Tottenham Hotspur | 2022/23 Season

[Firebat]

PL fixtures:

August

6: Southampton (h)

13: Chelsea (a)

20: Wolves (h)

27: Nottm Forest (a)

30: West Ham (a)

September

3: Fulham (h)

10: Man City (a)

17: Leicester (h)

October

1: Arsenal (a)

8: Brighton (a)

15: Everton (h)

19: Man Utd (a)

22: Newcastle (h)

29: Bournemouth (a)

November

5: Liverpool (h)

12: Leeds United (h)

December

26: Brentford (a)

31: Aston Villa (h)

January

2: Crystal Palace (a)

14: Arsenal (h)

21: Fulham (a)

February

4: Man City (h)

11: Leicester (a)

18: West Ham (h)

25: Chelsea (h)

March

4: Wolves (a)

11: Nottm Forest (h)

18: Southampton (a)

April

1: Everton (a)

8: Brighton (h)

15: Bournemouth (h)

22: Newcastle (a)

25: Man Utd (h)

29: Liverpool (a)

May

6: Crystal Palace (h)

13: Aston Villa (a)

20: Brentford (h)

28: Leeds United (a)

 

[James]

<b>Tottenham sign Yves Bissouma from Brighton on four-year deal worth £25m plus add-ons</b>

Tottenham have completed the signing of 25-year old Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma from Brighton on a four-year deal worth £25m plus add-ons.

He becomes Spurs' third summer signing, following the arrival of goalkeeper Fraser Forster and winger Ivan Perisic on free transfers.

Bissouma made 124 appearances for the Seagulls after joining the club from Lille in July 2018.

The north London club were initially interested in signing him in January.

The coveted central midfielder started 26 Premier League games for the Seagulls last season, scoring once.

He played an influential role for Graham Potter's side as they secured ninth place in the Premier League - the highest finish in the club's history.

Potter says the transfer is "very good" for the player and the south coast club.

"Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player for us during his time with us," he said.

"Now he has a new challenge with Tottenham, including the opportunity to play Champions League football, and everyone at the club wishes him well."

Bissouma said last September it was not his time to leave Brighton but that he wanted to play in the Champions League, which Spurs have qualified for next season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61845720

 

[MenInG]

JOAO FELIX has reportedly been made available for transfer this summer and Spurs could be interested.

Tottenham have been alerted to the availability of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix after Diego Simeone reportedly changed his stance on the striker. Atleti have been linked with a move for Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, opening up the possibility of an audacious swap deal in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham have been busy in the early stages of the transfer window, bringing in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma. The north London club are by no means done though, with Spurs boss Antonio Conte keen to bolster his squad further to cope with the demands of Champions League football next season.

Conte is understood to be keen on a left-sided centre-back, but the idea of bringing Portuguese star Felix to the club has emerged after an update from the Spanish capital. According to Barca Times, Felix has been offered to several European clubs after Simeone made him available for transfer.

Felix enjoyed his best campaign for Atleti in 2021/22, contributing eight goals and four assists in 24 La Liga appearances before injury ended his season prematurely in April. The 22-year-old was named Atletico Madrid’s player of the season in May, but is still yet to really hit the heights expected of him.

The Portugal international arrived in Madrid in 2019 from Benfica after Atleti shelled out a whopping £114million for his signature. Simeone may be tempted by a cash plus player offer from Spurs, considering Atleti have been linked with Tottenham midfielder Lo Celso.

The Argentina international spent the second half of last season on loan with Villarreal, helping Unai Emery’s side reach the Champions League semi-finals. And according to The Sun, Spurs are reportedly willing to accept £17m for the 26-year-old, who cost £45m from Real Betis three summers ago.

AS says that Simeone is a big fan of his compatriot and has been tracking Lo Celso since his Betis days. Atletico Madrid even tried to sign him in 2019, but were beaten to his signature by Tottenham.

Whether Simeone’s interest in Lo Celso and his stance on Felix converge remains to be seen. For now, Felix is looking forward to another campaign in the Spanish capital. “Next season we must be more consistent, which we weren’t this season,” he said last month.

“If we achieve that and we start with the hunger for titles, with the team we have we will surely fight for trophies. I felt good. I started the season injured, I finished it injured, but I felt good during the season. In some moments I played more, others less, but I always felt good. There is always room for improvement and I hope that next season I will be even better.”

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/foo...sfer-news-Atletico-Madrid-Joao-Felix-swap-SNT

 

[Firebat]

Ajax are set to make another offer for Tottenham Hotspur's Netherlands winger Steven Bergwijn, 24, but the Premier League club will not accept anything under £25m (Sky Sports)

 

[James]

<b>Spurs target double deal for Richarlison and Gordon; Winks could go in part exchange</b>

<I>Everton are anticipating a bid from Spurs for both players, which could be made this week; Chelsea are also interested in Richarlison</I>

Tottenham are targeting a package deal for both Everton's Richarlison and Anthony Gordon.

However, Chelsea are considering rivalling Spurs for Richarlison, who they see as a potential replacement for Inter Milan-bound Romelu Lukaku and is one of several options the club are looking at to improve their front line.

Tottenham - as a club - also want to sign young English talent to develop and see left-winger Gordon as a talented player for the future.

Everton are anticipating a bid from Spurs for both players, which could be made this week, but the Toffees have zero interest in entertaining a double bid.

Richarlison has been tracked by Spurs since he was at Watford and can provide competition across the front line, including backup to Harry Kane.

Everton are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks, who has been told by Spurs to find a new club this summer.

Winks, 26, made just nine starts in the Premier League for Spurs last season with his last full 90 minutes coming in February in the 4-0 win over Leeds at Elland Road.

And Everton boss Frank Lampard has given the green light for initial talks with Tottenham.

Winks has been capped 10 times for England but hasn't been selected by Gareth Southgate since November 2020.

In full: https://www.skysports.com/football/...n-but-chelsea-interested-in-brazilian-forward

 

[Saj]

Well according to reports Richarlison deal is going to go through.

According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Tottenham are set to land the striker this summer ahead of their London rivals, adding yet another key figure to a busy window for Antonio Conte.

 

[silentkiller187]

Tottenham are hopeful of completing a deal to sign Everton's Richarlison in the next 24 hours.

Sources close to negotiations are indicating an agreement is close between the clubs.

Everton are understood to be under pressure to bring themselves in line with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules before the end of their financial year, which is midnight on Friday.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs will also be able to do a deal for Anthony Gordon - but Sky Sports News reported earlier on Wednesday that the Blues were reluctant to discuss his potential sale.

