BBC

Whisper it quietly, but could Spurs finally be on their way back?

Tottenham's 2-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday moved them up to the heady heights of 12th in the Premier League - their highest league position since 2 January.

And, after back-to-back 17th-placed finishes, there are growing signs Roberto de Zerbi's side are showing there is real light at the end of a pretty dark tunnel.

Saturday's impressive win at Stamford Bridge was just the second time they have won two league games in a row in 42 attempts - inspired by starring roles from James Maddison and Mathys Tel.

It was also the first time they have enjoyed as much as 68% possession in a match since April 2025.

The win was deserved too, although Chelsea certainly gave them a helping hand with goalkeeper Mike Penders punching the opener into his own net and Cole Palmer sent off for two yellow cards.

Spurs had taken seven attempts to get their first league win of the season against Coventry on Monday and on Saturday they looked transformed from the side that did not even score a goal until September 1.

It left De Zerbi glowing with positivity, despite another injury setback for Maddison, as he highlighted a team meeting earlier this month that sparked their revival in fortunes.

"Seven points after Manchester. Before Manchester we spoke a lot, we had a big meeting," he said. "We removed the masks and spoke honestly and clearly in front of ourselves. From that moment, I think something started to change within us.

"I think we have put something different into Tottenham in the last period. Not a different attitude, but different relationships with the players, different relationships within the group.

"We have changed the spirit of the group and improved the performances of the players, especially some of the more fragile players, maybe the younger players. We have suffered enough."

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "A dream afternoon for Tottenham. They looked controlled, looked at ease, they looked like they were comfortable on the ball.

"Results like this galvanise a side. When you look at the players coming back, yes Maddison got injured and he'll be a question mark over the next few weeks, but players coming back, momentum coming back - you feel, and say it quietly, Tottenham might just be coming back."

Italian De Zerbi was appointed Spurs boss at the end of March 2026 with the club in crisis.

He arrived as the club's third manager of the campaign and, with seven games remaining, Tottenham were just one point clear of the drop zone.

After securing safety, albeit after a few scares, the club spent more than £300m on summer signings for the first time in their history as they backed De Zerbi to restore them to former glories.

And, after a slow start to the campaign and still lacking firepower in attack, the long-suffering Tottenham fans will be left feeling more positive than they have done for a long time.

"Tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance," former Arsenal defender Martin Keown told BBC Sport.

"I thought Maddison was magnificent in midfield. He's like the Artful Dodger, isn't he? That midfield is full of mischief, but he's brave against the ball.

"I thought Tel was magnificent out on the left-hand side, [Mohammed] Kudus on the right was also really effective, and everybody really managed to handle the ball really well on the night.

"Spurs had almost 70% possession, which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table. I think what's changed for Spurs is the key personnel."

De Zerbi ran on to the pitch to celebrate with the travelling supporters at the final whistle, while his coaches and substitutes raced towards the players in the corner of the ground.

He has previously spoken of how he inherited players that cried after matches and lost all confidence - and believed his unprecedented control over the summer transfers was vindication for Spurs from last season.

It was fitting that Tel, who has attracted criticism from his own supporters since arriving from Bayern Munich for £30m in June 2025, provided the decisive moment to seal just a second league success in 36 years at Chelsea - a stunning low finish after a driving run.

The French forward, 21, told Sky Sports: "It is very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win. We showed great mentality today and we need to enjoy this win.

"We created a lot of chances today. We walk out together, the goal is something special for me, I'm happy about it and let's keep pushing now."

Summer signing Matheus Fernandes added: "We are here to change the club's mentality, we want to beat the top teams, and make this victory for the fans."

In the summer, Spurs twice broke their transfer record with three of their first signings, as they added centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, Fernandes from West Ham and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle.

And all three impressed De Zerbi against Chelsea as he added: "Jan Paul van Hecke played very well, Matheus Fernandes played very well, Sandro Tonali played very well.

"I think it was Tonali's best game since joining Tottenham. Omar Marmoush played a good game. It was a tough game for him, but he fought in the right way.

"Mathys Tel played very well too. I think we won the game with our two wingers, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel. They made the difference."

It was notable Fernandes, 22, was criticised by his manager last month.

The return of Maddison, who missed almost all of last season with a serious knee injury, was key in Monday's 3-1 home victory over Coventry City - and he again looked impressive before being withdrawn in the second half with a suspected groin injury.

