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Tottenham Hotspur FC | 2020-21 Season Thread

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Tottenham will host Everton in their opening fixture of the 2020/21 season, before a trip to Southampton and a home game against Newcastle.

Spurs' first test against the traditional 'big six' comes against Manchester United on October 3. The following month, they face Manchester City at home and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The first north London derby will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 5, while the reverse fixture at the Emirates is scheduled for March 13.

TOTTENHAM'S PREMIER LEAGUE 2020/21 FIXTURES

September

12: Everton (h)

19: Southampton (a)

26: Newcastle (h)

October

3: Man Utd (a)

17: West Ham (h)

24: Burnley (a)

31: Brighton (h)

November

7: West Brom (a)

21: Man City (h)

28: Chelsea (a)

December

5: Arsenal (h)

12: Crystal Palace (a)

16: Liverpool (a)

19: Leicester (h)

26: Wolves (a)

28: Fulham (h)

January

2: Leeds (h)

12: Aston Villa (a)

16: Sheffield Utd (a)

27: Liverpool (h)

30: Brighton (a)

February

3: Chelsea (h)

6: West Brom (h)

13: Man City (a)

20: West Ham (a)

27: Burnley (h)

March

6: Crystal Palace (h)

13: Arsenal (a)

20: Southampton (h)

April

3: Newcastle (a)

10: Man Utd (h)

17: Everton (a)

24: Fulham (a)

May

1: Sheffield Utd (h)

8: Leeds (a)

12: Wolves (h)

15: Aston Villa (h)

23: Leicester (a)

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/12039389/tottenham-fixtures-premier-league-2020-21
 
Matt Doherty: Defender completes move to Tottenham from Wolves

Tottenham have completed the signing of defender Matt Doherty from Wolves on a four-year deal.

Spurs were in the market for a new right-back this summer and Jose Mourinho was keen on the experienced Republic of Ireland international.

The 28-year-old made 50 appearances for Wolves last season and has enhanced his reputation as both a reliable defender and significant threat going forward, scoring seven times in all competitions.

Spurs have already sold young right-back Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton this summer and they are also prepared to sell current Serge Aurier for the right price. He has interest from AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco.

The 27-year-old Ivory Coast international has two years left on his Spurs contract having joined from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2017 for £23m.

Wolves, meanwhile, remain in talks with a Arsenal over a deal to sign Ainsley Maitland-Niles after having a £15m bid rejected.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ender-completes-move-to-tottenham-from-wolves
 
Tottenham will travel to Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the second round of Europa League qualifying.

All qualifying ties are being played as single-leg encounters behind closed doors on 17 September.

Meanwhile, Motherwell visit Northern Ireland side Coleraine, while Rangers will travel to Gibraltar to play against Lincoln Red Imps.

Aberdeen are away to Viking of Norway, while Republic of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers host Italian giants AC Milan.

Welsh side Bala Town have been drawn at home to 10-time Belgian champions Standard Liege.

The one-off ties will go to extra time and a penalty shootout if required.

Full second qualifying round draw (Uefa official site)
Following their early exit from Champions League qualifying, Celtic will enter the Europa League in the third qualifying round.

After the play-off round, FA Cup winners Arsenal and fifth-placed Premier League side Leicester City will enter at the group stage.

Second qualifying round ties involving British & Irish sides:
Inter Escaldes v DUNDALK

LINFIELD v Floriana

CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS v Dinamo Tbilisi

B36 Torshavn v THE NEW SAINTS

COLERAINE v MOTHERWELL

Viking v ABERDEEN

BALA TOWN v Standard Liege

Lokomotiv Plovdiv v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Lincoln Red Imps v RANGERS

SHAMROCK ROVERS v AC Milan
 
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says he "honestly believes" the club will sign a striker in the transfer window.

A new arrival would join Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn in Spurs' squad.

Spurs were left short up front last season when Kane and Son were injured in January and February respectively.

"I want, I need a striker," Mourinho said. "But I want to make it very, very clear that the club knows that I need a striker and they also want a striker."

He added: "Are we going to get one? I believe so, I honestly believe so. The team needs it for the balance of the squad."

Before the season was paused because of coronavirus, Mourinho said in February he expected to lose Son for the rest of the campaign because of a fractured arm.

Kane was Tottenham's top scorer with 24 goals last season but suffered a hamstring injury in January and spent four months on an individual training plan to ensure he was fit to play in time for the Premier League's restart in June.

But Mourinho said the new signing would not necessarily act as a "back-up" for the England captain and could possibly play alongside Kane.

"I don't like that word back-up," he said. "I know we have one of the best strikers in the world. The best striker in England. But I don't like the word back-up. A squad is a squad.

"A striker can play with Harry Kane. A striker who comes here won't be filling the back-up situation.

"It's not to support us in such a difficult season. It's also to try and play. And why not play with Harry?"

Last month, defender Matt Doherty became Tottenham's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Spurs finished sixth in the top flight last term and reached the last 16 of the Champions League. They play Everton on Sunday in their first game of the new season.

Last season the club featured in documentary 'All or Nothing', with cameras following Mourinho throughout the campaign.

"Tottenham did it for the right reasons," he said when asked about the experience.

"At that level would I do it again? Yes I would. Did I love it? No! I hated it. Did I watch it? No, and I'm not going to. I believe it is very interesting for people."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54116459
 
Doherty is a good signing from Wolves.

Attacking full back who gets a few goals and assists.

I don't think Spurs will challenge for the top 4 though.
 
Arkadiusz Milik: Tottenham unlikely to sign Napoli striker due to £32.5m asking price

Tottenham are unlikely to sign Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik in the current transfer window, according to Sky Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio.

Milik has been linked with a move to Spurs after scoring 48 goals in 122 games for Napoli since joining from Ajax in 2016.

Harry Kane is the only specialist striker in Tottenham's first-team squad and head coach Jose Mourinho says the club is "working very hard" to sign competition for the England captain.

However, Napoli are thought to want £32.5m for Poland international Milik, who has just one year left on his contract.

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth told The Transfer Show: "Milik has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs in the past few windows and the Napoli president - the quiet, shy, retiring Aurelio De Laurentiis - has said that he is up for sale, Kalidou Koulibaly is up for sale, all these players are up for sale provided a club meets their transfer fee.

"That is the big obstacle as far as Tottenham are concerned though. I spoke to Sky Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio and asked him about this link with Milik and Tottenham, and he said it was unlikely because Tottenham were unlikely to meet the £32.5m valuation that Napoli have put on Milik's head.

"He's entered the final year of his contract and Tottenham could sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January, so wait another three months and get him for free the following summer.

"Milik has been left out of the Napoli squad though for their pre-season friendly against Pescara, so that one is moving at the moment - maybe to another Italian club if Tottenham aren't willing to put up that money."

Read more:

Tottenham monitoring Watford captain Deeney

Another potential option for Tottenham is Watford captain Troy Deeney, who has also been linked with newly-promoted West Brom.

The 32-year-old previously admitted he was unsure about his future following Watford's relegation to the Championship and Spurs are monitoring the situation.

"If he does leave Watford, and it's a big if still - he's Mr Watford, he's been there for 10 years and made nearly 400 appearances, but if he does - then it's likely to be towards the end of the window," Sheth added.

"Remember, there is no rush for this one because EFL clubs can still do business, buying and selling with Premier League clubs until October 16.

"It's October 5 for the main deadline but the authorities wanted to give the EFL clubs a bit more time to bring in players and to make money as well, given what's happened with COVID-19. So he's got until October 16 to make a move, if and when he does."

Daka staying at Red Bull Salzburg

Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka has also been linked with Spurs but the 21-year-old is set to remain with the Austrian club for another season.

"He is someone they have been interested in this transfer window but Tottenham have been told that he is staying at Red Bull Salzburg for now," Sheth added.

"Interestingly, Daka is represented by the former Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute, so there's a relationship there between Kanoute and Tottenham.

"I'm sure Kanoute will be keeping Tottenham abreast of Daka's future plans."
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11675/12069309/tottenham-unlikely-to-sign-napolis-milik
 
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho on Sky Sports: "I'm disappointed with the performance, yes. After the goal Everton dominate the game and were dangerous in counters too

"Taking Dele Alli off was tactical. Allan was in that position and Gomes and Docoure were pressing high with lots of space in those areas. I needed more there.