SKY

 

[MenInG]

Everton have given Richarlison the green light to seal a move to Tottenham Hotspur with the deal having been reached late on Wednesday night. The ECHO understands the two clubs have agreed a £60million package for the 25-year-old, a small amount of which will be performance related.

The Brazilian international has been back home in South America and his medical could take place overseas rather than him having to return to the UK immediately to seal the transfer. The ECHO understands that there will be no other players directly involved in any part-exchange with Everton insisting on a straight cash offer.

Everton have been in separate negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over Harry Winks and the Blues remain his only transfer option at present with Goodison Park chiefs preferring the option of a loan deal rather than permanent switch. It is also understood that Antonio Conte’s side retain their interest in Anthony Gordon but Everton are not interested in selling the 21-year-old, who only became a first-team regular over the past season and the home-grown hero would not try and force through a move.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spo...-tottenham-transfer-everton-breaking-24360539

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Brazil forward Richarlison from Everton on a five-year deal believed to be worth £60m.

The 25-year-old scored 10 goals and provided five assists as he helped Everton avoid relegation last season.

He scored 43 goals in 135 league appearances for the Toffees after joining from Watford in July 2018.

The Hornets had signed Richarlison for £11.5m from Brazilian side Fluminense in 2017.

Playing either as a wide attacker or central striker, Richarlison finished as Everton's joint-top scorer across all competitions in his opening two seasons on Merseyside, reaching double figures in three of the four seasons he spent with them.

He made his senior international debut for Brazil in September 2018 as a second-half substitute in their 2-0 win over the United States and has gone on to make 36 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

In 2019, he was named in the 23-man squad for the Copa America and scored in the final as Brazil won the tournament for the first time since 2007.

He also played at the rescheduled 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, finishing as the tournament's leading scorer with five goals as his side won gold.

Tottenham have brought in the forward as they prepare for a season in which they have qualified for the Champions League.

They have already signed England goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a free transfer after the 34-year-old left Southampton, as well as Croatian winger Ivan Perisic on a free transfer from Inter Milan and Brighton and Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma.

In a statement, Everton thanked Richarlison for his service and commitment during his time with the club.

BBC

 

[James]

Good signing for Spurs and a big loss to Everton.

 

[daytrader]

Report: Tottenham Considering Move For Jesse Lingard Following Manchester United Departure

Manchester United’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham are said to be considering the possibility of signing Jesse Lingard on a free transfer this summer following his departure from Old Trafford, according to a new report.

United announced that Lingard would leave Old Trafford as a free agent following his journey at United - where he had played since being a youngster.

Lingard came through United’s youth academy from a young age and had made an impact at the club over the years, scoring a number of key goals that even helped United to silverware.

Now Lingard has a choice of where his journey lies next, the midfielder is said to have options from the likes of Newcastle United, Everton, West Ham and now the possibility of Tottenham.

Tottenham could swoop for Lingard to add to their summer of busy transfer work with the Englishman giving the club the added bonus of being a homegrown player.

Lingard revitalised himself during a loan spell at West Ham in the 20/21 season where he impressed enough to be re called up to the England squad.

Now, according to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph;

“Jesse Lingard has been under consideration at Tottenham following his departure from Manchester United as a free agent.”

“Lingard has admirers at Spurs and is low-risk as a free transfer.”

Sports Illustrated

 

[James]

Clement Lenglet is set for a Tottenham medical in the next 24 hours, with a season-long loan deal from Barcelona close to being finalised.

 

[MenInG]

Ajax have signed winger Steven Bergwijn from Tottenham for a club record £26m.

The 24-year-old Netherlands international, who previously played for Ajax at youth level, has signed a five-year contract.

Bergwijn scored eight goals in 81 appearances for Spurs after joining from PSV Eindhoven in January 2020.

 

[Firebat]

Tottenham have signed France centre-back Clement Lenglet from Barcelona on a season-long loan.

 

[MenInG]

Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks will be allowed to leave Tottenham if the right offer comes in this summer.

The quartet have been omitted from the Spurs squad due to travel to South Korea on a pre-season tour later this week

Lo Celso, Ndombele, Reguilon and Winks will continue their pre-season preparations at Hotspur Way, with Spurs understood to be willing to sell them all for the right price.

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are amongst the Tottenham stars struggling with Antonio Conte's 'gruelling' training sessions as the club's pre-season tour of South Korea begins.

Spurs took part in an open training session at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday as the squad prepare for their first pre-season fixture of the tour. Conte's side take on Team K League on Wednesday before facing Sevilla later this week.

New signings Richarlison, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma all took part in the full session, whilst Ivan Perisic continued his recovery from injury with some individual fitness work. Clement Lenglet is unable to join up with his new teammates after becoming Spurs' fifth summer signing last week, with the France international unable to secure a visa in time for the tour.

Spurs' players were put through their paces during training and before the session finished they were made to run lengths of the pitch. Kane and Son were among the players to struggle with Conte's 'gruelling' training methods ahead of the game against Team K League on Wednesday.

A number of stars dropped out of the pitch running fitness session which followed two hours of training, before rejoining the group. Kane and Son were among those feeling the pace and heat, before collapsing and then getting back into the session.

Gold said: "When Son went down, the whole crowd went silent. Kane went over and helped him back up before he rejoined the next run to cheers. Now Kane, Son, Tanganga, Bissouma have all dropped out of the last set of runs. Troy Parrott probably the fittest and was leading the final run."

Spurs' open training session was held in front of around 6,000 South Korean fans, but the stadium fell silent as they saw sporting icon Son Heung-min fall to the floor, before being helped up by coaches and star striker Kane. Bissouma and Japhet Tanganga also dropped out of the session before rejoining, whilst young forward Troy Parrott was able to last the entire running drill.

https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/kane-son-collapse-tottenham-training-24455396

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are amongst the Tottenham stars struggling with Antonio Conte's 'gruelling' training sessions as the club's pre-season tour of South Korea begins.

Spurs took part in an open training session at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Monday as the squad prepare for their first pre-season fixture of the tour. Conte's side take on Team K League on Wednesday before facing Sevilla later this week.

New signings Richarlison, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma all took part in the full session, whilst Ivan Perisic continued his recovery from injury with some individual fitness work. Clement Lenglet is unable to join up with his new teammates after becoming Spurs' fifth summer signing last week, with the France international unable to secure a visa in time for the tour.

Spurs' players were put through their paces during training and before the session finished they were made to run lengths of the pitch. Kane and Son were among the players to struggle with Conte's 'gruelling' training methods ahead of the game against Team K League on Wednesday.

