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Thomas Frank shared updates about the health of the Tottenham squad.

Spurs sealed a 2-0 win over Brentford on the weekend, and they turn their attention to Champions League midweek football against Slavia Prague. The side is still missing three senior figures in the attack, but the head coach will look to build on the offensive momentum of the victory over the Bees.

“Destiny Udogie, as I said after the [Brentford] game unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle United game, so he’s out until January. Brennan Johnson is touch and go.

“I liked the performance, as I said after the game, but we're also playing a lot of games, so there will be a bit of rotation. I think that's the right thing to do to make sure everyone is coming full of energy and freshness but also keeping a core.

“It's an internal matter [about Yves Bissouma] that we're dealing with at the moment, and when we have dealt with that, then I will have a comment on it.

“I will confirm when Dejan Kulusevski is available for the squad. It's part of the recovery. There’s a plan for everything.

“It's very early stages. It's still a long-term injury, so it's good to see [James Maddison] out there, but very early stages. There's no specific time frame. It'll be a long time before he's available.

“Of course, if I knew back then what I know now, it maybe would have changed the decision [to leave out Mathys Tel], no doubt about that. Of course, it's something we can have into consideration if you can change one player, when is the timing, when can the other player be back and all that.

“There was also a decision in terms of some of the other long-term injuries. When can they be back? You need players that are fit and available, so we have enough players to shoot with from the bench.”

Thomas Frank was pleased with the reaction he got from Tottenham despite the 5-3 defeat to PSG in the UEFA Champions League.

It was an eventful game in Paris, where Tottenham took the lead when Richarlison headed in from the goal line for his third goal in three games. Vitinha levelled with a stunning strike from outside the box which crashed in off the bar.

Randal Kolo Muani got his first goal in a Tottenham shirt before the European Champions turned it up a level.

Vitinha got his second to level it at 2-2 before Fabian Ruiz gave PSG the lead for the first time in the game.

Pacho fired home a fourth from a rebound off a corner before Kolo Muani gave Spurs a bit of hope with his second goal, but the Parisians killed the game off when Vitinha got his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

It was Spurs’ first Champions League defeat of this season and continued a poor run of form with one win in their last five games.

Despite the loss, Frank was happy with how his team performed in comparison to the North London Derby on Sunday.

“Pleased with the performance,” said Frank. “It was the reaction that I wanted from the players and from the team. We have been working very hard on that. The players, staff and I, to make sure we responded well, which is crucial after a bad performance.

“Today you saw more identity in the team that I want to create, more character, personality, aggressiveness, three things you need to have in a team, no matter how well you want to play, whatever formation and today we saw it which is what I am pleased with.

“Of course, it was up there where we could get something out of the game, whether that be a draw or a win, so that is frustrating to concede some goals.

“Strikers [Kolo Muani and Richarlison] scored two goals, the whole team performed well. Archie Gray looked very positive.

“We played against a decent team [in PSG].”

Frank later elaborated on Kolo Muani's performance, “Today you saw what we can hopefully expect, even two goals and an assist every game is probably too much, I would love to get that every game.

“As I said every time, he came in late and with no pre-season, not top-fit and had two set-backs, then also an issue with the jaw, which you also saw again today, so hopefully we can get more.

Thomas Frank was speaking to the media in Paris ahead of Spurs' UEFA Champions League Group Stage match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, hoping to keep their terrific unbeaten run in this season's competition alive, but will know how big a test it'll be against Luis Enrique's European Champions.

Frank said, "One thing I'm 1000% sure of, I know how to build a team, I know how to build a club and we will do that.

“Along the way, we'll learn and the big thing is how we learn from the bad spells, because that's where we also can see that when we go 1-0 down, how do we react as a team? The best teams, they just continually move on.

“They still run hard, they still do the same thing. There's no doubt in that.The first four months, I learned a lot about the team.

“I learned a lot about the individual players and all that learning that needs to materialise to how we find the right formula with the right players on the pitch and also with some players coming back.

“Then we play every third day. That's the big challenge, but that's what I embrace."