"The struggle starts in the way we didn't press. Our pressure up was very poor - I'd say it was lazy pressure. When you have lazy pressure they build from the back.

"When you let them play from the back they are comfortable to have the ball. I repeat in the first half we had some good chances.

"The goal was a bit strange. It is not an excuse for the result or defeat or performance - with so many referees on the pitch and on the line, to take a kick a minimum of five metres distance (away from where the foul was) is incredible. Before the goal I was saying to the referees - five metres makes a huge difference to the position of our back line and the angle of the cross."

Should your players have spoken to the referee before the free-kick was taken? "We have meetings even now on Zoom asking the players not to complain to officials. The referee is there, the guys in VAR are in contact with him, Graham Scott the fourth official is there.

"I will be honest with the players, saying things I cannot say to you. But I can say to them keep working and not much time to think because on Thursday we have a knockout game (in the Europa League) so there is not much time to cry or complain."
 
Spurs looked really flat and lacked creativity. Doherty looked pretty average. Unless Kane and Son can hit their best, Spurs haven't done enough in the transfer market to challenge for the top 4 this season.
 
Tottenham are in talks to re-sign Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.
 
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to re-sign Wales forward Gareth Bale from Real Madrid, and are closing in on a deal for his team-mate Sergio Reguilon.

Bale, 31, left Spurs to join Real for a then world record £85m in 2013 and has since scored more than 100 goals and won four Champions League titles.

"Gareth still loves Spurs," his agent Jonathan Barnett told BBC Sport Wales. "It's where he wants to be."

Both Bale and leck Reguilon had been linked with Manchester United.
Spain international Reguilon, 23, came through the youth set-up at Real and made his first-team debut in October 2018.

United spoke to Real about him but were put off by the Spanish giants' insistence on a buyback clause.

That has allowed Tottenham to step in, and the expectation is he will now join Jose Mourinho's squad.

How did you rank Bale's top 10 iconic moments?

Where Bale is concerned, a loan looks likeliest at the moment, although a permanent transfer has not been ruled out with Real keen to recover costs as they look to offload their highest earner.

Bale's salary is perhaps the biggest hurdle for Spurs to overcome - he still has two years left on a contract which is thought to be worth about £600,000 a week.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is working through the detail of the deal and how to make it work. Indications are Real would be willing to pay a proportion of Bale's salary but even then he would be getting more than England and Tottenham captain Harry Kane.

Levy has previously spoken of the massive financial impact the pandemic has had on Spurs, who have to pay for their £1bn stadium, and at one point put non-playing staff on furlough, before reversing that decision two weeks later.

That has to be balanced against the enormous commercial potential of re-signing Bale.

United have long been linked with the Welshman, and he had been seen as a potential target should they fail to sign England international Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham, however, have an emotional pull for a player they signed as a 17-year-old from Southampton and helped develop into one of the world's best.

Bale was hugely successful in his first few seasons at Real, scoring in the 2014 and 2018 Champions League finals as well as the 2014 Copa del Rey final.

But his star has faded in the past couple of years after a run of injuries, indifferent form and a fractious relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane.

Bale started just one match when the 2019-20 La Liga season resumed, playing a mere 100 minutes as Real clinched a first title since 2017, and was conspicuously on the fringes of the team's celebrations.
 
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is set to fly to England on Friday to complete his return to Tottenham Hotspur.

A deal for Wales international Bale, 31, to rejoin Spurs on loan from Real Madrid is still being negotiated.

Talks between the clubs are progressing positively and as long as they are concluded in the same manner, Bale will travel to London.

Bale is understood to be training on his own at Real on Thursday and awaiting the outcome of negotiations.
 
Gareth Bale will fly to London from Spain on Friday before completing a move to Tottenham from Real Madrid.

Bale spent several hours at Madrid's training ground on Thursday, where he is understood to have undergone part of his Spurs medical, as he closes on a deal that will see him return to the club he left in a world-record £86m transfer seven years ago.

The Wales captain is expected to be joined on a private flight to London by Real Madrid team-mate Sergio Reguilon, who is set to join Spurs on a permanent deal after completing a medical on Thursday.

Lawyers in Spain and England are working on drawing up contracts which will make Bale a Spurs player again on a season-long loan deal. Spurs have agreed to pay about £20m in wages and loan fees.

Negotiations are understood to have continued to progress well from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, and the deal is expected to be finalised before Bale heads for London.

The 31-year-old owns his own private jet, but Tottenham are expected to arrange transport for the duo.

Bale is expected to be joined on his flight to London by Real Madrid teammate Sergio Reguilon

Both Bale and Reguilon are likely to meet conditions that will enable them to avoid quarantining upon their arrival in London.

Along with having arrived from an elite sporting environment where coronavirus protocols have been adhered to, the players will both need to have returned negative test results within five days prior to entering the United Kingdom.

Although he played for Wales twice this month, he is not fully match fit and it is expected that it will take a month for him to get back to his best.

Real Madrid have agreed to let him leave on loan in order to get his £500,000-a-week wages off their books and Tottenham have made all the running to sign him this week.

As well as being frozen out by Zinedine Zidane, Bale has had a difficult relationship with the Spanish media and Real fans, and he is looking forward to making a fresh start back at Spurs.

Manchester United considered making a move for him as a back-up option to Jadon Sancho, but they did not make an offer, even though they have tried to sign him on numerous occasions since he was at Southampton 13 years ago.

Bale has enjoyed much of his success on the right wing and, despite those infamous White Hart Lane chants reminding Harry Redknapp that he 'plays on the left', it is there that the 31-year-old forward would expect to be deployed on his return to the Premier League.

In the autumn of his career, those bursts of pace down the outside are likely to become more infrequent but Bale will surely retain the ability to cut inside and find enough space to fire off shots from distance with his favoured left foot - something that he does better than almost anyone.

In the final season of his first spell with Spurs, Bale scored no fewer than nine Premier League goals from outside the box - which was as many as the two next best players that season combined. Indeed, nobody has come close to matching that tally since.

For Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, the sense of urgency is more acute. Lucas Moura remains a popular figure given his Champions League semi-final heroics in Amsterdam but there are now question marks over his output on the right flank and the acquisition of Bale would represent a significant upgrade.

The suggestions are that Spurs would still be interested in signing a striker as well as Bale but there is also the intriguing possibility of the Welshman being able to fill in for Harry Kane should the England captain face the kind of lay-off that hindered his activity last season.

Bale would be a more robust presence than the alternatives and if his mobility does deteriorate in the coming years it is tempting to think that he could make the sort of transition to that centre-forward role made seamlessly by former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"There are three reasons why this is happening: the first is because Bale wants to play for Spurs again. Secondly, Real Madrid want to sell him, they need to sell him to get his wages off their books and the third reason is that Spurs want him back, Daniel Levy wants him back.

"There has been a big mood change as far as Bale and Real Madrid are concerned. Last summer, he came very close to move to China that was blocked at the last minute but Real Madrid have made it very clear that they want him out this summer. Bale before ha stuck to his guns and said 'I've got two years left on my contract, I'm not going anywhere' but in the last couple of weeks, his position has changed, he wants to play football again and he will get that at Spurs.

"Spurs' motto is 'To Dare is To Do', which means you have to believe in yourself and take a risk. Spurs are taking a risk signing Bale but it is a calculated risk, it makes sense to them because they are going to get him on loan, they will be paying a portion of his wages and over the whole season, it looks like he will cost them about £20m and in the current economic climate, it is a deal that makes sense for all parties."

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon on Sky Sports News:

"He came here being the MVP from Tottenham, but now the point is to see if he can recover his time as a good player as it's clear that Zinedine Zidane doesn't count on him. It's the time to end this situation and for me it's the best moment to do that.

"I suppose it will be [a permanent deal]. He has two years left on his contract so if he leaves this season, I feel he would stay at the new club for the rest of his career. He has three or four more years at a good level, so if he goes to Tottenham maybe he will finish his career there.

"I don't know if Dele Alli will be part of the deal, but I don't think Tottenham would want to let him go as he's a very good player. Any big team would want to have him in their side."

The summer transfer window will run for 10 weeks from July 27 and close at 11pm on October 5.

https://www.skysports.com/app/trans...y-as-tottenham-close-on-deal-with-real-madrid
 
Spurs come from behind to beat 9-man Lokomotiv Plovdiv

Tottenham survived a scare to reach the third qualifying round of the Europa League as they came from behind to beat nine-man Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

Georgi Minchev headed the Bulgarians ahead on 72 minutes as Spurs looked in danger of falling at the first hurdle.

