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There has been a lot of criticism of Tottenham Hotspur's most expensive summer 2025 transfer, and while a significant amount of it has been both contrusctive and, quite frankly (no pun intended), deserved, Simons served a gentle reminder to the footballing world on Tuesday night against Atletico Madrid that he's a bona fide star in this game.

Simons has been a succes wherever he has gone. He was tremendous for PSV in both domestic and international compeition, and then he actually raised the bar further for RB Leipzig. So the fact that Simons has not been dominating as a No. 10 for Spurs is indeed a disappointment and a bit of step back, but in a week where Eberechi Eze scored a scorching volley for Arsenal, Simons, too, showed his world class quality.

The Tottenham youngster was unplayable, and even a top defense like Atletico Madrid could not cope with him. Simons was the most influential player in the 3-2 win for Spurs, scoring two goals while filling up the rest of the stat sheet. The Flying Dutchman led Spurs with five key passes, tying Maths Tel for the team lead with four dribbles completed, too. He won the penalty that he converted, but his first goal from beyond the blue was the real gem of the two.

Xavi Simons did it all for Tottenham

Even better, Xavi Simons proved that nothing should take him off the pitch by being the team's best defensive influence, too, leading the way with two tackles while adding two interceptions. And to top it all off, he completed a touch under 90 percent of his passes, pulling the string with accuracy, progresiveness, incisiveness, and real creative output.

Look, there can still be skepticism as to how well Simons translates to the Premier League, but this world class display in literally every single aspect of midfield play was a crystal clear message to world football that no matter how you spin it, Simons is a baller. He is a great player. And people can sit there and pick apart translating to the league, but if you can play as well as he did on a week night against Atletico de Madrid, then you can play up to anyone in English football.

Tottenham fans have to be coming away from the Champions League with at least this hugely positive feeling on Simons, who was the most important acquisition the club made in either the preceding summer or winter transfer periods.

It was almost two weeks to the day when a Tottenham Hotspur fanbase united in their belief that Premier League relegation was an apocalyptic potential. On Wednesday, we joined as one to appreciate what we've got in Archie Gray.

An aggregate defeat has never felt so morally blissful for Spurs. Ultimately, Antonín Kinsky's horrorshow in Madrid left Igor Tudor's side with too much to do in the return leg, but winning in N17 was crucial for maintaining the momentum built from Sunday's hard-fought and deserved point at Anfield.

This was a performance that certainly wasn't without error, but the bright sparks, without question, outweighed the nadirs. Mathys Tel made the wrong decision once or twice but was a hugely positive influence, while Xavi Simons reminded us why he has 'face of the franchise' potential after a difficult run of form.

Xavi struck twice and Tel created the other in a 3-2 victory, ensuring our remarkable unbeaten record at home in Europe extended to 25 games. However, these two were outshone by the recently-turned 20-year-old in the middle of the park.

Archie Gray is the future of Tottenham Hotspur

Gray entered the second leg with his lofty reputation still intact amid a woeful campaign for the Lilywhites. Still, there was perhaps a sense that while the versatile midfielder had held his own amid the difficulties, he hadn't yet shown himself to be the potentially game-changing addition some thought him to be when he beat out stiff competition for his signature two summers ago.

His performance on Wednesday didn't merely prove how special he could be, but how good Archie Gray already is.

The Englishman's ability to play pretty much anywhere has been exploited (out of necessity) by three managers in N17, but there's no doubting that his future lies in a midfield position. That's where he could blossom into a star.

Tudor, who's starting to turn things around ahead of the crucial six-pointer on Sunday, absolutely loves the kid. He's his favorite, for sure. The boss spoke about Gray like a proud father post-match.

“He's a guy, you know the positions he plays everywhere, so probably this position in the middle is, I believe, the best one for him. But he's playing continually in the right way, in a good way," he told reporters (via Spurs Army).

“It's a mix of quality, physically and mentally, to always make the right choices and be humble and have legs to do so. He needs to continue this, he's still young, so every day he needs to be a new confirmation."