The North London derby is always a must-win game; This year, even more so as Arsenal were in a position to reestablish their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side certainly did just that as Eberechi Eze's hat trick saw the Gunners to a 4-1 victory over their bitter rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, at the Emirates Stadium.

A well-rounded and complete display from the Red side of North London ensured Spurs were sent home with their tails between their legs. It was simply too Eze for Arsenal.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

David Raya – 6

The Arsenal stopper only faced 0.07 expected goals and three shots. But the strike he did concede was a freak of nature by Richarlison.

The Brazilian forward, often amongst the most despised opposition players on the pitch, saw the goalkeeper off his line and lobbed him with an audacious effort from just inside the Gunners’ half.

Other than that, it was a comfortable display from Raya.

Jurrien Timber – 8

Timber has been outstanding in the first third of the campaign, and against Tottenham, he was no different.

Marshalling the truthfully told, feeble Spurs left flank was no problem for the full-back, who even chipped in with an assist for Eze’s second goal.

William Saliba – 7

Arsenal’s defence were in for one of the more comfortable matches they will have this season, but that was not to be known by the Gunners contingent.

Saliba was often caught off guard by Gabriel’s absence last campaign, but alongside Piero Hincapie, he looked his usual best, mopping up the rare forays forward by Spurs.

Piero Hincapie – 7

On his first Premier League start, Hincapie was very impressive. There were questions about who would fill the void left by Arsenal’s defensive colossus, Gabriel, but the Ecuadorian quickly erased any pre-match concerns.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7

Calafiori put in another consistent performance, helping the Gunners to remain solid defensively. The Italian also galloped forward, helping Leandro Trossard to cut inside and provide an attacking threat.

Martin Zubimendi – 6

At times, Zubimendi was sloppy on the ball, but he remained solid, especially in the second half when he was called into action defensively as Spurs looked to repair the damage inflicted upon them.

Declan Rice – 8

As usual, Rice was brilliant. The duel-winning midfielder dominated his opponents and probably should have opened the scoring within the opening exchanges after he drilled an effort straight at Guglielmo Vicario.

Nevertheless, Rice keeps on proving why the Gunners forked out £105m on their prize midfielder.

Bukayo Saka – 7

Despite not featuring amongst the goals and assists, Saka was one of the Gunners’ most impressive players on the pitch.

Spurs fouled Saka four times, making him the most fouled player on the pitch. Arsenal’s starboy attracts the opponents' attention whilst the likes of Trossard silently inflict damage on them.

Eberechi Eze – 10

Eze became the first Arsenal player to score a North London derby goal since Alan Sunderland in 1978. Spurs were within hours of making him their star signing last summer, but the Gunners swooped in and brought him home. That action could be the difference between the Reds winning or losing the league title.

Leandro Trossard – 8

It looked like Trossard was on his way out of the club in the summer; Fenerbahce were perhaps the most interested side in the Belgian’s services, but a contract extension kept him in North London.

Again, that has proved an inspired decision. Trossard has been excellent as the season has developed, and a goal and assist in the derby has taken his Premier League contributions to six already.

Mikel Merino – 7

The Gunners were without a recognised centre forward once again. There were pre-match concerns about how Arsenal would overcome a Spurs five-at-the-back formation.

However, Merino proved to be an admirable stand-in for the injured forwards. A dinked pass over the capitulating Spurs line enabled Trossard to turn and finish. Having a natural midfielder as the number nine does have its benefits at times. This was one of them.

Substitutes

Noni Madueke – 7

Madueke returned from injury and looked dangerous from the off. His pace against a tiring and demoralised defence enabled Arsenal to get up the pitch and inflict more damage upon Spurs.

Cristhian Mosquera – N/A

Ethan Nwaneri – N/A

Arsenal claimed a dominant 4-1 victory over bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the latest edition of the North London Derby.

It was a glorious day for the Gunners, who have now extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to six points thanks to a hat-trick from Eberechi Eze.

Leandro Trossard was the man to give the home side the lead in the 36th minute before Eze doubled their advantage before the break.

