Spurs Odyssey

As the 2024-25 campaign fades into memory, Tottenham Hotspur enter yet another defining summer. A season that began with promise under Ange Postecoglou gradually unraveled, revealing familiar weaknesses - fragile defending, midfield imbalance, and a lack of cutting edge against top opposition. Despite flashes of brilliance, Spurs fell far short of the required league standard for European qualification, raising tough questions about squad depth, ambition, and leadership. All this, despite the famous Europa League win, giving entry to next season's Champions League.

With Ange now gone and Thomas Frank reportedly stepping in, Tottenham's direction hangs in the balance. Frank, known for his tactical pragmatism and success with limited resources at Brentford, will face the challenge of transplanting that discipline to a club with bigger expectations and a much louder spotlight. Can he instill structure without sacrificing the attacking identity so integral to Spurs?

The answer lies not just in the dugout, but in the boardroom. Daniel Levy and the recruitment team must act decisively this summer. Key signings are needed-particularly in central defence, midfield control, and up front if Richarlison fails to prove a long-term solution. The shadow of Harry Kane still looms, not just in goals missed, but in leadership, influence, and emotional weight.

Yet, amid the uncertainties, Tottenham continue to push forward in areas often overlooked - like fan engagement and digital transformation. In a modern football era where clubs must connect with a global audience, Spurs are investing in tech solutions that enhance the matchday and online experience. Whether you're at the stadium or halfway across the world, interactive match programs and ticketing systems now often come paired with tools like a QR code generator, offering instant access to team news, exclusive interviews, classic highlights, and even retro features on legends like Glenn Hoddle or Steve Perryman. This blending of tradition and technology mirrors the club's broader struggle-to evolve without losing its soul.

Historically, Tottenham have always danced between flair and frustration. From the glory-glory nights of the 1960-61 Double-winning side to Pochettino's near-miracle in Amsterdam, the club has shown it can reach for greatness. But it's the consistency that remains elusive.

As the new manager prepares for pre-season and the transfer market begins to buzz, Spurs fans worldwide will - as ever - hope for more than just progress. They'll dream of silverware, stability, and a team that reflects the club's storied past and ambitious future.

The crossroads are familiar. The outcome? That, as always, is up to Tottenham Hotspur.

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PREMIER LEAGUE

SUNDAY 25TH MAY, 2025

(4PM)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1(1) BRIGHTON& HOVE ALBION 4(0)

Spurs scorer:-

Solanke (pen), 17

Brighton scorers:-

Hinshelwood, 51,64

O'Riley (pen), 88

Gomez, 90+3

Attendance:- 61,449

Referee:- Rob Jones

Assistants:- Adrian Holmes, Simon Long

Fourth official:- James Linnington

VAR:- Michael Oliver

Assistant VAR:- Richard West

Teams:-

Spurs (4-3-3):- 1. Vicario (Capt.); 23. Pedro Porro, 4. Danso, 37. Van de Ven (sub 33. Davies, 66), 13. Udogie; 14. Gray, 30. Bentancur (sub 8. Bissouma, 66), 29. Sarr (sub 28. Odobert, 46); 22. Johnson, 19. Solanke (sub 9. Richarlison, 66), 11. Tel (sub 24. Spence, 83)

Subs not used:- 31. Kinsky; 47. Moore, 64. Olusesi; 63. Ajayi

Booked:- Bentancur (foul on Gruda), Pedro Porro (foul on Mitoma), Davies (foul on Minteh)

Brighton (4-4-2):- 1. Verbruggen; 27. Wieffer, 29. Van Hecke, 4. Webster (Capt.), 3. Igor Julio (sub 34. Veltman, 59); 11. Adingra (sub 22. Mitoma, 46), 20. Baleba, 26. Ayari (sub 25. Gomez, 46), 17. Minteh (sub 6. Milner, 90+3); 8. Gruda (sub 33. O'Riley, 76), 41. Hinshelwood

Subs not used:- 39. Rushworth; 5. Dunk, 16. Cashin; 72. Howell

Booked:- Veltman (unsporting conduct)

I guess partying and playing football don't mix

Let's face it, to coin a phrase, Spurs had been "partying like it's 1999" since Wednesday night. It was a surprise that Spurs started with such a strong team. The partying was continuing around the ground in the pubs and on the streets before kick-off and in the ground where there was a terrific flag-waving anthemic celebration pre-match. The injured Son and Maddison were on the touchline to see those celebrations. Spurs were, after all, Europa League Champions 2025!

Brighton were our last day guests, and perhaps their players were overwhelmed a little by that atmosphere. Spurs need to create something like that noise pre-match next season.

Apparently, Brighton's Joao Pedro was absent because he had been involved in a spat with a fellow player in training this week. Pedro (signed from Watford two years ago) had been one of "The Seagulls" star players this season, scoring 10 league goals. 34-year-old Danny Welbeck, who has also scored 10 league goals, was absent. Ace left winger Kaoro Mitoma was not seen till the second half, when he had an immediate impact.

For Spurs, this was a dead rubber game, and as it happens, winning would not have helped us, as we finished 17th, in our worst ever Premier League position, with 22 defeats, our worse since 1934-35 in a 42-game season.

