Football365

Former Tottenham Hotspur player Jamie O’Hara has hit out at Atletico Madrid following their “embarrassing” performance against Arsenal.

Atletico Madrid exited the Champions League on Tuesday night, having lost 2-1 on aggregate to Premier League giants Arsenal.

The two sides were level at 1-1 heading into Tuesday’s return leg at the Emirates, and Bukayo Saka scored the only goal in the second leg as the Gunners edged past the Spanish giants.

Atletico had a bit of a go after Arsenal took the lead, but they struggled to threaten their opponents and were deservedly beaten.

Speaking post-match, Atletico boss Diego Simeone admitted he is “calm” about their Champions League exit.

“Well if we got knocked out it’s because our opponents deserved to get through,” Simeone said post-match.

READ:Four games in 25 days stand between Champions League finalists Arsenal and unfathomable glory

“They took their big chance in the first-half and they deserved to get through. I feel calm, I feel peaceful.”

“They’re toilet, mate…”

It is not out of character for O’Hara to be salty at Arsenal’s success and he’s now refused to give Tottenham’s rivals credit for reaching the Champions League final. Instead, he has hit out at “embarrassing” Atletico.

“They’re toilet, mate. They [Arsenal] literally got a bye,” O’Hara said on talkSPORT.

“Arsenal got a bye into the final tonight. That was turgid. Guff. Garbage. How were they [Atletico Madrid] in the semi-final?

“They’re absolutely… Alexander Sorloth up front? Sorloth!? He couldn’t hit a barn door.

“Honestly, it was embarrassing what I was watching. Embarrassing.

“Simeone’s on about £26million-a-year. And that’s the team that got through to the semi-final.

“They’re toilet, mate. I have to sit here and go on like Arsenal are the best team in the world.

“Come on, mate. We watch a proper game tomorrow with two proper teams.”

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Naturally, Arteta was feeling a lot more upbeat about Arsenal after their “incredible night”.

“An incredible night,” Arteta said on Arsenal beating Atletico Madrid.

“We made history again together and I cannot be more proud for everyone. The way that we were welcomed outside the stadium was special and unique.

“The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us, they made it special and unique, I never felt that in the stadium.

“We knew how much it meant to everybody. The boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.”

Liverpool have now entered the race “strongly” to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.

The Reds missed out on signing Marc Guehi late on last summer with Crystal Palace pulling the plug on a deal to sign the defender when he was having his medical.

Liverpool did end up signing Giovanni Leoni from Parma but the Italy international picked up a season-ending injury in September to leave the Reds short at the back.

Joe Gomez has provided the majority of cover to starting centre-backs Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk this season, while Liverpool have already lined up the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the summer.

But Liverpool are keen to bring in at least another centre-back this summer and reliable Italian journalist Matteo Moretto has claimed they are now in for Bournemouth’s Senesi on a free transfer.

Speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, Moretto said: “We’re talking again about Marcos Senesi, the Bournemouth centre-back whose contract expires in June. We’ve discussed him many times. He won’t renew and will leave on a free transfer – Bournemouth already know this.

READ: Liverpool top scorers against Big Six: Gakpo level with Gerrard and Suarez

“I had already mentioned quite clearly here that Senesi would stay in the Premier League. There has been and still is some interest from Italy, but he will remain in England. I’m told—and it’s confirmed 100%—that the Argentine defender intends to stay in the Premier League.

“He’s been performing very well at Bournemouth. His career was slowed by some significant injuries, but once he regained fitness and form, he’s shown all his quality in the Premier League.

“Senesi will stay in the Premier League, and beyond the two clubs I already mentioned—Chelsea and Tottenham, especially Tottenham, Liverpool have also entered the race quite strongly in recent days. So keep an eye on Liverpool, because they’re expected to make new contacts for Marcos Senesi.

“As for Italy, it’s not really a concrete option right now.”

Former Scotland international Ally McCoist reckons Liverpool need to tear up their whole spine and bring in a new centre-back, midfielder and centre-forward this summer.

READ: ‘It’s blown up in their face’ – Carragher uses Arsenal star to make ‘worried’ Liverpool point

“They just haven’t handled losing the players they have, and the players they’ve brought in, whether it’s been injury or lack of form,” McCoist said on talkSPORT.

“[Florian] Wirtz, [Milos] Kerkez has taken a while to get going, [Jeremie] Frimpong’s taking a little bit of time to get going as well.

“They’ve obviously had injuries, a couple of young centre-backs as well.

“They need strengthening in my opinion, certainly need right up the spine I think – centre-forward, centre-midfielder and a centre-back.”

Man Utd are “looking at” at deal to sign Micky van de Ven from Tottenham as a move grows increasingly likely, according to reports.

The Red Devils are set to invest as much as £150m of their summer transfer budget on as many as three new midfielders this summer, while they are also understood to be weighing up moves for left-backs and left-wingers.

Gary Neville and other Man Utd fans are convinced the Premier League club still need a new centre-back next season and there are rumours the position could still form part of their plan for the summer, especially if a good opportunity came along.

And Football Insider claim that Van de Ven is ‘growing increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer’ as Man Utd join the race for his signature.

Tottenham beat Aston Villa over the weekend to move above West Ham and climb out of the relegation zone but it is understood that ‘survival may not be enough to keep their best players’.

And former Man Utd chief scout Mick Brown – who is still well-connected at Old Trafford – has been told that the Red Devils are “looking at” Van de Ven.

READ: Carrick pragmatism a safer bet for Man Utd than another philosophy manager

Brown told Football Insider: “Persuading players to join Man United has never been a problem.