The Englishman would have more of a say just 40 seconds into the second half when he took Arsenal's tally to three.

Richarlison struck from just past the halfway line to give fans the slightest shimmer of hope; but all hope was gone when Eze found the back of the net yet again to make it 4-1 and complete his hat-trick.

Story of the match:

Arsenal made their intentions known from the first whistle as the first bit of space they were allowed by Spurs was translated into a great chance for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka worked the ball to Eberechi Eze, whose dinked ball was hit on the volley by Declan Rice, forcing a strong save out of Vicario just two minutes into the encounter.

As expected, the home side were looking much more dangerous of the two sides, passing better than their rivals, and progressing into much more threatening areas of the pitch.

But truth be told, other than the chance two minutes in, Vicario had very little to trouble him in the early stages of proceedings at the Emirates. Thomas Frank's game plan looked like it was simply to frustrate the home side, something in which they were executing to perfection so far.

Every chance they got to slow the game down, whether it be a throw-in or a free kick, they did just that. This certainly helped to stunt Arsenal's progress and take that edge out of the home crowd.

Saka came close to opening the scoring just past the half-hour mark as his free kick travelled through a lot of bodies before being met by the palm of Vicario, who once again kept this encounter level.

But Spurs' defence would be breached once more in the 36th minute, this time fatally, when Mikel Merino found the run of Leandro Trossard. The Belgian took a wonderful touch to bring the ball under his spell, before turning and squeezing the ball into the bottom corner.

If it was not already, Tottenham's defence was all out of sorts now as their lack of composure was punished yet again. Rice won the ball back in the centre of the park and fizzed a pass through to Eze.

The Englishman showed great feet to sneak his way past two markers before blazing an effort into the bottom left corner to double Arsenal's lead ahead of the interval.

There was a question as to whether Vicario's sight of the shot was blocked by players in offside positions, but VAR confirmed the goal as Spurs now had a very steep mountain to climb.

It had been a miserable half from Spurs, who failed to register a single shot. The game plan fell apart as soon as the opening goal went in, as it looked like Frank's side lacked a plan B.

Arsenal, meanwhile, would have been thrilled as they had the encounter seemingly all but wrapped up prior to the interval. Still, Arteta would be looking for his team to hammer this result home emphatically in the second half

There was a change to both personnel and seemingly formation ahead of the half by Spurs as Xavi Simons entered play as the visitors looked to find a way back into the game.

The evening only became more disastrous for Spurs as it took Arsenal less than a minute to extend their advantage once more, as Eze continued to pile the misery on a team he looked set to join in the summer.

Jurrien Timber found a player in red on his second attempt as the 27-year-old took a touch and buried his effort in the back of the net yet again. This was quickly becoming humiliating for the visitors.

It all looked so pedestrian for Arsenal until a spanner was thrown into the works in the 55th minute.

Joao Palhinha did well to win the ball back in midfield before Richarlison picked up the ball and launched an outrageous effort from just past the halfway line that looped over a backtracking David Raya and into the back of the net.

It was totally against the run of play as the visitors seemed out of the game, but this sparked a glimmer of light into Thomas Frank's men.

Whilst this did inspire a more encouraging portion of play from the visiting side, they were not rewarded for the couple of bright moments that they generated.

Instead, quite the opposite as Arsenal restored their lead with 15 minutes to go as Eze became the first player to score a hat-trick in the North London Derby since 1978.

Trossard did brilliantly to drag the back line out of position before finding Eze in the middle, whose effort flew past a hopeless Vicario to seal this game once and for all.

There would be no response from Spurs, whose remaining energy had now diminished as they had been beaten, and beaten well, at the Emirates. They prepare for another tough test in midweek as they face the Champions of Europe, Paris Saint-Germain.

On the other hand, it was another impressive performance from Arsenal, who are looking more and more like champion material as weeks go by. They will now prepare for a midweek clash against Bayern Munich before returning to Premier League action against 2nd place Chelsea next weekend.

Player of the match:

Eberechi Eze:

Arsenal had plenty of players worthy of being named player of the match, particularly Trossard, but it could not really be anyone other than Eze, who has already etched his name into the club's folklore.

