Hotspur HQ

On Thursday evening, Tottenham Hotspur overturned their 1-0 first leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, with a 3-1 victory in North London. As always, they did not make things easy, but did play some very good football in spells, particularly for the third goal of the evening.

After Alkmaar tried pressing Spurs deep in their own half, James Maddison took two players out of the game by feigning to return the ball to Djed Spence, before turning and driving through the middle of the pitch. From there, he found Spence much further up the pitch, who played the ball to Son - receiving it back on the overlap, crossing towards Dominic Solanke, who flicked the ball to the far post for Wilson Odobert to tap home. That was AngeBall at its finest.

The Spurs faithful are not under any illusions that things will have to improve if they are to win the competition. They could have conceded more goals in both legs against the sixth best team in the Netherlands. There will be other sides who will punish them for any slackness.

One of those sides is Eintracht Frankfurt - whom will be playing Spurs in the quarter-finals, after overcoming a Dutch side of their own in Ajax - winning the second leg 4-1, which secured a 6-2 win on aggregate.

Spurs to play Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in quarter-finals

The German side currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, with 42 points from 25 games - and were doing even better in the first half of the season, before selling star man Omar Marmoush to Manchester City in the winter transfer window.

We will do an opposition preview on them in full, but to just quickly go over things - some fans will be aware of star man Hugo Ekitike - France U21 team mate of Odobert and Mathys Tel - whom has notched 13 times in the Bundesliga this season, as well as scoring and assisting in the aforementioned win over Ajax.

No doubt about it, this will be a tough tie to navigate for Spurs, particularly as the second leg will be played in Germany. The first leg will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, the 10th of April, and the second leg at the Frankfurt Stadion on Thursday, the 17th of April.

Still, it's never going to be easy in the latter stages of tournaments. Should Spurs progress, that is a contender knocked out of the way in the process. Let's see what happens. Should be exciting.

This evening, Spurs welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, for the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, in what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the season. By the end of the day, Spurs’ season could be completely done and dusted. They could have absolutely nothing to play for for two whole months. Everything is riding on this. Â

How both teams are lining up ahead of tonight's absolutely huge game

For the task at hand, manager Ange Posteocglou has opted for the following XI;Â Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son.

Meanwhile, the bench consists of;Â Austin, Whiteman, Udogie, Davies, Gray, Bissouma, Moore, Johnston, Tel, Scarlett and Moore.

Ange had made four changes to the side that drew 2-2 with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, with van de Ven, Maddison, Bergvall and Son replacing Danso, Bentancur, Bissouma, and Johnson.

This is the first time that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have started a game together since the defeat to Chelsea in December, where neither player were able to finish the game, before being sidelined for an extended period of time afterwards. Â

The last time they played 90 minutes together was in the 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace back in October – let's hope they can do so tonight. Â

It's a shame to see Gray not getting a chance to start in midfield with the above two fit to start in central defence. You would have thought him being an unused sub against Bournemouth was with this game in mind. A bit strange.

Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens has opted for the following side; Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro; Seiya Maikuma, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, David Wolfe; Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners; Ernest Poku, Zico Buurmeester, Ibrahim Saqiq; Troy Parrott.

With the bench consisting of; Jeroen Zoet, Hobie Verhulst, Bruno Martins Indi, Maxim Dekker, Mees de Wit, Elijah Dijkstra, Kristijan Belic, Kees Smit, Mexx Meerdink, Sem va Dujin, Wassim Bouziane.

As we have already mentioned a few times, the first international break of the year is upon us. Upon the completion of league football this weekend, players will travel all over the world to play with their national teams. Whether it be in World Cup qualifiers, Nations League play offs, friendlies - or perhaps something else, there will be plenty of games for a number of players.

That is no different for Spurs players. We have already seen Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson called up to the Wales national team for World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, Lucas Bergvall has been called up to the Sweden national team for friendlies against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Kevin Danso had been called up to the Austria national team for Nations League play-off games against Serbia, but has withdrawn through injury. Spursy.

Aside from senior teams, there will also be plenty of games for age group teams. Tomorrow we will find out whether or not Archie Gray is in the England U21 squad - you would assume so, given he is not in any of the younger age group squads, and the senior team feels a little premature.

One of those younger age groups that he could still play for is England U20 - a squad that includes Tottenham Hotspur youngsters Ashley Phillips and Dane Scarlett. Despite turning 19 yesterday - Gray would also be eligible for the U19 squad - another side that included a Spurs call up.

