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Tottenham Hotspur were exposed to the realities of non-league football as their FA Cup third-round clash against Tamworth was delayed over a bizarre incident regarding one of the goal nets at the 4,000 capacity ground.

Ange Postecoglou's side enjoy a welcome break from their hefty schedule against English and European elite with a clash against the National League outfit in the pick of the third-round matches.

The fifth-tier club were the lowest-ranked side remaining in the hat for the third round, and only train on a part-time basis following a meteoric rise from the seventh-tier - they have enjoyed back-to-back promotions in the past two seasons.

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The visit to the Midlands club presented something of a culture-shock for Spurs - trading their luxurious new 62,850 seater for the terraces of a hardened non-league club, brimming with a sell-out capacity of 4,000 fans eager to see an upset on home 3G turf.

But their anticipation was quelled somewhat when kick-off was delayed by approximately five minutes, as the net in one of the goals had been insufficiently tied to the goalposts.

The incident sparked scenes only England's most historic competition could deliver - as Tamworth's squad rallied to fix the issue and get their fairytale cup tie underway.

The fifth tier side's manager, Andy Peaks, revealed ahead of kick-off that some of his squad ply their trade as construction workers outside their part-time footballing schedule - providing a handy level of expertise to whip the goal net back into shape and the two sides finally got underway later than expected.

Tamworth forward Beck-Ray Enoru was notably involved in amending the issue, as he was hoisted towards the crossbar by team-mate Jordan Cullinane-Liburd - sitting on the defender's shoulders as he taped the net back to the frame of the goal.

Enoru then went on to show his skills do not just lie in DIY upon the kick-off whistle - forcing a save from Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in the opening seconds from an acute angle.

There are 96 league places separating Tamworth and their UEFA Europa League-competing counterparts in the third-round clash, and the tie is a boost to an already-impressive season for the non-league outfit who are 16th in the fifth tier - establishing themselves among full-time opposition.

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The referee adds another name to the book as McGlinchey holds back Maddison who was looking to run at the back four.

There will be six more minutes for either side to win this. The game could then head to extra-time and penalties.

Wreh sends fellow substitute Williams away down the flank. However, his final ball lacked quality and floated out of play.

Milnes and Enoru are both taken off. They are replaced by Fletcher and Williams.

Johnson slides his pass into the path of Porro who is running at goal. However, the angle is too tight and Singh stands up to make a good stop

The Tottenham defender cuts across Enoru and can have no complaints about the booking.

Tamworth are almost dealt some fortune as a Tottenham clearance is fired against Tonks. However, the ball flies into the hands of goalkeeper Kinsky.

A break by Spurs down the left results in Reguilon finding Johnson who has peeled away from his marker at the back post. Howeverm he fails to get his foot around the ball and can only find the side-netting.

A corner for the hosts is met by Cullinane-Liburd whose effort under pressure drops just wide of the post.

Some wrestling going on inside the box ahead of a Tamworth corner. The referee has had enough with Creaney and Dragusin both booked.

Tonks’ long throw-in causes mayhem in the box and it falls to Enoru whose blocked effort drops to Cockerill-Mollett. However, his effort is also deflected at close range.

Moore picks out Werner with a cross to the back post. The marksman heads back across goal and has the goalkeeper beaten.

However, Hollis is on the line to head away and save his side.

The front three of Werner, Johnson and Moore are starting to show their frustration with each other.

None of the three have really made an impact in this game so far and are on limited time.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou said Rodrigo Bentancur will be out for two weeks after sustaining a concussion during his side’s 1-0 League Cup victory over Liverpool on Wednesday.

The first half of the semi-final encounter saw the Uruguay international fall to the ground unchallenged from a corner kick as he stretched to head the ball.

Bentancur was treated on the pitch for around nine minutes, where he received oxygen, before being taken to hospital.

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Postecoglou, however, has confirmed that the midfielder merely sustained a concussion from the incident and would miss the next four games, in accordance with the Premier League's concussion protocols.

"All good. He's back home and he's fine. He is feeling good," Postecoglou said, ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup third round tie with National League side Tamworth.

"Thankfully, it looks like a concussion and nothing more than it.

Tottenham, Rodrigo Bentancur

Image credit: Getty Images

"Obviously, you follow the protocols now and it's a couple of weeks where you have to make sure everything is okay."

He added: "It was distressing and you saw Pedro [Porro] as the first one there and you kind of knew that it was a distressing situation.