It was an impressive hat-trick from Eze, the second goal being the best of the bunch as he eased past two men before finding the finish. Every goal was as valuable as the other for Arsenal, who, thanks to Eze, now sit six points clear at the top of the table.

It was really a night to be proud of for Eze, who had put in a statement performance against a side that he came so close to joining in the summer.

Declan Rice remains confident in the Arsenal camp ahead of the North London derby.

The midfielder has been hitting his stride as the Gunners evolve with a midfield unit that includes £55 million man Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Englishman has excelled as a ‘do-it-all’ figure between both boxes, and he is a big part of why the team are sitting at the top of the table.

They can create a bigger buffer from the competition with a victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The squad will be without Gabriel Magalhaes due to a thigh injury, and club captain Martin Odegaard might be absent. However, Rice still feels there is enough leadership to engineer a victory.

“I’m feeling probably as good as I’ve ever felt in my game to be honest with you. It probably took me two or three games to get going at the start of the season, but once I’ve fully clicked into gear, I feel like now I’m performing at a really high, consistent level.

“That’s what I want to keep doing, week-in, week-out, keep playing at a really high level, keep trying to be the best player and help the team achieve good things; that’s what I want to do.”

“We’re in a great position ourselves and if we keep winning football matches then good things are going to happen. I feel like our group has got such a good mentality even though we’re a young group, we’re really focused and really calm, I don’t see anyone panicking, or anyone worrying about what anyone else thinks.

“We’re just focused on ourselves and what our manager wants us to do, so I feel like that’s what we’re going to keep doing and we’ve started off really well doing that this season, so it’s been good so far.

“Martin’s our main captain, he’s incredible, but there’s also a group behind the scenes that help Martin out whenever he needs it. On matchdays, they have their own opinions and say things when they need to be said and I feel like that’s where we’re growing as a group now.

“If things need to be said, they get said, and in a constructive way, in a way that helps push other people. I feel like we do have more leaders now in the group than we’ve ever had, so that’s a really good thing for us.

“It means everything. I’ve been involved in four north London derbies so far and we’ve done well in them, but every time we know there’s one coming up, the fans are ready for it and we’re ready for it.

“It’s a different type of energy compared to any other game. It’s an energy where you know you have to go out there and give it everything; every tackle is going to be cheered, every header, every action.

“It’s the biggest fixture of the season for us in terms of what it means, the bragging rights, so to beat Spurs is always nice. We’ve had a good record against them the last few years, even though the games have been tough, we’ve won the football matches and that’s what we want to do again this weekend.”

Tottenham are changing lanes with a new head coach in charge of the club.

Ange Postecoglou finished in 17th place last season in the Premier League, and a Europa League title, ending a 17 year trophy drought, was not enough to keep the Australian in his job. The board looked across the capital, plucking Thomas Frank from Brentford in June to oversee the side.

They are reaping the rewards of the decision as Spurs sit fifth in the table, are unbeaten away from home in the league, and have quickly embraced a new identity. But could that come at a cost?

Set-piece precision

Set-pieces are back in fashion, and Spurs are leading the way with the focus on their offensive value.

Frank has been a longtime advocate of maximising this phase of play. His Brentford team jumped from the Championship with the knowledge that they needed to make marginal gains to get a competitive edge on more talented opposition, and he looked to make the most of these situations.

It is a belief that has followed him into his role. Spurs scored 11 goals from set plays last season, and by the end of October, they had netted five— harnessing the qualities of existing players in the camp.

Pedro Porro is a player whose vision and range of passing have been a pillar in more than just open play. From corners and free kicks, he has the right deliveries to put the ball into dangerous situations.

Kevin Danso, a loanee from Lens at the start of 2025, was the winner of a throw-in competition in the team’s preseason camp. From the performance in the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, his ability to hurl the ball into the box has been another significant weapon that Spurs have utilised.