But Harry Kane soon levelled from the penalty spot, as Dinis Almeida was sent off for handball and Birsent Karagaren was dismissed for dissent.

And Tanguy Ndombele bundled in the winner to send Spurs through.

Spurs face another long trip next Thursday to face Macedonians Shkendija in the third qualifying round in a busy week for Jose Mourinho's side.

They have a Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday, an EFL Cup game with Leyton Orient on Tuesday and then the journey to North Macedonia two days later.

If they win both those cup games, they face a similar schedule the following week too.

Read more:

Relief for Spurs and Mourinho

All European qualifiers are being played over one leg this season because the campaign started later as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Spurs boss Mourinho admitted that had forced him into playing a stronger side than he would have done if there had been a second leg in London.

He made four changes from Sunday's 1-0 Premier League defeat by Everton, but all four were first-team regulars.

The visitors dominated possession without looking impressive and Steven Bergwijn hit the bar before Son Heung-min missed from close range.

And Minchev's header from Dimitar Iliev's cross had them on the brink of a European exit.

The turning point was undoubtedly Almeida's handball on the line which earned him a straight red card, with Karagaren also dismissed in the aftermath.

Kane placed his penalty into the top corner and they dominated for the rest of the game, with substitute Ndombele converting Moura's cross for the winner.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54181461
 
Jose Mourinho has faith in Tanguy Ndombele after Europa League rescue

Jose Mourinho had doubts over Tanguy Ndombele's attitude but says he has full belief in him now after the Frenchman rescued Tottenham from an embarrassing night in the Europa League.

Ndombele scored the winner as Spurs needed two goals in the final 10 minutes to beat Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-1 in the Europa League second round of qualifying.

The Frenchman netted with five minutes left after Harry Kane's penalty had cancelled out Georgi Mindev's opener as Plovdiv threatened to leave Mourinho's men red-faced.

Mourinho and Ndombele have not had the best of relationships since the manager came to the club in November as the Spurs boss became increasingly frustrated with the club-record signing's fitness and attitude, speaking out publicly against Ndombele in the media.

But things look to be back on the right track now, with Mourinho saying he is confident Ndombele can perform for Spurs.

"Tanguy is in a process of evolution," Mourinho said. "Last season he wasn't. Last season he was stuck in a situation where I couldn't see evolution.

"In this moment he's training very, very well. He's recovering from his injury, he's recovering physically and today he gave us what we needed in this last 30 minutes.

"In this moment, I believe in Tanguy. I never doubted his quality. Never. I doubted in some moments his motivation and commitment and professional attitude.

"In this moment I believe in him. Today we made this decision together to not start the game because he also feels that he needs a bit more but in this moment I think that Tanguy can do well for us."

Ndombele offered more than just the winning goal, though, as he looked to be incisive and direct with his passing - a trait Spurs had been missing in the opening hour.

They did miss some chances to go ahead in the first half but were staring at an embarrassing defeat when Mindev scored from a corner.

Spurs were handed a lifeline in the 79th minute when Dinis Costa deliberately handled Ben Davies' header on the line and was dismissed, with Birsent Karagaren also sent off after receiving a yellow card for digging a hole in the penalty spot with his foot.

Ndombele then converted Lucas Moura's cross to seal the comeback, with Mourinho adding: "Of course when they scored it was a moment to dream and a moment for us to fear for our future in the competition.

"We knew that if we scored a goal in the first half it would be a totally different game.

"Great emotion, good for the players to feel the dramatic situation of 10-15 minutes to go and losing 1-0 and then the last feeling of course is to win and go to the next round and the happiness of that.

"They made life difficult, especially with their attitude. It was a big game for them and they showed that. They gave everything, absolutely everything."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...in-tanguy-ndombele-after-europa-league-rescue
 
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has arrived at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground as he nears a return to the club.

Wales international Bale, 31, is expected to rejoin Spurs on loan.

He flew into Luton Airport on Friday before travelling to the training ground in Enfield, North London.

Bale originally joined Spurs from Southampton in 2007 before moving to the Spanish giants for a then world record £85m in 2013.

He has gone on to score more than 100 goals for Real and won four Champions Leagues.

"Until I'm told Bale is a Tottenham player, I still think and feel and respect the fact he's a Real Madrid player," said Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.

It is also anticipated Real Madrid full-back Sergio Reguilon will complete his transfer to Tottenham on Friday. The 23-year-old Spain international played last season on loan at Sevilla, winning the Europa League.

Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, told BBC Wales Sport on Wednesday that talks over a move were "slowly progressing".

Barnett said: "Gareth is closer to leaving Madrid than at any time in the last seven years. We are still negotiating. We shall see how it goes."

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho refused to speculate on the discussions, saying: "He is a Real Madrid player and I don't comment on players from other clubs. I have to respect that. It's better not to speak.

"I tried to sign him for Real Madrid, which was not possible to do during my time there. But the president followed my instinct and my knowledge and the season I left he brought Gareth to the club. It's not a secret, even Gareth knows that."

In July 2019, Real cancelled a deal for Bale to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning, and he played 20 times for the Spanish champions last season.

Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at home by Everton in their first game of the new Premier League campaign on Sunday.
 
Sergio Reguilon: Real Madrid defender arrives at Tottenham training ground to complete move

Sergio Reguilon has arrived at Tottenham's training ground to complete his move from Real Madrid, with the defender expected to sign a five-year deal for a fee which could rise to £32m.

Reguilon travelled to London on a private jet owned by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on Friday morning, alongside Real team-mate Gareth Bale.

Both players successfully completed medicals in the Spanish capital on Thursday and are likely to meet conditions that will enable them to avoid quarantining upon their arrival in the UK.

Along with having arrived from an elite sporting environment where coronavirus protocols have been adhered to, the players will both need to have returned negative test results within five days prior to entering the United Kingdom.

Reguilon was named the best left-back in La Liga for his performances last season while on loan at Sevilla.

Real Madrid are well-stocked at left-back, with Brazil international Marcelo and France's Ferland Mendy already on their squad, so are keen to sell Reguilon to raise funds to balance the books at the club.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton were previously interested in signing Reguilon, with the Merseyside club making an £18m bid for the defender back in July.

Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho appears keen to strengthen his squad after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Everton on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg joined from Southampton and Matt Doherty arrived from Wolves earlier in the transfer window, but the signings of Bale and Reguilon will undoubtedly appease both the club's manager and supporters.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-arrives-in-london-to-complete-tottenham-move
 
Tottenham have re-signed Wales forward Gareth Bale from Spanish champions Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

Bale, 31, left Spurs for a then world record £85m in 2013 and went on to score more than 100 goals and win four Champions Leagues with Real.

He originally joined Tottenham as a 17-year-old from Southampton in 2007 for an initial payment of £5m.

Bale has also won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, three Uefa Super Cups and three Club World Cups with Real.

He remains the most expensive British player in history, as well as the top-scoring British player in La Liga - with 80 goals and 40 assists in 171 league appearances, averaging a goal or assist every 104 minutes.

However, a run of injuries, indifferent form and a deteriorating relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane had seen Bale become a marginal figure.

From the world's most expensive signing to a player on the fringes
Real eclipsed the £80m they paid Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 to take Bale to the Bernabeu, with the forward signing an initial £300,000-per-week, six-year contract.

He extended his stay with a new six-year deal in 2016, reported to be worth £600,000 a week - and £150m over its duration - in salaries and bonuses.

The Welshman was hugely successful in his first few seasons at Real, scoring in the 2014 and 2018 Champions League finals, as well as the 2014 Copa del Rey final.

BBC Sport readers voted Bale as the best British export of the Premier League era earlier this year, his 42% share comfortably eclipsing former England, Manchester United and Real Madrid winger David Beckham's 29%.

Competition Won by Bale with Real Madrid
Champions League 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
La Liga 2016-17, 2019-20
Copa del Rey 2014
Uefa Super Cup 2014, 2016, 2017
Club World Cup 2014, 2017, 2018

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54180724
 
Great coup to bring Bale back but he's not going to be the player he was.

He's had lots of injuries in recent years and isn't the player he was, but still a good signing.
 
Bale still has a lot to offer but depends on the position he plays. Doesnt have the pace or strength as before but is a big match player.