That player is Mikey Moore, whom in the last hour or so so was officially named in the squad for the forthcoming fixtures. When the 17-year old put the gloss on things in stoppage time against Elfsborg, the fanbase became extremely excited, and hoped he would be given more opportunities to show what he can do.

Mikey Moore named in England U19 squad for three games this month

For whatever reason, that has not been the case. He has played just 98 minutes of action since then, has not seen the pitch since the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa a little over a month ago - being an unused sub for three games, and not in the squad for the other games.

So, this presents a great opportunity for him to build his match sharpness. Even more so given there are three games for the U19s this break - rather than the usual two - so a busy break is in store.

All three games will be played in the UEFA U19 Euro elite qualifying phase. Firstly, they will play away to Wales at Bangor City FC on Wednesday the 20th March, for a 19:00 GMT kick off. Then, they will play at home to Turkey, on Saturday, the 22nd of March, for an 11:00 GMT kick off, to take place at Deeside Stadium.

Then, to finish off the break, they will face Portugal, also at Deeside Stadium, on Tuesday, the 22nd of March, in a game that will also kick off at 19:00 GMT.

With the first international break of 2025 just around the corner, plenty of squads have been announced this week. We have seen Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson called up to the Wales national team, as well as Lucas Bergvall to the Sweden national team. Kevin Danso was called up to the Austria national team, but has since withdrawn through injury.

Aside from senior squads, there are also age group squads being announced this week. That includes England. Today, Thursday the 13th of March, sees four squads announced, up until the U21s, which will be announced on Friday - along with the senior team.

As this is being typed out at just gone 16:00 GMT, there are a couple of squads still to be announced today, but one of the squads already confirmed is the U20 side - also known as the men's elite league squad. With it, two Tottenham Hotspur youngsters have received call ups.

An England U20 call up for two Tottenham Hotspur youngsters

They are, on loan at Stoke City Ashley Phillips, as well as current part of the first team squad Dane Scarlett. The latter was actually drafted into the U21 set up due to injuries whilst on loan at Oxford United, and even scored in a win over Azerbaijan.

Due to a lack of game time, the striker was recalled by Spurs in the winter transfer window. Since then, he has scored in the Europa League against Elfsborg, whilst assisting in the Premier League away to his former loan side, Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Phillips has been a regular in the Stoke side, playing and starting in 26 of their Championship games so far. He may feel like he had done enough to be pushing for an U21 call up, but here we are.

So, let's take a look at how the international breaks looks for both players. Firstly, they will face Portugal away from home in the Euro Elite League, on Friday, the 21st of March, for a 16:00 GMT kick off.

Then, they will face Switzerland in a friendly on Monday, the 24th of March, for a 19:00 GMT kick off at the Marbella Football Centre as their second game of the break.

This could come as a great opportunity for Scarlett to get some minutes in the legs, having not played a whole lot of football this season. As for Phillips, it gives him a chance to continue his spell of playing every game, as he continues to improve and develop. Good luck lads, and don't get injured.

Tottenham Hotspur look set to add to their attack again when the summer transfer window opens in June, and seem to be keeping an eye on the player already as they are aware of some tough competition from plenty of other clubs.

Spurs need a bit of a re-build in a lot of areas if they want to be a more consistent outfit for next season, with it being the middle of March, the Lilywhites sit in a very disappointing 13th position in the table, as well as being out of both domestic cups and have every chance of being knocked out of the Europa League, with them being a goal down going into the second leg of their tie with AZ Alkmaar.

The likes of Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore are probably still a bit too young to be the main starter week in week out, captain Heung-Min Son isn't getting any younger, but can still produce moments of brilliance in parts, so he will probably have to take up more of a squad role, and the likes of Timo Werner, (who will be going back to RB Leipzig anyway), Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil (on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively) are straight up not good enough for a club of Tottenham Hotspur's stature.

One player that could sort out a lot of these problems is Bournemouth and Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo. The 25-year-old played near enough the whole game in Sunday's 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and has seven goals as well as a further four assists in the Premier League this season for the Cherries who are having an exceptional campaign. This is something that could be a negative for Spurs, as Andoni Iraola's side have a huge chance to qualify for Europe next season for the first time in the club's history, something that Semenyo would want to be a part of.

