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EFL Trophy round-up: Wins for Exeter City and Huddersfield Town

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EFL Trophy round-up: Wins for Exeter City and Huddersfield Town - BBC
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Exeter City saw off Tottenham Hotspur U21 and Huddersfield Town came back to win at Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophy.

League Two Exeter broke the deadlock 10 minutes before half-time when deadline day signing Danny Rose swiveled and found the back of the net for his first goal for the club.

Taylor Perry went close to doubling the hosts' advantage but he could only sting the palms of Spurs keeper Jacob Knightbridge.

Alfie Dorrington could have equalised for the visitors but his low effort was kept out well by Frankie Phillips before Reiss Elliot-Parris spurned an even better chance over the bar from close range.

But Exeter sealed the win late on when Louie Cayless reacted quickest to Josh Gordon's header across goal to turn home with four minutes remaining and put the win beyond doubt.

In the all-League One tie in South Yorkshire it was the home side, winless in the league this season, who took the lead before the break when Leon Ayinde hammered in for his first goal for the club after joining from Ipswich Town this summer.

Huddersfield, who have won three and drawn two of their league games, levelled when teenage debutant Jamie Spencer curled in a fine effort just moments after coming off the bench.

Martin Drury's side completed the comeback in the 74th minute when defender Josh Low headed in from a Cameron Humphreys corner and Lasse Sorensen capped off the victory three minutes later.

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Tottenham news: Roberto de Zerbi should 'take responsibility' - Chris Sutton

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Tottenham news: Roberto de Zerbi should 'take responsibility' - Chris Sutton - BBC
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BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club has been discussing Tottenham's start to the season, with Chris Sutton asking when boss Roberto de Zerbi is going to "take responsibility" for results against a background of the amount of money spent.

Spurs are in the bottom three having picked up just one point from their opening three league games, and are yet to score a goal in the competition - though they did put five past Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup second round.

"I've not seen those comments if he has done, but he's made a fair few excuses so far this season," said former Premier League striker Sutton.

"After the Brentford defeat, he spoke about their lack of physicality and then threw the forwards under the bus after Nottingham Forest. He's spent a lot of money.

"When he went to Brighton he changed things around pretty quickly and you saw his stamp on that particular team. At this moment in time, I don't think any of us can work out what Tottenham are or what they're trying to become.

"So, surely he has to do better? If you're a Spurs fan, you can think it will take time because of all the change which has happened in terms of bringing personnel in, but you also have to marry that with the money they've spent and think we should be doing better.

"I don't think that's unfair - but three games is very difficult to judge.

"Spurs fans would have expected to see more than they have and that's De Zerbi's problem."

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head - BBC
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Tottenham Hotspur have only lost one of their last 17 Premier League home games against Everton (W12 D4), winning their last five since a 0-1 defeat in September 2020.

Everton lost both Premier League meetings with Tottenham Hotspur last season by an aggregate score of 4-0, but have never lost three in a row to Spurs without scoring in their league history.

Tottenham are one of three teams yet to score in the Premier League this season along with Aston Villa and Coventry City. Spurs have never failed to score in any of their first four league games in a single campaign before.

Tottenham Hotspur have failed to score in any of their three Premier League games this season. They last went four without a goal in August/September 2006, a run which included a 2-0 home loss to Everton.

Everton remain unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season (W1 D2), netting stoppage time equalisers in their last two games. However, the Toffees are winless in their last six away league games, alternating between defeat (3) and a draw (3) each time.

Only Brighton (34) and Crystal Palace (32) have forced more high turnovers than Everton (28) in the Premier League this season, with the Toffees’ seven shots following a high turnover the joint-most so far.

Tottenham’s only win and clean sheet in their last 12 Premier League home games came against Everton on the final day of 2025-26 (D4 L7). Their next loss will be their 50th at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur have made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League this season, the most of any side and their joint-most in the first three games of a campaign in the competition (also 8 in 2011-12).