Even if they got Christian Bale from Batman, Spurs have no chance to finish top 4. Maybe can win the League cup or get a win over Arsenal in a derby. Not worth paying someone so much when you dont have a squad along with him to win anything.
 
Heung-Min Son netted an astonishing four-goal haul - all made by Harry Kane - as a second-half blitz saw Spurs demolish Southampton 5-2 at St Mary's.

In a game which barely stopped for breath from beginning to end Kane was denied a third-minute opener by VAR before Danny Ings saw a strike ruled out for handball, but soon made amends by firing in a superb strike from Walker-Peters' ball (32).

Spurs looked nearly as despondent as in their opening-day defeat Jose Mourinho had labelled "lazy" before half-time but were handed a lifeline when Son finished off from another difficult position from Kane's wonderful delivery (45+2).

The phrase 'a game of two halves' barely did justice to what would follow after the interval, with Son putting Spurs in front within two minutes from a Kane through-ball (47) - before netting twice more in near-identical circumstances (64, 74).

There was still time for Kane to get on the scoresheet himself when he turned in the rebound after Erik Lamela struck the post (82), before Ings grabbed a late consolation from the spot after Matt Doherty was harshly adjudged to have handballed a cross (90).
 
Alli absent as Son and Kane put on super show in 5-2 win at Southampton

This was a much-needed win for Tottenham after a difficult start to the season in which they were beaten by Everton on the opening day before scraping past Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Europa League qualifying in midweek.

A significant reason for their defeat to the Toffees was their lack of creativity in midfield - with Dele Alli paying the price in that game for a disappointing display by being taken off at half-time.

Left out of the midweek Europa League tie, Alli was again omitted from the side for the trip to St Mary's, with Jose Mourinho saying his absence was down to having "too many players" in certain positions.

For a long time in this game, Mourinho's bold move looked destined to be the talking point as Tottenham sorely lacked creativity in midfield.

Aside from a couple of disallowed goals for Kane, the visitors barely troubled the Southampton defence and even when they did manage to score right before the half-time whistle it came from Tottenham's only shot and only touch in Southampton's box in the entire first half.

But after the break, Son and Kane took centre stage, taking advantaging of Southampton's high line and slow defence as they demonstrated an understanding that seemed almost telepathic at times.

Kane assisted just two league goals in the entirety of last season but almost every pass he provided in the second half of this game was to set up a Son goal as he became the first player in Premier League history to assist a single team-mate four times in the same match.

With the return of Gareth Bale, Tottenham have the potential for a front three that could rival the very best in the world.
 
Paris St-Germain are interested in Tottenham forward Dele Alli.

The Champions League finalists are aware of the England international's potential availability and senior figures at the club are known to be admirers of the 24-year-old.

Spurs sources insist they expect Alli to stay and fight for his place.

However, the player was not in the squad for victories against Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the Europa League and Southampton in the Premier League.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has recently added to his attacking options with the signing of Gareth Bale from Real Madrid.

The Wales international is expected to be fit to join Mourinho's squad after the October international break.

By that time, the transfer window will have closed and, although Premier League clubs can do business after the 5 October deadline, they can only trade with English Football League clubs.

It means Alli has a fortnight to sort out his future or risk an extended spell on the sidelines until the January window opens.
 
Dele Alli: Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho expects midfielder to stay

Jose Mourinho said he was "tired" of questions about Dele Alli and expects the midfielder to stay at Tottenham beyond this transfer window.

The Spurs boss did suggest the 24-year-old, limited to just 45 minutes' play this season, needed to improve.

Alli has been included in the squad for Thursday's Europa League tie at North Macedonian side Shkendija (19:00 BST).

"He is coming and he has a chance to play. It's important for him to perform," said Mourinho.

The addition of forward Gareth Bale on loan from Real Madrid has added to that competition, while speculation over Alli's future increased after Paris St-Germain showed interest in him.

"When the squad becomes competitive, the players have to have an answer and perform," the Spurs boss said.

Mourinho, though, added that Alli "will have his opportunities", and that it was "no problem" to have him at the club.

He said: "I am not tired of Dele because he is a great kid, but I am tired of questions on Dele.

"I always feel that 99% of the responsibility is the player. I have 1%. Me and my staff and the people that work, everybody has 1%."

Midfielder Harry Winks was confident his team-mate would get his place back in the first team.

"Dele is a top player - you don't get to the level he has got through luck," said the 24-year-old midfielder.

"You get there through hard work and ability. It might be a dip in confidence, I don't know what the situation is but he is a top pro.

"Everyone in the team will back me in saying that he will get back to his best form and he will do."

Meanwhile, Mourinho said he was "not happy" with the situation after Tottenham's Carabao Cup match against Leyton Orient was called off after some O's players tested positive for coronavirus.

The decision was announced two hours before the scheduled 18:00 BST kick-off at the Breyer Group Stadium.

"I process our calendar and my bad feelings to the unfair schedule we have got," he said.

"I was ready to play, but we didn't but I am ready to play on Thursday. I know nothing else."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54264981
 
Tottenham and Inter Milan have held talks over the transfer of central defender Milan Skriniar.
 
Milan Skriniar: Tottenham and Inter hold talks over defender

Tottenham and Inter Milan have held talks over the transfer of central defender Milan Skriniar.

However, the clubs are well apart in their valuation of the Slovakia international.

The Serie A side want around €60m (£54.9m) for the 25-year-old but one source has told Sky Sports News that Spurs value Skriniar at half of Inter's asking price.

The club's technical performance director Steve Hitchen was pictured in Milan on Wednesday.

Tottenham need to offload players to raise funds for any potential transfer.

Spartak Moscow want Serge Aurier and believe they can agree a deal with Tottenham, but he wants to play in one of Europe's top leagues.

AC Milan were interested earlier in the window but could not financially do a deal. As it stands, Aurier will remain at Tottenham.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-tottenham-and-inter-hold-talks-over-defender
 
Jose Mourinho successfully complained to Uefa about the size of the goalposts before Tottenham's Europa League play-off victory against Shkendija in North Macedonia.

Goals by Erik Lamela, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane earned Spurs a 3-1 victory, with boss Mourinho playing his own unique part before the match after keepers Joe Hart and Hugo Lloris pointed out the irregularity during the warm-up.

"Before the game was a funny situation because my goalkeepers told me that the goal was small," explained Mourinho.

"I went by myself and of course the goal was small. The goalkeepers, they spend hours and hours and hours in the goal so they know when the goal is not the right dimension.

"I am not a goalkeeper but I know football since I was a kid and I know when I stand there and I spread my arms and I know the distance, so I felt immediately that something was going wrong.

"We got the Uefa delegate to confirm and yes it was 5cm smaller, which of course we demanded for the goals to be replaced for goals of the right dimension."

There are no suggestions of foul play from Shkendija as the stadium in the North Macedonian capital Skopje is not their home ground.

Shkendija's own stadium was not used as it does not meet Uefa requirements.

During the game, Son set up Argentine Lamela to calmly put Spurs ahead.

Hart, who was making his Spurs debut, was beaten by a stunning 20-yard finish by Valmir Nafiu.

But Son drilled in the second before teeing up substitute Kane to head the third.

It was a decent performance by Mourinho's side, who meet Maccabi Haifa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the play-off round next Thursday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54272598
 
All signs lead to Dele Alli leaving Tottenham - Jermaine Jenas

Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas says "all the signs lead to" Dele Alli leaving the club.

Alli, 24, started for Spurs on Thursday in their Europa League third-round qualifying clash against Shkendija but only lasted 60 minutes.

He had been left out of Tottenham's previous two matchday squads, against Southampton and Lokomotiv Plovdiv.

"I don't feel like it's one that can be reconciled, I feel like it's a parting of the ways," Jenas said.

Mourinho said earlier this week that he was "convinced" Alli will still be at Tottenham when the transfer window closes next month. He has been linked with a possible transfer to Paris St-Germain.

"He will have his opportunities but performances are very important," said Mourinho. "It's important for every player on the pitch to have an answer and perform."

Alli was left out of England's Nations League squad in August and has not played for the national team for over a year.

"Everything Jose does is to get a reaction," Jenas said on the Friday Football Social on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I would be concerned if I was Dele. He has always been loved by everyone and every manager.

"No doubt that his form has dipped over the last 18 months, he knows that more than anybody.