Semenyo is a very versatile attacker that is just as good on both flanks, which is actually quite rare to see in this day and age, he's a quick, powerful ball carrier with a good strike on either foot, something that a part from Son, Spurs lack a little bit. The Ghanaian international would also be a big help to Tottenham's injury crisis, he has played and started all but one of Bournemouth's games in the league this season, the one he missed due to receiving too many yellow cards. That is also considering that Bournemouth are one of the best pressing teams in European football right now, proving he could handle the intensity of an Ange Postecoglou side.

Something else that could make this difficult for Spurs is the fact that Semenyo is a lifelong Arsenal fan, and said that the Emirates Stadium is his favourite away ground to play at. Although it doesn't have as much of a meaning these days whether you grew up supporting the club or not, every player is different and it could be something to consider for the London born winger.

Semenyo's current market value according to transfermarkt is 28 million euros, but as you can imagine the Cherries would want a lot more than that if they are going to let go of one of their key assets this summer.

Overall I think he would be a really good buy for Spurs, they need a refresh with their options in attack and a player like Semenyo who has all the attributes to fit in with the way Spurs want to play. He is always available and reliable, has the eye for goal, and will always work hard on and off the ball, which the Tottenham Hotspur faithful would appreciate it, but of course a lot of it depends on whether Levy will cough up the money or not!

On Tuesday evening, there was a huge game in League Two for George Abbott and his Notts County side, as they faced Grimsby Town on the road. Heading into the game, Notts were in 5th place, with 58 points from 35 games, and their hosts were in 8th place, with 56 points from their 35 games – a real six pointer as the cliche says. Â

Huge night in League Two for Tottenham Hotspur loanee and his side

It was business as usual in terms of the starting XI for the Spurs loanee, making his 29th league start of the season. For this one he was playing as one of two number 8’s in a 3142 system. Former Tottenham Hotspur academy player Nick Tsaroulla was starting at left wing back. Â

After a tense first half, where Grimsby shaded the game, the sides headed into the break goalless, and with everything still to play for. Then, just over ten minutes into the second half, Notts managed to grab the breakthrough through striker Alassana Jatta. Â

Having had an effort blocked a few minutes earlier, Abbott had a chance to score with eight minutes of normal time remaining, after substitute David McGoldrick laid the ball off, but his effort was too tame to get past the goalkeeper.Â

However, it would matter little, as with two minutes of normal time remaining, McGoldrick scored a superb individual goal on the break to make it two goals and three points for Notts. They saw the game out from there to secure a huge win and clean sheet in their push for promotion. Â

Had they lost the game, their hosts would have overtaken them, and their play-off status would have been hanging by a thread. As it is, they are in fourth place, and now just one point off one of the automatic promotion spots. Â

As for the Spurs youngster himself, it was yet another superb display in the middle of the park. Across the 90 minutes, he recorded; 79 touches, two chances created, one shot on target, one shot blocked, 9/13 ground duels won, 2/2 aerial duels won, two fouls drawn, two clearances, one blocked shot, four interceptions and seven tackles. Incredible tenacious performance from such a young player. What a talent. Â

Next up for Notts is a game against Chesterfield this Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off. They will be going into that game full of confidence after such a big, impressive, and much needed three points here. Great night all round. Â

On Sunday afternoon, Spurs welcomed AFC Bournemouth to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for match day 28 of the current Premier League season.

For the task at hand, Ange opted for a line up of; Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert.

How things played out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon

Within the first 15 seconds, Spurs were very nearly behind. A stray pass from Romero only went to Evanilson, whose effort was parried wide by Vicario. More luck than judgment that Spurs weren't already behind.

After four minutes, Sarr did well to break up play in the middle of the park, leaving the ball for Odobert - who after trying to lead a breakaway. was tripped by Marcus Tavernier, leading to a booking for the Bournemouth winger.

Within a few seconds, Bournemouth had another good chance. Romero played the ball into Bissouma, who was heavily pressed, resulting in a turnover and Justin Kluivert having a chance in the box, but he was denied by the leg of Vicario, before the goalkeeper then made a comfortable save to deny Tavernier.

A minute or so later, a superb ball from Spence found Odobert running in behind, with the Frenchman seeing his cross put behind for a corner. Really enjoying the link up between those two down the left hand side.

After 20 minutes, the pitch opened up for Spurs with Bentancur on the ball. The Uruguayan had Johnson making a run in behind the defence, but opted to wait, before going for the safe option to Porro - and still passing it out of play for a throw in. Unbelievable.

On the half hour mark, the midfielder was booked for standing on the foot of Milos Kerkez. He's already suspended for the second leg against AZ Alkmaar, after his booking in the Netherlands on Thursday evening.