As in our away game in October, Spurs had a first half lead, which they surrendered. Brighton have achieved their first ever league "double" over Spurs in 13 seasons of league meetings since 1977.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, five teams were seeking to claim the remaining three Champions League places available. Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle succeeded. Spurs had already claimed their place through beating Manchester United on Wednesday in Bilbao. In theory, Brighton needed something from this game to claim eighth place and a European slot had Chelsea failed to finish in the top five and assuming they win the Europa Conference League on Wednesday. As it happens, eighth was not good enough.

Spurs kicked off and played towards the North Stand. The players and officials took the knee before kick-off. There were flashes of skill by Spurs such as when Archie Gray broke forward and took a return pass from Pedro Porro before making it almost to the Brighton area before having his advance blocked. Bentancur intercepted in midfield and passed to Tel, who won a corner on the left. That kick passed wide across the 6-yard zone. Gray won another midfield ball and fed Tel, but his shot was blocked.

Brighton responded through right back Weiffer, whose first effort was blocked. He got a second chance, but this one flew over the target. At the other end, Weiffer brought down Tel inside the area with a tackle from behind. Solanke stepped up; sent the keeper the wrong way and planted the ball to his left. "1-0 to the Champions" chanted the South Stand.

During a hiatus in the game, home fans chanted "Stand up for the champions!"

There was a flash of midfield skill by Sarr before Brighton went on the offensive. After a corner, Vicario saved well from Hinshelwood's header. Hinshelwood is the fourth generation footballing member of his family and scored against us in December 2023. He added two more goals today.

After another Brighton corner and good advantage played by referee Rob Jones, Spurs broke forward through Pedro Porro who gave Mathys Tel a great run at goal. He should have scored, but his shot was held by Verbruggen.

Picture courtesy of Gary Smith

At half-time Paul Coyte interviewed Steve Perryman at pitchside.

Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler made a double substitution at half-time with Gomez and Mitoma coming on for Ayari and Adingra. Both would have an impact. Spurs seemed to revert to Bilbao tactics, rarely managing to get out of their half. They had little success with their play-out tactics. Their tired legs and bodies became telling.

Hinshelwood equalised in the 51st minute. Webster climbed to head down Gruda's corner and Hinshelwood fired the ball into the roof of the net. Vicario saved a rising shot by Gomez.

Spurs did have a very good chance from which they should have scored. Tel advanced down the left wing and Johnson was in the middle to receive his cross, sadly putting it wide.

Minteh was next to threaten for the visitors and Vicario made another good save. A shot by Baleba was deflected and rebounded of the post before Hinshelwood scored again. It followed another corner. This time Weiffer headed down and a Spurs foot pushed the ball into the scorer's direction when he made no mistake.

Spurs now made a triple substitution with Davies, Richarlison and Bissouma replacing Van de Ven, Solanke and Bentancur, all of whom were cheered off by the home fans.

Pedro Porro showed skill in his half to bring the ball forward before sending a diagonal pass to Bissouma who opted to try and feed Johnson. Nothing came of that move.

There was a bit of needle between Richarlison and Veltman after which the Brighton man was booked. Vicario held well from a Gomez header from a Brighton corner. Mr Jones awarded Brighton a penalty when Bissouma tackled Gomez from behind. Matt O'Riley scored from the spot and our positive goal difference disappeared. Matters were made worse in added time when Gomez scored a great solo goal beating Vicario to his left with a great right-footed 25 yard shot from the left side of the Spurs area.

No matter - Spurs could get back to partying, with a post-match parade of the trophy around the stadium.

After Wednesday, my personal "Angeometer" had swung back towards "in." It has moved back towards "out" now. Whatever happens, Spurs need a couple of genuine quality players (playmaker and defensive midfielder) in my opinion to be competitive in both the Champions League and Premier League.

In the meantime, let's gloat in the glory of a major trophy winning season.

Enjoy the summer!

Follow @spursodyssey

. Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers

. Read the preview for this game.

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 516

Submitted by Norman Giller

Shell-shocked Spurs are staggering towards the Europa Cup final in Bilbao like a drunk who has had his pockets picked and his shoelaces tied together. Their surrender to Crystal Palace yesterday was embarrassing in the extreme.

Now they have to somehow drag themselves through Friday's rearranged visit to Aston Villa before the showdown in Spain with a Manchester United side that is also in crisis mode.

Their record 20th Premier League defeat of the season was almost inevitable against a flying Palace team that is going to an FA Cup final date with destiny in confident and buoyant mood. On this form they will definitely give Manchester City a run for their money at Wembley.

Tottenham's supporters were in party mood following the confident elimination of Bodo/Glimt but the decision by Ange Postecoglou to play a virtual 'B' side pulled the plug on any celebrations.

The 2-0 scoreline was flattering to Spurs, as our guru Paul H. Smith reports HERE. The patchwork Tottenham defence managed to make two-goal Eberechi Eze look, uh, Harry Kane class as Palace completed a humiliating Premier League double over Tottenham.

He was given the freedom of the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and should have had a hat-trick to show for his enterprise.

There was just one good piece of news after the Tottenham drubbing. Dejan Kulusevski - one of only three survivors from Thursday's triumph - limped off in the 19th minute. Postecoglou reported that he should be fit for the battle in Bilbao.

We will definitely need him and Sonny at full throttle against Manchester United, who have been nearly as paralysed as Spurs in the Premier League this season. The Lynch Mob chasing Ange have rarely made allowances for all the injuries Spurs have suffered, but even I have to admit that 20 League defeats are hard to stomach.