A number of stars dropped out of the pitch running fitness session which followed two hours of training, before rejoining the group. Kane and Son were among those feeling the pace and heat, before collapsing and then getting back into the session.

Gold said: "When Son went down, the whole crowd went silent. Kane went over and helped him back up before he rejoined the next run to cheers. Now Kane, Son, Tanganga, Bissouma have all dropped out of the last set of runs. Troy Parrott probably the fittest and was leading the final run."

Spurs' open training session was held in front of around 6,000 South Korean fans, but the stadium fell silent as they saw sporting icon Son Heung-min fall to the floor, before being helped up by coaches and star striker Kane. Bissouma and Japhet Tanganga also dropped out of the session before rejoining, whilst young forward Troy Parrott was able to last the entire running drill.

https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/kane-son-collapse-tottenham-training-24455396

 

[Firebat]

Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son both scored twice as Tottenham began their pre-season with a thrilling 6-3 win over Team K League in Seoul, South Korea.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham are close to announcing England Under-21s defender Djed Spence as their sixth major signing of the summer. The 21-year-old Middlesbrough player has had a medical at the Premier League club before a £15m move.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham have signed Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence on a five-year deal.

The 21-year-old right-back spent last season on loan with Nottingham Forest, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League after a 23-year absence.

He scored three goals in 46 games in all competitions for Forest.

Spence, who has played for England Under-21s, joined Middlesbrough from Fulham's academy in 2018.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Spurs start with lofty ambitions
Tottenham v Southampton (15:00 BST)

"Why not the Premier League and Champions League?" was Antonio Conte's answer this week when asked if winning a domestic cup this season would constitute success for Tottenham?

He followed that remark up by admitting Spurs need to take "another step" before challenging for the game's biggest prizes but after adding Ivan Perisic, Richarlison and Yves Bissouma, among others, to a squad that finished fourth last term, many are expecting big things from Conte's Spurs.

However, they begin the season at home to a Southampton side that took four points off them last season, including a memorable 3-2 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in February.

Conte was not a happy man after that defeat but was given plenty of reason to smile by his team in the subsequent months - will he be grinning like the Cheshire Cat at the final whistle today?

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham came from a goal down to get their Premier League campaign off to a flying start with a comfortable home victory (4-1) against Southampton.

Spurs fell behind in the 12th minute to James Ward-Prowse's volley, driving the ball into the ground and watching the bounce beat Hugo Lloris, but Antonio Conte's side's response was swift and ruthless.

Ryan Sessegnon headed in his first Premier League goal for the club from an inviting Dejan Kulusevski cross to draw the hosts level and by the half-hour mark they were in front.

Eric Dier had not scored in three years but met a a whipped Son Heung-min delivery with a low, flicked header into the far corner.

Tottenham carried that confidence into the second half and Mohammed Salisu turned Emerson Royal's cross into his own net, before the impressive Kulusevski grabbed a well-taken fourth to cap a dominant display.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

They're in a title race

 

[Saj]

Impressive start to the season.

Could this be the season where they challenge City and Liverpool?

 

[James]

Tottenham looking lively. They will challenge

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane's equaliser (2-2) six minutes into stoppage time earned Tottenham a dramatic draw as a fiery London derby at Stamford Bridge ended in an angry confrontation between Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte that resulted in red cards for both managers.

Tempers were running high throughout as Chelsea twice led before Kane's glancing header seconds from the end gave Spurs a point.

Chelsea dominated the first half and fully deserved the 19th minute lead they earned when their two summer signings combined, Kalidou Koulibaly flashing home a powerful volley from Marc Cucurella's corner.

Spurs struggled to make any sort of impression, Kane missing their best opportunity, but drew level after 68 minutes when Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's shot beat Edouard Mendy.

Chelsea were furious that referee Anthony Taylor had failed to penalise Rodrigo Bentancur for a challenge on Kai Havertz, the ensuing melee leading to face-to-face fury between the two managers which ended with both Chelsea boss Tuchel and Spurs counterpart Conte receiving yellow cards.

Once order had been restored, Chelsea were back in front as James scored from Raheem Sterling's pass, the fired up Tuchel celebrating by sprinting past Conte along the touch in elation.

Chelsea thought they had made it six points from two games until Kane headed in Ivan Perisic's corner - the antipathy not ending there as a handshake between Tuchel and Conte developed into another bust-up between the pair which ended with them both getting their marching orders.

 

[MenInG]

'We probably didn't deserve a point'
FT: Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham forward Harry Kane to BBC Match of the Day 2: "It was a tough game for sure. First half was couldn’t good enough from our point of view, we just lacked intensity of pressing, lacked intensity on the ball and got punished for it.

"I thought second half we came out a lot more intensity in our play without the ball and it was great to get the goal back and disappointing to concede but always nice to score in the last minute. We come away feeling we are probably happy with a point.

"Overall we probably didn’t deserve a point from the game but we dug deep, we stuck in there, we fought until the end, credit to the boys, we had that last chance at the end there and managed to take it. Still stuff to work on but an important point away from home."

On the melee at the end: "I didn’t quite see what happened, I saw lot of commotion by the sidelines, it’s a London derby, two teams fighting for places at the top and sometimes things get heated and that’s just football. In these type of games sometimes it can just boil over."

 

[James]

Tottenham midfielder Giovani lo Celso has joined La Liga side Villarreal on a season-long loan deal.

The Argentina midfielder is re-joining the side where he spent the second half of last season on loan.

Lo Celso, 26, joined Spurs from Real Betis in 2019 and made 84 appearances, scoring eight goals.

He played 16 times last season for Villarreal under coach Unai Emery, scoring one goal as the side made the semi-finals of the Champions League.

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Plan confirmed. Destiny Udogie will land in London around 8pm tonight, medicals scheduled with Tottenham early next week. ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a><br><br> Five year contract confirmed;<br><br> Udogie will join Spurs starting from June 2023;<br><br> He was priority future-target in the list over Estupiñán. <a href="https://t.co/1U7JyrgWRi">pic.twitter.com/1U7JyrgWRi</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1558819858510405635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56803;️ "Good players, good coach, a good manager."<br><br>Antonio Conte has 'great respect' for Wolves as Tottenham look to reach 1000 home goals today... <a href="https://t.co/ukDkzVxzIX">pic.twitter.com/ukDkzVxzIX</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1560876014703677441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[James]

Spurs 0-0 Wolves on the hour.

Tight game. Think 1-0 either way.

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane scored his 250th goal for Tottenham as they moved top of the Premier League with a hard-fought win (1-0) over Wolves.

