading for worst Premier League season ever?

Postecoglou is the first Spurs manager to lose his first four matches against Chelsea, while they have fewer points in London derbies this season than any of their neighbours – and the bigger picture offers no solace.

With eight games left, Spurs are 14th, and could well finish outside the top 10 for the first time in 17 years. They are now battling to avoid their worst season in the Premier League era.

Tottenham’s lowest Premier League finish remains 15th in 1994 under manager Ossie Ardiles – when survival was only ensured in their penultimate match.
They have now lost 16 league games this season – their record in a 20-team league is 19, set in 2003-04.
Since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, only six times have Spurs lost 16 or more league matches in a campaign.
Spurs’ lowest points tally in a Premier League season – and in fact since three points for a win was introduced in 1981 – is 44. They need 11 points from their final eight games to pass that tally.
With 16 defeats in 30 matches, Spurs’ loss percentage this season is 53% – and they haven’t lost more than half of their league matches over a whole season since 1934-35. They lost exactly half of their league matches in 1953-94, 1974-75, 1976-77 – when they were relegated – and 2003-04.
Postecoglou has only won 44 points from his past 39 league matches in charge – stretching back over the end of last season.

Postecoglou’s future under threat?

Reports suggest Postecoglou is under severe pressure. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have all been linked with his job.

The 56-year-old, who became Spurs boss in June 2023 and is contracted to the club until 2027, even suggested in midweek there were plenty of outstanding candidates to replace him.

However, Spurs are expected to at least wait until the culmination of the Europa League campaign – a chance not only to win a first trophy in 17 years, but also to qualify for next season’s Champions League. They host Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their quarter-final next Thursday.

A club source indicated before the match that they weren’t expecting any managerial changes before the end of the season.

Redknapp, again speaking to Sky Sports, said after the match: “I think for Ange Postecoglou, it feels like he’s going to make history or be history.

“When you lose 16 games in a season as Tottenham manager, still having great players at your disposal, it’s not going to wash with the fans. The performances haven’t been good enough.

“If they can win some silverware, it’ll be unbelievable for them.”

Vice-captain James Maddison, reacting to the fan frustration, said: “They have every right to be an angry bunch at the moment.

“I don’t really want to be here talking and I’m sure the fans don’t want to listen to me. It can still be a very special season if we lift silverware. We need them as much as they need us, so the message is to stick together.”

Like Postecoglou, chairman and co-owner Daniel Levy has faced criticism from the fans.

But Levy has given the head coach resources to shape a squad. Postecoglou has spent £214.8m, with the most recent arrivals signed in January – forward Mathys Tel, defender Kevin Danso and goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

That extra spend was an attempt to salvage the season while alive in three cup competitions, but after elimination from the domestic cups, it is Europa League or bust.

It will be Spurs’ last chance to live up to Postecoglou’s comment early in the campaign that he “always wins a trophy in his second season” – having done so in Scotland, Japan and Australia.

With little to play for in the Premier League, a end to the Spurs trophy drought would end the season on a high.

‘It’s killing the game, mate’ – VAR upsets Postecoglou

On another night, Postecoglou’s post-match rant about VAR would have taken the headlines. On Thursday, it was a footnote.

Tottenham thought they had equalised when Sarr struck home from distance.

The celebrations followed but were cut short as VAR checked for a possible foul. After a lengthy delay, the goal was ruled out.

Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live he “hated VAR to his core”, that there was no point in having referees – and that there would soon be AI officials.

Postecoglou, who has often criticised VAR, become embroiled in a lively post-match interview with Sky Sports.

Here is what he said in full:

“It’s killing the game, mate. It’s not the same game it used to be.

“We all sat on our couches last night and watched TV [when Everton’s James Tarkowski was not sent off for a high challenge on Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister] and I guarantee you if Jarred Gillett was VAR last night, it would’ve been a different outcome, so you just don’t know what we’re going to get.

“You are standing around for 12 minutes. It’s just killing the game, but no-one cares about that. They just love the drama and controversy and I’m sure there will be 24 hours of discussion about it and that’s what everyone wants – they’re not really interested that it’s killing the spectacle of the game.

“If a referee sees that and he needs to see it for six minutes, what’s clear and obvious about it?

“Last night we were all sat on our couches and saw one replay and thought: ‘Oh my God.’

“Tonight we sat there and were waiting for six minutes for something that VAR official Jarred Gillett thought was clear and obvious – it’s crazy, it’s madness.