I have taken unmerciful stick from Spurs 'supporters' for arguing in favour of Ange, yet I know there is no way Daniel Levy will accept that dismal League record regardless of whether Tottenham win silverware in Spain. And would you back against it becoming 21 losses at Villa Park on Friday?

My only wish is that my critics - most hiding behind the armoury of anonymity - would not treat me as an enemy. All I want is what is right for Tottenham Hotspur. It's called 'supporting' a team, So many out there seem to delight in ripping into the club instead of getting behind Ange and his players.

If it's getting through my thick skin, goodness know what it's doing to Ange.

My sympathy is with the Spurs and United fans who will be fleeced for the honour of watching their struggling sides fight for supremacy in Bilbao on Wednesday week.

Hotels and airlines are pushing prices up to their maximum to cash in on the desire of supporters of both sides to say 'I was there.'

I just hope it proves worth it for those Tottenham fans digging into their pockets.

For Ange, the trip to Spain is likely to be a golden handshake adios. If Spurs win they automatically qualify for next season's Champions League. I know I am in a very small minority who would make out an argument for a victorious Ange to stay in his job until Christmas and then take the temperature.

If Spurs lose to United, Ange will become a walking dead man.

COYS!

My apologies, but I again make no excuses for repeating my personal plea for you to support my latest publishing venture, 'Life Begins At 90'. It is a joint effort by my 'child bride' Joyce and I that tells the story of our nine decades on this mortal coil, starting out 500 yards apart in London's East End before Hitler unleashed his bombers and The Blitz. It is a 21st Century love story, mixed and shaken with stories of my sports reporting life.

Our journey reached a pinnacle this year with my 90-year-old wife being awarded an MBE and me writing my 122nd book. Most important of all, £5 from every book sold will will go to the Music Man Project, which supports and encourages people with learning disabilties to grow and have a full life through music.

I hope you can put money where your hearts are. Please contact me at normangiller@gmail.com and I will give you full details of how you can get your name in the unique book. Thank you. So far just three of you have been in touch. I know we can expect better support from my Spurs Odyssey friends.

COYS!

Week 36 of our eleventh season of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League, and the question is:

Who won 34 caps for the Republic of Ireland, was signed by David Pleat from Luton and which club did he join from Spurs in 2004?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 36. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part. There are around 60 out there within shooting distance of the SOQL title. You will soon hate me. What fun!

The rules are the same as in the previous ten seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2025, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week's question: Which player turned down a contract with PSG, later joined Spurs from Turf Moor and what Tottenham squad number does he wear?

Answer: Wilson Odobert/28

See you back here on Monday. COYS!

Follow @spursodyssey

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats

Spurs' record in Europe:- U.E.F.A Champions League P W D L F - A 53 22 12 19 90 - 75 (Finalists 2019) European Cup P W D L F - A 8 4 1 3 21 - 13 (Semi-Finalists 1962) European Cup Winners Cup P W D L F - A 33 20 5 8 65 - 34 (Winners 1963) UEFA Cup/Europa League P W D L F - A 163 94 39 30 333-145 (Winners 1972, 1984 Finalists 1974) Europa Conference League P W D L F - A 7 3 1 3 14 - 9 + Forfeited one game due to Covid - 09/12/21) Total P W D L F - A 264 143 58 63 523-276 Final Europa League Placings Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts Spurs 4 8 5 2 1 17-9 8 17 Frankfurt 5 8 5 1 2 14-10 4 16 Europa League Placings in full Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League record 2024/25 League phase:- Frankfurt 3-3 Viktoria Plzen Besiktas 1-3 Frankfurt Frankfurt 1-0 RFS Frankfurt 1-0 Slavia Praha FC Midtjylland 1-2 Frankfurt Lyon 3-2 Frankfurt Frankfurt 2-0 Ferencvaros Roma 2-0 Frankfurt Round of 16 Ajax 1-2 Frankfurt Frankfurt 4-1 Ajax

The game we've all been waiting for

It's our biggest game of what has been a diabolical league season, and hopefully Spurs can produce a performance and result to carry us through this two-leg tie. A trip to Germany next week will decide our fate, and potentially that of our head coach.

We last played Eintracht Frankfurt in the group stage of our 2022/23 Champions League campaign when we were led by Antonio Conte, and the German side were managed by Oliver Glasner, who is now succeeding at Crystal Palace. We drew the away match 0-0 and won 3-2 at home thanks to goals by Son Heung-min (2) and a Harry Kane penalty. At the time, Eintracht were the reigning Europa League champions.

Spurs topped the group, but Eintracht were runners-up. Both teams were eliminated at the Round of 16 stage. Eintracht were knocked out by Napoli, who are now managed by Conte, who left Spurs soon after our elimination by AC Milan.

Previously, we met Eintracht in March 1982 in the European Cup-Winners' Cup quarter-final. Goals by Paul Miller and Micky Hazard gave us a 2-0 home advantage, but Eintracht levelled the scores in the second leg with goals by Ronny Borchers and Bum-Kun Cha (there is no mis-spelling here). It took an 80th minute goal by Glenn Hoddle to give us a 3-2 aggregate win and a semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

Eintracht are currently third in the Bundesliga. Last Saturday they lost 2-0 away to Werder Bremen. It was the first time Eintracht had failed to score since a 4-0 defeat away to Bayern Munich seven games previously. They are managed by 44-year-old Dino Toppmoller, who replaced Glasner.