Suddenly, Spurs have got something in the engine room with Gray starring alongside Pape Matar Sarr. We've got a couple of courageous footballers willing to get their foot on the ball, take risks, and get their team up the pitch. They may make costly mistakes, but their inhibition in possession will only serve to benefit this team, one that produced its most dazzling display of the season on Wednesday.

This is not merely a case of us supporters getting a little too excited over 81 minutes of Gray brilliance, attempting to atone for the months of hopelessness we've been subject to. The Spaniards watching on were taken aback, too. Atléti midfielder Marcos Llorente offered his appreciation after Gray was withdrawn, shaking the young Englishman's hand, while AS journalist Pablo Montaño provided an apt description.

"A proper all-round footballer."

Igor Tudor was not a popular figure around Tottenham Hotspur a week ago. After feeding Antonin Kinsky to the wolves and then hanging him out to dry after he frequently siipped on the notoriously slippery Atletico Madrid pitch, not even acknowledging the young goalkeeper, Tudor has recovered quite abruptly from the 5-2 demolition at the hands of Diego Simeone.

He patched things up with Kinsky and strongly hinted at him starting again. Then, he did something even better, taking a point off Arne Slot to hold the tide at bay in the intense Premier League relegation fight. And finally, he picked up his first win as Spurs manager, taking down Simeone's Atleti 3-2 in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16.

Obviously, a 3-2 win in the second leg was too little, too late after losing 5-2 in the first leg, but how well Spurs played at home was a reminder of what they are capable of and that maybe, just maybe, Spurs would hae eliminated Atleti in shock fashion if they were not so unlucky with Atleti's comically horrid grounds.

Igor Tudor suddenly doesn't look incompetent

In the span of one week after reaching rock bottom with his treatment of Kinsky, Tudor is riding high, and Tottenham Hotspur fans are no longer cursing his name as a downgrade on Thomas Frank, but rather appreciating the fact that, contrary to media speculation, Tudor has the locker room fighting for him much more than Frank ever did.

Of course, the Tottenham dressing room is - and should be - fighting for a lot more than Tudor, but the positive changes are palpable. And Tudor is believing in young players like Spurs have not before. Archie Gray and Maths Tel are rapidly becoming untouchables for Tottenham, as they should be. Even the previously forgotten Callum Olusesi is impressing and playing an important role in the Tottenham midfield.

The narrative on Tudor has suddenly shifted from a blithering oaf who is inaccessible, unrelatable, and outright incompetent to a potential stabilizer. Tudor's tenure at Tottenham is necessarily going to be brief, and no Spurs supporter has illusions - or, rather, delusions - of him spending more time at the N17 than he needs to.

But with how well Spurs played against Atleti and how much more fire they displayed for the first time in months, perhaps Tudor's brief period at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can ultimately prove to be a highly fruitful one in the short and even long term.

Yes, Tottenham Hotspur are knocked out of the Champions League, but that was already a foregone conclusion entering a second leg against a quality Atletico Madrid side with a 5-2 deficit. But for the first time in ages, Spurs looked like they were capable of building towards something real, giving the beleagured home fans something to cheer about with a 3-2 victory.

And it was young Mathys Tel who crucially opened things up. After nearly scoring, Tel broke the dead lock with an expertly weighted cross to an open Randal Kolo Muani, who fully obliged with another headed goal to the good.

Tel's cross for an assist had been a long, long time coming. Almost inexplicably, Tel has not assisted in the Premier League yet this season, though the explanation is truly two fold. The first is that he has been snubbed out of so many minutes by Thomas Frank. But the second is that his great crosses all season long have been snubbed by a host of disappointing strikers in front of goal.

Mathys Tel deserved his assist vs. Atletico Madrid

After Richarlison squandered multiple great crosses from Tel over the weekend against Liverpool before finally depositing a Randal Kolo Muani assist, the French countryman himself would not waste this golden opportunity from Tel's electric right boot.

