Football.London

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Jonathan David. The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions over the years following his impressive performances for Lille in Ligue 1.

football.london understands that the Gunners held meetings with David's representatives back in December 2021, but a move to the Emirates Stadium failed to materialise. Mikel Arteta proceeded to sign Gabriel Jesus instead, luring the Brazilian from Manchester City in July 2022.

Then, this summer, football.london understood that Chelsea opened talks with the Canada international over a possible move to Stamford Bridge. It's believed that he was eager to leave Lille, with his contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy set to expire in June 2025.

But, again, a move didn't materialise. Now, according to the Daily Star, David could finally fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League after deciding to run down his contract with the French club.

The report states that English top flight sides have been put on red alert, with Lille expected to 'field offers' in the January transfer window as they look to cut their losses. The Daily Star adds that Barcelona, Juventus and Inter Milan are also showing interest in the Canadian.

Speaking to La Voix du Nord in September 2023, David admitted a move to the Premier League remains 'very possible'. He said: "I don't know, I think it's possible, very possible. I don't know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League.

"It could well be the Premier League. It's a very nice atmosphere. In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more."

Then, later that season on CBS Sports in 2023, Thierry Henry heaped praise on David. The Arsenal legend said: "When you have a player like Jonathan David, who runs the way he does, in behind. His directness. Don’t ask him to come to play or assist because he has none this season.

"If he sees the centre-back dropping, then he will go in behind. But as soon as he sees there is a gap, he will run and he is also pretty strong too and he loves contacts."

David hasn't suddenly burst onto the scene, though – he's been admired by many for a while now. Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Canada manager explained what makes the £38m-rated striker so unique.

Speaking to talkSPORT, John Herdman said: "Jonathan is one of those silent assassins. He’s very clued up tactically and that’s what I really enjoy about Jonathan, he really wants to get into the details of the game and understand the pressing tactics.

"The forwards at times want to understand other elements, he knows he’s going to lead that defensive line and will get into the details of that with you. For him, he’s a quiet player around the environment and a quiet presence and has this killer instinct.

"Tactically very organised and very aware, but with that instinct to be able to ghost into a penalty area and do what he does best and that is score. To have a player of that quality who can take that moment, it really makes a difference. One who does the work excites me and I know the players really respect that."

Saturday was a busy day for match officials in the Premier League. In seven top flight matches there were no fewer than five red cards dished out.

The big London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at lunchtime set the tone, with Mohammed Kudus seeing red late on in the contest. The Ghanaian was dismissed after hitting two Spurs players in the face in an on-field melee after he had fouled Micky van de Ven and then kicked him while he was on the floor.

There then followed a spate of red cards. There were two in the game between Fulham and Aston Villa, as well as one in the Southampton vs Leicester City clash.

In the evening kick-off, Arsenal were then reduced to ten men for the third time this season - William Saliba receiving his marching orders against Bournemouth for a pull back on Evanilson after just 30 minutes. The Gunners would go on to lose for the first time this season - beaten 2-0 by the Cherries.

Both the Hammers and the Gunners will lose influential players now to suspension, but the duo will be missing for a differing number of games, despite both seeing red. That is because there are different rules based on the reason for your red card.

Saliba only faces a one-match ban - although that is bad enough with Arsenal's next game against Premier League title rivals Liveprool next weekend. Kudus, meanwhile, will be suspended for three matches.

Here football.london takes a look at the rules and why the suspensions are different.

Red card offences and the bans

Serious Foul Play - 3 match ban

Violent Conduct – further defined as: head to head, elbowing, kicking, stamping, striking, biting, other unspecified behaviour - 3 match ban

Spitting - 6 match ban

Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball - 1 match ban

Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free-kick or a penalty kick - 1 match ban

Use of offensive, insulting or abusive language - 2 match ban

Receives a second yellow card in the same match - 1 match ban

So because Kudus was sent off for serious foul play, the West Ham man faces a three-match ban. Saliba's red for denying a goalscoring opportunity only carries a one-match ban.

The severity of the offence determines the severity of the ban - as should be the case.

That was exactly the response Ange Postecoglou wanted from his Tottenham players after what happened in the second half at Brighton prior to the international break. Much has been made of what occurred in those 45 minutes at the Amex Stadium over the past fortnight, but the head coach's words to his players in their meeting to analyse the game appeared to do the trick.