Eintracht Frankfurt are the third-highest scorers in the Bundesliga and thrashed Ajax 6-2 on aggregate in the last round of the Europa League. Hugo Ekitike has been in exceptional form with 19 goals in all competitions this season.

Manchester City's Omar Marmoush was signed from Frankfurt in January. He had scored 15 Bundesliga goals in 17 games, along with three Europa League goals. Marmoush was Eintracht's penalty taker.

In the league phase of this competition Eintracht and Spurs both met Ferencvaros and Roma. The German side beat Ferencvaros at home, whereas we lost away. They lost 2-0 away to Claudio Ranieri's Roma, whereas we drew 2-2 at home. Roma lost narrowly (4-3) to Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16. Bilbao will be hoping to progress all the way to the final, being played in their own stadium. They face Rangers tomorrow night in Glasgow.

We already know that the winners of this tie would meet Bodo/Glimt (of Norway) or Lazio in the semi-final, but this tie against Eintracht Frankfurt is close to call.

Spurs certainly need a far better performance than that they gave in Sunday's second half, but we must assume they were "playing within themselves"! Micky van de Ven should return to partner Romero. Ange told us last weekend that Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski were still two weeks away from a return, so I am assuming the squad for tomorrow will be changed little. Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman will be our back-up keepers. Naturally, I am hoping for at least a two-goal lead to take to Frankfurt next week.

Did you know? - When Wilson Odobert scored against AZ last month Spurs became the first side in major European competition history to have five players under the age of 21 (Odobert, Will Lankshear, Damola Ajayi, Mikey Moore, Dane Scarlett) score in the same season.

The 20-year-old winger became the youngest Spurs player to score twice in a major European game since Chris McGrath against Aberdeen in November 1973.

We have a top referee for this game. Szymon Marciniak and his on-field team are from Poland. Mr Marciniak first refereed Spurs in October 2017 when we drew away to Real Madrid. His last Spurs game was our 2-1 away win against Marseille in November 2022. Both games were in the Champions League, of course. Mr. Marciniak refereed Manchester City's 2023 Champions League Final win over Inter Milan.

Follow @spursodyssey

. Last season's game - Chelsea 2 Spurs 0, 02.05.23

. This season's home game - Spurs 3 Chelsea 4, 08.12.24

. Premier League Matchday 30 - last year

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats

Full League Record of Tottenham Hotspur -v- Chelsea

Premier Pl W D L For-Ag Pts Home 33 7 10 16 40- 59 31 Away 32 1 11 20 23- 61 14 =========================================== Total (Prem) 65 8 21 36 63-120 45 0.69 Pts per game =========================================== Football Lge Home (Div 1) 42 20 9 13 79- 57 51 Away (Div 1) 42 19 6 17 63- 50 46 =========================================== Total(Div 1) 84 39 15 30 142-107 97 =========================================== Football Lge Home (Div 2) 2 1 1 0 7- 4 3 Away (Div 2) 2 0 1 1 1- 4 1 =========================================== Total(Div 2) 4 1 2 1 8- 8 4 =========================================== Total (Prem) 65 8 21 36 63-120 45 Total(Div 1) 84 39 15 30 142-107 97 Total(Div 2) 4 1 2 1 8- 8 4 =========================================== Grand Total 153 48 38 67 213-235 146 =========================================== Last Six Premier League results:- Chelsea - WLLWWL Chelsea 2-1 West Ham Brighton 3-0 Chelsea A. Villa 2-1 Chelsea Chelsea 4-0 S'hampton Chelsea 1-0 Leicester Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea Spurs - WWWLDL Brentford 0-2 Spurs Spurs 1-0 Man Utd Ipswich 1-4 Spurs Spurs 0-1 Man City Spurs 2-2 B'mouth Fulham 2-0 Spurs Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts 4. Chelsea 29 14 7 8 53-37 16 49 14. Spurs 29 10 4 15 55-43 12 34

Little hope for Spurs here

Thanks to Eugene Gasper for capturing this image

We Spurs fans have had to wait nearly three weeks for a game of Premier League football. Those travelling to Stamford Bridge for tomorrow night's televised game can have little hope of seeing an away win.

After all, it was seven years ago (almost to the day) on April 1st 2018 - when away fans saw Tottenham's solitary victory in their last 38 matches away to Chelsea in all competitions. We won 3-1 on a day never to be forgotten. Dele Alli scored two goals in the space of four wonderful second half minutes to secure that rare win.

Our points per game record against Chelsea is worse than against any other ever-present Premier League team. They are the only such team against whom we have failed to get into double figures regarding league wins.

Points per game record against ever-present Premier League sides.

P W D L F - A Pts (Per-game) 1. Everton 66 31 25 10 108 - 65 118 1.78 Pts per game 2. Arsenal 66 15 24 27 82 -108 69 1.04 3. Liverpool 65 15 17 33 80 -120 62 0.95 4. Man Utd 66 13 14 39 69 -110 53 0.8 5. Chelsea 65 8 21 36 63 -120 45 0.69

Chelsea are the one remaining existing Premier League side against whom we have failed to achieve a League "double". Spurs have lost nine of their past 12 Premier League clashes with Chelsea, drawing two and winning one. Ange Postecoglou is at risk of becoming the first Spurs manager to lose his first four Premier League games against Chelsea.