Tel's assist was truly a long time coming. Tottenham Hotspur fans had been earmarking either this game or the weekend fixture vs. Nottingham Forest, which is actually even more important to Spurs than this Champions League knockout tie, as the time for Tel to register a goal or an assist.

Now, Tel could still yet get his goal against Nuno Espirito Santo's spirited bunch over the weekend, but he already has an impressive assist. And Tel was quality all night long against the vaunted Atletico Madrid defense, tearing them to bits with four dribbles completed as one of the three best players on the pitch - and that is finally a high compliment for a Spurs player, given how brilliant Xavi Simons and Archie Gray were, too.

Spurs supporters had been banging the drum for Tel for months as a future superstar, and even when Tottenham have been putrid, he and fellow young gun Gray have been fantastic. Tel finally got the bit of fortune he needed, though, in truth, his cross to Kolo Muani was a case of him making his own luck; there was no way Kolo Muani could have ever missed that sitter.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero is the most high profile player who could depart the club. He was already flirting with a Tottenham exit last summer transfer window, though Thomas Frank and the club were able to convince him to stay for another season despite intense transfer interest from Atletico Madrid - and even some links to Real Madrid.

But because he is so underrated, Romero was not fetching transfer offers Spurs were willing to even listen to anyway. After a difficult season and if Spurs are relegated, however, Tottenham may not have a choice in the summer 2026 transfer window if he wants out.

After the 3-2 win over potential transfer suitors Atletico Madrid, Cristian Romero addressed the Tottenham transfer rumors, and while he thankfully stated that he is still very much focused on Premier League survival No. 1 as Spurs captain, he, unfortunately, did not exactly 100 percent rule out a transfer out either.

Cristian Romero leaves his future open

Here is what Romero said about the situation, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano, My focus is on Spurs and try to help in this bad situation…this is the priority, then after we will see. But now I want to recover energy and help Spurs”.

Just like countryman Enzo Fernandez over at Chelsea, Romero is pulling the "we will see" card at Tottenham, and those three words are never a good sign. They show that Romero is at least open enough to leaving Spurs that even as captain in a difficult sign, he is already unwilling to commit. He does not even want the hint of commitment or to pretend that the rumors are not true.

Romero is not quite at the Micky van de Ven stage of contemplating a transfer out, but he has to be thinking about it. He has been treated pretty poorly in the media by the board with leaks against his character and the validity of succeeding the legendary Son Heung-min as Tottenham captain, but the fact that he is the most outspoken and fiery player is actually crucial for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has endured some dreadful injury luck in the 2025/26 Premier League season, because after missing months with a foot injury that kept on getting aggravated despite surgery, Solanke's had to still miss more time in recent weeks with a throat infection and now some more nagging issues.

In between, Solanke has been very good when on the pitch, memorably destroying Borussia Dortmund in his first real game back from injury. He has cooled off a bit since, but a lot of that was the injury issues talking.

Solanke was not able to play in the most recent Tottenham victory, a somewhat meaningless but morally boosting 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League. But after being held out for some more rest, Solanke is ready for an even bigger game.

Dominic Solanke is ready for Nottingham Forest

Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor informed fans, via The Spurs Web, that he thinks Dominic Solanke will be fit and ready to face Nottingham Forest this weekend in the Premier League. Spurs are only a couple of points ahead of Forest after drawing Liverpool last weekend, so this is, for all intents and purposes, a full on relegation six pointer for Tottenham and their biggest must win matchup of the 2025/26 Premier League season to date.

It is such a big game that Spurs fans were even looking past Atletico Madrid with eyes on Nottingham Forest. Solanke has not been as decisive in recent games and famous relegation fighter Richarlison has suddenly become more important, but every Spurs fan knows that on quality, especially in all around ability, Solanke is the best striker Tottenham have.

Even with Richarlison out there, Spurs are going to need Solanke to be healthy and at his best, so it is obviously excellent news that Tudor thinks he is going to be ready this weekend. His frame, hold up play, and creativity will be very, very important against a scrappy Forest defense that has some of the best defensive players in the Premier League, especially Big Six transfer target Murillo.