The England forward reacted sharply to head in Ivan Perisic's flick on from a corner to give Spurs their reward for their second-half dominance.

Kane's effort also saw the hosts become the fifth team to score 1,000 goals at home since the Premier League was formed in 1992.

The goal had been coming with both the 29-year-old and his strike partner Son Heung-min hitting the woodwork as Spurs poured forward to break the deadlock.

The intensity of their football was in complete contrast to the first period, when a Wolves team containing seven Portuguese players - the joint-most from a single foreign nation in a starting XI in the competition - were in the ascendancy.

Bruno Lage's side restricted the hosts to just one 45th-minute effort and were unfortunate to see record signing Matheus Nunes nod Ruben Neves' probing pass inches wide of the Spurs goal.

However, despite the promise of Nunes' display and the neat and tidy football which saw them develop several good openings, Wolves lacked a spark in the final third as their winless top-flight run reached 10 matches.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham forward Harry Kane speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Obviously it's a nice achievement (250 goals for Spurs) to have and it's always better when you win the game. In the second half we came with a real intensity and got the goal. We switched formation a bit in the way we wanted to press because we weren't able to get close enough in the first half.

"We worked really hard in pre-season and knew we could get stronger as the game went on which is what happened.

"You are going to miss chances you just have to be ready for the next one. From corners I feel like we have worked a lot and I just had to be ready for next opportunity."

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excited to get stuck into the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@championsleague</a> group stage &#55357;&#56490; <a href="https://t.co/YaJcapDsRi">https://t.co/YaJcapDsRi</a></p>— Harry Kane (@HKane) <a href="https://twitter.com/HKane/status/1562874931805036546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane scored twice and had a penalty saved as Tottenham fought off a gritty Nottingham Forest side at the City Ground to remain unbeaten.

Forest were positive throughout and began on the front foot but Kane punished them with a clinical finish on the break within five minutes.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson later denied Kane from the spot and made several more important saves.

Kane confirmed victory for Spurs late on, heading in from close range.

Antonio Conte's side were made to work for their victory as Forest, pushed on by a noisy and optimistic home crowd, kept themselves in the game for large periods.

Summer signing Morgan Gibbs-White - on his first start for Forest - and forward Brennan Johnson were particularly lively for the hosts but Tottenham had numerous opportunities to extend their lead.

Son Heung-min came close either side of the break, Kane had efforts well blocked by Forest defender Joe Worrall, and Dejan Kulusevski curled a good strike wide of the post in the second half.

Henderson's save to deny Kane from the spot - after Steve Cook's handball on the line - was quickly followed by a huge chance for Forest's Neco Williams but he could not find the target.

Forest continued to push for an equaliser but Kane dealt the ultimate blow when he headed in substitute Richarlison's cross.

The points deservedly went to Spurs but it was an entertaining fixture with plenty of positives for newly promoted Forest.

Kane's 200th league goal arrived within five minutes to briefly dampen the spirits of a buoyant home crowd, finishing off an excellent, swift counter-attacking move by Spurs.

Tottenham produced several more of those attacking moves as Forest took control of the game in their search for an equaliser but were always vulnerable.

The chances grew for Spurs as Forest attacked more in the second half but Henderson was cheered enthusiastically with each important save to deny Son and Kane.

It was a game of fine margins as Tottenham survived periods of pressure from the hosts, while Forest defended bravely but could not convert their chances.

After Henderson's penalty save, Williams could have made it 1-1 when Forest immediately attacked the other end but his half-volley bounced inches wide of the far post.

Tottenham still could not shake off Forest's attacking threat until Kane scored the decisive second.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they beat Fulham (2-1) with goals from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Kane.

A late strike from Fulham's star man Alexander Mitrovic made for a nervy final 10 minutes as Marco Silva's side suffered a second loss of the season.

Spurs threatened to score virtually every time they came forward and had ample opportunity to extend their lead further, firing off 23 shots, 10 of which were on target.

However, it was thanks to former Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno and a resolute Fulham defence that they were held to just two goals.

Hojbjerg's slotted finish into the bottom corner after some nifty passing in Fulham's box opened the scoring, before Kane headed home to double their lead after 75 minutes.

Fulham had been completely unable to get in the game for the majority of the 90 minutes with Mitrovic's threat nullified until his 83rd minute goal - his sixth of the season.

Richarlison, making his first start for Spurs since joining from Everton in the summer, looked lively and had a goal chalked off for offside in the final minutes of the match.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham conceded two injury-time goals as they slumped to a Champions League defeat against Sporting Lisbon.

Spurs had the majority of chances but could not take them and looked on course to earn a point in Portugal.

However, in the 91st minute Paulinho headed in from Pedro Goncalves' left-wing corner to put the hosts ahead.

It got better for Sporting as another substitute, Arthur Gomes, hit a fine, low strike to make it 2-0 and hand Spurs their first loss of the season.

Before the match, Sporting coach Ruben Amorim said Tottenham have "one of the best attacks in the world" but for the first time in their eight matches this season, Spurs could not find a goal.

Richarlison scored twice in a 2-0 home victory over Marseille last week and the Brazilian had a number of chances to put his side ahead.

In the first half he had a shot blocked by ex-Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates, headed at goalkeeper Antonio Adan and put the ball in the net after rounding Adan, but was judged offside when collecting Harry Kane's through ball.

Richarlison also had chances in the second half but twice put his efforts just wide.

Tottenham, third in the Premier League, dominated the start of the second half against their hosts, seventh in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Emerson Royal twice had shots saved by Adan, who also made an excellent stop at full stretch to parry Kane's powerful angled strike. Ivan Perisic also headed just wide and produced an excellent low cross which Kane was just unable to get on the end of.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has acknowledged forward Son Heung-min is "angry" and lacking confidence but has backed him to start scoring again.

The 30-year-old South Korean has now gone eight games without a goal.

Conte has not decided whether to rest him for Saturday's visit of Premier League bottom side Leicester.

"I think Sonny, for sure, is not happy because he's not scoring. It's normal and I like that he's a bit angry with this situation," said the Italian.

"It means that he wants to try to change it, also because we need [him]."

Son's goal drought comes after he finished last season as joint Premier League Golden Boot winner alongside Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, but Conte is aware of the demands on his player.

"Sonny, he's a really important player for us. At the same time, it can happen, especially when you play massive games, you can be a bit tired mentally, also your body, so it can happen.

"But I repeat Sonny for me would be never, never a problem. We are talking about one of the best two players that we have in our team.