The controlled aggression of Cristian Romero has stood out in this side, especially as a force for good in the last two seasons. He has gone from strength to strength, but there has also been bigger influence from Micky van de Ven in the boxes. The Dutch defender bagged a brace in a 3-0 victory over Everton in October with two goals from corners, and he has scored six times this campaign.

To many fans, this success feels like a world away from the approach of Frank’s predecessor. But Postecoglou brought strengths in many other areas where the Dane still has to show he has answers.

Building from the back

But set pieces cannot solve all of the challenges that Tottenham face. Postecoglou proved that relentless positivity in possession could produce problems for opponents— even if it came at the cost of some defensive stability. By contrast, Frank has emphasised a strategy of finding firm foundations.

The head coach is working without Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, or James Maddison, who have all been absent with injuries. Former club captain Son Heung-min also parted ways with the club after a decade of service, so Frank has felt it is not sensible to place his trust in unsettled pieces.

But some of his decisions also demonstrate that the focus of Frank’s side is shifting offensively. Yves Bissouma, a key player in the first phase for Ange with his ability to progress play centrally, has not featured for the Dane. Brennan Johnson, a brilliant back post box crasher, has also dropped down the depth chart as Spurs no longer create the flow of chances to capitalise on the strength of the winger.

The balance of the midfield has also highlighted how Frank’s focus differs from his predecessor.

Joao Palhinha arrived in the summer as a loanee from Bayern Munich with Premier League experience from his two years at Fulham. Frank was impressed with his work across the capital while at Brentford, and his tough tackling, professional attitude is a valuable asset in this department.

However, Palhinha is not a player who thrives under pressure in central areas. With the strengths of Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall both being more forward thinking, and Rodrigo Bentancur looking for the right rhythm to influence games, Spurs have often struggled to click with the ball.

More recently, since the 3-0 defeat of Everton at the end of October, Frank has shuffled the pack. He has used a 3 + 2 buildup structure that seems to have better platformed Bentancur and given Djed Spence less responsibility to find progressive angles on his ‘wrong’ side as a right footed left back.

But there are still a lot of questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of their ideas on the ball.

Playing percentages

All teams will suffer from the absences of key individuals in their starting eleven, but it has felt like Tottenham are particularly short of ideas when a few key relationships are not present on the pitch.

Cristian Romero remains the spiritual leader of the side, and his progressive passing reflects the kind of bravery that Spurs seem to only demonstrate in fits and spurts to try and access more central areas.

Destiny Udogie is also a key figure: an athletic, ‘natural footed’ fullback, he has found chemistry with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons. That left sided pod played a prominent part in displays against Brighton, Leeds United, and Copenhagen: three of the most impressive performances this season.

However, the Italian has struggled with knee injuries, and his availability is part of the problem that underlies the struggles of the new £51 million man from RB Leipzig. Maddison appears the more complete player, but it is all the more reason to give Xavi help as he transitions from the Bundesliga.

More often than not, the bailout has been the right sided pair for Tottenham as Frank takes positives from playing percentages, throwing crosses into the box, and asserting physicality on opponents.

Time and again, Spurs have relied on the out ball from Porro to Mohammed Kudus, whose 1 v 1 threat, carrying, and dominant physique have produced something out of nothing for the team.

Tottenham make the short trip across London on Sunday afternoon to square off against top of the table Arsenal, a fixture where Tottenham have failed to win since their 3-0 win back in May 2022 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thanks to a Harry Kane brace and a Son Heung-Min strike.

You would have to go back to December 2019 for Tottenham's last victory at The Emirates, which was a 2-0 win in the Quarter-Finals of the Carabao Cup, with Son and Dele Alli the Spurs goal scorers that night.

Before the international break, Tottenham welcomed a resurgent Man United side and knew a win may had taken them to third place in the Premier League table depending on other results.

Bryan Mbeumo had other ideas, and continued his fine form by netting, just after the half hour mark ensuring United went into the break with a goal advantage.

Tottenham fought back and scored two quick fire goals through Mathys Tel in the 84th minute and Richarlison in the 91st minute and it looked for all the world that Spurs finally secured their first Premier League home win since the opening day against Burnley.