"Two weeks ago I would have said, if I was Dele Alli, I would stay and dig in. But all the signs lead to getting him out of there.

"At the end of the season there's the Euros - he would be desperate to get back in Gareth Southgate's thoughts. The only way he is going to do that is by playing football and scoring goals again.

"Right now it doesn't feel like Jose Mourinho or Spurs is the place for him. I'd be looking to move on now."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54301302
 
Jose Mourinho says the EFL has not given Tottenham a chance of competing for the Carabao Cup as his side prepare to play Chelsea in the fourth round.

Spurs play Chelsea on Tuesday and host Maccabi Haifa in a Europa League play-off on Thursday - in-between two weekend Premier League games.

"I would like to fight for the Carabao but I don't think I can," he said.

"The group phase of the Europa League gives us a certain amount of money that for a club like us is very important."

Spurs would have had the same run of games last week had Leyton Orient not forfeited their third-round tie because players tested positive for coronavirus.

They are the first English team in Europe this season because they have had to come through two rounds of qualifiers to reach the play-off, the round before the group stages.

Mourinho's side visit Manchester United next Sunday in the league, having drawn 1-1 with Newcastle on Sunday.

"I think you can imagine that with a game on Thursday that decides a very important thing for us, I think the EFL made a decision for us," he said.

"They didn't even create a problem - they made a decision for us. So that's the decision.

"Chelsea played Saturday, they have Sunday and Monday [off] then they play Tuesday and then they play again on the weekend.

"So their fantastic squad, if the manager decides not to rotate, he can perfectly play with the players that he wants."

Spurs lost Son Heung-min to a hamstring injury at half-time against Newcastle.

"Sonny is just the first. More [injuries] will come," said Mourinho.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, who played under Mourinho at Chelsea, said: "I know for Jose it's a busy time with the Europa League

"When I analyse Tottenham and see the squad that didn't play 90 minutes yesterday, I see a very strong squad."

Chelsea - who have beaten Spurs four times in a row in all competitions - will be without wingers Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, who are still recovering from injury.

But two summer signings, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and left-back Ben Chilwell, will be in the squad.

Lampard says the arrival of Mendy does not mean 25-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was first choice until making some errors, will be leaving.

"I certainly won't go to the point of saying Kepa has played his last game for Chelsea," Lampard said.

"We have to also understand Kepa is a young man. A lot of the spotlight on him has become unfair. I have to protect him because I know he's a good lad trying to do his best."
 
Tottenham goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos handed one-match ban and £8,000 fine after sending off

Tottenham goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos has been hit with a one-match ban and an £8,000 fine for confronting referee Peter Bankes after Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Newcastle.

Santos was sent off for his protests following Newcastle's controversial equaliser at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Portuguese accepted the charge of using abusive or insulting language towards a match official, the Football Association has announced.

"Tottenham Hotspur FC's goalkeeper coach, Nuno Santos, has been suspended from the touchline for one match and fined £8,000 after admitting a charge for a breach of FA Rule E3 and accepting a standard penalty," read an FA statement.

"At full-time of the Premier League fixture against Newcastle United FC on Sunday he used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official on the field of play and/or his behaviour amounted to improper conduct."

A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention awarded Newcastle a last-gasp penalty in north London on Sunday, owing to a heavily-questioned handball decision against Eric Dier.

Spurs had been heading for victory thanks to Lucas Moura's first Premier League goal since December, but Callum Wilson buried the spot-kick to level the match.

Santos was among a clutch of players to vociferously protest the decision, that proved just the latest in a spate of controversial handball calls following the recent rule changes.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho refused to criticise the officials or the new handball interpretations in light of the draw, determined not to receive any personal fine.

International Football Association Board (IFAB) rule amendments mean that if the ball hits the hand of a player who has made their body "unnaturally bigger" then a foul will be awarded.

The switch has led to a swathe of disputed penalties at the start of the new Premier League campaign, with Manchester United claiming a similar spot-kick at Brighton and Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson left infuriated too after a similar decision went against his side against Everton.

Speaking after Sunday's match, Mourinho said: "I don't want to comment, I just don't want to. My team played a fantastic match, I cannot ask more from the players."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ne-match-ban-and-8-000-fine-after-sending-off
 
Tottenham have been linked with moves for Bournemouth's Josh King, Napoli's Arkadiusz Milik and Torino's Andrea Belotti, but Mourinho is confident the club will secure a natural back-up striker to Kane before Monday's 11pm deadline.

The Portuguese said: "I am optimistic, but more than that the feeling that I like is that we are trying everything to do it.

"You succeed or you don't succeed. It's like a football match: you win or you don't win but you give everything and try everything. The transfer market is the same.


"I like the feeling that my club is trying to do everything for us and for the team, that's the most important thing for me.


"If we succeed then great - I believe so - but if we don't then that's football."
 
Kane hits hat-trick as Spurs score 7 to reach Europa League group stage

Harry Kane scored a hat-trick and Dele Alli also found the target to help Tottenham reach the group stage of the Europa League courtesy of a hugely entertaining victory over Israeli side Maccabi Haifa.

With this their seventh game in 19 gruelling days at the start of the season, you would have forgiven Spurs for easing into the encounter.

Instead, a frantic first half yielded five goals, four of which went to the home side.

Harry Kane slotted in the opener from close range before former QPR forward Tjaronn Chery curled in a superb equaliser for the visitors.

This only served to provoke further attacking brilliance from the home side, who restored their lead when Lucas Moura flicked the ball in off his back from a corner, and then claimed total control courtesy of two Giovani lo Celso finishes, assisted by the lively Steven Bergwijn and crafty Kane.

The Argentine made way to allow Alli to play the second half, which was somewhat overshadowed by two penalties awarded via controversial handballs.

Spurs Matt Doherty and Maccabi's Ernest Mabouka both had their arms by their side to block crosses but each were penalised, leading to Nikita Rukavytsya narrowing the three-goal margin before Kane restored it.

The England captain then completed a superb night with a neat chipped finish following a Bergwijn pass, before Alli won a penalty with sharp turn to draw a foul that he himself converted.

The draw for the group stage will take place on Friday.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54341859
 
BREAKING: Tottenham have signed striker Carlos Vinicius on loan from Benfica
 
Tottenham have rejected a second loan bid from PSG for midfielder Dele Alli.
 
Son and Kane have combined for 28 Premier League goals in total, the joint second-most of any combination in the competition's history.

Lampard/Drogba 36, Henry/Pires 29, Silva/Aguero 29.
 
Jose Mourinho, speaking to Sky Sports: "Football. Of course I have to analyse the second half and have to do it internally, but for you I prefer to say football happened, and praise West Ham's belief.

'It is not easy to be losing 3-0 and be dominated, to keep the belief. I knew they are a different team to last season, but to lose an advantage of three goals is a big punishment and eventually deserved.

"I found already by analysing from touchline, some things are completely out of the context, once more an indirect free-kick, the own goal, the third is a free-kick and second ball, a rebound.

"The game was under control, we had Harry Kane to score the fourth when he hit the post, Gareth Bale to kill the game. The game was more to the fourth goal, but that's football.

"Not deliberately, but the team was dropping, with (Harry) Winks we found balance again and was in control. It was exactly when we were in control that we conceded the first and their belief went up. My guys were not strong enough to cope with it psychologically. The last few seconds we lost two points.

"I told them to be aware of set-pieces against, which we knew they were very strong. David found in Soucek his new Fellaini. They fought very hard to be lucky, so I praise them.

"This is a game that was in the pocket and we lost two points."
 
Heung-Min Son: Jose Mourinho says Tottenham forward has already proven himself to be world class

Jose Mourinho believes Heung-Min Son has proven his ability as a world-class player over many seasons at Tottenham.

The influential South Korea forward has scored nine goals in all competitions since the season began last month as Spurs have made an impressive start to Mourinho's first full campaign in charge.

Son, who joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has built a formidable partnership with club captain Harry Kane and Mourinho credited the 28-year-old's character as a reason why his performances occasionally go unnoticed.

Asked what Son needs to do to become a world-class player, Mourinho replied: "It is up to you - he cannot do more than what he does!

"Season after season after season Sonny is showing how good he is. Of course, the better the team is the easier it is for the players to emerge.

"But Sonny is Sonny, everybody knows what he now needs to do to go to a next step - nothing. It is up to you to do that.