“We accept it and have to take the fall out from it. Clear and obvious? What does that suggest? That it’s on the first replay. That’s why the game is going the way it is.”

Arsenal to meet Tottenham in first game outside of UK

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:48:28 +0000

Arsenal and Tottenham will contest the first north London derby to be held outside the UK when the two teams face each other in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer.

The London rivals will play in the newly-opened Kai Tak Stadium on July 31 as part of their preparations for the 2025-26 season.

The match, scheduled for 7:30pm local time (11:30am BST), will be the first time that the two teams have met outside the UK.

The fixture is part of the Hong Kong Football Festival, which will see Premier League rivals Liverpool take on AC Milan on 26 July.

Arsenal last toured Hong Kong in 2012, while Spurs visited Japan and South Korea in 2024.

Manchester United are set to play two post-season friendlies in Hong Kong and Malaysia, but they are one of a number of Premier League clubs set to tour the United States as part of their pre-season preparations.

Chelsea and Manchester City are yet to make decisions on their pre-season, given both clubs are involved in the Club World Cup that begins on 15 June.

Everton beat Spurs to pile pressure on Postecoglou

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:33:26 +0000

Everton started the road to recovery under returning manager David Moyes and piled more pressure on his struggling Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou with an impressive victory at Goodison Park.

Spurs were shambolic for long periods as they were overrun by a resurgent Everton, who had won only three Premier League matches this season – scoring 15 goals – before this game.

Everton deservedly led 3-0 at the interval, then survived a late Spurs revival as the scoreline was given an appearance that did not reflect the difference between the sides.

With the stakes high for both teams, Everton brushed Spurs aside in the opening period, building the platform for a win that condemned Postecoglou’s men to a seventh defeat in their past 10 league games.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin ended a barren Premier League scoring sequence stretching back to September – and lasting 1,288 minutes – when he turned Archie Gray twice in the area before leaving Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky wrong-footed with a smart finish.

Son Heung-min was denied twice by Jordan Pickford but it was Everton, unrecognisable from the goal-shy team seen previously this season, who added a second on the half-hour when Iliman Ndiaye twisted Radu Dragusin inside out before firing high past Kinsky.

Everton compounded Spurs’ misery in first-half stoppage time when Gray turned into his own net after James Tarkowski’s header took a touch off Calvert-Lewin.

Spurs, as they had to do, improved after the break and pulled a goal back through Dejan Kulusevski’s clever lofted finish with 13 minutes left, with former Everton striker Richarlison increasing the nerves by bundling home in injury time.

But the hosts held out for a deserved win on a day to savour for the returning Moyes.

‘Not acceptable’ – Postecoglou on ‘thin ice’ at Spurs

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:57:17 +0000

With six defeats in their past 10 games, a loss to their biggest rivals and closer to the relegation zone than the top four, things are going from bad to worse for Tottenham Hotspur.

Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Arsenal at Emirates Stadium leaves Spurs 13th with 24 points, 14 off Newcastle in fourth but just eight above 18th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

There would be a brief moment of cheer for Tottenham fans in the game when Son Heung-min fired them ahead in the 25th minute, but that was to be the last time they managed a shot on target as Arsenal scored twice in four minutes to win.

“We were nowhere near the levels we needed to be at today,” Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said after the game.

“The fact we went out in the first half in such a big game and were so passive, it was unacceptable. And we paid a price for it.”

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes Tottenham’s form will be a worry for the club’s supporters.

“Without doubt the Tottenham fans have to be concerned,” he said on Match of the Day.

“I know they have injuries but you can’t go up against your rivals and your manager come out at the end of the game and say that the team were nowhere near their levels.

“That is unacceptable.”

Tottenham have lost 11 games in the Premier League this season; their joint-most at this stage of a single campaign in the competition (also 11 in 1997-98, 2003-04 and 2008-09).
The only sides who have lost more in the league this season than Tottenham are the three teams currently in the relegation zone – Wolves, Leicester and Southampton.
Since beating Aston Villa 4-1 on 3 November, Tottenham have lost eight, drawn four and only won five of their 17 games in all competitions, although three of those victories have been against Manchester City (4-0 away), Manchester United (4-3 home) and Liverpool (1-0 home).
Tottenham have failed to win in their past five games in the Premier League; their last joint-longest winless streak was 6 November to 7 December 2023.
Spurs have lost 18 points from winning positions in the Premier League this season – only Fulham (19) have lost more.
Tottenham have won just one of their past nine Premier League matches (drawn two, lost six), with that victory coming at bottom side Southampton (5-0). Indeed, since the start of this run only Leicester (four) and Southampton (one) have earned fewer points in the Premier League than Spurs (five).
Spurs have not finished outside the top 10 in the Premier League since 2007-08 when they came 11th, but did win the League Cup.