"I don't think it is a very important problem," said De Zerbi. "I hope it is not a big problem. He is a special player for us. We need him."

Maddison is part of a returning group of players, including Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski, who are making comebacks from lengthy absences.

Spurs are now unbeaten in three games, with back-to-back victories following the 1-1 draw at Manchester United in which they were arguably the better side.

As well as the team meeting before the Old Trafford encounter, Spurs enjoyed a warm-weather training camp in Marbella, where heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua paid them a visit.

It feels as though some semblance of the old Spurs is returning, although they remain unconvincing in attack with just eight goals in as many games.

Manchester City loanee Marmoush misfired again and his replacement Dominic Solanke was underwhelming in previous matches, while Richarlison has been frozen out in the reserves after being left out of their Premier League squad.

But after this notable derby victory at Chelsea - earning a clean sheet there too for the first time since 1986 - it felt like the first part of De Zerbi's rebuild is well under way.

Tottenham claim just their second victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 36 years, winning 2-0 as the hosts finish with 10 men after a red card for Cole Palmer.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League - Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi describes his side's 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as "the best since he arrived at the club", adding the win was special given it was against their local rivals.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League - Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Goalkeeper Mike Penders endured a difficult first Premier League start, scoring an own goal as Chelsea lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham, the 21-year-old punching the ball into his own net.

Cole Palmer was then sent off before winger Mathys Tel sealed victory with a spectacular dribble and finish in the 87th minute, as Spurs won at Stamford Bridge for only the second time in 42 visits.

Here's how I rated the players, and how you rated the players.

Mike Penders: Assured was the word for the 21-year-old goalkeeper on his first start in place of the injured Emiliano Martinez. That was until a cross came in and he calamitously punched a corner into his own net, before letting in Tel's strike at his near post. 4

Josh Acheampong: Having started seven of Chelsea's 10 games in all competitions this season, Acheampong is emerging as a reliable member of the backline. Defended well and seldom looked troubled. 6

Maxence Lacroix: The France international made several important interventions during spells when Chelsea were under pressure. 6

Levi Colwill: Colwill looked at his physical best as part of an increasingly settled backline. 6

Pedro Neto: Arguably Chelsea's standout performer. Excellent defensively, winning the ball back high up the pitch on several occasions, while also posing a threat going forward. Saw a well-struck effort saved in the second half. 7

Moises Caicedo: Like Neto, one of Chelsea's best performers. Constantly won possession and disrupted Tottenham's rhythm, particularly through his battles with James Maddison before the midfielder was forced off. 8

Jordan Henderson: Should perhaps have made more of Chelsea's best first-half chance in the 36th minute, but otherwise carried out his responsibilities effectively in midfield. 6

Jorrel Hato: A quiet evening in which he appeared more focused on containing Mohammed Kudus than supporting attacks. Taken off in the 65th minute. 5

Cole Palmer: Contributed well defensively and in Chelsea's press. Tested Kinsky with a curling effort and was involved in several promising moves, but could not provide a decisive moment. Palmer was sent off for a late tackle on Gallagher, having been booked for causing a flashpoint by pushing over Fernandes, in nine minutes of ill-discipline. 4

Geovany Quenda: Making his first Chelsea start in place of Joao Pedro, Quenda began on the left wing and won an early free-kick. However, he struggled to make a significant attacking impact and was taken off in the 72nd minute. 6

Morgan Rogers: Looked less effective operating as a striker but still combined well with Palmer and forced a good save. Like Palmer and Quenda, he lacked the decisive touch in the final third. 6

Subs:

Marco Palestra (on 65, Hato): The wing-back was involved in the physical battle. 6

Estevao Willian (on 72, Quenda): Immediately made an impact by hitting a shot into the side-netting. 6

Subs not used: Sharman-Lowe, Fofana, Gusto, Nicoll-Jazuli, Barco, Lavia, Welbeck

Antonin Kinsky: Two poor kicks put his side under pressure in the first half and he almost let a Rogers shot slip through his grasp in the rain, but got away with it. 5

Archie Gray: A solid performance without catching the eye, although the midfielder-turned-defender kept Quenda quiet for much of the game. 6

Jan-Paul van Hecke: Particularly assured on the ball despite the difficult conditions, bringing composure to those around him in defence. The big defender put pressure on Penders for the goal. 7