"Or he starts doing s*** socially and he becomes famous and he goes into the big headlines because of some weird, silly or naive social behaviour.

"Because he is such an incredible kid also at that level it is up to you to tell how good he is."

Son has three years left on his current contract at Tottenham and Mourinho is confident the club can reach an agreement in time for a new deal to be reached as he wants the player to become "part of the furniture".

Mourinho said: "Son has three years [left on his current contract] so it is not like we are in an extreme situation of everyone being too worried.

"I think it is more a question of Son loves it here and I believe that he would like to commit his future to the club for more time. Everybody in the club is totally in love with this player and trying to make him feel part of the furniture.

"Of course it is normal that the club tries to go from three to four or five or six, I don't know. But it is normal, it is a very calm situation because he has three more years of contract.

"But I wish, he deserves [a new contract] and the club knows that and I believe sooner or later that they will, without any pressure, arrive to a decision."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-has-already-proven-himself-to-be-world-class
 
Tottenham Hotspur have offered South Korea forward Son Heung-min a new five-year contract worth £200,000 a week plus performance-related bonuses, which nearly doubles the wages on his existing deal, which was due to expire in 2023. (Football Insider)
 
Tottenham Hotspur: Can they do 'something special' and where do Kane and Son rank?

Harry Kane believes Tottenham "can do something special" after his brilliant partnership with Son Heung-min gave Spurs a 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley.

Son's header from Kane's flick-on was the ninth time this season they have combined for a Premier League goal - and the 29th time in total.

"It is great," striker Kane told BBC Sport. "Me and Sonny have had a nice little partnership going recently and hopefully it continues.

"I think having more understanding when I'm dropping deep for him to run in behind [is the difference]. It is just confidence as well.

"Even today it was not an amazing assist but it fell well for Sonny."

Monday's goal was the 29th time the pair have combined for a Premier League goal - the division's second-highest tally.

36 - Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
29 - Harry Kane and Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
29 - David Silva and Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
29 - Robert Pires and Thierry Henry (Arsenal)
27 - Darren Anderton and Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham)

Victory at Burnley took Spurs from 11th to fifth in the league, only two points behind leaders Everton. They are also the top scorers in the league with 16 goals from six games.

Son is the individual leading scorer with eight and Kane has been directly involved in 13 goals (five goals and eight assists) - a record for a Premier League player after six games.

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54700030
 
Jose Mourinho said "my future choices are going to be very easy" after Tottenham's surprise 1-0 Europa League Group J defeat by Royal Antwerp.

Mourinho made four changes at half-time after appearing to lose patience with some of his fringe players in Belgium.

Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani lo Celso and Carlos Vinicius were all replaced at the break, although the changes did not salvage a point.

"I would like to have made 11 changes at half-time," said Mourinho.

England midfielder Alli, 24, has started three matches this season and been replaced at half-time in two of them. This was the first time he had been in the starting XI for more than a month.

"I don't want to analyse individuals. I don't like to do that," added Mourinho following his side's first defeat since the opening weekend of the season.

"We have a big squad with lots of good players.

"It's my responsibility to give them opportunities to play and catch the chance with both hands and be in condition to ask for more.

"And tonight my future choices are going to be very easy."

Mourinho did not name-check Alli who, despite creating one chance for Vinicius, looked low on confidence, while Gareth Bale is yet to complete a full game since re-joining Spurs after being replaced by Harry Kane in the second half.

Spurs were looking to end October unbeaten after winning four and drawing one of their previous five games, scoring 20 goals in the process.

But they produced a lacklustre performance and failed to register a single attempt on target in the second period against Royal Antwerp, who finished fourth in Belgium's top flight last season.

Mourinho posted a picture on social media of him sitting on the team coach after the game with the message: "Hope everyone in this bus is as upset as I am. Tomorrow 11am training."

Speaking after the game, he added: "I prefer to praise the opponents because they played a magnificent game and not to blame ourselves because we played an awful game.

"But I have to do both at the same time.

"Blame me because I am the boss and it is my responsibility who plays.

"But I have to admit that the game confirmed to me a few things, opened other question marks and will help me in the future with my decisions.

"I'm also learning every day."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54742296
 
Tottenham owner Daniel Levy has offered forward Son Heung-min, 28, the same wages as captain Harry Kane in an attempt to ensure the South Korea international stays at the club. (Express)
 
Late Kane winner sends Spurs to the top of the table

Harry Kane's 88th-minute header was enough to send Tottenham to the top of the Premier League for the first time since August 2014.

A game of few chances seemed destined to end goalless after Hugo Lloris had kept out Karlan Grant's second-half header and a flurry of Tottenham chances had come and gone without reward.

But, as has been the case so often in the past, Kane punished a minor lack of concentration.

West Brom's defence failed to track the England skipper's run into the box, allowing him to leap unchecked to meet Matt Doherty's cross and nod a 150th Premier League goal over goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Tottenham's lead at the summit may only last a matter of hours, but it was the kind of narrow win that is the hallmark of champions.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54766714
 
Tottenham Hotspur are starting contract talks with South Korea forward Son Heung-min. The 28-year-old is likely to be offered a contract lasting until 2026 and worth £200,000 a week. (Guardian)
 
Matt Doherty will miss Tottenham's game against Manchester City and potentially their Europa League clash with Ludogorets.
 
Big game tonight at home vs Man City for Spurs. It's the start of a killer end fixture list for them from now until the end of 2020. As much as it pains me, I think the Kane and Son linkup will overcome City's weak defence
 
Jose Mourinho: Tottenham players were amazing, we beat Man City on strategy

Jose Mourinho said his "amazing" Tottenham beat Manchester City on strategy as a vintage show from the Portuguese boss sent his side top of the Premier League.

Spurs were stubborn and clinical, defeating City 2-0 thanks to goal from Heung-Min Son and Giovani Lo Celso in either half, with Mourinho's side registering just four shots on goal to City's 22.

The result means Spurs finish a day top of the Premier League table for the first time since August 2014, and Mourinho put the victory down to a superior strategy over his old enemy Pep Guardiola.

He told Sky Sports: "For me, I prefer the players to speak because they are the ones, they were fantastic, they gave everything. They follow a strategy and football sometimes, more than ever, strategy plays an important part. They were amazing.

"It was very important to respect [City] and not to forget the team they are. If we follow people speaking about them as being not as good as before, if we follow the fake table because they have one match in hand, we would probably be playing in a different way. City is a fantastic team that lost against a team that strategically was very good but City is still City.

"Of course, you have to score and we didn't have many chances. You need a top goalkeeper to make crucial saves in crucial moments, but we knew they would have more of the ball but we would be very comfortable playing that way because we knew the way to do it."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ers-were-amazing-we-beat-man-city-on-strategy
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who is the &#55349;&#56919;&#55349;&#56922;&#55349;&#56936;&#55349;&#56937; &#55349;&#56919;&#55349;&#56918;&#55349;&#56937;&#55349;&#56936;&#55349;&#56930;&#55349;&#56918;&#55349;&#56931; in the squad?! &#55357;&#56384;<br><br>&#55356;&#57295; &#55349;&#56910;&#55349;&#56907;&#55349;&#56912;&#55349;&#56909;&#55349;&#56910; &#55349;&#56894;&#55349;&#56909;&#55349;&#56900;&#55349;&#56894;&#55349;&#56902;&#55349;&#56896;&#55349;&#56911; at Hotspur Way! &#55358;&#56611; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/cTxtaxd3cH">pic.twitter.com/cTxtaxd3cH</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1331925521102483461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55349;&#56342;&#55349;&#56327;&#55349;&#56320;&#55349;&#56339; &#55349;&#56320; &#55349;&#56322;&#55349;&#56320;&#55349;&#56339;&#55349;&#56322;&#55349;&#56327;! &#55356;&#57295; &#55358;&#56623;<br><br>&#55357;&#56561;&#55357;&#56846; <a href="https://twitter.com/dele_official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dele_official</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> ⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ICfcHbNHqo">pic.twitter.com/ICfcHbNHqo</a></p>— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpursOfficial/status/1330910086018052097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Tottenham confirm plans for 2,000 fans to attend Arsenal derby match on 6 December

Tottenham have announced plans for 2,000 fans to attend the north London derby against Arsenal on 6 December.

Spurs are one of 10 Premier League sides in tier two areas, where up to 2,000 people are allowed at outdoor sports venues after lockdown in England ends on 2 December.