"For sure it can happen that in some games he can't play from the start, like Harry [Kane] also. But only to protect him, to give the possibility to rest, to take care of his energy and to bring us to win.

"We are talking about players that during the game, they are decisive and we need to have these players always to be at the top."

The last time Son started a Premier League match on the bench when fully fit was back in the summer of 2020 away at Bournemouth.

Since then he has played almost every minute when available for Tottenham and hit the 20-goal mark in each of the last two campaigns.

"When you score a lot of goals, the following season is more difficult because you are not an underdog, but are starting like you are the first top scorer up there with Mohamed Salah," Conte explained.

"But when you don't [score], for sure the confidence goes a bit down. At the same time, I think a strong player copes with this situation, faces this situation...and overcomes this situation.

"And again I repeat - Sonny has a lot of credit with me, with his team-mates, with the fans and with the whole environment. For this reason, Sonny for me will never be a problem."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62932808

 

[MenInG]

Son Heung-min ended his goal drought with a scintillating 13-minute hat-trick as Tottenham ruthlessly punished Leicester's latest defensive horror show.

The South Korea striker responded to Antonio Conte's decision to drop him to the bench after a barren start to the season by coming on to curl home two fantastic strikes and slot home a late third.

Spurs trailed to Youri Tielemans' early penalty but took advantage of the Foxes' failings at set-pieces as Harry Kane and Eric Dier nodded home from corners to turn the game around.

James Maddison's fabulous first-time finish briefly drew Leicester level again, but Wilfried Ndidi's mistake allowed Rodrigo Bentancur to steer Tottenham back in front before substitute Son stole the show.

Victory maintained Spurs' unbeaten start to the Premier League season as they climbed to second, level on points with leaders Manchester City.

Leicester, meanwhile, remain at the foot of the table, still searching for their first win, despite having led in four of their seven matches thus far.

As at all Premier League games this weekend, fans observed a minute's silence for the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a 70th-minute round of applause in honour of her 70-year reign.

 

[James]

Great scoreline for Spurs, bit easy for them at home because Leicester have an abysmal defence but lots of fun to see Son get a hat trick.

 

[MenInG]

Spurs fall badly short

Spurs may argue over the merits of Emerson Royal's red card but it was a poor challenge in a position where he actually had no need to engage with Martinelli. Spurs manager Conte was instantly infuriated by the challenge itself although he was clearly not expecting the punishment that followed.

Conte's side have not been pleasing on the eye this season but they have been digging out results until this first Premier League defeat of the campaign.

Spurs had a spell of threat after Kane's penalty, and indeed the game's first big chance when Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale blocked Richarlison, but they were lacklustre and dominated in all areas.

There was no coming back after the sort of inexplicable mistake Lloris, for all his big reputation, can be guilty of committing, and Royal's red card only pushed any prospect of even a point further into the distance.

Kane and Son Heung-min, who was later substituted along with Richarlison - Conte was trying to make three changes when Xhaka scored Arsenal's third - could not get into the game.

Spurs were well beaten long before the end, Conte cut a resigned figure in his technical area and this was another miserable north London derby away day for manager, player and supporters.

BBC

 

[Firebat]

Antonio Conte criticises England's use of VAR after Emerson Royal was sent off in Tottenham's loss at Arsenal

Antonio Conte was heavily critical of VAR after Emerson Royal was sent off in Tottenham's 3-1 loss at Arsenal - with the Spurs coach demanding that the video officiating in England be more like Italy.

With Spurs losing 2-1 to Arsenal after Gabriel Jesus had nudged the Gunners in front early in the second half, Emerson was shown a straight red card by on-pitch referee Anthony Taylor for a high challenge on Gabriel Martinelli's ankle.

VAR Jared Gillett briefly checked the decision and agreed with Taylor's call, leaving Conte bemused on the Emirates Stadium touchline. The Italian coach chose not to comment on Taylor's original call but did imply that VAR in this country is not up to standard after the game.

"In England, I have to be honest, it's very difficult because they don't have the same line [threshold]," said Conte in his post-match press conference. "Sometimes you see situations that could be a red card instead, or instead a yellow card or no yellow card. They have to work a lot about this.

"In Italy, our referees, on Thursday they stay together, to work with the video to try to improve. I don't know if they do this in England, but I think it's a good idea.

"The level is so high and the VAR has to be a high level. For this reason, every part of this decision has to be top."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...al-was-sent-off-in-tottenhams-loss-at-arsenal

 

[Firebat]

Antonio Conte was pleased to see his side creating chances against Eintracht Frankfurt but accepts they need to become more clinical after they were held to a goalless draw in the Champions League Group D game.

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane scored his eighth goal of the season as Tottenham won at Brighton to strengthen their place in the top three of the Premier League.

The England striker's stooping first-half header was enough to secure a victory that keeps Spurs third and three points behind leaders Manchester City.

Brighton, who could have moved level on points with the visitors with a win, started slowly but grew into the game and had chances to equalise before the break.

Lewis Dunk sent a header just over the bar before Solly March hit a low effort just wide of goal as half-time approached.

But in the second half both sides struggled to break each other down, although Kane should have put the game out of sight when he turned his marker but dragged his shot wide, while Danny Welbeck swept a good chance off target for the hosts.

A late injury to Kane took some of the shine off the win as the England striker went off after getting caught on the back of his foot, but he was able to walk off the pitch and confirmed after the game that it was "just a knock".

The win means Tottenham have 20 points from nine games, while Brighton are sixth on 14 points.

 

[James]

Tottenham Hotspur forward Dejan Kulusevski had another MRI scan on his hamstring injury on Friday morning and will play no part in the club’s Premier League match against Everton on Saturday.

Kulusevski, 22, has been sidelined since the international break with a hamstring injury he picked up playing for Sweden. He has missed Spurs’ past four games.

There had been hopes he could return this weekend to face Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, after he returned to training shortly before Wednesday’s Champions League win over Frankfurt.

But the forward suffered a minor setback when training on Thursday and played no part in today’s session.

Speaking at his press conference to preview the Everton game, Conte revealed Kulusevski had been sent for another scan on Friday and that he was not prepared to take a “stupid risk” by playing him.

Conte said: “We (have) the same players for the last game. Deki is not still available for the game against Everton. The rest of the players are okay.”

When asked when the Sweden international could return, he said: “I think we need to have a bit of patience with him. Don’t take stupid risks. Because we have to play a lot of games from now until the end. It will be very important to recover him very well.

“At this moment, he’s not 100 per cent in perfect physical condition. For this reason it’s good to respect the opinion of the doctors of the players.”