Spurs’ Mathys Tel has completed more dribbles than any other player in the Premier League this season (10).

Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored on his Premier League debut for Everton last time out, having netted in just one of his previous 109 appearances in the competition. Only three players have scored in both of their first two for Everton – Brian McBride (2003), Romelu Lukaku (2013) and Richarlison (2018).

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham: Neco Williams handball shown in new angle

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham: Neco Williams handball shown in new angle - BBC
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Neco Williams handball: New video - which VAR did not have - shows ball hitting arms

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Neco Williams handball: New video - which VAR did not have - shows ball hitting arms - BBC
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New video footage has been released that shows the ball coming off Neco Williams' arm in the lead-up to his disallowed goal in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Nottingham Forest defender bundled the ball home in the 67th minute but video assistant referee Peter Bankes stepped in to rule out the goal for accidental handball.

Williams and Forest manager Oliver Glasner were adamant after the match that there was no proof the ball touched an arm.

While the footage vindicates the VAR's decision, it may not end the arguments about the decision to rule out the goal.

It has been a tough couple of days for Bankes, because while the VAR was 100% confident he had made the correct decision, it has attracted intense media scrutiny.

He will now feel vindicated - but there is one important distinction to make.

The new camera angle was not one of those available to Bankes during the game - so it is unlikely to end the anger from Forest fans over the validity of the intervention, even if we know the VAR was ultimately correct.

On the new footage, Williams touches the ball with his left arm then his right forearm before it goes into the net.

The VAR hub only has access to the broadcast cameras, and this camera was one of several which does not transmit as part of match coverage.

Bankes believed the proof on the angles he had available came from the ripple of Williams' shirt as the ball touched his right forearm.

Former midfielder Danny Murphy said on Match of the Day he could understand the argument for the handball but was not convinced the goal should have been ruled out.

"It's a really tricky one," Murphy said. "Maybe it could be a tiny bit on his sleeve or right forearm. But is it clear and obvious? No. That's the answer."

BBC Sport understands that Pro Ref - the new name for the refereeing body that was previously called Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) - is completely happy with the decision to rule out the goal.

There is irritation within Pro Ref about how the story has developed, partly because Williams was so unequivocal that the ball had not touched his arm - when there is now evidence to the contrary.

"I've seen the images and the replays and at not one moment did I think I handballed it," Williams told Sky Sports.

"I have seen all the images and at not one moment can you tell that has clearly hit my arms, because it never. I knew straight away I've headed it down in between my arms. It didn't hit my arm."

The feeling is that if Williams had not been so certain with his comments that the criticism would not have been as strong.

The new evidence also shows the ball did not touch his head, although because it all happened in a split second it is conceivable he was not aware of that.

Nottingham Forest have been approached for comment.

Much of the commentary on the incident has centred around the VAR not having evidence of a clear and obvious error as a reason to disallow the goal.

Glasner mentioned it and Williams posted on X to that effect too.

But clear and obvious errors only cover subjective incidents - those that require the referee to go to the pitchside monitor to review an incident.

Factual interventions, such as handball before a goal, are evidence-based judgements made by the VAR.

If the VAR feels they have the proof of an offence, they will disallow the goal.

For all Forest's disquiet, there are plenty of people who believe you can see the handball, and Bankes was clearly one of those.

It shows one of the issues with VAR that can never be solved - even the factual interventions like this are, in truth, subjective. It is one person's judgement that others can disagree with.

A case in point is Benjamin Sesko's goal for Manchester United against Liverpool last season.

The ball looked as if it might have brushed the fingertips of the Slovenia striker before going into the goal, but the VAR Stuart Attwell felt he could not be certain and allowed the goal to stand.

Referees' chief Howard Webb later said the ball "probably does hit the hand" but "the VARs need to see that conclusively".

Attwell did not feel he had proof, but Bankes did.