‘Defeats hurt me – it has to stop’

After Tottenham lost to Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season back in September, Postecoglou defiantly declared he “always wins a trophy” in his second season.

They were comments aimed at allaying fans’ fears of a trophyless season, but instead they have been used to – as Postecoglou has said himself – mock him after a bad result.

Silverware does remain on the cards with Tottenham in the Europa League and holding a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

But Postecoglou knows results must improve soon.

He added: “Of course the defeats hurt me. Not acceptable. Too many losses this year. Too many games getting away from us.

“It needs to stop.”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown feels pressure is mounting on Postecoglou, saying his style of play is at times proving costly as they continue to play a high-pressing game.

“Tottenham took so many risks and Arsenal took advantage – the game was so open,” Keown said on TNT Sports.

“Manchester United will probably go above Spurs. A difficult moment for them and the manager is skating on thin ice.”

Former Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon added: “One win in nine – it’s not good enough at all.

“This puts a lot of unrest in that [Tottenham] camp. If they weren’t in the Carabao Cup semi-finals there would be big problems.”

Son said the players also need to stand up and be counted.

“It’s up to the players as well,” the striker said. You have to listen to what we want to do. I think we were not disciplined enough.

“We have to do better in every aspect. When you look at table it’s not good enough.”

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand criticised Tottenham’s defending, saying: “It’s like watching an academy under-18s game when the kids are working it out for themselves.

“I would be screaming at my goalkeeper, my defenders. Play over the press, not into the press.”

‘Adaptability would be sensible’ – injuries hampering Tottenham

Allowances do have to be made for Tottenham’s injury list – they went into the north London derby with nine players ruled out.

Their defence in particular has taken a hit with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies all sidelined.

But despite that, Spurs fans will feel they still have enough in the squad to be battling further up the table.

Former Tottenham and Liverpool striker Peter Crouch said on TNT Sports: “We all know the injury problems, but the two 18-year-olds [Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray] were the best players.

“If I’m a more experienced player I feel embarrassed. I look at Son, he has had a disappointing season.

“They need players back – that team out there is not good enough in the league. I don’t see them catching the top teams.”

Ferdinand believes Postecoglou needs to become more flexible with his approach to games.

“Maybe he has to be more adaptable with his tactics,” he added.

“I understand and respect Ange’s principles but, with the injuries, surely you have to adapt them. Adaptability would be sensible at this time.”

Next up for Tottenham is a trip to David Moyes’ Everton on Sunday (14:00 GMT), a match Postecoglou knows is hugely important.

“No other way of looking at it,” he said.

“If you give up now, there’s no point. Right now we have a big game against Everton this weekend. That’s our focus.”

EFL Cup semi-final: Bergvall scores late winner as Spurs beat Liverpool in first leg

Samuel Appiah — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:58:53 +0000

Lucas Bergvall proved the late hero as Tottenham snatched a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool in Wednesday’s first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final.

Bergvall’s first goal for the club came with just four minutes remaining at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, handing Spurs a narrow lead to take to Anfield for the return meeting on February 6.

Dominic Solanke had seen a goal ruled out just 10 minutes before, with a VAR review finding the striker offside after coolly slotting past Alisson from Pedro Porro’s throughball.

Spurs came flying out the blocks as Alisson denied Radu Dragusin from Son Heung-min’s cross early on, though there was concern for Rodrigo Bentancur soon after as he left the pitch on a stretcher.

The midfielder fell while unchallenged after just six minutes, resulting in a lengthy stoppage for medical attention, before the club subsequently confirmed Bentancur was conscious and en route to hospital for checks.

Porro should have scored before the hour but saw his effort on an open goal blocked by Virgil van Dijk after Alisson had gifted possession to the right-back, who then chipped wide just moments later.

Substitute Darwin Nunez was unable to beat debutant Antonin Kinsky when one-on-one from a tight angle, while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delightful drive was touched off the line by a well-placed Dragusin.

Porro’s incisive pass saw Solanke offside before Liverpool wanted Bergvall dismissed for a second yellow card after a late challenge on Kostas Tsimikas.