Tottenham travel to Old Trafford next Wednesday to take on Manchester United and Kulusevski is likely to be a doubt for that match.

Asked whether the Swede could travel to Manchester to play in the game, Conte added: In this moment, honestly, it is a bit difficult to answer yes or not.

“It depends, it depends on the new MRI that he did today. About what the doctors say about his situation. Also the feeling of the player.

“Because in this situation it is important to respect the feeling of the player, because the player has to feel 100 per cent, otherwise its not good to take stupid risks.”

Tottenham sit third in the Premier League, trailing Premier League leaders Arsenal by four points.

(The Athletic)

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane marked his 400th Tottenham appearance with the opening goal as Antonio Conte's side closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal with victory over Everton.

Kane broke the Toffees' resistance from the penalty spot after being tripped in the area by England team-mate Jordan Pickford, who had failed to hold on to Matt Doherty's long-range effort.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg added a second late on with a curling strike that took a slight deflection off Alex Iwobi on its way in.

Spurs dominated the early stages but the two best chances of the first half fell to the visitors, who will be disappointed not to have put away both opportunities.

Demarai Gray failed to hit the target after racing on to Conor Coady's long ball over the top of the Tottenham defence, before Amadou Onana blazed over the crossbar following Hojbjerg's poor touch.

Kane sent a rasping volley straight at Pickford early in the second half but there was nothing the Toffees keeper could do about the 29-year-old's spot-kick - his 14th goal in 15 Premier League appearances against Everton - or Hojbjerg's late finish.

The victory lifts Conte's team level on points with second-placed Manchester City and just a point behind north London rivals Arsenal, while Everton drop to 14th.

 

[James]

That was an excellent performance from Tottenham in the second half. Everton had a fair bit of the game in the opening 45 and could have easily taken the lead. The way that Tottenham gradually turned the screw and ended up convincingly winning the match was superb. Conte knows what he’s doing and in Kane he has a world class striker to do the business on the pitch. Title contenders?

 

[Firebat]

Tottenham striker Richarlison will miss next Wednesday's visit to Manchester United because of a calf injury.

 

[Firebat]

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte says Brazil forward Richarlison should be available for the World Cup following a scan on his calf injury.

 

[Firebat]

Dejan Kulusevski may not play for Tottenham again until after the World Cup ends in December, says manager Antonio Conte.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Spurs drew vs chelsea (very lucky), They have lost to Arsenal, man united and newcastle.

losing these games are reason why i dont think they will not make top 4.

 

[PakLFC]

Spurs will be Spurs no matter how much they spend. Can't understand why Harry Kane doesn't move on while he still has a chance. He's never gonna win anything at Spurs.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham showed their hunger and resolve to fight back from two goals down against Bournemouth, earning a much-needed victory (2-3) going into what is an important week for Antonio Conte and his side.

Before a pivotal Champions League trip to Marseille on Tuesday, Spurs were flat as Bournemouth looked set to end a run of successive defeats.

Wales international Kieffer Moore, making a rare start, swept the Cherries ahead following a flowing counter attack.

His second was more about guts than guile as he outmuscled Emerson Royal to meet Adam Smith's cross with a powerful header which went in off the bar.

Spurs rarely threatened before Ryan Sessegnon narrowed the gap with a cool finish into the bottom corner.

That sparked a shift of momentum and Spurs levelled when home keeper Mark Travers made an unconvincing attempt at claiming a corner, allowing Ben Davies to head in from Ivan Perisic's delivery.

Spurs continued to press and were rewarded when Rodrigo Bentancur reacted quickest to sweep in from another set-piece.

That led to relieved celebrations at the full-time whistle from the Spurs players and the travelling support, illustrating the importance of a morale-boosting win.

Tottenham remain third in the Premier League table after recovering to beat Bournemouth, yet lingering questions remain about the issues faced by Conte.

With almost an hour on the clock, it looked like a bad week for Spurs - who were beaten by Manchester United and Newcastle before a controversial draw against Sporting stopped them securing a place in the Champions League last 16 - would get even worse.

Discussion about whether the Italian's tactical style is stifling Spurs' attacking talent, and why they continue to start slowly, remain.

But his side, which featured seven changes with one eye on the trip to Marseille, certainly cannot be accused of not showing fight.

Spurs dominated possession in the first half but lacked creativity as they barely tested Bournemouth's stand-in keeper Travers.

They were made to pay as Bournemouth took control but Sessegnon's strike, which came out of almost nowhere when he latched on to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's incisive pass, provided much-needed impetus.

Conte has talked about his team lacking belief and, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min relatively well contained, Spurs were unable to create a lot from open play.

Eventually, it was set-pieces that provided the breakthrough and allowed Spurs to go to Marseille - where they need a draw to reach the Champions League knockout stage - in higher spirits.

"It was vital to win. I think we showed good character," Conte said.

"My feeling [when 2-0 down] was we still had the possibility to win this game.

"When we suffered in the first half I told my players it is on us. I asked for more personality, more responsibility and more decisions.

"My players showed great character and great desire and didn't accept defeat. In the end we deserved to win because we created chances."

O'Neil not worried despite third straight defeat

The mood around Bournemouth has been transformed by interim manager Gary O'Neil, who took over following the 9-0 defeat at Liverpool in August and immediately led the newly promoted Cherries to a six-game unbeaten run.

Progress was stalled by back-to-back defeats at Southampton and West Ham, but it looked like O'Neil's side were going to get back on track against Spurs.

For large periods they coped well with what Spurs managed to throw at them.

But once Davies equalised after Travers was weak in coming off his line, the home defence suddenly looked uneasy in dealing with Spurs' set-pieces.

Tottenham's 19th corner of the game, deep into stoppage time, led to second-half substitute Bentancur heading at a Cherries defender before firing in the rebound.

"Conceding from set-pieces against a team like this is unforgivable," said Cherries defender Jordan Zemura, who took responsibility for not marking Davies tighter.

"It's something we need to sort out. We know we need to be better. It is a collective."

Despite a third straight defeat, O'Neil - whose future is still unclear with the club's takeover by American businessman Bill Foley close to being completed - said he was not unduly worried.

"We've had some tough games, with this being the toughest," said O'Neil, who took over from Scott Parker following the heavy defeat at Anfield.

"There is a gulf between us [and Spurs] and we did everything we could to close that gap. We made it competitive and Spurs had to dig very deep."


BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Big win. Pressure back on Arsenal

 

[James]

What a great comeback to bounce back and win that game from 0-2 down. Bournemouth has been a difficult away trip for a number of teams this season. Spurs showing their mettle.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Kolasinac has killed Spursy tag forever!