Tottenham were full value for their three points and on another day could have scored more than the four goals that they put past West Ham. As has been the case already this season, the team had to respond from going behind after Mohammed Kudus opened the scoring in the London derby after finding himself all alone at the back post on 18 minutes.

The early setback did not impact the team and they duly responded with Dejan Kulusevski restoring parity with a low effort that kissed both posts before going in prior to the break. What happened in an eight-minute spell after half-time was Postecoglou's Tottenham at their relentless best as they put their opponents well and truly to the sword.

Yves Bissouma, on his return to the team, gave Spurs the lead following some excellent play from Destiny Udogie, before Spurs got a touch of good fortune after Alphonse Areola was adjudged to have put the ball though his own net after Kulusevski and Son Heung-min linked up to perfection. Tottenham were purring at this point and added a fourth courtesy of their captain.

It almost got even better seconds later after Son was once again through on goal but this time his effort hit the post and unfortunately came back out rather than crossing the line. Tottenham continued to threaten in the final 30 minutes of the contest and Postecoglou wanted more goals to put the game completely out of sight.

There was one moment involving Pedro Porro on 70 minutes that sparked an angry reaction from the head coach as the Spaniard opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than crossing to his teammates waiting in the middle. Postecoglou could immediately be seen gesturing with his right hand to put the ball across the face of goal as he was clearly unhappy with the Spaniard's decision making in that very moment.

The main talking point in the closing stages was Kudus' red card after he struck both Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr in the face. The moment even involved Richarlison crashing to the ground and joining the Dutchman on the floor after Kudus' head accidentally caught him on the chin at a time when he had sprinted over to stick up for his teammate.

Things really couldn't have gone much better for Postecoglou and Tottenham 13 days on from that dark day at Brighton.

"That's part of the evolution of the team and where we want to get to," said Postecoglou in his press conference. "It's a little bit of us making sure, I made it pretty clear about the Brighton game, there's certain principles underpinning our football which allows us to be the expansive and creative team we are.

"There's some real emphasis on hard work, organisation and discipline and we had to show both today. I don't think we would've been as dominant in the second half if we'd not had that underpinning of a strong foundation there."

Tottenham's five successive wins may have been forgotten about by many given what happened at Brighton before the second international break of the season. Now it's about embarking on another good run of form and putting the team in the best possible position to achieve their goals come May.

Udogie's response

Destiny Udogie didn't exactly cover himself in glory at Brighton for his role in the goals that Tottenham shipped at the Amex Stadium. It appeared that the Italian was on course for another tough afternoon after Jarrod Bowen got the better of him far too easily for Kudus' 18th-minute strike.

Firstly not clearing the ball when having the opportunity to do so, the youngster was then brushed aside by the West Ham captain inside the area before the ball was put on a plate for Kudus to finish off. At a time when some players may have seen their head drop and not react well to the setback, Udogie only grew and became a pivotal player in the contest.

Starting the game well in an attacking sense with some strong runs forward and some good play involving Son, Udogie almost got an assist to his name with a lovely dinked cross that Brennan Johnson was inches away from converting. The ex-Udinese man continued to get forward at every opportunity, notably seeing a shot deflected over at the start of the second half.

He continued to find himself in the West Ham box and produced a moment of real quality with a sharp turn and pass that resulted in Bissouma giving Spurs the lead with a low finish. A constant thorn in West Ham's side, Udogie's reaction to his poor defensive play was superb and he was one of Tottenham's standout players on a very good afternoon for the team.

Going on the incredible levels he produced in his debut season at the club, it is easy to forget that he is still only 21 years of age and this is only his second campaign in England. That was mentioned by Postecoglou in his post-match press conference, with the Spurs boss stating that he has "no doubts" that Udogie is going to become an "outstanding player" for Tottenham.

"He was better. I still think for their goal he could’ve done better," said the 59-year-old. "We've got to continually work with Destiny as he's still a young player, it's his second year in the Premier League but I've got no doubt that he's going to become an outstanding player for us.

"The only way he's going to become an outstanding player for us is if we keep exposing him, playing him and letting him learn from his mistakes. It's part of the process for young players that you have to expect that it's not going to be smooth but you know eventually you're going to have a fantastic footballer. I've no doubt about that with Destiny. I've absolutely no doubt.

"We're constantly working at his game, constantly working at areas for him to improve and the beauty of it is that he wants to and he embraces it. I thought after the goal he bounced back really well.