Micky van de Ven: Equally impressive in possession and the most adventurous member of the backline when carrying the ball forward. 7

Andy Robertson: On his 300th Premier League start, the Scotland full-back looked shaky early on but grew into the game and made an impact at both ends of the pitch. 7

Mateus Fernandes: Gave the ball away in a dangerous area for Chelsea's first effort on goal, but deserves credit for his work as the deepest midfielder in a controlled away performance against top-six opposition. His corner led to the goal. 7

Sandro Tonali: Blazed a long-range effort over the bar late in the first half and was steady without ever truly influencing the contest. 6

James Maddison: Struggled to impose himself in the number 10 role in a fast-paced encounter and found it difficult to shake off the attentions of an aggressive Caicedo. His evening ended with injury in the 51st minute. 5

Mohammed Kudus: The Ghana winger curled a good effort wide in the first half and linked play effectively in attack. 6

Omar Marmoush: The Egypt forward squandered a good opportunity in the 29th minute with a mis-kick. More generally, he looked indecisive in the final third. 5

Mathys Tel: Scored a wondergoal for his first Premier League goal of the season to seal victory against 10-man Spurs. He had played well in the run-up to the big moment. 8

Subs:

Conor Gallagher (on 51, Maddison): Added a competitive edge to the midfield in his time on the pitch, involved in Palmer being sent off, a good impact from the bench. 7

Dominic Solanke (on 65, Marmoush): Stretched Chelsea with his ability to run in behind the defence. 6

Pedro Porro (on 65, Gray): A quiet outing on his return from a hamstring injury. 6

Subs not used: Dubravka, Senesi, Davies, Olusesi, Kulusevski, Williams-Barnett

Women's Super League  BBC

Tottenham manager Martin Ho says Women's Super League referees "need more support" as he vented his frustration over a controversial penalty decision in their derby defeat by Arsenal.

A 2-1 win for the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday was settled by Alessia Russo's spot-kick in the 56th minute.

Referee Phoebe Cross awarded the decision after Lisa Baum's shot bounced off the post and Cathinka Tandberg's clearance hit Spurs team-mate Ella Morris' outstretched hand.

According to the laws, if the ball hits a hand after it was played by a team-mate, a penalty should not be awarded.

Ho said: "My interpretation of the rule is if your team-mate hits it and your team-mate is one yard away, time and distance is taken into account and it's not a penalty.

"That's what we were told at the start of the season in the referee's meeting. I asked the question, 'how is it [a penalty] from that distance?' They couldn't give me an answer on the pitch.

"I said I would come and speak to them after the game because I want to understand it, I want to understand what they're seeing. Then I can accept a decision that is there. When that decides a game, it's frustrating, because it's not within the laws of the game."

Arsenal's victory over Tottenham on Saturday meant more than usual.

It was not just a win against their rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but a first in six Women's Super League matches and a huge release of pressure.

Upon hearing the final whistle, confirming their 2-1 success, Arsenal's players ran towards their supporters in the away end to celebrate passionately.

It was a visible show of emotion, a moment of relief and a sense things could finally be turning in their favour after a disappointing WSL start where they had beaten only Brighton.

Could it now be the catalyst to repair a campaign that looked to have been derailed in just two months.

Arsenal started the day in the bottom half of the table, four points off fourth-placed Tottenham and 12 points behind leaders Manchester City.

With their title ambitions in ruins, manager Renee Slegers was facing weekly questions about her future and defeat by Spurs could have been the last straw.

Confidence was at an all-time low and a high-stakes north London derby was not the ideal game to go into with no momentum.

The nerves were obvious as there were misplaced passes, poor clearances and sloppy errors in a disjointed first half.

Tottenham had even taken the lead, although they held it for just four minutes as Georgia Stanway's powerful strike cancelled out a header from Cathinka Tandberg.

When asked what she said to the players at half-time, boss Slegers revealed: "I just gave constructive and tactical things that could help us to get the win, and remind us about the fight and intensity on the pitch.

"It was a real derby. The team were in a good place and were finding solutions themselves. It was just constructive messaging."

Arsenal were much better in the second half, putting more pressure on Tottenham and getting the winning goal they needed.

Referee Phoebe Cross pointed to the spot when Lisa Baum's shot bounced off the post and Tandberg's clearance hit the outstretched hand of her Spurs team-mate Ella Morris nearby.