Our 4-3 home defeat in December was the first time that Chelsea had trailed by two goals after 11 minutes of a game in the Premier League since a 2-0 loss at Leeds United on 1 December 1996.

Cole Palmer became the first player to score from all of the first 12 penalties he had taken in the Premier League; previously 11 by Yaya Toure of Manchester City.

That home defeat was the seventh of our 15 Premier League defeats of the season. We've lost 8 of the last 14 league games. Chelsea scored four goals in consecutive away games against Tottenham for the first time.

Chelsea are yet to win a trophy under the ownership that took control of the club in 2022. They've spent £1.1bn and made 39 permanent signings during this time. They are however, hot favourites to win the Europa Conference League, which would give them a Europa League place next season. Chelsea are well placed to earn a Champions League place next season, but Opta suggests their most likely finishing position will be sixth, behind both Manchester City and Newcastle.

Even during the March international break Chelsea signed Geovany Quenda (18 this month)and Dario Essugo from Sporting. That's a €74m total package for both players with Quenda to join in summer 2026, and Essugo (already 18) to join in summer 2025.

It's hard for ardent Chelsea fans too keep up with their club's transfer and loan business, let alone a casual observer!

Ange Postecoglou has reported that both Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso are "progressing well". Richarlison is back in training, but I suspect not to be seen tomorrow. All those who left on international duty returned unscathed, including Lucas Bergvall, who missed Sweden's games due to illness.

As always, Spurs will need to be at their best tomorrow (8pm - SKY). Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke are all on course to return from injury. The best I can hope for is a cheeky draw.

Our match referee (for the 35th time) will be Craig Pawson. His last Spurs game was our 4-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Anfield two months ago.

Did you know? (1) - Spurs, and four of the five other ever-present Premier League members (Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United) have never been involved in play-offs. Chelsea are the exception, having been relegated in 1988 after finishing 18th in Division One, before losing 2-1 on aggregate to Division Two Middlesbrough. Chelsea became the first and only club to be relegated from the top tier in the play-offs. Division One clubs were only involved in 1986-87 and 1987-88. Middlesbrough had finished third in Division Two.

Chelsea made an immediate return and won Division Two with 99 points, 17 points above second-placed Manchester City!

Did you know? (2) - Jimmy Greaves, whose career began at Chelsea, topped the English scoring charts no less than 6 times, twice with Chelsea and four times with Spurs. When at Chelsea in our Double season of 1960-61, Jimmy was the last player to score more than 40 top flight goals in a season. His tally was 41, one of which was against Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Easter Monday 1961. Spurs won that game 3-2, having won 4-2 at White Hart Lane on Good Friday.

. Spurs record in recent London Derby League matches

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NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 507

Submitted by Norman Giller

Am I really typing this? ... Tottenham Hotspur (note the full name) play Manchester City at home on Wednesday seeking a fourth successive Premier League victory and a second hat-trick of wins this season against a Manchester team!

After defeats by Real Madrid in Europe and yesterday's pounding by Liverpool, Manchester City are dangerously wounded animals, so don't expect them to just roll over against Spurs. But the fact that we are even discussing victory over the reigning Premier League champions underlines what a crazy season this is.

It was only recently that the main topic was if Ange Postecoglou could survive another day in his job before the dreaded Daniel Levy axe dropped on him.

Now Tottenham Hotspur - again, note the full name - are looking for a third win of the season over City (to go with the hat-trick against ManU) ... and dreaming of Europa League glory after a last 16 draw paired them with AZ Alkmaar, the Dutch side Spurs beat in the group stages.

Let me repeat the main point in that previous paragraph, because it is quite unique and never achieved before in football history: If Spurs beat Man City on Wednesday they complete a double hat-trick on the two great Manchester clubs in a single season. Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs, as older Mancunians say.

I must get my feet back on the ground and try to stay balanced with my judgement. But the fact remains that suddenly the Spurs season is being turned on its head.

Of course it could all start to unravel again if goal poacher supreme Erling Haaland is fit to return to lead the City attack on Wednesday. I understand he is going to have a late fitness test to decide whether he starts.

Meantime, Spurs are finding new confidence as their appalling injury list shortens, allowing Ange to put out a squad much nearer to his first choice.

Along with our guru Paul H. Smith we have to accept that Saturday's 4-1 whacking of Ipswich provided a final scoreline that was somewhat flattering.

As Declan Mulcahy reports HERE, the Tractor Boys might easily have had a harvest of goals if the ball had run kindly for them. The fact remains, however, that - with Sonny sparkling and Lucas Bergvall immense - Tottenham Hotspur (full title again) eventually made amends for their shock home defeat by Ipswich earlier in this topsy-turvy season.

All that 'Tottenham Hotspur' business? An official reminder has gone out from the thought police that this is how the team should be referred to by the media, not just plain old Tottenham (you know, that Tottenham that won the Double and were the first club to win a major European trophy).

For those who do not understand the concept of branding, Spurs - sorry, Tottenham Hotspur - need to be recognised far beyond England shores and the club image makers feel just plain old Tottenham no longer meets the needs to be known internationally.

Personally, I don't care what we call them providing they are winners. Come On You Spurs! You know, good old Tottenham Hotspur.