Just under five minutes before half time, Bournemouth took the lead. Down the right, Kerkez cut out a stray pass, before carrying the ball 40-50 yards and putting in a sublime cross to the back post, that was met by Tavernier. Good goal to be fair.

With a minute of the first half remaining, a dreadful Bissouma touch took him into a dangerous position, before taking out Kluivert and being booked. The chuckle brothers both with yellow cards in the first half. Spurs would go into the break a goal down.

At half time, Ange made a change - as Son and Bergvall replaced Johnson and Bissouma.

Six minutes into the second half, the visitors could have had two. After Spurs failed to get a shot off at one end, the visitors counteed quickly, and Kluivert converted. However, there was an avoidable offside in the build up. Big let off.

Two minutes later, Son cut inside from the left hand side, with his deflected effort hitting the post and going behind for a corner. From the resulting set piece, Romero's header went straight at Kepa in the Bournemouth goal.

On the hour mark, van de Ven and Maddison replaced Romero and Bentancur. Doesn't look like Romero was injured, just managing his minutes you would assume, particularly with Thursday in mind.

Just two minutes later, great work from Maddison and Son lead to the former cutting inside. When it looked like he was going to shoot, he laid the ball off to Sarr - but he dragged his effort wide of the target. By far Spurs' best move and opportunity of the game.

Within 90 seconds, the visitors had a second. A through ball from Kluivert found Evanilson, whom was being played onside by Spence. Big fan of the defender, but he was also out of position for the first goal. Not his best game.

A minute later, a long ranger from Bergvall smacked the upright. What a goal that would have been, a real shame. However, barely sixty seconds later, Spurs had a goal back. From the right hand side, a Sarr cross was wayward, and inadvertently went past Kepa and in off the post. Soon after, Semenyo was in the book for a foul on the Senegalese midfielder.

With around eighteen minutes later, Kluivert went through on goal - from an angle - with his shot rolling across and hitting the post.

Then, with a little under ten minutes to go, Son was tripped up by Kepa - despite the fact he was not going anywhere. From the spot, the skipper stepped up, and scored - giving Spurs an undeserved equaliser.

There were around three minutes left when the referee booked both Maddison and Hujisen. During that break in play, Udogie replaced Porro in Spurs' final change of the game.

That would be that, after a fizzled out stoppage time. Still not a great result. Onto Thursday evening in a much more important game.

Later on this afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing midweek defeat away to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, when they welcome AFC Bournemouth to North London in the Premier League. The game is set to kick off at 14:00 GMT, and is live on Sky Sports for those in the UK.

How both teams line up for the Premier League showdown this afternoon

For the task at hand, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has opted for a line up of; Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert.

Meanwhile, the bench consists of; Kinsky, Udogie, van de Ven, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Tel, Son, Scarlett.

Ange has made six changes to the side that lost in the Netherlands three days ago, as Porro, Romero, Sarr, Bissouma, Solanke and Odobert replace Udogie, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, and Son.

Great to see Romero back in the side for the first time since the defeat at home to Chelsea in December. Let's hope he is fit to last at least 60-70 minutes. Also encouraging that Solanke's knock on Thursday was nothing serious, and he is back to face his former club.

Got to admit, quite a defensive midfield for a home game? Perhaps it will work for breaking up Bournemouth's play, and allowing Spurs to get space in transition. Let's see.

As for the visitors, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has gone with the following XI; Kepa; Cook, Hill, Hujisen, Kerkez; Adams, Christie; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

The Spurs linked Illias Zabaryni misses the game as a result of serving the final game of his three games suspension, though fellow centre half, and also Spurs linked - Dean Hujisen - starts the game. He scored the winner when thew two sides met at the Vitality Stadium back in December.

Safe to say, this game is very insignificant compared to the second leg against Alkmaar on Thursday evening. However, winning is a good habit, losing is a bad habit, and unfortuantely Spurs have done too much of the latter this season. Although this game may not be overly important, there will be, understandably, a huge outpouring of anger after the game, should Spurs once again fail to win a game.

Ange could certainly do without that. All of the eggs may be in the Europa League basket, but there is no guarantee that Spurs win that. If they don't, well, he will need to be a lot higher up than this in the table, to give himself the best chance possible of keeping his job next season. A trophyless season whilst finishing in the bottom half would be a disaster, regardless of context and circumstances.