"But I thought the lads and the medical team handled it well and thankfully all was good."

Spurs won the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 1-0 courtesy of Lucas Bergvall's late strike.

Postecoglou said that beyond Bentancur’s absence, Tottenham had no new injury problems ahead of their game against Tamworth on Sunday.

"Nothing coming out of the other night [against Liverpool], everyone got through that pretty well.

"No one really coming back in from the guys who have been absent, apart from Pape [Sarr] and [James] Maddison who are available [returning from suspension]."

Tottenham face Tamworth on Sunday, before travelling to rivals Arsenal on January 15, which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

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Tottenham Hotspur trigger Son Heung-min contract extension, captain to stay until 2026

Updated 07/01/2025 at 10:56 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur have taken up the option to extend Son Heung-min’s contract by a year, the Premier League club have announced. The Spurs captain's contract was due to expire in the summer, meaning he could have left for free, but he is now committed to another 12 months in north London. Son has made 431 appearances and scored 169 goals for the club since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015.

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Son Heung-min has signed a new contract with Tottenham that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

The South Korean international has made 431 appearances and scored 169 goals across all competitions for Spurs since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2015.

The Tottenham captain's contract was due to expire in June, meaning he could have been lost for free in the summer amid rumoured interest from other big-name clubs in Europe.

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"We are delighted to announce that we have exercised the option to extend Heung-Min Son’s contract, which will now run until the summer of 2026," read a statement on the club’s website.

"Having joined the club in August, 2015, Sonny, 32, has become a global star during his time with us and a modern-day great for Tottenham Hotspur."

The 32-year-old has established himself as one of the best forwards in the world, with his 125 Premier League goals placing him in the top 20 on the all-time list.

He shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah in the 2021/22 season and has three times been voted Tottenham’s player of the season.

During a difficult season for Spurs which has been blighted by injuries, Son has recorded just seven goals and six assists in all competitions.

However, his contract extension will provide manager Ange Postecoglou with a welcome boost.

Tottenham have won just one of their last five domestic fixtures and were controversially beaten 2-1 by Newcastle last time out.

Son has also made 131 appearances for South Korea and scored 51 times, helping his country qualify for the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

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Tottenham Hotspur make first move of transfer window with six-year deal for Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky

Published 05/01/2025 at 11:21 GMT

Spurs have moved to shore up their depleted defence with the signing of keeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Plague, their first addition of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old Czech has signed a deal until 2031, subject to international clearance and a work permit, which is reportedly worth £12.5m plus add-ons. He underwent a medical on Saturday in north London.

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Tottenham Hotspur have signed 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague in their first move of the new transfer window.

The Prague native has signed a deal that will run until 2031, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

He will wear the No. 31 shirt in north London.

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Kinsky has made 29 appearances this season for Slavia Prague in the Czech First League (Chance Liga), Europa League and Champions League qualifiers, keeping 14 clean sheets, after a series of loan spells in prior seasons.

The signing of a new keeper has become an urgent priority for Spurs, with first-choice stopper Guglielmo Vicario sidelined until February after fracturing his ankle during the 4-0 rout of Manchester City in November.

His deputy, Fraser Forster, has not wholly convinced between the sticks, and 12th-placed Spurs have now won just two games from their last 11.

With Forster absent due to illness for Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, Brandon Austin was handed a league debut. Kinsky was reported to be undergoing a medical on the same day as Ange Postecoglou's side moved to shore up their defence.

Kinsky's deal is reportedly worth £12.5 million plus add-ons.

The goalkeeper began his career in his home town at FK Dukla Prague before signing for Slavia Prague in 2021.

Initially playing for the B team, he was then loaned twice to MFK Vyskov before joining FK Pardubice in July 2023 for a season-long loan, where he made his Czech First League debut.

He then returned to Slavia Prague for the 2024/25 season and earned his first senior international call-ups for the Nations League fixtures in October and November 2024, after featuring for the Czech Republic at youth level from Under-15 to Under-21.

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An injury-ridden Tottenham side provided a stern test for Newcastle on Saturday, but ultimately Spurs were not able to sneak a draw as they lost 2-1 at home to The Magpies.

But the big talking point of the match was a decision to allow an accidental handball to be waved on – which proved influential in Newcastle’s opening goal.

The ball hit the hand of Brazilian midfielder Joelinton, but play was allowed to continue, with Newcastle scoring moments later courtesy of Anthony Gordon.

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The handball was looked at by VAR, but the goal was allowed to stand, something that frustrated Ange Postecoglou.