Week 27 of our eleventh season of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League, and the question is:

Who won 67 England caps, skippered Spurs and which Football League club did he briefly manage?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 27. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous ten seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2025, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week's question: Which Scottish international striker played for Tottenham, Manchester United, Coventry and QPR in the 1980s and with which club did he start his career in England?

Answer: Alan Brazil/Ipswich Town.

See you back here on Monday. COYS!

Follow @spursodyssey

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 499

Submitted by Norman Giller

The calls for Ange Postecoglou's head grew after Tottenham's underwhelming 2-2 draw against Wolves yesterday. The dropped two points added to the frustration all Lilywhite fans have felt this season, and Ange supporters - including me - are fearing for his future.

Many in the fickle Tottenham fan base have run out of patience with the affable Aussie. The lynch mob are on the march, and the axeman Daniel Levy will be fully aware of their feelings. I detest the way supporters can decide who goes and when. This blood-thirsty lot would have run Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw out of town in their first seasons in charge. They have no patience, no tolerance, no qualities of mercy. I hope they set the same high standards of delivery for themselves at their place of work, but I doubt it.

After conceding that late equaliser against revived Wolves, Levy could not have helped but hear the Ange-haters boo and jeer the two-faced Tottenham team in general and Postecoglou in particular.

I am informed by a reliable source that Ange is safe while Spurs are still in the three cups, but having to face lethal Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final does not exactly fill we Postecoglou defenders with confidence. Don't forget Levy got rid of Jose Mourinho after he had steered Spurs to a final and did not give him the satisfaction of leading the team out at Wembley. The man is ruthless.

Tottenham gave a completely new meaning to being "home sick" when they became the first team in the history of the Premier League to concede first in 15 home games in a single calendar year.

And continuing with the sickening stats, they have now fallen behind first in seven top-flight home matches this season from their ten fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Any self-respecting Spurs follower will have to admit that is just not good enough.

I leave it to our Spurs Odyssey reporter Declan Mulcahy to tell the story of yesterday's topsy turvy game HERE, and I am sure he will agree that Tottenham's long injury list cannot be blamed for conceding goals that are wounding and worrying.

Ange will hope to be active as soon as the transfer window opens on Wednesday. The question is whether Daniel Levy will be willing to allow him to spend before he brings down his well-used chopper?

There was, as is usual with Ange-ball, lots of positive play from Tottenham yesterday, but they are simply dropping too many points. Ange must strengthen the squad. But will he be allowed to? Over to you, Mr Levy.

It will be my 500th Spurs Odyssey blog next Monday. Will Newcastle allow me to have a celebratory column to kick off 2025? Watch this space.

Happy New Year!

COYS.

Week 19 of our eleventh season of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League, and the question is:

Which gentleman from Verona has played nine times for Italy, joined Spurs from Udinese and which number Spurs shirt does he wear?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 19. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous ten seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2025, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week's question: Who scored four goals for Spurs in a cracking 7-1 Christmas Day victory and against which team?

Answer: Les Bennett/Middlesbrough (1952)

See you back here on Monday. Happy 2025.

COYS!

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NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 490

Submitted by Norman Giller

To think I interrupted my honeymoon to watch that dross at Selhurst Park yesterday! The story so far: I have married Joyce, who will be 90 in November. It has been love and laughter ever since our wedding earlier this month ... until that demoralising defeat by Crystal Palace.

Suddenly, my new bride realises the important part Spurs play in my life, and she now knows that the joker she took on as a husband has a gloom and doom side to him.

I have never got out of the habit of taking notes during a match since my football reporting days, and I had a virtual blank piece of paper at the end of Tottenham's guileless and goalless game.

I did not envy our Spurs Odyssey reporter Declan Mulcahy having to report the non-action HERE. It was certainly not a game to write home about. The Rachel Reeves Budget will have more punch.

There was not too much to raise the spirits either in Thursday's turgid Europa League engagement with AZ Alkmaar. The highlight for me was going on to the pitch at half-time to discuss with master of the mic Paul Coyte the book I have written with Steve Perryman on the legend that is 'Sir Bill' Nicholson.

Steve, who played more games for Tottenham (854) than any other footballer in history, agreed with me that the one thing memorable about the match was the second-half performance of Mikey Moore.

He is a gold-plated prospect, but I am not so sure he should have been pitched into his first Premier League start yesterday on the difficult hunting ground that is Selhurst Park. Let's be patient with Mikey and bring him along carefully.

The biggest concern for me was the failure of James Maddison to make any impact before his substitution after 62 minutes. He trudged off without a hint of the cockiness that lifts him when he is in monopolising mood. Ange must find a way of reigniting the Maddison flame to quickly end speculation on line that all is not right.

Man City in the League Cup on Wednesday and then a visit from high-flying Aston Villa are back-to-back tests that need Tottenham on their toes not flat on their heels.

Meantime, I am sure you are all anxious to read about the golden reign of Bill Nicholson in the book I have lovingly written in harness with Steve Perryman. You can order a dual signed copy at https://steveperryman.com/product/sir-bill-the-book/.

Steve and I will be talking about the book at a recording today of the hugely popular Spurs Show, with Mike Leigh and Theo Delaney asking the questions.

Here comes the pride.

COYS!