The other 10 teams are all in tier three, where no fans are allowed.

Spurs said they will allocate the tickets via a ballot for season-ticket holders and executive members only.

It will be the first match in front of spectators at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since the FA Cup fifth-round game against Norwich on 4 March.

Liverpool have also set out their plans for 2,000 fans to watch their Premier League match against Wolves at Anfield on the same day.

Supporters will all be seated in the main stand, and the ballot will only be open to fans who live in the Liverpool City Region - an area that covers the boroughs of Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. Applicants must be season-ticket holders or members with at least 19 credits from the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55099600
 
Jose Mourinho: Tottenham don't fear anyone ahead of Chelsea clash

Tottenham go to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, looking to retain their 100 per cent Premier League away record, and make it six wins in a row in all competitions.

Chelsea, of course, are in top form themselves. Victory for them would make it seven in a row.

Plenty, then, for both sides to fear? No, says Mourinho. Fear is not a word he recognises.

"You'll have to ask Frank if they fear us or not," he said. "But I don't think fear is the right word at this level. We don't fear anyone."

No fear. But certainly, respect.

"We respect their potential and I think they respect our potential. Honestly, I don't think they believe they are going to play an easy opponent," Mourinho said.

"I would love them to feel that way, but I don't think they do. Frank is a man with a lot of experience in football and I think they know we are a difficult team that is capable to go there and win."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...enham-dont-fear-anyone-ahead-of-chelsea-clash
 
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker an injury concern ahead of Arsenal clash after missing Wednesday training

Harry Kane is an injury concern for Tottenham ahead of Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal after missing training on Wednesday.

The Spurs captain, along with Sergio Reguilon, Carlos Vinicius and Erik Lamela, were not pictured in training ahead of their Europa League clash at Linz ASK on Thursday.

When asked about their absence Mourinho confirmed in his pre-match press conference the quartet are injured, with Lamela having missed their past five games with a calf injury.

"I don't believe he [Lamela] has a chance for the weekend," Mourinho said. "Harry, Vinicius and Sergio there is a chance for them to be [fit] for the weekend."

Mourinho then refused to reveal the nature of Kane's injury, but added there was a "good chance" the striker would return to face Arsenal.

He added: "I'm not going to tell you the nature of his injury. I think there's a good chance [for Sunday], I don't want to lie, I don't want to hide anything in relation to 'Oh is he going to play or not'. I think he's going to play, that's my feeling."

http://uk-sport-web.cf.sky.com/foot...rsenal-clash-after-missing-wednesday-training
 
Tottenham vs Arsenal: Jamie Redknapp says pragmatic Spurs must attack struggling Arsenal

Jose Mourinho has Tottenham playing pragmatically - but the Spurs fans will want their talented team to open up and attack struggling Arsenal on Sunday, Jamie Redknapp has told the Pitch to Post Preview Podcast.

Spurs go into this weekend's north London derby top of the Premier League table, after backing up a counter-attacking masterclass against Manchester City with a defensive stalemate at Chelsea last weekend.

Mourinho's side currently have the best defensive record in the Premier League and, speaking on this week's Pitch to Post Preview Podcast, Redknapp credited the manager for how solid he has made his team and how he convinced his players to buy into the style of play.

"I was at their first game of the season when they played Everton and there were a lot more questions than answers, they didn't start very well," said Redknapp. "They looked short of any quality, guile. They pretty much looked an ordinary team that day.

"But Jose has got them working very hard for each other defensively. It's not pretty, you can't turn around and say it's really enjoyable to watch. It's not expansive football. But it's a winning type of football right now.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ragmatic-spurs-must-attack-struggling-arsenal
 
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a big game in every sense, not just because it was Tottenham-Arsenal. I want to give words, congratulations to Mikel Arteta because he gave us a very difficult game. Tactically they were very good, very organised. They gave us problems, problems we were able to resolve. They have a good tactical courage and incredible spirt. They are a good team and he is a good coach.

"We were reading the game and making the changes to win it because 2-0 was in our hands against a great and difficult opponents but my boys did well today.

"I am very happy with the result and the performance but of course I want the team in the second half to play in a different way. In reality you don't always do what you want to do because your opponent forces you in a different direction.

"You are winning 2-0, why would you expose your defensive block if you don't have to? It was a very difficult game. I can imagine tomorrow the headlines will about them not being in a good position in the table but I believe with these players and Mikel it will be Arsenal v Tottenham again."
 
Dele Alli: Paris St-Germain set to make loan bid for Tottenham midfielder in January

Paris St-Germain are set to make another attempt to sign Tottenham's Dele Alli on loan in January.

The French club tried to sign Alli, 24, in the summer but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to agree a deal.

Midfielder Alli's Spurs future has become increasingly uncertain with the England international only starting one Premier League game this season.

He has not been in a Premier League matchday squad since the 6-1 win at Manchester United on 4 October.

He was an unused substitute in Thursday's Europa League victory over Royal Antwerp, after which his manager said it was "impossible" to keep every player happy.

Alli, who has scored 64 goals and provided 56 assists in 230 Spurs appearances, is known to be hugely frustrated at the situation.

While injuries could offer a route back to the first team if he remains at Spurs, it seems certain he will leave next month unless the situation changes quickly.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55272761
 
Jose Mourinho refused to blame Hugo Lloris after the keeper's mistake denied leaders Tottenham victory at Crystal Palace before their top-of-the-table game at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Harry Kane put Spurs on course for a sixth win in seven league games with a shot from 30 yards which Vicente Guaita should have saved.

But Palace deservedly equalised when Jeffrey Schlupp bundled home after France World Cup winner Lloris could not hold Eberechi Eze's free-kick.

"My goalkeeper is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League so I would never be critical of the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, period," said Mourinho.

"If I have to blame anybody, I have to blame ourselves, the team. The ones that win, the ones that draw and the ones that lose.

"At half-time, I told the players exactly the opposite that we did in the second half, but if they didn't, it was because they couldn't do it.

"It was because they were not able to do it. I give credit to Palace for that."
 
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There is only person who can stop Spurs from winning the League and that is Jose Mourinho.

If he is going to sit on 1-0 leads and hope that his team can grind out results, then he is mistaken.

Spurs look good going forward and rather than trying to sit on 1-0 leads, they should be looking to score more goals.
 
Dear me, that was awful from Spurs against Leicester City.

No passion, no energy, couldn't do the simple things well.
 
Jose Mourinho admitted he was angry with Dele Alli for creating "problems for his own team" during Tottenham's 3-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win at Stoke.
 
Saj said:
There is only person who can stop Spurs from winning the League and that is Jose Mourinho.

If he is going to sit on 1-0 leads and hope that his team can grind out results, then he is mistaken.

Spurs look good going forward and rather than trying to sit on 1-0 leads, they should be looking to score more goals.
Click to expand...

Copy, paste.

Same again.

Rubbish tactics from Mourinho.
 
9 - Spurs have dropped nine points in 2020/21 with goals conceded in the last 10 minutes of matches, the most of any side in the Premier League.
 
Romain Saiss produced a header that watching Wolves team-mate Raul Jimenez would have been proud of to deny Tottenham victory at Molineux, and a place in the top-four.

Jose Mourinho's men led for 85 minutes after Tanguy Ndombele had driven home a low 20-yard shot from Ben Davies' lay-off after just 57 seconds.

But, just as it appeared their dominance would earn no reward in the continued absence of Jimenez - attending a game for the first time since fracturing his skull at Arsenal at the end of November - Wolves struck an equaliser.

Morocco defender Saiss met Pedro Neto's corner at the near post with a superb glancing header to steer the ball past Hugo Lloris.

It was the least Wolves deserved after their efforts at shackling Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Spurs' star duo rarely got a clean sight of goal and, although Sergio Reguilon might have made the game safe for Tottenham, they paid the price for retreating too far into their shell.

After the game, Mourinho said it was never his intention to defend the slender lead and instead questioned his players for not showing more ambition to go for more goals.

He told BBC Sport: "Defending deep, that's not the intention. They know what I asked them at half-time, if they couldn't do better it's because they couldn't do better."
 
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says the way Wednesday's match against Fulham was called off was "unprofessional"

The Premier League game was postponed fewer than three hours before the 18:00 GMT kick-off after Fulham reported a number of positive Covid-19 cases.
 
Tottenham have criticised three of their players for breaching coronavirus rules by attending a party over Christmas.