 

[Firebat]

Come back from 2-0 down to win against Bournemouth in stoppage time, came back from 1-0 down to top the group against Marseille in stoppage time.

They park the bus, play the most mundane and boring football and get dominated most games, yet somehow they sit atop their UCL group and in 3rd in the league. Incredible. I can't explain it

 

[Firebat]

Hugo Lloris believes Tottenham's Champions League comeback win over Marseille highlighted the growing personality among his team-mates, but Paul Merson warns they cannot keep relying on fightbacks.

 

[James]

Fantastic second half performance and a great winning goal.

Conte has really got them playing authentic Serie A style football this season, lots of soaking up pressure and drawing cheap fouls then nicking goals from set pieces and counter attacks.

Hardly thrill a minute but it’s leading to a steady upward trajectory in terms of results.

 

[Firebat]

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min needs surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye and his involvement in the World Cup is in doubt.

Son, 30, suffered the injury during Tottenham's 2-1 win in Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course," said a Spurs statement.

South Korea's first game in the World Cup is against Uruguay on 24 November.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Spurs getting battered by all top 6 sides, plus newcastle. i said they wouldnt pick up points in these games with park bus tactics.

 

[MenInG]

Two late goals from Rodrigo Bentancur earned Tottenham a remarkable Premier League victory over Leeds, who surrendered the lead three times in north London.

Bentancur fired Spurs level for the third time in the match via a wicked deflection off Luke Ayling, before tapping in Dejan Kulusevski's low cross to earn Antonio Conte's side all three points in dramatic fashion.

In a breathless first half, Crysencio Summerville's fourth goal in as many top-flight games opened the scoring before Harry Kane rifled in an equaliser from close range.

In-form Rodrigo scored his fourth in four league matches to put Leeds ahead again, but Ben Davies snuck a shot beyond Illan Meslier and the retreating Rasmus Kristensen to restore parity for the second time.

Another smart Rodrigo finish left Spurs staring at the prospect of a third straight league defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bentancur's late double broke the visitors' hearts.

Leeds' misery was compounded when Tyler Adams was dismissed for a second bookable offence with three minutes remaining.

The victory consolidates Spurs' place in the top four, while Leeds drop two places to 14th.

BBC

 

[topspin]

Spurs seem to be the best team at turning things round but it's the same old story with them only playing properly after going 2 goals down.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is not worried about Harry Kane after the striker's penalty miss against France which ended England's World Cup dream.

England captain Kane scored one spot-kick in their quarter-final clash with Les Bleus, but skied another with six minutes to go as they lost 2-1

Conte said: "Honestly I am not worried about him. I saw him very well in these two days with us.

"We're talking about a world-class striker."

Kane, who won the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot, scored twice at the tournament in Qatar.

Conte added: "In football, you can have exciting moments and you can also have a moment where you are a bit disappointed because you missed a second penalty. The first he scored."

Conte was part of the Italy squad that lost the 1994 final on penalties to Brazil, although he did not play in the game.

"When I was a player I never missed a penalty because I didn't kick," he said. "Never, because I was a real disaster at it. But with a penalty I lost a World Cup against Brazil and you live this moment. You are really disappointed.

"For sure the first period you are sad, but then you know that you have to move on. Football gives you the opportunity to have other chances to enjoy football."

Conte confirmed Kane's fellow Spurs striker Richarlison will be out for another three to four weeks with a hamstring injury he suffered in Brazil's World Cup quarter-final loss to Croatia.

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has suggested he will only select players who were not involved in the World Cup for his side's Boxing Day match at Brentford.

The Premier League resumes on Monday, just eight days after the World Cup final in Qatar.

Conte has already said his players who were involved in the final - France's Hugo Lloris and Argentina's Cristian Romero - will not face the Bees.

"I am not really happy," Conte said.

"In one hand, you are happy because for my club, Tottenham, to have 12 players at the World Cup it means that we are in the right way to try to be competitive and to try to win something.

"But it is normal that when you have so many players play a tournament like this, especially during the season, that now it is not easy because the physical condition is not at the top.

"It is impossible to give them a lot of rest and for sure with the players that didn't play the World Cup and we work for four weeks, now they are in a great physical condition.

"We worked a lot on the tactical aspect and physical aspect. Now they are at a level that is better than the players who finished the World Cup.

"For this reason I think I have to make the best decision for the game against Brentford. On one side I have players who I worked with for four weeks really well and on the other side, I have players who worked at the World Cup and are not at the top at the moment."

Rodrigo Bentancur will miss Monday's lunchtime kick-off due to suspension but has also been nursing a minor hamstring issue.

The same injury will sideline Richarlison for a month - he picked it up playing for Brazil in Qatar - and Lucas Moura's problem with his tendon continues.

Conte said of Moura: "He is struggling a lot to find a solution.

"It's a difficult situation, because I have a good player in my squad, but he's never available. It's like you don't have him.

"It's a pity because we are talking about a good player, a good guy, but he is struggling a lot to solve this problem. I don't know what in the future happens about him."

BBC

 

[James]

Crikey they’ve looked bad today.

A pathetically poor home performance against Aston Villa and they’re about to lose 0-2.

Spurs luck is running out now.
Can’t start slowly and play badly every week & hope to grind out results forever.

 

[WengerOut]

Spurs showing they have more in the tank of spursiness.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We don't have a solid foundation...the club knows very well what I think."<br><br>Tottenham boss Antonio Conte explains what went wrong for his side in their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa... &#55356;&#57241;️&#55357;&#56492;<a href="https://t.co/GP20rtRtfT">pic.twitter.com/GP20rtRtfT</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1609605766796771328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Douglas Luiz's cute chip over Hugo Lloris at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on New Year's Day condemned the hosts to a 25-year low.

That goal meant Tottenham have conceded at least twice in seven consecutive league matches for the first time since November 1988.

It is a scarcely believable stat for a side with Premier League title ambitions - or at least finishing in the top four.

In 1988-89, the season in which they last had such a run, Spurs finished in sixth place. On the evidence of their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, they cannot expect to aim for better come May.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte certainly signalled as much in his post-match comments.

"We understand very well that the league will be really, really difficult for us," he told BBC Sport. "We have to try to recover all the [injured] players and then we have to know that in every game we have to fight and show that we are strong.

"I want to be honest, I want to be very clear. I have said this to the club, I have said my opinions. The fans deserve the best. Maybe to stay in fifth is the best. Maybe sixth, seventh, fifth or fourth is the best."