Week TEN already of our eleventh season of the Spurs Odyssey Quiz League, and the question is:

Who was a member of the 2012 British Olympic squad, joined Spurs from Leeds, won 29 England caps, and which club did he eventually join in 2022 after several loan deals?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 10. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous ten seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact.

This year's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2025, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date. Last week's question: Who won 59 international caps, wore Tottenham shirt numbers 7, 11 and 12 in FA Cup finals at Wembley and which London club did he join from Spurs?

Answer: Cliff Jones, Fulham

See you back here on Monday. COYS! 

Follow @spursodyssey

. Premier League Matchday - last year

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats

Spurs' record in Europe:- U.E.F.A Champions League P W D L F - A 53 22 12 19 90 - 75 (Finalists 2019) European Cup P W D L F - A 8 4 1 3 21 - 13 (Semi-Finalists 1962) European Cup Winners Cup P W D L F - A 33 20 5 8 65 - 34 (Winners 1963) UEFA Cup/Europa League P W D L F - A 155 90 37 28 318-135 (Winners 1972, 1984 Finalists 1974) Europa Conference League P W D L F - A 7 3 1 3 14 - 9 + Forfeited one game due to Covid - 09/12/21) Total P W D L F - A 256 139 56 61 508-266 Europa League Placings Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts Spurs 3 2 2 0 0 5-1 4 6 AZ Alkmaar 18 2 1 0 1 3-4 -1 3

Spurs well-placed to assert their authority

For the second consecutive Europa League game, we face a team we have never played before in senior competition. There will be one very familiar name in the AZ Alkmaar squad, and that is Troy Parrott, who rose through the ranks of our academy, but was sold for €8 million in July this year.

Now 22, Troy made his senior debut for Spurs in an ill-fated league cup game at Colchester in September 2019 (we lost on penalties), and made three brief substitute appearances in league and cup games in that 2019-2020 season. Troy had a successful loan with Excelsior in The Netherlands last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

Troy has made 25 senior international appearances for The Republic of Ireland and has five goals to his name. He played in the 2-0 defeat in Greece earlier this month.

Troy has been ever-present in AZ's 9 league games and also played in both their Europa League games to date. He scored from the penalty spot in their 3-2 home win against Swedish side Elfsborg who we play in our final Europa League stage match at the end of January.

Troy has scored five league goals this season, four of which came in a 9-1 home win over SV Heerenveen.

AZ finished fourth in last season's Eredivisie, 26 points behind league winners PSV. They started this season well, winning five of their first six league games, plus their first Europa League match, but have since lost four consecutive games, including a 2-0 away defeat to Athletic Bilbao. On Saturday, they were narrowly beaten (2-1) by PSV, who again lead the league table. PSV drew away to PSG this week in their third Champions League game. AZ are currently fourth in their league table and 18th in the early Europa League standings.

There is another former player who has connections with Spurs, Excelsior and AZ Alkmaar. At the age of 20 in January 2005, Mounir El Hamdaoui signed for Spurs from Excelsior. El Hamdaoui didn't make the Spurs first team, but did play for our reserves. He scored on his debut in February, 2005 playing in the same Spurs side as current Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.

El Hamdaoui first joined Dutch side Willem II before signing for AZ in August, 2007. He played 16 games for the Moroccan national side between 2009 and 2013. El Hamdaoui was on Fiorentina's books when we met in 2015, but did not feature in either of our Europa League matches against the Italian side. Mounir took up employment as a football agent for youth players at Alkmaar in 2022.

Having won their first two games, and playing at home tomorrow, Spurs are well-placed to assert their authority upon this competition by winning a third game. With a second consecutive London derby game at Selhurst Park to come on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou may well choose to switch some personnel. He has confirmed that Son will not be involved, as he felt sore following his return last Saturday. Not only Richarlison, but also Wilson Odobert are in training and available for selection.

I'll take Spurs to win by two clear goals.

Match referee Manfredas Lukjancukas and his on-field officials are from Lithuania. Mr. Lukjancukas is another new official to Spurs, but he has officiated European and International games over the last year at least.

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. Last season's game - Brighton 4 Spurs 2, 28.12.23

. Premier League Matchday 7 - last year

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here! THFC6061 Sports Stats

Full League Record of Spurs -v- Brighton Prem Pl W D L For- Ag Pts Home 7 6 0 1 11 - 5 18 Away 7 3 1 3 8 - 10 10 ========================================== Total(Prem) 14 9 1 4 19 - 15 28 2 Pts per game ========================================== Football Lge Home(Div 1) 4 2 1 1 6 - 4 6 Away(Div 1) 4 3 0 1 8 - 3 7 ========================================== Total(Div 1) 8 5 1 2 14 - 7 13 ========================================== Football Lge Home(Div 2) 1 0 1 0 0 - 0 1 Away(Div 2) 1 0 0 1 1 - 3 0 ========================================== Total(Div 2) 2 0 1 1 1 - 3 1 ========================================== Total(Prem) 14 9 1 4 19 - 15 28 Total(Div 1) 8 5 1 2 14 - 7 13 Total(Div 2) 2 0 1 1 1 - 3 1 ========================================== Grand Total 24 14 3 7 34 - 25 42 ========================================== Last Six Premier League results:- Brighton - WWDDDL Everton 0-3 Brighton Brighton 2-1 Man Utd Arsenal 1-1 Brighton Brighton 0-0 Ipswich Brighton 2-2 Nottm Fst Chelsea 4-2 Brighton Spurs - DWLLWW Leicester 1-1 Spurs Spurs 4-0 Everton Newcastle 2-1 Spurs Spurs 0-1 Arsenal Spurs 3-1 Brentford Man Utd 0-3 Spurs Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts 8. Spurs 6 3 1 2 12-5 7 10 9. Brighton 6 2 3 1 10-8 2 9