"[Jarrod] Bowen is not an easy player at all to play against and their front three are tough for anybody because they have the quality to beat you on the dribble, they're quick and they're all very strong. It was a big challenge for our full-backs today and I thought, like I said I was disappointed with the goal. but I thought they handled it really well."

Super Solanke

The reaction from Tottenham supporters said it all when Dominic Solanke departed the pitch in the 81st minute. The striker, who was perhaps the unsung hero of the contest, was given a standing ovation for his efforts and he fully deserved the acclaim that came his way.

All that was missing from Solanke's performance was a goal. He richly deserved one but chances on goal were at a premium as he looked to add to his Tottenham tally.

Some Tottenham supporters may have had their doubts over a £65million move for the frontman but he has already demonstrated in nine appearances for the club why Postecoglou was so intent on luring him to N17. Solanke is so much more than just a goalscorer, with his link-up play, pressing qualities, work rate and ability to drive the ball forward all huge weapons in his locker.

James Maddison may get the praise for his role in Kulusevski's opener but that wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for Solanke's crucial touch. The striker got a foot to the ball to stop Tomas Soucek winning possession and that in turn set Maddison free in the middle of the park.

One piece of play at the start of the second half showed Solanke at his best as his strength, determination and quality on the ball saw him come out on top when up surrounded by a group of West Ham players. Johnson was the benefactor from Solanke's wonderful play but unfortunately it didn't result in a goal when it really deserved to.

Solanke is very much proving to be an excellent addition for the football club and there is still plenty more to come from him.

The half-time change

Tottenham fans certainly raised eyebrows at the start of the second half as Maddison made way for Sarr. The attacking midfielder had just played his part in the team's equaliser and many probably believed his half-time exit quite simply must have been down to an injury issue.

That wasn't the case, however, as it was a tactical change that Postecoglou made. The decision not only highlighted the head coach's ability to change tactics if he doesn't believe something is working but also that he is willing to hook big-name players even after making notable contributions.

"I just felt West Ham ask you certain questions in midfield areas and I just felt Pape's running power would help us in the second half," said the Australian in his post-match press conference. "They obviously worked hard in the first half and I thought he could give us some real energy.

"I thought he did really well and he gave us a platform to really threaten every time we went forward and be clinical in our football."

The substitution worked to perfection as Tottenham put the game out of West Ham's reach with an incredible 15-minute spell after the break. Sarr immediately made an impact and went on to get an assist for Son's strike after winning possession before playing in his captain.

The Senegal international maybe hasn't hit the dizzy heights of last season just yet but his 45-minute cameo appearance showed just what he can bring to Postecoglou's exciting team.

Kulusevski and Son excel

Tottenham are really seeing the very best of Kulusevski this season in his new position in Tottenham's midfield. The Swede is playing his best football in a Spurs shirt right now and there aren't many better players than him in the Premier League at present on current form.

Even in the first minutes of the West Ham contest he was toying with the opposition as he showcased his close control of the ball and his ability to glide past his opponents with ease. It was no surprise at all to see him have a big hand in the equaliser with his low strike bringing Tottenham back on level terms.

He was also pivotal to Areola's own goal after taking in Son's pass and slipping the ball back to his teammate on the outside as the South Korean got a shot away that eventually found its way into the net. Kulusevski is at the peak of his powers right now and it comes as no surprise to see Postecoglou waxing lyrical about his player. After all, the Stockholm-born ace is running games for Tottenham right now.

"Yeah he has been doing that all year and the evolution of Deki as a player, that is now his role not just for us but he's playing there for the national team too," he said. "He's got this ability to get out of tight spaces and he's a really strong runner. He is relentless in his running capacity and he also has the quality.

"In that final third I still think we can get more goals out of him, more assists but he is constantly in those threatening areas and he's been outstanding for us all year. Today he had to show some other facets of the game, some defensive work as well which I thought he did well but I thought the whole team did well."

Postecoglou was also keen to outline the importance of getting Son back out on the pitch after his three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. On it from the off as he went close with a curling effort that some supporters thought had found the bottom corner of Areola's net, Son continued to cause problems for West Ham and he thoroughly deserved his goal after delivering a very impressive performance.

No teams will want to come up against Kulusevski or Son in this kind of form. There is still a lot more to come from his team and that could make for a very exciting season in N17.