Alessia Russo, who had failed to convert a big chance just moments earlier, made no mistake the second time around and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Lize Kop.

She roared in celebration and sprinted towards the away fans - an outburst of emotion that was replicated at full-time by England team-mate Leah Williamson.

Slegers stood back as her players enjoyed the adulation from supporters. They had finally delivered a win and the fans had something to sing about.

"I'm so happy we got it for them. We said we would play for the fans. We played for them and connected with them," said Slegers.

"We sold out the away section, they came in the rain and sang and fought with us throughout the game.

"At the end, it was scrappy and it was game management and they were all there with us.

"You could see how the team responded and how they were with the fans. It was pure joy and happiness. We want to capitalise on these emotions."

It was the perfect result, but never easy.

Former Arsenal defender Gilly Flaherty told BBC One the visitors were "causing their own problems" in an unconvincing first half and they took time to settle.

They showed nervousness and had to cling on at the end, relying on a stroke of luck and a controversial refereeing decision to get them over the line.

But it was not undeserved and Slegers made the decision at full-time to show their feelings and celebrate with supporters in a different way, having abandoned their familiar post-match team huddle in the centre of the pitch.

"The fans were on our minds. We wanted to play for something bigger, not only for ourselves. That is always a balance," she said.

One Gunners fan told BBC Sport at half-time: "It's 1-1 but Arsenal look very nervy in and out of possession. Another week, another formation, another different starting XI. All feels so desperate and out of control."

Slegers showed understanding of their frustration as she added: "We normally do a huddle on the pitch but we decided to just go to the fans instead.

"Actions speak louder than words. There was not much more talking to do so we just wanted to celebrate with them.

"We had a run of games where results haven't been good enough. It was frustrating for everyone. This will definitely energise us."

Slegers is pleased Arsenal are set to embark on a busy period with their next game in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday against Benfica.

They have four home games in November and a trip to Barcelona - all good opportunities to build momentum.

Their WSL title hopes may be gone, but a top-three finish is imperative to secure European football next season.

"We need to back this up in the next couple of games. There were some really good things for us on the pitch," said Slegers.

"We want to be more consistent but this was a really good step. It's positive energy we want to capitalise on, but it's only a step."

'We have to take responsibility'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Chelsea

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think that there were many different moments in the game. First half I wanted more intensity. We wanted high pressing but we were not strong enough in duels.

"We had some kind of chances in the first half and in the second half, we talked and we started a bit better. We had a good chance with Pedro [Neto]. We had spoken about how important the first goal would be and when they scored I felt 'ah, this is not what we wanted'.

"Straightaway almost, came the red card. Disappointed with the result and we have to be honest with the performance, we could have played better."

On the performance: "There were moments we planned to be more aggressive and with the ball we lacked a little bit of composure to give more passes. It was about it being a derby and going through difficult moments that you need to manage.

"One key moment was the first goal."

On Mike Penders' mistake: "This is football. It is about doing great things and dealing with difficult moments. We will support Mike. We come together from these moments."

On missing Joao Pedro: "It would be so easy to talk about the players we're missing but with the squad that we have, we believe we can do better with the team that we have.

"We have to be self-critical and take responsibility."

On Cole Palmer red card: "I have to check. It was hard for everyone to deal with 1-0 when the game was so close. It affected a bit our emotional control."

'This is a benchmark'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham defender Andy Robertson, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "Stamford Bridge is a difficult place to come and it always is for every team that comes here, and obviously it's a London derby and things like that so it adds to it but I just think the most pleasing thing was how we played, how we went about our business today.

"Everyone was outstanding and then you get the rewards for that and the result you deserve because it's not always happened this season. We've probably played better than what our results suggested and we got the result Monday and we wanted to really kick on from that.

"I think today was our best performance of the season."

On what Tottenham were doing right today: "We believed in ourselves and I think that was key we cam here and believed we could get the result and I think we showed that from minute one.

"We were comfortable on the ball, we played through their high press, we were aggressive when we didn't have the ball and believed we'd come here and get the result and that's what we've been working on and trying to get through the whole changing room.

"It's just about the belief because we have the quality, I think nobody denies that when they look at the squad."

Was belief more important or as important than any tactics today? "Of course, we've always been a good set up in terms of what we try and do and the different things we try and do in every single game. I think tactically, we've always been there but maybe the belief within it hasn't always been there.