"The last thing I want is an explanation," the Spurs manager said when asked if he had spoken to the officials.

"[I’m] hugely proud of the players; outstanding considering the situation we are in. We deserved to win the game. All things being equal, we would have."

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He elaborated when he was asked about the moment in the press conference, on a day when Spurs had plenty of chances to grab a late equaliser despite missing many of their first choice players.

"I know what everyone wants me to say. But all I will say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game, simple as that. Don’t keep asking me about the decision … I know what my opinion is.

"As I said, if that was a different day ,and it was an even and fair playing ground, we would have won that game."

While Ally McCoist on commentary was pleased the goal was allowed to stand, Karen Carney was not quite so sure.

"I have to say, I think that was a handball," she said. "I know there’s the letter of the law, I know it’s unintentional, but that still gave an advantage to Newcastle there. I think that was a handball."

The Premier League Match Centre confirmed on X that as Joelinton's arm "was by his side, in a natural position and the contact was accidental", meaning the goal was allowed to stand.

As for Postecoglou’s counterpart, Eddie Howe admitted that he might need to brush up on the laws of the game.

"I think there’s no denying that the ball hit Joe’s hand, arm," Howe said afterwards. "But I’m not sure on the rules, so someone can tell me exactly what happened."

Newcastle sit fifth in the Premier League table, having extended their winning streak to six matches in the competition, while Tottenham sit 12th, and are without a win in four matches.

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'Unstoppable' Isak 'best all-around forward' in Premier League, says McCoist

Alexander Isak scored the winner as Newcastle United completed a battling 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon.

An injury-hit Spurs were forced to play a side with an average age of under 24 – the youngest Tottenham line-up in 10 years.

Despite also having illness in their squad, it was Ange Postecoglou’s side who snatched a fourth-minute lead.

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Dominic Solanke ghosted around his marker before meeting Pedro Porro’s inviting cross with a diving header.

Just two minutes later, The Magpies were level with a controversial goal amid claims the ball deflected off Joelinton’s hand in the build-up before Anthony Gordon netted.

Newcastle commanded the first half, and the winner came on 20 minutes with Isak in the right place to tap home Jacob Murphy’s inviting ball.

Spurs threw everything at their visitors in the second half, and Solanke went close twice with headed efforts.

Meanwhile, Newcastle will hope to cement a top-four position with home games against Wolves and then Bournemouth.

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Postecoglou will be proud of his young Tottenham side, who arguably deserved a point against Newcastle.

Spurs started perfectly and then felt aggrieved that Gordon’s equaliser was allowed to stand after controversy around Joelinton’s handball in the build-up.

After Isak put Newcastle ahead, Spurs looked on the ropes and could have been torn apart further by the confident Magpies.

Despite sickness around their camp and fielding a young side, Tottenham responded and threw everything forward in search of an equaliser.

Maddison was only denied by the posts, while Solanke will feel he should have scored with his headed efforts.

However, Spurs have now lost seven of their last nine Premier League matches and have a daunting trip to Arsenal on the horizon.

Player of the Match - Pedro Porro (Tottenham)

The Tottenham wing-back was a real asset to his team in defence and driving forward.

The Spaniard sent inviting balls into the Newcastle box all afternoon which were difficult to deal with.

Porro provided the assist for Solanke’s opener and then causes chaos inside the Newcastle box with a second cross in the first half.

The 25-year-old provided two further crosses for Solanke headers in the second half as Spurs threw everything at an equaliser.

Player Ratings

Tottenham Hotspur: Austin 7, Porro 8, Dragusin 6, Gray 7, Spence 6, Sarr 7, Bergvall 7, Johnson 6, Kulusevski 6, Werner 6, Solanke 7. Subs: Bissouma 6, Maddison 7, Reguilon 6, Son Heung-Min 7.

Newcastle United: Dubravka 7, Livramento 6, Botman 7, Burn 7, Hall 6, Guimaraes 7, Tonali 6, Joelinton 7, Murphy 7, Isak 7, Gordon 7. Subs: Barnes 6, Kelly 6, Longstaff 6.

Match Highlights

Key Stats

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TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist has branded Alexander Isak as "the best all-around centre forward" in the Premier League currently.

The Newcastle forward has found his scoring on Tyneside, netting 12 goals in the league so far this season, behind only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

The Swede has scored in six consecutive games, including in an away win against Manchester United at the end of 2024 and a hat-trick against Ipswich nine days before that.