Enjoy some Spurs nostalgia with the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham where it's all about the 1990s! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou has spoken to the media following Tottenham's 4-1 demolition of West Ham. The Spurs boss made two changes to his team for the London derby as Son Heung-min and Yves Bissouma came into the side.

Spurs did fall behind to Mohammed Kudus' goal in the 18th minute but they reacted extremely well to the setback and got back on level terms through Dejan Kulusevski. Tottenham completed the turnaround in the second half after scoring three times in eight minutes.

Going ahead courtesy of Bissouma's finish, a Jean-Clair Todibo own goal and a strike from Son completed the scoring for the hosts. West Ham were reduced to ten men in the closing minutes with Kudus seeing red after striking Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr in the face.

You can read what Postecoglou had to say in his post-match press conference right here.

You must have been pleased with the second half?

It was very good. Even the first half we had to work pretty hard, it was a bit of an arm wrestle. They're a big, physical team and you have to match them in certain areas. Obviously disappointing to concede but we worked our way back into the game and had some good chances in the late first half and got our rewards for it.

Second half we went up a gear and again I thought our football was excellent but we did some of that hard stuff we needed to do to gain control particularly in the midfield area and it gave us a good platform.

Was that a tactical substitution with James Maddison going off and Pape Matar Sarr coming on?

I just felt West Ham ask you certain questions in midfield areas and I just felt Pape's running power would help us in the second half. They obviously worked hard in the first half and I thought he could give us some real energy. I thought he did really well and he gave us a platform to really threatening every time we want forward and clinical in our football.

Dejan Kulusevski has had a really good season and he's now captaining Sweden, he's someone else you can really count on...

Absolutely. Deki is captain of Sweden, Biss is captain of his [nation]. As I said the other day, it's not just about one or two. It was good to get the real captain out there and fair to say great to get Sonny out there. He's obviously a quality player and we saw that with his finish.

I just thought it was a real strong overall performance and it needed to show us to show various facets which is probably the most pleasing thing.

The midfield battle was pressing at its best...

When you look at their midfield they have guys like [Tomas] Soucek who is a big, physical presence and [Lucas] Paqueta and [Guido] Rodriguez who is technically quite good. You need to win that battle because if they get it to their front players under control then they are really threatening and all three of them are quick and dynamic.

We needed to stop it at the source so to speak and I thought we did that really well. I said it was a bit of an arm wrestle at the start but I thought we maintained our intensity and eventually broke them.

Is that your football at its best when you pick out an area of your opposition to work on and maybe exploit something and turn it over?

That's part of the evolution of the team and where we want to get to. It's a little bit of us making sure, I made it pretty clear about the Brighton game, there's certain principles underpinning our football which allows us to be the expansive and creative team we are.

There's some real emphasis on hard work, organisation and discipline and we had to show both today. I don't think we would've been as dominant in the second half if we'd not had that underpinning of a strong foundation there.

What did you make of the Kudus red?

I think the referee handled it. Players are frustrated out there and I'll let the referees deal with that.

Is a derby win important for you as before today you had not beaten West Ham, Chelsea or Arsenal?

I guess so when you put it in that frame of reference. It’s important for our fans for sure because these are the games they want to feel good about and win obviously. Personally for me any game we win I get equal joy out of it as I've always said.

Part of the kind of momentum we built in the second half came through the edge the supporters gave us, especially after the second goal you could really feel the atmosphere inside the stadium lift and that pushed us along and we had a 15-20min spell where we were outstanding.

It goes hand in hand. We need the supporters especially at home to provide but to be able to provide we need to give them something in return. Today is hopefully a little bit of a reward for our fans.

Was that a big day for Destiny Udogie as he would have been disappointed by the goal but he bounced back well and it felt like the Destiny of last season?

He was better. I still think for their goal he could’ve done better. We've got to continually work with Destiny as he's still a young players, it's his second year in the Premier League but I've got no doubt that he's going to become an outstanding player for us. The only way he's going to become an outstanding player for us is if we keep exposing him, playing him and letting him learn from his mistakes.

It's part of the process for young players that you have to expect that it's not going to be smooth but you know eventually you're going to have a fantastic footballer. I've no doubt about that with Destiny. I've absolutely no doubt. We're constantly working at his game, constantly working at areas for him to improve and the beauty of it is that he wants to and he embraces it. I thought after the goal he bounced back really well.