"Thankfully it all pieced together today."

Are we seeing Roberto de Zerbi's Spurs now? "We've seen it today and I think that's all we can say just now because we hope that it is but it's up to us to go and do it now. I think today was exactly how the manager wants us to play in every single game.

"That's the benchmark now - it's just one-off performance we've done against Chelsea, sent our fans home happy and don't kick on. This is a benchmark and we have to keep pushing."

'A big Tottenham statement'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Martin Keown

Former England defender on Final Score

Tottenham have made a big statement in a really convincing performance. Whether it was the win on Monday night that sparked something, or just what this fixture means to the players – it’s always been a bit feisty, shall we say? I think they stood up to it really well.

I thought Maddison was magnificent in midfield. He's like the Artful Dodger, isn't he? That midfield is full of mischief, but he's brave against the ball. He sets the tone, and he got them all playing really well.

I thought Tel was magnificent out on the left-hand side, Kudus on the right was also really effective, and everybody really managed to handle the ball really well on the night. Spurs had almost 70% possession, which is remarkable for a team which was just a few places from the bottom of the table.

I think what’s changed for Spurs is the key personnel. De Zerbi said just a few weeks ago that this team lacks personality, lacks character. So, he put Maddison in, he took a gamble. Maybe he could have managed his minutes better because he's now injured. But he’ll be thinking, ‘Ok, that's paid off, it's got the momentum going’ - they've got a vital win. He has to take gambles and it's paid off – as long as Maddison is not out for too long, because he's really important to what they do.

'You have to run, to fight - and we did'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think we deserved to win. The players worked very well, prepared very well the game. This morning, yesterday, all days in the last week and the qualities of the players are very clear.

"I'm happy for the spirit of the players. I think we have to change the last part of the history of our club. I would like to follow in this way."

On fight spiriting: "Football is the quality of the play, the quality of the players, for sure, but it is a competition. It is a fight. You have to run, you have to fight, you have to arrive first to the second ball. You have to win the duels and we did."

On tactics: "We knew Chelsea play very well, they have clear organisation, clear structure on the pitch. We prepared our players with two midfielders and James Maddison with freedom, where he smells the right position."

On James Maddison injury: "He played very well while he was on the pitch then [Conor] Gallagher played with different characteristics. Different style but he played very well.

"James is a different player. He feels football, he understands football. It is easier for me when you have a player of his talent.

"I think it is not a big problem. We have to see."

On Mathys Tel: "Mathys needs to play to understand football, become calmer but he is a big talent."

On confidence after a big win: "I think it is important for the players to belief more in themselves because their qualities are very high. We are happy for the fans, first of all, because we know what it means to beat Chelsea and for the club as well.

"In the last years they suffered, like the fans, they believe in this project, in this group and I'm happy for them."

Best performance? "With Tottenham, of course."

'We can do better'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Chelsea

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports: "We are all disappointed with the result, with the performance collectively and individually we were not at our best level.

"It was about the first goal and it went their way and with 10 men it was difficult but we can do better.

"Chances were the main thing, they had few and we had few. We spoke at half time we had to be patient and be mature.

"We can do better.

"We wanted to have this fluidity in the middle. We wanted the pockets filed with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. There were situations but overall we have to do better."

On Mike Penders own goal: "We feel for everyone, it is a team thing, a collective. We have to move on."

On Cole Palmer's two yellow cards: "I haven't seen them."

'Now it is a complete team'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a big moment for the fans, the club and the players also. They deserved this win, they prepared very well. We are improving a lot, we are improving in the mentality, in the group and the relationships with the players and then we are improving on the pitch.

"Against Aston Villa, Everton for 30 minutes we were playing very well. Maybe no goals, no finishing good enough to score and maybe in the first bad moment we changed mentality. Now it is a complete team. The players are playing better, we improved in the style.

"When we stay for dinner and stay together in the dressing room I see a different group, a different relationship and different atmosphere among the players.

"The character was today great but we have many, many new players. The players who stayed here last season, two or three seasons ago, they suffered the last results, two times 17th position, we are working to change the last part of the history of the club. We are lucky because we have many great people in the dressing room, many great players. I think if we work hard we can do something important.

"I have to believe for sure in this group. I never lost the confidence in my players. The week in Marbella, to speak better face to face, to open ourselves and remove the mask it is important. It is important for the spirit, the belief. The atmosphere inside the dressing room is maybe more important than the tactics."