However, Spurs were denied a victory in the dying embers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by a 96th minute equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt to earn Man United a valuable point on the road.

Arsenal too, were denied victory in stoppage time as they travelled to one of the in form teams in the division, Sunderland.

Dan Ballard opened the scoring for the hosts in the 36th minute, but a goal a piece from Bukayo Saka ten minutes after the break, and Leandro Trossard twenty minutes later looked to have seen Arsenal go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Sunderland's striker Brian Brobbey had other ideas and rescued a point for the Black Cats in the 94th minute to keep their fantastic start of the season going.

Back in January, 2025 Tottenham travelled to The Emirates, but fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Spurs took the lead after 25 minutes, following a Son strike. However, an own goal from Solanke and a Trossard goal just before the break was enough to see Arsenal gain the three points.

In the reverse fixture in at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in September, 2024, Tottenham were beaten 1-0 after a Saka corner was headed home by Gabriel in the 64th minute to earn Arsenal the win.

Team news

Arsenal:

Arsenal, meanwhile, were dealt a massive blow in the international break as centre back Gabriel sustained a thigh injury in Brazil's victory over Senegal at the Emirates, with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta saying he could be out 'for weeks'.

The Gunners are hoping there is positive news on Viktor Gyokores, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and skipper Martin Odegaard ahead of Sunday. Arteta kept his cards very close to his chest on their availability ahead of Sunday, with Arsenal having one more training session left to assess.

Tottenham:

Thomas Frank was greeted with a much needed boost going into this weekends North London Derby, as Pape Sarr, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Randal Kolo Muani all trained and have been made available for selection ahead of Sunday's clash.

Ben Davies, Kota Takai, and Archie Gray also trained in Friday's session.

Frank also confirmed that defender Radu Dragusin is very close to competitive minutes as the Romanian steps up his recovery after a long time out with an ACL injury.

Striker Dominic Solanke is still not ready to feature.

Embed from Getty Images

Likely line-ups

Arsenal - Raya, Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Sake, Merino, Trossard.

Tottenham - Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van De Ven, Spence, Palhinha, Sarr, Johnson, Simons, Kudus, Richarlison

Key players

Arsenal - Bukayo Saka

The winger's recent return to form following injury has been perfect timing for The Gunners, and he just loves a North London Derby, registering either a goal or an assist in his last four appearances against Spurs.

Tottenham - Christian Romero

The passionate Tottenham captain will have to ensure he leads and organises his defence throughout the game, and will have to be at their very best as a collective to stop Arsenal scoring their 11th set piece goal of the Premier League season.

Match details

Where is the game being played?

The match is being played at the Emirates Stadium, London.

What time is kick-off?

The game is scheduled to kick off at 16:30pm GMT on Sunday, 23rd November 2025.

How can I watch?

Speaking to the media at Tottenham Hotspur's Enfield training base on Friday afternoon, Head Coach Thomas Frank delivered positive news on the injury front ahead of his first competitive North London Derby in charge of The Lilywhites.

Over recent weeks, Spurs have been missing as many as ten first-team players, as the club battled an injury crisis for the third consecutive season, however, things are now looking much more positive ahead of Sunday's derby clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, who came off injured at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break, is fit and could play, having worn a specially-fitted mask in training as a result of his fractured jaw, which he suffered in a collision with Harry Maguire.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall, who both missed games before the break, have been training with the squad and are available.

The Ghanaian suffered a calf issue following the 1-0 loss against Chelsea and subsequently missed the two remaining games before the break, while the 19-year-old Swede came off in that dreadful home defeat after less than ten minutes owing to a concussion, and due to protocols surrounding player safety, also missed the win against Copenhagen and the draw at home to United.

Bergvall was named in the Sweden squad for their fixtures during the international break, yet was sent home as he had not yet fully recovered, but he is now back fit and raring to go.

In total, eight players returned to training since the conclusion of the international break, with five in contention to feature as the Premier League recommences.