Earlier on today, Tottenham Hotspur U18s faced Arsenal U18s in a North London derby in the Premier League 2. At any level, these are still great games to win, and tough games to lose. Â

For the game, Spurs lined up with the following XI; Samual Archer; Malachi Hardy, Elijah Upson, Jun’ai Byfield, Harry Byrne’ Samai Bangura, Tyrese Hall; Miracle Adewole, Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson; Ellis Lehane. Â

How things played out during the U18 North London derby on Saturday morning

It would be the disaster start for Spurs, whom conceded after just three minutes of the game. However, ten minutes later, Lehane equalised. Another 10 minutes after that, Williams-Barnett made it 2-1, having been found by Byfield. Then, after 32 minutes, Arsenal equalised, before going 3-2 ahead after 43 minutes. There was still time for a Byfield equaliser just before half-time, completing an absolutely crazy first half, as the sides went into the break at 3-3. Â

Then, on the hour mark, Thompson gave Spurs the lead for a second time on the day, before Hardy made it 5-3 after 76 minutes – the first time either side had been two goals ahead. With eight minutes remaining, Arsenal got one back to make it 5-4, but then had someone sent off a minute into stoppage time.Â

Then, five minutes into stoppage time, Williams-Barnett made sure of all three points, making it 6-4 to Spurs, and making sure the U18 bragging rights stayed on the white side of North London. Â

Coming into the game, there was a three point lead over Arsenal, so even without the extra incentive of it being a North London derby, it was still an important game that fits the cliche “six pointer”. Spurs are now sixth in the table, with 25 points from their 16 games to date. Â

For those that may be interested; Reiss Elliott-Parris replaced Lehane after 49 minutes, Dan Batty and Ronny Moncur replaced Bangura and Hall after 52 minutes, and Luca Furnell-Gill replaced Upson after 80 minutes. Â

Next up for the U18s is a trip to East Anglia to face Norwich City next Saturday, for a 12:00 GMT kick off. If there are readers that would like more updates on the U18s (or other Spurs youth sides) get in touch (you can do so on social media, by clicking the name at the top of the piece, where you will be given links to Instagram/Twitter). Thank you.

In the Championship, there was action for the teams of three Spurs loanees. Ashley Phillips and his Stoke City side made the short trip to face Coventry City, meanwhile there was a Spurs match up at the Hawthorns, with Will Lanskhear’s West Bromwich Albion side hosting Yang Min-hyeok and Queens Park Rangers. Â

How things went in England's second tier for Tottenham Hotspur loanees

To begin, Phillips was once again named in the starting XI by manager Mark Robins, who was heading back to Coventry for the first time since he departed the club after seven and a half years in charge earlier this season. Â

Midway through the first half, the hosts took the lead, and just after the half hour mark, they doubled their lead – enough for a two goal advantage at the break. However, the Potters got a goal back twenty minutes into the second half, to make things tense. Â

Then, with four minutes of the normal time remaining, Stoke equalised, and looked set to take an unlikely point home with them. However, heartbreak would be to come, as seven minutes into stoppage time, the hosts grabbed a dramatic winner, leaving Phillips’ side completely empty handed, as they continue to struggle to pick up points. Â

As for the Spurs loanee himself, that was his 25th appearance (all starts) in the Championship this season – totalling 2182 minutes. Despite a tough collective season, he has managed to get a solid amount of game time this campaign. Â

This defeat leaves Stoke in 20th place in the league, with 36 points from 36 games, just four points above Derby County, whom occupy 22nd – the final relegation spot. Â

Meanwhile, Lanskhear was amongst the substitutes for West Brom, with Min-hyeok starting for QPR. With five minutes of the first half remaining, Lankshear’s side took the lead from the penalty spot. However, in stoppage time – they were reduced to ten men. Â

Despite the man advantage, QPR could not find a goal to equalise, and West Brom came away with all three points. Min-hyeok played for 89 minutes before being replaced, meanwhile Lankshear was an unused sub. Difficult circumstances to bring a striker on today, in fairness – though he has played just 127 minutes for the Baggies so far – which equates to less than a game and a half worth of minutes. Â

This leaves West Brom in sixth place, with 55 points from 36 games, whilst QPR are in 14th place, with 44 points from 36 games. Â

Next up for Stoke is a game against Blackburn Rovers – Phillips’ boyhood club – on Wednesday, for a 20:00 GMT kick off. For West Brom, it is a game away to Burnley on Tuesday, at 19:45 GMT – whilst QPR will face Middlesbrough on the road at the same time. Â