A picture on social media shows Argentina forward Erik Lamela, Spain defender Sergio Reguilon and Argentina midfielder Giovani lo Celso at a party.

"We are extremely disappointed," Tottenham said in a statement.

West Ham have also reminded Argentina forward Manuel Lanzini, who also attended, of his responsibilities.

Lamela and Lo Celso were not involved in Saturday's Premier League game at home to Leeds (12:30 GMT), while Reguilon - who joined from Real Madrid in September 2020 - was on the substitutes' bench.

The Spurs statement added: "We strongly condemned the image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas, particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.

"The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example.

"The matter will be dealt with internally."

Lamela has made two Premier League starts this season while Lo Celso has made four.

Lanzini has featured in nine of West Ham's 17 top-flight games in 2020-21 and came on as a substitute in Friday's 1-0 win at Everton.

A West Ham spokesperson said: "The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini's actions.

"The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities."

Tottenham's Premier League home game with Fulham, scheduled to take place on 30 December, was called off three hours before kick-off because of the number of Fulham players testing positive for coronavirus or showing symptoms.

Meanwhile, Fulham have told BBC Sport they were looking into claims Aleksandar Mitrovic broke coronavirus rules by attending a New Year's party - along with Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic.

Images on social media, reported in the Sun, allegedly show the Serbia team-mates celebrating in London with at least seven other adults.

The mixing of households indoors is banned in London under the UK government's tier four restrictions.

'Mourinho must be so angry' - Shearer analysis
Former England captain Alan Shearer, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live:

[Tottenham manager] Jose Mourinho has been so critical and vocal of how the Premier League handled their situation [game called off against Fulham] which I totally disagree with him.

You have to accept we're in strange and difficult times - if it has to be called off at whatever time then it has to be called off.

To then see some of his players breaking the rules and laws, particularly when millions of people are sacrificing so much not only in this country but around the world, Mourinho must be so angry.
 
Christian Eriksen is keen on returning to Tottenham this month with his former club interested in taking the Inter Milan midfielder on loan.
 
Jose Mourinho isn't expecting Dele Alli to leave Spurs this transfer window.
 
Big game tonight versus Liverpool which should provide evidence on whether they are title or top 4 contenders.
 
Tottenham's Harry Kane could be out for a "few weeks" after injuring both ankles in the Premier League defeat by Liverpool, says his boss Jose Mourinho.

Kane, 27, needed treatment on his left ankle after landing awkwardly following a challenge with Jordan Henderson.

The England captain also hurt his right ankle in an earlier challenge with Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

The striker, who has a history of ankle issues, continued before being replaced by Erik Lamela at half-time.

"The second injury was worse than the first one," said Mourinho. "He was coping with one but couldn't cope with both.

"For Harry to leave a game when the team is losing is not a nothing injury.

"There are some players you can't replace. When it happens it happens, but I believe we have to fight against it, we cannot do anything else."
 
Serge Aurier left Tottenham's stadium at half-time after being substituted

Serge Aurier left the Tottenham Hotspur stadium at half-time after being dragged off in the team’s defeat to Liverpool that saw Harry Kane injured.

Kane was forced off with injuries to both of his ankles at the break, while Aurier did not reappear for the restart after being replaced by Harry Winks.

It is understood the right-back left the ground in a move that will no doubt have angered head coach Jose Mourinho, who was forced to answer questions on whether or not there had been a half-time fall-out.

Aurier suffered a nightmare opening 45 minutes and was one of the players at fault for the sloppy goal Spurs conceded seconds before the half-time whistle, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris also blamed by television pundits.

Asked what the mood of his players was like at the break, Mourinho said: “It’s the mood of a team that it was difficult to accept you are losing, difficult to accept the nature of the goal because the goal is in some aspects a replica of the chance they had in the first minute.

“So it’s of course a mood where people are not happy - but then we have to move. Then Harry is injured and we need to try to do something. Unlucky that we started the second half conceding a goal.”

Mourinho, who confirmed Kane will be out “for a few weeks”, left the dressing-room early at half-time and was livid with Tottenham’s defending in their defeat, in which Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mane scored.

“It’s a performance totally affected by defensive individual mistakes,” said Jose. “The team was very solid, the team was very confident and in the first half we made three defensive mistakes, individual, in the first minute almost a goal, in the middle of the half, a Mane shot on the inside that Hugo saved and in the last minute for the goal.

“To go in losing 1-0 was very frustrating, especially the nature of the goal and at half-time to be losing 1-0 and to lose Harry was not easy. Even so the team comes to the second half with the intention to fight and the second goal, I don’t need to speak about it. Again, great reaction, great goal and another one, Firmino handball disallowed, but another one. And then the third goal, another one.

“The third goal hurt me because the third goal was a mistake by a kid that played very, very well. Joe Rodon played very, very well so I feel very sorry for him, but I’m very happy with his performance.”

On Kane’s injury, Mourinho said: “Two ankles, the first was a bad tackle, it was Thiago, the second one I didn't know well. But two injuries in both ankles, the second one worse than the first one - a few weeks, I don't know. There are some players you can't replace. When it happens it happens but I believe we have to fight against it, we cannot do anything else.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted with his team’s first Premier League win in six games, but suggested injuries to Fabinho and Joel Matip, who suffered ankle ligament damage, could force him to look at the transfer market.

“You can imagine we think about everything, of course,” said Klopp. “We thought about doing the right thing, but we need to find the right player.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/footbal...enham-hotspurs-stadium-half-time-substituted/
 
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says the Gareth Bale is getting 'better and better' and called on him to help during Harry Kane's injury absence.
 
Awful performance once again by Spurs.

Credit to Brighton, but Spurs players looked like they weren't interested.

Special One with work to do.
 
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Harry Kane should be back in action next week as he is recovering more quickly than expected from an ankle injury.

Striker Kane, 27, suffered injaTottenham boss Jose Mourinho says Harry Kane should be back in action next week as he is recovering more quickly than expected from an ankle injury.

Striker Kane, 27, suffered injuries to both ankles in the defeat by Liverpool last week.

"I think it's not [an overly] optimistic thing to say next week he should be playing," said Mourinho.

He could return against Everton in the FA Cup on Wednesday, 10 February, or Manchester City the following Saturday.

The England captain missed Sunday's defeat at Brighton, and will sit out the home Premier League games against Chelsea and West Brom.

Mourinho added: "He's happy with the progress and of course we're happy too.

"We were scared when it happened but next week we play Everton and Manchester City at the weekend - I believe for one of these matches he should be back."

Meanwhile, Mourinho revealed he held a conversation with Dele Alli on Tuesday after the midfielder was not allowed to leave on loan to Paris St-Germain.

The England international, 24, had been linked with a move away from the London club, with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly keen on taking him to the French side.

Alli has been largely frozen out under Mourinho this season, but the manager said: "I had a good conversation with him yesterday and we found very common ground, let's say.

"He needs to recover from his [tendon] injury. He needs to get back to training and have a fresh start because in the last few weeks he couldn't even join in training.

"It's not just Dele. It's Dele, Kane, Gio lo Celso. And without all three we miss a little bit of creation and magic in the attacking areas.

"We have a final to play in April so we need a good Dele back. And I believe that when physically he is ready I believe that mentally he will be in a good place to go for it."uries to both ankles in the defeat by Liverpool last week.
 
Spurs will never be the real deal until they spend some serious money in the transfer market. Dele Alli has not progressed like I had hoped, Kane is injury prone and Gareth Bale has been very poor during his second stint. Mourinho as always will blame poor decisions against his side instead of ever accepting his own team's shortcomings. One player I really like is Son, Mr Klopp should take note:haha
 
Another awful display from Spurs tonight.

Kane was missing, but even taking that into account, they were terrible.
 
Harry Kane Team are the gift that never stops giving. Inexcusable, really, given their expenditure in the current climate
 
Paris St-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing his former Tottenham goalkeeper, 34-year-old France captain Hugo Lloris. (Football Insider)
 
Jose Mourinho criticised his "big players" for "hiding" during their defeat to Arsenal and questioned Michael Oliver after what he deemed "a mistake" awarding a penalty.
 
One team I have mostly hated watching this season because of Mourinho.

There is so much flair, skill and attacking options, yet week after week Mourinho plays such a dull and negative brand of football.

I wonder what the likes of Kane think of it.
 
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