The 28 year old Tottenham No. 9 last played in a Premier League fixture for Spurs last weekend against Liverpool, getting a full 90 minutes while showing some nice all around play in terms of opening up chances for others. Tottenham are going to need that and more consistency in front of goal from a player who has scored in just two Premier League fixtures this season.

Tottenham Hotspur did not advance in the Champions League Round of 16, but they did save face, winning the second leg againt Spanish giants Atletico Madrid 3-2 even though they clearly had their eyes peeled to this weekend's vital Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest in the thick of the relegation battle.

So many of Spurs young stars showed up to play and were given the full opportunity from manager Igor Tudor to shine, but perhaps no player has continued to increase his own personal stock more than center midfielder Archie Gray.

The 20 year old is clearly the future of this midfield, and he shone brightly in all phases against one of the stingiest and most compact midfields in European football. Gray had his way with them as a playmaker and progressor, creating two chances with two dribbles completed while providing an assist in another gutsy display.

Archie Gray was brilliant vs. Atletico Madrid

Gray is beyond his years of age, and the U21 talent was keeping the passing game ticking with wonderful accuracy and a brave style of play that ensured Spurs were really driving the ball forward in possession in a game in which the truly had nothing to lose.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters are, of course, not surprised in the least that Gray had a standout display in the middle of the park for this team. Even when Spurs have been terrible, like against Crystal Palace in a recent 3-1 loss in the Premier League, and have had their heads down, Gray has been a young leader with his head raised high and producing beautifully for his team offensively and defensively.

While Spurs still have serious issues to sort out in their squad, including the midfield, Archie Gray is one big time solution who actually keeps proving at the end of the 2025/26 campaign that he is ready for even more clout and responsibility in this squad. Gray has future captain written all over him, and you can see why the elite clubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are ogling him as a dream summer 2026 transfer target.

Well, Tottenham fans know that their beloved club had better hold onto the former Leeds United gem at all costs. Gray was one of those cases of Spurs getting a young signing spot on, and maybe they did not even anticipate him being this good at the end of year two. Now, keep him in the midfield, please.

It could only have been Richarlison to sink the hearts of his old rivals Liverpool with a last gasp, game tying goal to give Tottenham Hotspur a vital point in the relegation fight. The goal was a long time coming for both Richy and Spurs, as the former Everton star had squandered quite a few good chances before finally burying one in the back of the net.

Over the past few weeks, Richarlison has been the best and by far the most active striker on the team, whlie Randal Kolo Muani has been as uneven as ever and Dominic Solanke's very brief purple patch has already been rendered forgotten.

Richarlison, for all his flaws, is the one guy you want more than anyone else because he will fight to the death for your team when survival is on the line. And he is more than earning that reputation already this season for Spurs.

Richarlison did not make the Brazil squad

As if Richy needed any more reasons to play with a fire and a real chip on his shoulder, Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti just gave him some additional motivation. His former coach for both Brazil and even Everton back in the day, Richy and Carletto have a close relationship, but that did not stop the former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager from snubbing him.

Ancelotti released his official squad for the Brazil national team at the March international break, and Richarlison was nowhere near it. Young rising talents Endrick, Rayan, and Luiz Henrique were among those who made it on the squad over him. And honestly, it is deserved, as Richy, who was at the last World Cup, is not showing the quality of a Brazil national team forward this season. He was not the biggest snub in the team - Neymar was - but Richy being left off by Carlo is still a big deal.

So that is extra motivation for Richarlison to step his game up in these final months of the 2025/26 Premier League season. He does not have much time to turn things around and earn a spot back in the squad before the World Cup, but you had better believe that is as much of a prime motivation for Richarlison as saving Spurs is. Any little bit Spurs can get to push their players helps, and maybe Spurs will get to see the best version of Richy as the games get more dire.