Spurs were missing some big names against Villa - Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur - but France goalkeeper Lloris and Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero, fresh from winning the World Cup, returned.

Yet Lloris was responsible for the opener five minutes into the second half, spilling Luiz's long-range effort and allowing Ollie Watkins to recover the loose ball and square for Emiliano Buendia to slam home.

Conceding the opening goal and committing individual errors have been alarming themes of Tottenham's season.

They have conceded first in each of their last seven Premier League matches, the first time they have done so since 2010.

When in comes to individual errors, Tottenham players have gifted the opposition five goals in the league this season, at least two more than any other side, with the vastly experienced Lloris responsible for three of those.

Yet Lloris cannot solely take the blame for Spurs' woes. In front of him, errors and uncertainty abound.

In the previous game against Brentford, Eric Dier's miscued clearance resulted in a corner from which the Bees scored their second in a 2-2 draw. Against Villa, Dier was dropped and Romero came into the starting XI.

Before Sunday's game, Romero was given an award by compatriot and former Spurs player and manager Ossie Ardiles to mark his World Cup success. Come the final whistle, he was lucky to still be on the pitch after a reckless charge on Philippe Coutinho.

Romero was also booked in the first half, as were his centre back partners Clement Lenglet and Ben Davies. All three were run ragged by Watkins throughout.

They were picked apart impressively by Villa for the second goal. Luiz starting and completing the move, sliding a pass to John McGinn before racing on to receive the return and finishing deftly over Lloris.

In midfield, Luiz ran the show with 92% passing accuracy and 68 touches of the ball. Spurs could not lay a glove on Villa in the centre of the park, and so their defence stood even less of a chance.

Spurs have often been dug out of trouble by their stellar attack of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min this season. They have won 14 points from losing positions - the most in the Premier League - but such feats are not sustainable.

It went missing on Sunday as Kane failed to register a goal or assist for the first time in eight home matches.

It was a timely reminder that shoring up the backline must be among Conte's top priorities heading into the new year.

BBC

 

[James]

Could have played all night and not scored. Very bad day at the office for Spurs. Kane was fairly anonymous and Son had a shocker — both don’t often happen in the same game.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Oh No Spurs...

Top 4 is sneaking away. Hopefully they do the impossible and win the Champions League.

 

[Geordie Ahmed]

Could have played all night and not scored. Very bad day at the office for Spurs. Kane was fairly anonymous and Song had a shocker — both don’t often happen in the same game.

Son has been mostly poor all season

As for Spurs, they have serious problems. The squad lacks balance and you get the sense Conte could walk any minute

 

[Saj]

Back on it tonight.

Smashed Palace 4-0 away and stay in 5th place.

 

[James]

That second half was a masterclass from Spurs.

 

[MenInG]

Harry Kane moved within one of Jimmy Greaves' Tottenham goalscoring record with a trademark finish to earn Spurs a safe FA Cup passage against Portsmouth.

Moments after Emerson Royal's header hit the post, Kane exchanged passes with Ryan Sessegnon before curling into the far corner from 18 yards.

Kane has now scored 265 Spurs goals, one behind the legendary Greaves.

Oliver Skipp fired over a great chance to add a second goal but the League One visitors had no reply to Kane's strike.

With Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Lucas Moura among a growing Spurs injury list, Antonio Conte was forced to start Kane and Son Heung-min in a strong forward line despite making eight changes overall.

Spurs had scored just one first-half goal in their previous 12 games and never looked like adding to that during a quiet opening 45 minutes in north London, failing to register a single shot on target.

Indeed, Portsmouth, cheered on by a sold-out allocation of more than 8,000 noisy visiting fans, created the first half's best effort as Reeco Hackett-Fairchild's acrobatic shot on the turn was pushed wide by Fraser Forster.

However, Spurs stepped things up following the restart and, just after Royal headed Son's deep cross on to the post, Kane produced the moment of magic that ultimately proved decisive.

Conte's assistant Cristian Stellini this week said the FA Cup was "an important target" for Tottenham and that their players had spoken of the need to end a trophy drought dating back 15 years to Spurs' 2008 League Cup win.

They are out of the Carabao Cup this season and sit fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more, leaving the FA Cup and Champions League as their realistic hopes of ending that barren spell.

Tottenham have not reached the FA Cup final since winning the competition in 1991, losing in all eight of their subsequent semi-final appearances.

Spurs supporters of a superstitious ilk will take heart from the fact they beat Pompey en route to Wembley 32 years ago when Paul Gascoigne - a Tottenham talisman akin to Kane - scored twice in a 2-1 win at Fratton Park.

Tougher tests than this one will lie on the road ahead if they are to add to their eight FA Cup wins but Spurs produced a professional, if unexceptional, performance to limit managerless Pompey to very little.

Portsmouth are on a nine-game winless run that has seen them slip to 12th in the third tier, nine points off the play-offs - a sequence that this week cost boss Danny Cowley his job after almost two years in charge.

The 2008 winners, enduring an 11th successive season outside English football's top two tiers as they recover from near financial ruin, produced a resilient and organised effort for caretaker boss Simon Bassey, but Kane's winner ensured Spurs have not lost at home to a non top-flight team in the FA Cup since 1975, a run spanning 44 games.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Tottenham have decided not to extend Brazilian forward Lucas Moura's contract.

Moura signed a five-year deal when he joined Spurs from Paris St-Germain for £23m in 2018 and now looks set to leave north London this summer.

The 30-year-old has suffered with injury this season and has struggled for game time since regaining fitness.

His playing time has been limited by the form of Dejan Kulusveski and summer signing Richarlison.

Moura has played 213 times and scored 38 goals during his time at Tottenham.

 

[MenInG]

Former Tottenham youth and Portsmouth defender Anton Walkes has died aged 25 in an accident, his club Charlotte FC said.

Local media reported the Englishman was involved in a boat crash near Miami on Wednesday.

Walkes came through the Tottenham youth teams and played once for the club, in a League Cup tie in 2016.

He also played 66 times for Portsmouth before moving to Atlanta United in the United States in 2020.

"We are heartbroken from the loss of Anton Walkes - a truly incredible father, loving person and outstanding human being," said Charlotte sporting director Zoran Krneta.

"Anton embodied what it means to be a part of Charlotte FC and our entire community is grieving over this tragedy.

"The impact he made in the locker room and throughout Charlotte will never be forgotten.

"We are thinking of his lovely family during this time and will support them fully in every way imaginable."

BBC

 

[Saj]

Still 5 points behind Newcastle for a top 4 place.

I can't see them finishing in the top 4.

 

[The_KING]

The most pathetic 'big' team.