[Jarrod] Bowen is not an easy player at all to play against and their front three are tough for anybody because they have the quality to beat you on the dribble, they're quick and they're all very strong. It was a big challenge for our full-backs today and I thought, like I said I was disappointed with the goal. but I thought they handled it really well.

What was the reason for Djed Spence's absence today?

He picked up a bit of a groin strain in training. Hopefully nothing too bad but he missed out today.

Kulusevski been in middle areas this season, his physicality seemed really important today and he enjoys that?

Yeah he has been doing that all year and the evolution of Deki as a player, that is now his role not just for us but he's playing there for the national team too. He's got this ability to get out of tight spaces and he's a really strong runner. He is relentless in his running capacity and he also has the quality.

In that final third I still think we can get more goals out of him, more assists but he is constantly in those threatening areas and he's been outstanding for us all year. Today he had to show some other facets of the game, some defensive work as well which I thought he did well but I thought the whole team did well.

I mentioned it to the lads, I know Brennan Johnson didn't score today but I thought that was his best performance for us with the amount of work he did to help out Pedro and help out the team in a defensive capacity and still be a threat going the other way.

That is the stuff we have to keep focusing on so what happened at Brighton doesn't happen again and the players understand whatever good things emerge from our football, the foundation is players doing some of the other things which are just as important.

Enjoy some Spurs nostalgia with the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham where it's all about the 1990s! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou is speaking to the media following Tottenham's 4-1 victory against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

The Spurs boss switched things up in terms of his starting XI as Yves Bissouma and the returning Son Heung-min replaced Rodrigo Bentancur and Timo Werner in the XI.

Despite fashioning a couple of chances early on, Spurs actually fell behind as West Ham opened the scoring through Mohammed Kudus.

Tottenham did apply plenty of pressure after the setback and got back on level terms nine minutes before the break as Dejan Kulusevski's low effort found the net.

That proved to be a big turning point in the game as Spurs went on to score three goals in an eight-minute spell just after the break as Bissouma and Son scored either side of Jean-Clair Todibo's own goal.

Our Spurs correspondent Rob Guest is at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is among those putting the questions to the head coach. Scroll down for the latest updates from the press conference.

Tottenham ran riot in north London on Saturday afternoon, recording a 4-1 win against West Ham in the Premier League. After two weeks with no game due to the international break, Ange Postecoglou made two changes to his Spurs team to take on the Hammers.

Son Heung-min and Yves Bissouma were the two players to come in, taking the places of Timo Werner and Rodrigo Bentancur from the team that lost at Brighton & Hove Albion. Tottenham did go close early on through Brennan Johnson and Son but it was West Ham who opened the scoring through Mohammed Kudus.

The attacker was left all alone at the back post to convert Jarrod Bowen's low cross after the England international had got the better of Destiny Udogie. Tottenham did apply plenty of pressure and managed to restore parity not long before the break as Dejan Kulusevski's low effort found the net.

It was to get even better for the hosts after the break as they extended their lead by two inside the first 10 minutes of the second half. Bissouma got Spurs' second of the day from just inside the area, before Jean-Clair Todibo put the ball through his own net.

Son then gave Tottenham a three-goal cushion on the hour mark after running through on goal following Pape Matar Sarr's pass. West Ham were later reduced to 10 men after Kudus received a red card after striking Micky van de Ven and Sarr in the face.

Here is how we rated the Spurs players in the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:

Guglielmo Vicario

Great save early on to stop Kudus netting but little he could do when the West Ham ace opened the scoring on 18 minutes. Didn't have much to do after conceding but was alert in the second half to deny the Ghanaian. 7

Pedro Porro

Big impact going forward and went close with a couple of efforts on goal, including one flying volley that just went over the crossbar. Another strong performance after a very good international break for the Spaniard. 7

Cristian Romero

Made a brilliant tackle on Michail Antonio just before the half-time interval and was solid throughout alongside Van de Ven. 7

Micky van de Ven

Strong display and produced a vital block on Kudus early in the second half. Involved in the incident that saw the West Ham attacker receive a red card in the closing minutes. 7

Destiny Udogie

Made a few decent runs going forward early on but was really poor for Kudus' opening goal as he allowed Bowen to ease past him in the area. Responded well to the setback and continued to push forward at every opportunity and almost got an assist to his name for Johnson's header that went wide. However, he was to get an assist following a neat turn and pass to put the ball on a plate for Bissouma to finish off early in the second half. Impressive from the Italian in his playing time. 8