During pre-season media briefings, Webb said attacking handball was one law he would change - which would mean goals like Williams' would not be ruled out based upon the original evidence.

"The problem is the law forces VARs on every goal to look at what body part the ball went in off," Webb said.

"If you were only to penalise when the attacker deliberately handles the ball or makes himself unjustifiably big - and not have that forensic examination - you could 'check complete' it more quickly.

"It is a law I would definitely look to change. So Pro Ref and the Premier League are going to try and lobby for that to be changed."

VAR is being operated with a lighter touch this season. So far there have been just two subjective interventions at 0.06 per game, compared to 0.15 last season.

However the generally negative narrative around VAR and the tribal nature of football mean its involvement in key incidents attracts widespread attention.

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Tottenham: Do De Zerbi's 'football manager' comments 'ring hollow'?

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Tottenham: Do De Zerbi's 'football manager' comments 'ring hollow'? - BBC
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The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says Roberto de Zerbi's comments that "you can't just build the team with the names like in Football Manager" after his Tottenham side drew against Nottingham Forest on Saturday "ring a little bit hollow".

After a goalless draw at the City Ground left Spurs still searching for a first win of the season, head coach De Zerbi also told Sky Sports Spurs "have to improve in every part of football, organisation with and without the ball".

Spurs spent over £300m on new players over the summer with new additions Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, Savio and Omar Marmoush all starting on Saturday.

"The words ring a little bit hollow from De Zerbi and not for the first time," said Edwards.

"He said it's not like Football Manager and you don't buy players and just expect them to be a team. Well, actually that's your job.

"That is what you're supposed to do - build a team with your recruitment.

"They have spent heavily, he is under early season pressure. They were better against Nottingham Forest and I maintain they will get better and improve but it has been a really poor start to the season.

"If that Neco Williams goal stood it would have been three straight defeats to start the season after all the money they spent this summer.

"De Zerbi is not renowned for his calm under pressure and the pressure is already building. Lets sit back and watch the fireworks."

Spurs fans, we want to know how you're feeling after a difficult start to De Zerbi's first full season in charge? How concerned are you with the lack of creativity? And what do you think about the Italian's comments and touchline demeanour?

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham: Fan views on Premier League game

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham: Fan views on Premier League game - BBC
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Peter: The VAR call was ridiculous but at least we didn't lose. My biggest concern is our poor form at the City Ground. Is it now one win in our past 11 league games? We have to improve at home if we're to progress this season.

Sean: Going forward, our passing was crisp and precise and we should have put more away before the disallowed goal. I've got concerns about our defending, though, as we always seem to leave too much space or get into a situation where it feels like a last-gasp or hanging-on style of defending. A point is a point at least, and the signs are looking a lot better in terms of our performance. Liam Delap could be the signing of the season for us.

Tony: Forest were good enough for three points. Everyone is agreeing that there was no clear and obvious error in the referee's original decision but no-one has mentioned that, when the ball went over the line, neither of the Spurs defenders appealed for handball.

James: Poor VAR decisions throughout. Goal should have stood, we should have had a penalty and Spurs got away with some rough challenges. But we still shuld have done better.

Spurs fans

Trev: Some improvement in defence against an average opposition. Disappointed at the performance in central midfield, where there were very few quick, intelligent passes. Pedro Porro was good as usual. Mathys Tel lacked incisiveness on the left, allowing the opposition too much time.

Neil: Nothing to panic about. Anyone who has objectively watched all three games can see the improvement in each. I'm expecting a win against Everton on Saturday. My son is being born on Tuesday and it will be the first game he watches. That's got to bring us some luck... right?

Ricky: We are in another relegation battle. It's obvious to see on the pitch that none of our expensive new signings are fully committed to the club. We should have saved our money and kept Luke Vuskovic, Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear rather than invest in players that Manchester City, Chelsea and Brighton were more than happy to sell to us!