That decision left Arne Slot furious and his anger only heightened when Bergvall came back to haunt the visitors with the decisive strike when slotting Solanke’s cutback pass into the bottom-right corner.

‘Not acceptable’ – Postecoglou criticises Werner display

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:41:07 +0000

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says Timo Werner’s performance was “not acceptable” after replacing him at half-time in the 1-1 Europa League draw at Rangers.

The German forward, 28, lost possession 16 times, did not win any of his five duels and only completed 69% of his passes.

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson, covering the game for BBC Sportsound, said at the time: “Timo Werner’s final decision on the ball so far has been abysmal.

“I’ll be amazed if he’s not hooked at half-time.”

Werner was indeed replaced before the players came out for the second half by Dejan Kulusevski, who went on to score a 75th-minute Spurs equaliser after Hamza Igamane had given Rangers the lead two minutes into the second half.

“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me,” said Postecoglou.

“I said that to Timo, he’s a German international.”

Former Chelsea forward Werner, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, has only scored once in 19 appearances. This was his eighth start.

Tottenham forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are currently sidelined and Postecoglou added: “In the moment we’re in right now – it’s not like we’ve got many options – I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves.

“His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.

“We need everybody, including him, to be contributing because we don’t have the depth to leave people out if they perform poorly. I expect a level of performance from some of the senior guys, and tonight wasn’t that.”

The draw at Ibrox left Tottenham with only one win in their last eight games in all competitions.

Werner’s struggles

Werner has failed to excel since arriving from Leipzig last January.

The loan deal was initially until the end of last season – and then extended to cover this campaign too.

Werner scored twice in 14 games in the second half of 2023-24, but has netted only once in 19 appearances this season, with his struggles evidenced in the price built into his temporary deal.

Under the first arrangement, Spurs had the option to sign him for £15m – but it is now an £8.5m option to buy.

Werner has 24 goals from his 57 Germany caps, but last played for his country in a friendly defeat by Belgium in March 2023.

He also scored 23 goals in 89 appearances during a two-year spell at Chelsea, winning the 2021 Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup, before rejoining Leipzig in 2022.

Since Ange joined, I feel more comfortable,” says Papa Matar Sarr of Spurs

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:22:02 +0000

As Tottenham Hotspur gear up for their clash against Southampton this weekend, Showmax caught up with Senegalese star Pape Matar Sarr to chat about rise in the world of football.

The 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder discusses his journey to Spurs, his admiration for Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy, and his unwavering commitment to his national team.

Tell us about your relationship with the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, as it must be amazing for you playing home matches in it?

Yes, it’s incredible. When you think of matches at Tottenham. The stadium is really amazing, as I’m used to saying, it’s unreal, just like in films. We’re lucky enough to be here, so we have to enjoy playing in this amazing stadium.

Tell us about the season so far. Are you happy with the team’s performances?

Yes. It’s not too bad, we are doing well; we’ve won a few matches, even if there were some difficult moments. But the season is long, so we are persevering and we are ready.

Let’s take a look back at your past and talk about your journey so far. Tell us about your childhood in Senegal. What was Pape Matar Sarr’s childhood like?

I was an ambitious young man because my childhood was like that of other kids who dreamt of being football players. There were times when I was at school and other times when I was playing football in my neighbourhood, this is where I started. I liked playing football, so it was natural; I always had a ball with me. It was normal for me to call my friends to play football. But, yes, I was a little reserved, not very effusive. . . just like now, actually. I used to play a lot in my neighbourhood and even at home, in my mother’s bedroom. I used to kick the ball everywhere, so she wasn’t too happy with it.

You also come from a football family. Your dad coached; your brother played too. Tell us how important football was to your family?

Not only my father, but my whole family is involved in football. My grandparents, my uncles – everyone. My brother plays in Luxembourg as well. So, it’s normal that football became a cultural thing for us, so we had to play football. it was part of your daily life, part of your DNA. That is all I lived for. Even with my studies, as my dad was pushing me a bit, but he would rather give me football boots than books or pencils.

Were you good at school?

I was not too bad! But I was more focused on football.

Let’s talk about Génération Foot, your first club where things got serious. What did that club give you, and when did you start this journey?