Yves Bissouma

Named in the team instead of Rodrigo Bentancur and got his name on the scoresheet with a finish from just inside the area. Good outing from the midfield on his return to the team. 8

Dejan Kulusevski

Excellent in the opening exchanges and managed to get his name on the scoresheet prior to the break with a low effort that went in off both posts. Very much up for it and the confidence in his game is there for all to see at present. Key to Tottenham's third goal as well after some great play with Son. 9

James Maddison

Big part in Tottenham's first goal with a strong run through the middle of the pitch before playing in Kulusevski. Was only on the pitch for 45 minutes as Sarr replaced him at the break. 7

Brennan Johnson

Flashed an effort wide of the target early on and went so close with a header midway through the first half. He was unable to make it eight goals in eight successive goals for club and country but it was another good outing from the Wales international. 7

Dominic Solanke

Not many chances on goal to begin with but was instrumental to Kulusevski's goal after getting a vital touch to stop Tomas Soucek winning possession. Showed his strength, determination and quality on the ball midway through the second half after some persistent play created an opening for Johnson. Some really good play throughout and all that was missing was a goal. 8

Son Heung-min

Returned to the Tottenham XI after his injury and went agonisingly close to the opener with a curling effort that just went wide of the post. Played a vital part in the third goal following some lovely play with Kulusevski as his effort was saved by Alphonse Areola before going in off Todibo. Did manage to get his name on the scoresheet on the hour mark and was extremely unlucky moments later with a shot that hit the post and came back out. 9

Substitutes

Pape Matar Sarr (James Maddison, 46)

Introduced at the break and was key to the team's fourth goal of the afternoon after winning the ball and playing through Son to finish off. Was caught in the face by Kudus for the West Ham man's red card. Good showing in the middle of the park. 7

Timo Werner (Son Heung-min, 70)

Came on for the final 20 minutes and had a header that went across the face of the goal. 6

Richarlison (Dominic Solanke, 81)

Got the final 10 minutes of the contest on his return to the team. Appeared to get a knock to his head when racing in to confront Kudus after the incident involving Van de Ven. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur (Yves Bissouma, 81)

The Uruguayan kept the ball moving in his limited minutes. 5

Archie Gray (Destiny Udogie, 88)

Some more Premier League minutes to his name. N/A

Enjoy some Spurs nostalgia with the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham where it's all about the 1990s! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

James Maddison was not taken off at half-time against West Ham due to injury. After completing 45 minutes in north London, Ange Postecoglou chose to substitute the midfielder during the break.

Initially a fitness worry having gone down in the first half after a blow from West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, it was confirmed on TNT Sport's coverage of the game that there was no injury to Maddison. Maddison was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr and returned to sit on the bench.

Spurs, who had been trailing 1-0 thanks to Mohammed Kudus' back post opener, hit back with Dejan Kulusevski to level the match. That doesn't seem to have been enough for Ange Postecolgou though, as he removed Maddison at the earliest stage of Premier League game this season.

The decision looked to pay off immediately. Within 10 minutes of the restart Tottenham were 3-1 up. Goals from Yves Bissouma and a Jean-Clair Todibo turned the momentum of the match entirely.

For Postecoglou, it came in the first game after claiming that he didn't want to make changes against Brighton. Even though his side had been in the middle of a collapse on the south coast, Postecoglou chose not to bring on reinforcements, instead claiming that he preferred to leave players to problem-solve on the job.

A different method was used against the Hammers, with Maddison not spared. Instead, Tottenham ended up with a midfield including more defensive presence.

Sarr joined Bissoma as cover with Kulusevski offered space to roam. Tottenham made use of this, adding a quickfire fourth through Son Heung-Min.

Maddison, unable to cash in on the host of attacking moves, was left to watch on as his teammates made their defensively frail opponents pay.

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Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia has confirmed that his club will complete the permanent transfer of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer.

The 29-year-old departed Spurs in the summer on loan to the French giant after dropping down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou. As part of the deal for the Danish midfielder, a clause was inserted into the contract that Marseille could make the deal permanent next summer for £17m.

After starting all seven Ligue 1 games this season, and wearing the captain's armband on three occasions, the French giants seem smitten with Hojbjerg and are ready to make his signature permanent. Speaking to Danish newspaper Tipsbladet, Benatia explained: "Pierre has signed a loan agreement with an option to buy, so the move will soon become permanent.