On James Maddison: "Who loves football, loves James Maddison. He is a special player. I said in the dressing room James let me know the problem because we need you. Gallagher played well when he came into the side, we have many, many great players.

"It depends on his physical condition. Maddison is an unbelievable player."

'We are here to change the club's mentality'

FT: Chelsea 0-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Mateus Fernandes and Mathys Tel spoke to Sky Sports post-match.

Tel on whether it was a special moment: "It's a very special because we have come to Chelsea so many times and not got a win. We showed great mentality today and we need to enjoy this win."

Tel on his goal: "We created a lot of chances today, we walk out together, the goal is something special for me, I'm happy about it and lets keep pushing now."

Fernandes on settling in at the club: "It takes time, I always believe in me and my team-mates. We always play well, but when we play like this we're very happy."

Fernandes on making Spurs history with the win: "We are here to change the clubs mentality, we want to beat the top teams, and make this victory for the fans."

Fernandes on his first game since becoming a dad: "I want to give a big support to my family, my girlfriend and my new son. I'm very happy like I said, something I have worked to be ready for."

Women's Super League  BBC

'A wonderful finish'

Aston Villa 1-0 Man City

Lucy Ward

Former Leeds striker on TNT Sports

What a wonderful finish that is, Nicolas Jackson has settled here at Villa.

City make a mistake and Villa are up there with the intensity. Quick thinking from John McGinn, and it's a really good finish from Jackson.

GOAL - Aston Villa 1-0 Man City

Nicolas Jackson (6 mins)

Well you can't say that hasn't been coming!

It's poor from Marc Guehi as he mis controls the ball, taking a touch before it ricochets off his other leg and John McGinn pounces before finding Nicolas Jackson.

He picks his spot and slots into the bottom corner. It's turning into a good season for Jackson.

'It's a huge challenge against the best team in the league'

Aston Villa v Man City (12:30 BST)

Aston Villa

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, speaking to TNT Sports on taking confidence from his side's Champions League win against Viking on Wednesday: "Every game we are playing is giving us more information about how we can get stronger and how we can feel more comfortable collectively and deliver it.

"The European matches we've played and won were fantastic but now the Premier League is our priority so hope we can use those matches to improve, and show today against the best team is a huge, huge challenge today we have."

On Man City: "They are a team who play trying to dominate, trying to impose positioning, skills, structure tactically with the ball so we must be so intense in our focus and action individually, duels and recovery playing in our structure.

"When we can have the ball, try as well to have momentum, dominating, keeping the ball and trying to stop them and trying to threaten them. It's a huge challenge collectively and individually against the best team in the league."

On Johan Manzambi: "Each match he's playing with us is experience. It's an opportunity to give us his skills, his good work in his task, he's very important to us tactically how we are collectively thinking.

"His quality is there, how he is understanding better and better playing matches our structure tactically, his task is very, very important."

'Manzambi is like a Swiss army knife'

Aston Villa v Man City (12:30 BST)

Owen Hargreaves

Former Manchester United midfielder on TNT Sports

Johan Manzambi is like a Swiss army knife, he can do everything. If you could create a player this kid has got everything.

Every time he steps up he just gets better. He has potential do anything he wants in the game, he could be one of the best in the world if he wants to be.

Cherki 'one of best players in Europe'

Aston Villa v Man City (12:30 BST)

Manchester City spent half of their Champions League match against AEK Athens showboating and Rayan Cherki was at the forefront of that.

In a comfortable 5-1 win against the Greek side on Tuesday, Cherki showed off his skills in front of a delighted home crowd.

Former City boss Pep Guardiola expressed his dislike of trickery for the sake of it and Enzo Maresca seemed to agree. But he has also said Cherki is currently "one of the best players in Europe".

The Frenchman has started this season in impressive fashion for City, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 11 matches so far.

"I like when the players are happy, 100%," said Maresca. "I also like simple things.

"The most difficult thing in football is to do the easy things - don't complicate it. Sometimes players that are so good like Rayan, they can do that. In this moment, Rayan is one of the best players in Europe.

"When he is in the right position - that means when we are able to find him between the lines - he is always dangerous and he has the quality in the box.

"If we are able to keep him there and find him between the lines and in the right position, he is one of the best players in Europe."