I was already in the national team when they spotted me. Before going there, I was an international player with the u-17 team. They saw me playing for the u-17s and they wanted me to join their academy. They talked to my previous coaches, and my father too, as he’s involved in football. We had a few talks with them. Well, at first, I didn’t want to, because back in Thiès, I liked it, I was with my family. I didn’t know that I needed to be supervised in order to get my break, that I needed to be supported and more serious, showing more professionalism, and Génération Foot helped me with that. This experience was a good thing as it allowed me to become professional, to grow up at every level, and to understand what professionalism is. I became professional and I’m grateful for that.

Some great players came through that academy: Sadio Mané, Papiss Cissé, amongst others. Did it make the choice easier for you, knowing those guys went there before you?

Of course, when you hear that the academy coached Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Diafra Sakho, it means something. At the time, Génération Foot and Diambars [fc] were my only options, to remain in Senegal anyway. I chose to join Génération Foot. Their organisation convinced me, so I went there to have more visibility, to work hard and achieve my goals.

Tell us about the time you arrived in Europe, at FC Metz.

I signed for FC Metz when I was already at Génération Foot. Those clubs have a partnership, so when they spot a player, they make him sign a contract, but he has to turn 18 before joining FC Metz. As for me, I joined FC Metz when I turned 18. It was a good experience, as my coach was Antonetti.

FC Metz is also a club where Mané played. Did it encourage you to sign for the club?

Of course. Like I said, when you hear that Sadio Mané joins a club and especially if you’re from Senegal, as he’s a role model for us. He played for Metz, so I thought: “why not do the same? ” from Génération Foot to FC Metz, and then, he just exploded. This was our dream too, and when you’re around the Génération Foot facilities, you will always hear people talk about his time there, as he went from Génération Foot to FC Metz. Abdoulaye Sarr also told me about the time Sadio was playing there. Ismaïla Sarr has had the same journey too so people talk a lot about those players. Of course, it inspires you and motivates you to follow the same path. FC Metz has been a good step for me.

A good step, but a quick one, as Tottenham were quick to make their move. Tell us about your first contact with Tottenham. Did they come looking for you fairly quickly?

Yes, they came looking for me because, at the time, I was only focused on football. Like you said, I was at Metz, and it all happened so fast. I played one season and Tottenham and other clubs were knocking on my door. I chose Tottenham because the club was well-organised, and their project convinced me, so I decided to go there. So, yes, it happened a bit too quickly, but in the end, it’s not too bad. I’ve waited for this moment for so long, was happy and satisfied because I thought that all the work, I had done was paying off. It was special, it was incredible.

Was it important for you, at that time, to stay a little longer at Metz, in order to keep adapting and improving your skills?

Yes, it was important because that was what I wanted at the time. I had started some work in Metz and I wanted to finish it. But it didn’t go the way I wanted because, unfortunately, the team got relegated to Ligue 2. I really wanted to help the team reach the top 5 before leaving, that is why I wanted to stay another year before going to Tottenham. I wanted to be ready right at the start of the season. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way I wanted.

Meanwhile, Tottenham hired a new coach and Antonio Conte was in the dugout. Did it change anything for you? Was it the same project they told you about?

Yes, because the director was still here, so the project remained the same. I went there with the same objectives and the same personal ambitions, so I was already ready to get to work, ready to help Tottenham and “earn my spurs”.

Can you tell us about Tottenham? About your first season there?

I don’t really like talking about my debut at Tottenham because it wasn’t easy. It was a season full of tough times. But like I told you; I was ready for that. I already told myself it wouldn’t be easy. I had to work hard and every time I had the chance to play, even if it was five or ten minutes, I was trying to show what I could do. Back at Metz, I used to play every match, but at Tottenham, even being named in the match day squad was a luxury. It was complicated! But I’ve never stopped working, nor believing in myself because i knew that sooner or later, it would pay off.

Was the hardest thing not to play?

Yes. There were many hard things; the language was complicated, too. I was alone in London, it was difficult. There were times when I didn’t feel good. It wasn’t an excuse, but if you mix all this with what was happening on the pitch, things get very tough. I went from Génération Foot to FC Metz, and from Metz to Tottenham, so it wasn’t easy for me, but I knew that at some point, things would get better, and that I would seize the opportunity.

In Yves Bissouma, you have a sort of older brother who has supported you and on whom you can rely. Did he help you through these hard times?

Yes. He really helped me as we talk to each other a lot. We had many talks, especially in the morning or at lunch. He has been in England for a while, so he gave me some advice, things that I need to do or improve. This is what is required here in England, anyway.