Tottenham Hotspur showed a lot more fight on Sunday against Liverpool than in any of their previous several matches, earning a 1-1 draw with a furious effort in the final minutes of the game, getting the decisive goal from who else but the Reds No. 1 enemy, Richarlison.

But the win had nothing to do with Igor Tudor, who continued to make basic managerial blunders. He started Souza, a left footed left back, on the right wing and Djed Spence, a right footed right back, at left back. And he was going to start Conor Gallagher above Pape Matar Sarr, only for his supposed master plan to mercifully be blown up in flames by the veteran midfielder's fever, allowing Sarr to step in and shine in his stead.

Tottenham fans are beyond fed up with Tudor, who basically turned himself into a lame duck interim manager, if such a thing is possible, by the way he treated Antonin Kinsky in the loss to Atletico Madrid. Spurs have been worse off for Tudor in the dugout, and yet this tie against Liverpool has saved his job.

Igor Tudor has bought himself 2 more games

Because according to a report from Tom Allnut of the Sunday Times, Igor Tudor is going to remain the Tottenham Hotspur manager this week through the next two games against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Although Atleti are the bigger club, the Forest game at the weekend is much more important for Tudor to win. Spurs are barely ahead of Ange Postecoglou's second Premier League club in the table, as they are in a very tight relegation battle with them and rivals West Ham United. So Spurs cannot afford to lose, otherwise they will be dumped into the relegation spots, in all likelihood. Meanwhile, Atleti already blew Spurs out in the first leg of the Champions League in Spain, making a comeback nearly impossible.

Spurs will dream, though, while Tudor will be coaching for his job and for his reputation. He has never lasted long in one spot, so getting Spurs relegated is a great way for him to tank his value internationally. At this point, Tottenham cannot even contemplate failure, because the consequences are far too grave.

Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham do not want to admit defeat on Tudor and make their jobs look even worse. Tudor has bought himself two more important games in the manager's chair by drawing Liverpool, but for many Tottenham fans, Tudor is already done and dusted.

Tottenham Hotspur have edged a point closer to safety. On Sunday, against all odds, Spurs picked up a first point under Igor Tudor, holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Despite falling behind courtesy of a trademark Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick, Guglielmo Vicario should have done better, Richarlison's goal in the final minute of the 90 pinched a point in front of the Kop.

With West Ham and Nottingham Forest also drawing, it's as you were at the bottom, but Tottenham fans are certainly feeling a bit better about life, even if their side is now winless in 12 league outings.

As this relegation battle continues, the Lilywhites need every marginal gain they can get, hence why supporters are hoping this is the last they see of the yellow away kit, given the team's miserable record when wearing it.

Tottenham Hotspur's 2025/26 results in the yellow away kit

Sunday was the yellow kit's ninth outing and, to date, Spurs have enjoyed just one victory wearing it. This was actually their most-recent league win, coming at Selhurst just after Christmas. That aside, it has produced five defeats and three draws, conceding 18 goals and scoring only nine.

Now, one could argue that Tottenham have a pretty bad record on the road in their white and all-black kits too, so let's compare the trio.

Tottenham Hotspur's win % in away fixtures per kit 2025/26

Somewhat surprisingly, Spurs have only worn their white kit in four away matches this season, enjoying victories at West Ham, Everton and Frankfurt when doing so, the only blot on this copy book coming in November's North London derby.

Meanwhile, while the black kit will forever become synonymous with last mid-week's mauling at the Metropolitano by Atlético Madrid, that was only Tottenham's second defeat in that shirt, actually beating Manchester City and Leeds earlier in the campaign, while also earning four draws.

Tottenham still have four fixtures on the road remaining, visiting Sunderland next up, before trips to Wolves, Aston Villa and then Chelsea. Likely to be donning the yellow strip at the Stadium of Light and Villa Park too, the supporters who will be making the long trip to Wearside on 12 April certainly won't be pleased if their team emerges from the tunnel bedecked in "vibrant yellow", as Nike call it.