A feeling of dread

Thanks to Eugene Gasper for the picture

This weekend's trip to The Amex Stadium comes five years (almost to the day) after a 3-0 defeat and a horrible performance by a Spurs team led by Mauricio Pochettino, who one month later would depart. We've won two and lost two of our subsequent trips to the "Seagulls" home, but I can't help but feel some dread about any visit to a club which last season experienced European football for the first time, and which was unbeaten until last week.

That 4-2 at Stamford Bridge (all the goals were scored in the first half) featured some hapless defending and poor play-out moves. We must hope for a Spurs performance full of vigour and confidence similar to that displayed at Old Trafford last Sunday. After last night's win in Hungary, achieved with a side featuring four young players, we can anticipate a line-up similar to that which started last Sunday. This preview is being published ahead of any team news, but I understand both Son and Udogie have a 75% chance of playing.

Back in 2019, Brighton were coached by Graham Potter, who lasted just under one full season at Chelsea. Ironically, Potter was replaced by Pochettino, who managed one complete season at a club where players and coaches simply come and go with greater regularity than at most teams.

Few players survive from the 2019 game. Lewis Dunk remains captain and a stalwart at Brighton where he began his professional career in May 2010, making his debut in League One against MK Dons. Dunk (33 in November) has made 468 appearances for his club and was one of five players in England's 26-man Euro 24 squad who had no game time. He does have six senior caps.

Yves Bissouma (signed by Spurs in June 2022) was an 80th minute Brighton substitute. Heung-min Son and Ben Davies survive of the Spurs team which played on that day.

Another veteran on Brighton's books is James Milner (38 last January) who has now appeared in his 23rd Premier League season, beating the record held by Ryan Giggs. Milner is 15 matches away from equalling Gareth Barry's record of 653 appearances in the competition. Milner scored his first goal against Spurs when on loan to Aston Villa from Newcastle in September 2005. He was a 62nd minute substitute for Liverpool in our 2019 Champions League Final defeat. Milner hasn't played since suffering a hamstring injury at the end of August.

Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton "mutually agreed" to move in separate directions after months of uncertainty over his future, leaving the Premier League club in need of a replacement head coach before the new season. This announcement was made on the eve of Brighton's last game of the season, when they played Manchester United.

De Zerbi was being linked with a possible move to Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Juventus or even Manchester United, but ultimately became Marseille's new coach.

De Zerbi was given a guard of honour by his players and a standing ovation from the fans after full-time in his last game at the Amex Stadium, before admitting that he was leaving Brighton owing to "different ideas" and a "disagreement with the owners".

Roberto De Zerbi's side won 4-2 at the Amex Stadium in December - the first time they had scored four or more goals against Tottenham in any competition.

Spurs didn't take the lead against Brighton until the final minute of the second game in their two league games last season.

Three of Brighton's Premier League penalties last season were conceded by Spurs. It was the eighth time that one team has scored three penalties against another in a Premier League season and Spurs became the first side to be on the receiving end more than once (also against Leicester City in 2020-21).

In June Brighton announced that Fabian Hurzeler had joined the club as head coach. Hurzeler (just 31) was previously the manager of Bundesliga Tier 2 Champions St. Pauli.

Brighton have a knack of excellent recruitment of both players and coaches. Hurzeler has certainly made a positive start and summer playing arrivals included 20-year-old midfielder Yankuba Minteh for a fee in excess of £30m from Newcastle, Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord, forward Georginio Rutter from Leeds (also for big money), Brajan Gruda from Mainz (yet to play for his new club), Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce and Matt O'Riley from Celtic.

Departures included Adam Lallana (back to Southampton), Pascal Gross to Borussia Dortmund, Deniz Undav to Stuttgart and Billy Gilmour to Antonio Conte's Napoli.

Another veteran player Danny Welbeck, continues to impress and top-scores for Brighton this season with three league goals. Welbeck will be 34 next month and came to fame with Manchester United and Arsenal. Joao Pedro was a great signing from Watford in May last year, and Japanese Kaoru Mitoma is ever-present in 6 league games to date.

Brighton's best results of the season so far have been a 3-0 opening weekend win at Goodison Park, a 2-1 home win over Man Utd, and a 1-1 draw away to Arsenal.

Spurs climbed above "The Seagulls" following their 3-0 win at Old Trafford, and will be looking for a sixth consecutive win in all competitions. I am hopeful of a 2-1 away win. The Spurs Odyssey website will be updated on Monday.

Our match referee for the first time this season is David Coote. We only saw Mr. Coote in the middle once last season. That was our 3-2 home win against Brentford. This will be Mr. Coote's 15th Spurs game since his first game in September 2016. The game kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday.

Did you know? - Steve Harley of Cockney Rebel fame, who died in March was born Stephen Malcolm Ronald Nice in Deptford, southeast London, on February 27 1951, the second of five children. His father, Ronald, was a milkman and part-time footballer with Brighton & Hove Albion.

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