"Pierre will help us with our project to qualify for the Champions League. We are very happy to have Pierre-Emile here in Marseille.

"Before his change, we had many talks with him and our president Pablo Longoria. Pierre told me he had offers from Italy, England and other countries, but that if we could do a deal with Tottenham, it was Marseille he wanted to play for."

Continuing, Benatia was keen to stress just why Marseille are so fond of Hojbjerg. "It’s actually easy to answer, because you can just look at the statistics," he concluded.

"Pierre is one of the best, or the best, player in Ligue 1 when it comes to ball possession and successful passes. It says everything about his role on the pitch and as a leader in midfield.

"But for me it’s also about his great influence off the pitch. He’s a natural leader and a good example for all his teammates, especially the young players."

Marseille were busy in the transfer window signing the likes of Manchester United's Mason Greenwood, Everton's Neal Maupay and free agent Adrien Rabiot as new manager Roberto de Zerbi aimed to strengthen his team.

Ange Postecoglou had made two changes to his Tottenham team for Saturday afternoon's Premier League game against West Ham. Spurs were on the losing side last time out after falling to a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion despite taking a two-goal lead into the break.

Following a two-week break from domestic football with the second international break of the campaign taking place, Postecoglou has received some good news on the injury front ahead of the London derby. Son Heung-min and Richarlison have returned to fitness following their respective injuries, with Wilson Odobert expected to make his comeback in training next week.

Son, as expected, goes straight back into the Tottenham team to face West Ham. Timo Werner is the unlucky player to miss out despite registering an assist for James Maddison's goal at Brighton.

Postecoglou has made one alteration in midfield as Yves Bissouma replaces Rodrigo Bentancur. Tottenham's backline remains the same but there is no place for Djed Spence in the matchday squad.

Speaking ahead of the West Ham encounter, Postecoglou was asked about the London derby and what his team can expect from their opponents.

"I was made very aware of it last year. I know what it means. An important game," he said on the derby. "Last year we played really well but didn’t win at home. Tale of that part of our season a little bit. Challenging game. They have some fantastic players in the team and a new manager. They are doing things a little bit differently.

"We saw last game what a threat they can be going forward. A good challenge for us. But the emphasis has to be on us reproducing the form we’ve shown in recent times and more importantly sticking to principles of our game."

Here is the Tottenham team Postecoglou has named to face West Ham:

Confirmed Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Kulusevski, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Substitutes: Forster, Gray, Dragusin, Bentancur, Sarr, Moore, Bergvall, Werner, Richarlison.

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou appears excited to unleash a returning Son Heung-min after three weeks out with a hamstring injury. The Spurs captain suffered the muscular issue in the late stages of the Europa League clash against Qarabag which saw him miss the next three games and international duty with South Korea.

Wilson Odobert has also been absent through injury which has seen Timo Werner and Mikey Moore utilised more frequently. Richarlison has also missed the last two months but both he and Son could return to action against West Ham.

"He [Richarlison] has had a good week of training and he has missed playing," Postecoglou admitted on Friday. "He is a real infectious guy as well so good to have him back with the group. Sonny is good [as well]. He's worked hard these two weeks.

"He was obviously very disappointed to miss playing for his national team, but I think it's been good for him these two weeks. He's worked really hard, had a good solid training week and yeah he can't wait to get back out there. He's good to go."

A start for Son against West Ham is far more likely than one being handed out to Richarlison given he has not featured in the last eight weeks. Beyond that, Postecoglou's words certainly spell as a warning to Tottenham's upcoming opponents that Son is raring to go having been handed his first significant rest in some time.

During the early stages of Postecoglou's tenure, the 32-year-old would often miss training in order to feature at the weekend. In the 2023/24 campaign, he missed just three Premier League games with that absence due to the Asia games where he represented South Korea.

With the Lilywhites back in Europe and Son not getting any younger, managing his minutes will be crucial but no competitive football in 23 days could do wonders for him. Given he has been a regular starter for some time now, any absence will likely see him frustrated on the sidelines unable to help his teammates.

A lack of match sharpness could be a concern for Postecoglou but the more likely scenario is that Son is chomping at the bit to play again and Spurs will hope to feel the full impact of that.

Enjoy some Spurs nostalgia with the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, where it's all about the 1990s! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.