Do you remember your first match in the Premier League?

It was an incredible moment for me. I’ve waited for this moment for so long, and the match was here, even though we lost it. I was happy and satisfied because I thought that all the work I had done was paying off. It was special, it was incredible.

And from that time, things got better for you, you were able to play more minutes and get used to playing in the Premier League?

Yes, because I started to speak a little English and feel comfortable. Like I told you, things were difficult at first, but as soon as I learnt English, got used to the country and started to play, everything got better and I even played more minutes towards the end of the season.

There is also your goal against Manchester United, your first goal here – do you remember it?

I remember. I do. Scoring during such a great match, it can only make you feel good. Of course, Manchester United is a major club here in England, and being able to play in this kind of match is a real pleasure, it’s a dream. Scoring a goal on top of that is incredible.

For someone like you who, in the space of three years, went from Senegal to scoring a goal against Manchester United in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium must have been unreal?

Yes, it was crazy and I remember after the match, I got a lot of text messages, especially from back home because, as you may know, there are a lot of United fans there. So, it made me happy. I took it in my stride because, ultimately, it was just a football match. But I will never forget that goal, at least for now.

Another aspect of a football player’s career is the national team. Coming from Senegal, I suppose playing for the national team on the international stage is your holy grail?

You said it all. For me, Senegal means everything. And I’m working every day to be ready to help my national team, so every time they call me or I hear “Senegal”, I’m ready because it’s a beautiful country. People from there are very supportive with their fellow countrymen, whether you are injured or are going through difficulties. They support you; they defend you; they protect you. Our job as football players is to defend our colours because, like I said, Senegal means everything to me, and I’m sure my team-mates feel the same. This is why I’ll be always ready for the national team.

What is your best memory with the national team?

The AFCON, obviously.

In 2022?

Yes, the one we won. It was truly amazing; it was the best moment of my entire football career. Winning the AFCON with Senegal. . . Wow! It was incredible, I want to relive it.

Was it the best time of your life?

Yes, we can say that. And want to experience it again. I want to win more trophies with Senegal. It was a beautiful and incredible moment.

Let’s go back to the present at Tottenham. Like you said, you didn’t get to play many minutes in the Premier League, but you’ve managed to find your place in the team. Can you tell us how you feel, here and now?

I feel good at Tottenham. The squad is solid, we all get along. We work hard and, like you said, I didn’t play many minutes at first, but now my playing time has increased. I am able to play matches and help my team because that’s important too. I feel good, very good.

This is your second season under coach Ange Postecoglou. Can you tell us more about what his arrival has meant to you?

Only good things. Since he’s been here, I feel more comfortable. He likes football, as I like to say. He also protects us and wants us to play beautiful football. We are doing a very good job with him and you can see it in the club’s results because he’s only been here for two years, but the squad is solid, we win matches and play good football and this is good for him, but also for us because it’s important.

He said you’re always smiling. That some great players never smile while you always are. Is this part of your personality here?

This is who I am – I don’t get angry very easily, it’s just who I am. I don’t behave any different or have a different kind of character. I am straightforward, it’s just the way I am. He saw me smiling because it’s what I do every day. This is a good thing for me as well as an important thing for the squad because we see each other every morning, and maybe someone had a bad day or didn’t sleep well, so being positive is important.

What are your objectives for the season?

The objective is to win as many matches as possible, especially in the Premier League because, obviously, if you win every match, you’re bound to win something. As for the Europa League, of course, it’s another objective for us, but we’re focusing on the league as we have made a good start. We’ll take it one step at a time and see where it takes us.

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‘I didn’t like what was being said’ – Postecoglou on fan confrontation

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 07:18:49 +0000

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says he “didn’t like what was being said” by some Spurs supporters after their defeat by Bournemouth – but that “you’ve got to cop it”.

In the immediate aftermath of their 1-0 loss at Vitality Stadium, Postecoglou pointed at a group of Tottenham fans who were voicing their anger and marched across the pitch towards the away end to confront them.

Words were exchanged before a steward attempted to defuse the situation by waving the 59-year-old Australian away.

“They’re disappointed and rightly so,” said Postecoglou in his post-match news conference. “They gave me some direct feedback, which I’ve taken on board.

“I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve got to cop it.

“I’ve been around long enough to know that when things don’t go well you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment. And they’re rightly disappointed because we let a game of football get away from us. But that’s OK. I’m OK with all that.