"They are good, most of them. Pape [Matar Sarr] and Lucas [Bergvall] both trained and are available. [Randal] Kolo Muani trained and is available, he will wear a mask. Dom [Solanke] is not ready yet. We want to be absolutely sure when we put him out there, no setbacks."

Woes up front

The number nine position is where Tottenham have largely struggled in recent years since the departure of record goalscorer Harry Kane, but Dominic Solanke, who signed at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, offered a glimmer of hope in being able to somewhat reach the level of the England captain.

Last season, the former Bournemouth man notched sixteen goals and contributed to eight assists, but Spurs have missed him in his absence, which has lasted the majority of the current campaign, with the striker featuring for just 49 minutes across three substitute cameos in the UEFA Super Cup and Premier League.

If Thomas Frank can get Solanke fully fit and firing, and not risk the repercussions of rushing him back too soon, then Spurs will reap the rewards, whilst adding extra depth to their forward line. After all, he is the current record signing in N17.

Creative spark to return

Whilst it might not seem like he was missed, with Frank's side scoring six goals in the two games he was absent, the addition of Mohammed Kudus to the squad for the North London Derby is a timely boost for Spurs.

Although brief with the update, the Dane has said his summer capture is ready.

Thomas Frank: "He trained today and is available."

The winger, who joined from London rivals West Ham for a £55m fee in the summer transfer window, hit the ground running at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, involving himself in six goals in his first ten appearances, and could be the difference maker as Tottenham look for a first win away at Arsenal in the league since November 2010.

With Gabriel out injured for Arsenal, there could be a chance for the visitors to exploit the void in The Gunners' defence, and Kudus can certainly have a big part to play in that, as you would figure he is one of the first names on the team sheet when fit.

Restoring defensive depth

Another positive that Spurs can take is the fact that they are finally going to have more than three centre-backs available for selection in the near future.

Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, who has missed nearly a year of action with an ACL injury picked up in the UEFA Europa League win over IF Elfsborg last January, has been back in training for some time and even featured for the u21s in a friendly against Leyton Orient during the international break, playing 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, Ben Davies and young Japanese defender Kota Takai, who joined in the summer but is yet to play a single minute, have also returned to the fold.

"Radu is in full training. Played his first 45 minutes in nine months last week. Trained fully today. He is very close to being selected. Kota and Ben both trained with the team today."

Thomas Frank did his best to take the positives from his side's draw against Manchester United but conceded that it was a "painful" result overall.

The North London outfit looked set to grab their first home win in the Premier League since the opening weekend, but a stoppage time equaliser from Matthijs de Ligt meant they had to settle for just a point.

The result means that Spurs have picked up five out of a possible eighteen points at home this season, as Frank admitted there is "a lot" his team can improve on.

"Of course it's tough, of course it is painful, but for me there’s a difference compared to Chelsea is it was a much better performance. Also, we didn’t lose," said the Danish manager.

“I'm very aware there's a lot we can do better, very aware. We are trying to build something here that we want to be unbelievably good and we want all the fans to be extremely happy, but in a tricky moment in the second half against a good team that started well, we kept going. The fans were behind us. You see that energy where both parts are bouncing off each other and going forward. I think that was very nice to feel.”

In a game during which neither side looked particularly dominant, it was Tottenham that seemed destined to put an end to their disappointing home form after two late goals, but a Fergie-time equaliser from United meant the Lilywhites were left disappointed again.

“I know I'll take the positives out of it, but of course when you're in the moment and you think you've won it, you just see all the positivity, everything, everyone is happy, we’ve finally won at home, all that... that's the beauty of the game - sometimes we're on the right end, sometimes we're on the wrong end," said Frank.

“I think it was an even first half. I don't think there was much in it, both sides. You could say we could play a little bit better, on the flip side, we gave United nothing. I know they scored a goal, I’m not looking away from that, and we had a massive chance to Richarlison.

“The second half, the way the players kept going, no matter what, staying in the game, kept doing the right thing, I liked that a lot. Then we got the equaliser, which you know is a fantastic thing. Then we got the winner - we thought it was the winner - then we conceded. You can say there are things we need to do better, yes, and the thing that was very positive, the fans pushed us forward."