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Women's Super League highlights: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 West Ham United

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Women's Super League highlights: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 West Ham United - BBC
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Tottenham 3-1 West Ham: Kirsty Hanson scores twice on debut as Spurs open WSL season with win

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Tottenham 3-1 West Ham: Kirsty Hanson scores twice on debut as Spurs open WSL season with win - BBC
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BBC Sport journalist

Kirsty Hanson scored twice on her debut as Tottenham eased to a Women's Super League opening-game win over West Ham.

Hanson was the third-highest scorer in the WSL last season for Aston Villa, before joining Spurs in the summer - and she picked up where she left off with Spurs' second goal at Brisbane Road on the half-hour mark.

Signe Gaupset was allowed to carry the ball deep into the West Ham half with minimal challenge before feeding through Hanson, whose shot clipped the foot of West Ham goalkeeper Constance Picaud before looping and bouncing into the net.

Gaupset had earlier given Spurs the lead after 18 minutes, scuffing a volley in off the far post following a cross headed back across the box by Julie Blakstad.

Hanson made the win safe with 16 minutes to play as she cut on to her left foot and curled a shot into the far top corner with Picaud stranded.

Before Hanson's second, Spurs had already come close to extending their lead in the second half, with Cathinka Tandberg and Blakstad both failing to convert close-range headed chances.

Viv Asseyi poked home a consolation for West Ham in second-half stoppage time.

The Lilywhites finished fifth in the WSL last season - a significant improvement on the year before when they flirted with relegation - and on this evidence will be looking up the table once again in 2026-27.

West Ham - who lost their opening seven WSL games last season - named six of their 10 summer signings in their starting XI.

But Rita Guarino's side were outplayed and look like they are yet to gel with so many new faces.

Player of the match

Number: 16 K. Hanson

Average rating 8.75

Number: 16 K. Hanson

Average Rating: 8.75

Number: 32 T. Koga

Average Rating: 7.90

Number: 8 S. Gaupset

Average Rating: 7.68

Number: 41 J. Blakstad

Average Rating: 7.54

Number: 24 D. Spence

Average Rating: 7.46

Number: 13 M. Vinberg

Average Rating: 7.25

Number: 6 A. Nildén

Average Rating: 7.24

Number: 4 C. Dijkstra

Average Rating: 7.04

Number: 9 C. Tandberg

Average Rating: 7.04

Number: 25 E. Summanen

Average Rating: 7.04

Number: 11 O. Holdt

Average Rating: 6.89

Number: 1 L. Kop

Average Rating: 6.84

Number: 14 M. Nildén

Average Rating: 6.79

Number: 23 V. Pelova

Average Rating: 6.75

Number: 19 S. Martinez

Average Rating: 6.68

Number: 3 E. Morris

Average Rating: 6.63

Number: 3 Laia Codina

Average Rating: 5.58

Number: 27 L. Wandeler

Average Rating: 5.56

Number: 8 S. Kumagai

Average Rating: 5.44

Number: 20 V. Asseyi

Average Rating: 5.09

Number: 22 N. Riesen

Average Rating: 5.00

Number: 17 E. Salmon

Average Rating: 5.00

Number: 11 K. Gago

Average Rating: 5.00

Number: 7 I. Belloumou

Average Rating: 4.89

Number: 28 E. Cascarino

Average Rating: 4.64

Number: 15 Y. Tennebø

Average Rating: 4.63

Number: 10 K. Zelem

Average Rating: 4.58

Number: 4 O. Siren

Average Rating: 4.55

Number: 77 S. Piubel

Average Rating: 4.45

Number: 1 C. Picaud-Inconnu

Average Rating: 4.42

Number: 9 R. Ueki

Average Rating: 4.36

Number: 2 Y. Endo

Average Rating: 4.18

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur: MOTD pundit Rob Edwards reacts to Neco Williams disallowed goal

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Nottingham Forest 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur: MOTD pundit Rob Edwards reacts to Neco Williams disallowed goal - BBC
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