“All I can say is I’m really disappointed and I’m determined to get it right and will keep fighting until we do.”

Tottenham’s defeat by Bournemouth leaves them 10th in the Premier League table, one place below the Cherries.

It was Spurs’ sixth league defeat this season, with only five sides in the top flight having lost more games than them.

“It comes down to us as a collective being a lot more determined to control a game of football and not let the opposition take control,” added Postecoglou.

‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Tottenham were ‘terrible’

Tottenham have only won one of their past six matches, a 4-0 victory at Manchester City – which now feels like an outlier.

“I now know what people mean when they say Tottenham are like Jekyll and Hyde,” said former Stoke boss Tony Pulis on BBC Radio 5 Live. “They have been really poor tonight.”

Spurs managed 12 shots, four on target – about half the total of Bournemouth – but their expected goals was only 0.58, compared to Bournemouth’s 3.31.

Former England striker Les Ferdinand, who played for Spurs between 1997 and 2003, said on Amazon Prime: “Tottenham didn’t look like they could score today.

“I thought Spurs could only be better in the second half and they were slightly better, but there was no urgency. We didn’t know what Spurs was going to turn up tonight – and that wasn’t the Spurs we wanted.”

Bournemouth also had a goal disallowed for offside and hit the post in a game they should really have won by more.

Former England striker Alan Shearer called it “a terrible performance” from Spurs.

“I was really surprised they came out with the same team after half-time because they needed some energy and freshening up,” he said. “I never felt they were ever going to score tonight.”

Ipswich win at Spurs for first victory of season

Samuel Appiah — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 16:24:36 +0000

Ipswich held on for a 2-1 win at Tottenham to celebrate their first win of the season – and their first in the Premier League in 22 years.

The Tractor Boys have struggled to hold on to leads following their long-awaited return to England’s top flight this summer.

But they finally did enough to clinch all three points – Sammie Szmodics steering an overhead kick beyond Guglielmo Vicario to give them the lead.

Kieran McKenna’s side, wearing their pink third kit which was designed in collaboration with supporter and global music star Ed Sheeran, doubled their lead when Liam Delap bundled in just over 10 minutes later.

There was some boos from the home fans at half-time and within four minutes of the restart Spurs had the ball in the net, only for Dominic Solanke’s effort to be ruled out for handball.

That momentum faded until Rodrigo Bentancur gave them hope with 21 minutes left, heading home from a Pedro Porro corner.

But Solanke’s late effort, blocked by goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, was the closest they went to equalising as Ipswich secured their first top-flight victory since winning 1-0 at home to Middlesbrough in April 2002 – and their first away since a 2-1 victory at Everton in February 2002.

Mohammed Kudus deeply embarrassed by red card against Tottenham

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:13:58 +0000

The Independent Regulatory Commission has disclosed that West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus expressed deep embarrassment following his dismissal in the team’s 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Kudus’ clash with Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven in the 82nd minute ignited a scuffle between players from both teams, with van de Ven alleging that Kudus “punched him in the face.” Kudus also appeared to shove Pape Matar Sarr.

Initially issued a yellow card by referee Andy Madley, Kudus’ offense was upgraded to a red card for violent conduct following a VAR review, triggering an automatic three-game suspension.

The Football Association later added a further two-match suspension and imposed a £60,000 fine.

As a result of his ban, Kudus missed games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, with his suspension set to conclude this weekend as West Ham prepares to face Everton.

According to the Independent Regulatory Commission’s report, Kudus expressed regret, admitting he felt “deeply embarrassed” by the incident and accepted the charges against him.

“MK [Mohammed Kudus] began his letter by apologizing, stating that he was deeply embarrassed by his behavior in the 20 seconds following his foul on Micky van de Ven.

He accepted that he had lost his cool and said that his behavior was out of character.

He stated that he could not recall the events clearly, but after viewing the footage, he felt that MvdV [Micky van de Ven] had exaggerated the incident as there was minimal contact from him. He accepted that he should not have pushed PS [Pape Sarr] in the face and that his action merited a red card. However, he did not injure anyone or use force.

MK [Mohammed Kudus] stated that his preparation for the match had been mentally and physically challenging because he had traveled for a midweek international fixture and had received various negative comments on social media. He referred to his work within the community and in his home country of Ghana, stressing how he tried to be a role model.”

Kudus is now expected to rejoin the Ghanaian national team later this weekend as they gear up for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Angola and Niger later this month.

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