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His performances have been key in Eddie Howe's side storming to fifth in the table, just three points shy of Chelsea in the top four.

Speaking alongside Les Ferdinand ahead of The Magpies' visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, McCoist said that Isak is the current Premier League striker he would most like to partner with.

"Isak. I’ll take it a step further, I think Isak might be the best all-around centre forward in the league at this moment," the Scotsman declared.

"I just like the style of his play. I think he gets in behind. I think he’s all-around, I think he holds the ball up well. He gets all sorts of finishes. I think he can come short; he spins in behind. He’s just a very, very intelligent player."

McCoist added that the Newcastle talisman's ability to involve himself in build-up play and his variation of finishing sets him aside from Manchester City star Haaland.

"You look at somebody like Haaland, if he doesn’t get service, sometimes he’s anonymous. Whereas Isak will always give you something. Haaland can finish as well as anybody, if not the best on the planet, but in an all-round game, Isak is unstoppable. And the variation in the goals he’s scored, he scores tap-ins, he’ll run through.

"He’s one of those centre forwards at this moment in time, if you see him go one-on-one with the goalkeeper, you fancy him."

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Ferdinand agreed and offered his thoughts on why the 25-year-old has become so essential for Eddie Howe's side this season, as their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League have drastically improved.

"I think he's now settled," said Ferdinand, who scored 50 goals in 84 games for Newcastle.

"He's had some time in the Premier League and when he first came in there were a few injury issues, in and out of the side.

"But this season he's managed to get in the side and stay in it, and now we’re seeing the goals. We always knew he was a quality player, it was just about adapting to the Premier League.

"I think he's done that and Newcastle are reaping the rewards of that now."

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Spurs welcome a Newcastle side on a tear to north London as Ange Postecoglou's team sit 11th in the table.

They have won just once since their 4-0 decimation of Manchester City on November 23 and will be ripe for Isak and Newcastle to pick up yet another win.

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Chelsea were stunned by local rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge as Tottenham slumped to defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Boxing Day.

Cole Palmer was on the mark yet again in the first half to put Enzo Maresca’s side ahead, and it looked like The Blues would hold on for all three points only for Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz to strike late.

The result leaves Chelsea four points behind Liverpool, who have two games in hand, while Fulham sit eighth.

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Further north, pressure mounted on Ange Postecoglou with a 1-0 loss at the City Ground.

Former Manchester United wideman Anthony Elanga struck on 28 minutes to finish a fine counter-attacking move, and the away side were unable to find a response.

Defeat was compounded by Djed Spence picking up a second bookable offence in second-half stoppage time.

The win moves Nottingham Forest into third spot, while Spurs are 11th.

Newcastle were winners at St James’ Park after an early goal helped them beat 10-man Aston Villa 3-0.

Anthony Gordon gave Newcastle the lead in the second minute, but things went from bad to worse for Unai Emery’s men just after the half-hour mark when Jhon Duran was sent off for appearing to tread on Fabian Schar.

Alexander Isak scored on 59 minutes to ensure there was no way back for Villa, and Joelinton added a third in injury time.

Newcastle are now four points behind Arsenal, one spot above them in fourth, though Arsenal have a game in hand, at home to Ipswich on Friday.

Jarrod Bowen did manager Julen Lopetegui’s hopes of surviving into the next year no harm when the West Ham striker scored from Niclas Fullkrug’s knockdown on 59 minutes to give his side a 1-0 win over Southampton.

The three points could prove vital for the away side after they clinched a victory that lifted them above Manchester United having played a game more.

West Ham are in 13th place as their season looks to have stabilised, with Southampton rock bottom on six points.

Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw at Bournemouth sees Oliver Glasner's side stay 16th, and Bournemouth remain sixth.

In the early kick-off, Manchester City drew 1-1 at home to Everton to continue their awful run of form. Iliman Ndiaye’s fine equaliser gave Sean Dyche’s side a share of the points after Bernardo Silva scored first, and Erling Haaland later missed a second-half penalty.

City are in danger of missing out on Europa League football in seventh spot, while Everton are 15th.

The early evening kick-off saw Manchester United lose 2-0 at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Bruno Fernandes sent off for a second yellow card shortly after the restart.

Matheus Cunha then scored direct from a corner, before Hwang Hee-chan made it two deep into added time.

Ruben Amorim's side are left languishing in 14th position, seven points shy of fifth-place Newcastle, while Wolves are up to 17th spot and out of the relegation zone.

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