“But being in the Champions League next season will be a big boost to the club financially and in terms of going and getting players to improve the squad.

“There are a few priority positions in the team, and one of them is at centre-back.

“They’ve got Harry Maguire for another year, but who’s going to play alongside him? They’ve got the young lads, Heaven and Yoro, who have been very impressive.

“But the senior players, Martinez and De Ligt, they’re not sure about because of the injury issues they’ve had and they’ve struggled with consistency.

“Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.

“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that.

READ: Manchester United top scorers against Big Six: Mbeumo already second in current squad

“He would be an ambitious target but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”

Former Man Utd midfielder Nicky Butt recently suggested Van de Ven as a potential summer target for the Red Devils, especially if Tottenham get relegated.

Butt told Paddy Power: “Micky van de Ven, he’s an excellent player.

“Having a left-footed centre-back is great for the balance of the team. They have Martinez, and it’s debatable how good he is, but he brings balance to the team.

“Martinez has got a left foot, he can pass the ball. Van de Ven is a bit like that but quicker, bigger, more powerful. I’d be looking at him straight away.

“When they go down there will be teams picking them off their players for cheap as chips.

“They’ll have to get rid of them because the wages are too high and I can guarantee you most of them won’t have relegation clauses in their contract.”

According to reports, Liverpool are still plotting a late move to sign Bournemouth star ahead of Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Senesi will secure an upwards transfer during this summer transfer window after impressing for Bournemouth this season.

The 28-year-old has been one of the most dependable centre-backs in the Premier League this season and has helped Bournemouth challenge for Champions League qualification.

However, he is in the final couple of months of his current contract and will inevitably leave Bournemouth ahead of next season.

Barcelona and several Big Six sides have been heavily linked with Senesi in recent months, but Spurs have emerged as his most likely destination.

The north London side have reached an ‘agreement’ over signing Senesi on a free transfer, but it has also been suggested that he could still end up at Liverpool.

READ: Who will be the next manager of Liverpool after Arne Slot exit?

Liverpool could sign another new centre-back this summer and Senesi is a potential low-cost option to provide extra competition.

A report from talkSPORT claims Liverpool ‘could hijack’ Spurs and sign Senesi this summer, with the Premier League giants ‘contemplating making a rival offer’.

This is said to be dependent on Spurs suffering relegation and Ibrahima Konate not signing a new contract beyond this summer.

The report claims: ‘Liverpool are keeping tabs on Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi.

‘The Argentina international has already verbally agreed to join Tottenham, assuming they avoid relegation to the Championship. Much could depend on the future of Ibrahima Konate, who is still to sign a new deal at Anfield.’

Liverpool told to block Alisson Becker’s move to Juventus

TalkSPORT’s Ally McCoist and Jeff Stelling, meanwhile, have advised Liverpool against sanctioning Alisson Becker’s proposed move to Juventus after it was reported that this has already been ‘verbally agreed’.

“No, no is the answer to that. I don’t think so,” McCoist said on talkSPORT when asked whether Liverpool should let Alisson leave.

“Particularly in that area, he might just be their key player in the whole squad.”

Presenter Jeff Stelling added: “I think it’s really important to hold on to him.

“Look, they’ve lost significant big name players last season and will do again during the course of the summer.

“Surely they want to hold on to the man who is still, deservedly, their No.1 keeper.”

Alisson has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and certainly should still be playing ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi ‘will do everything’ to land a pair of players from an Italian giant in the event he staves off relegation, reports journalist Enrico Camelio.

De Zerbi’s spell in charge of Spurs so far has been inspired. In four matches, he’s picked up two wins and a draw, seeing the north London club jump above West Ham, out of the relegation zone.

The five-year contract given to him by Tottenham shows their desire to support De Zerbi for the long run, and he’s planning to shape his squad for next season.

Journalist Camelio reports if the Italian boss manages to avoid relegation, he ‘will do everything’ to sign two players from Roma: Mile Svilar and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Spurs have long been told that they need to sign an upgrade on current goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and Svilar has 16 clean sheets in Serie A this season – the second most, behind Jean Butez.

His save percentage of 78.3 per cent is the third-best in the league, so Tottenham would be getting a quality asset if Svilar came through the door.

Pellegrini, meanwhile, has seven goals and four assists in all competitions this season, largely from attacking midfield.

Spurs were said to be in the mix for Svilar in January, when Thomas Frank was still at the helm, and two managers later, they are still looking at the Roma keeper.

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At the time, it was suggested he had a £60million price tag on his head, which ‘wouldn’t scare English clubs.’ Alongside Tottenham, reports at the time suggested Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and AC Milan were all keen on signing Svilar.

Whether the north London club will be able to lure him in, then, remains to be seen.

But the suggestion that De Zerbi ‘will do everything’ to land Svilar and Roma team-mate Pellegrini means Tottenham won’t back down in the pursuit, no matter who they are up against.

There is certainly going to be a necessity to sign a new goalkeeper, as it’s believed Vicario is moving closer to Inter Milan, which could also remove one of the rivals in the race for Svilar.

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has brutally laid into Aston Villa after their “disgrace” of a performance against Tottenham Hotspur.

Aston Villa are coming off a disappointing week, in which they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final and were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham Hotspur.

With the return leg at Villa Park coming up on Thursday and Champions League qualification virtually already secured, head coach Unai Emery named a very weakened team to face Spurs and were deservedly beaten.

Speaking after his side’s loss, Emery attempted to defend his team selection.

“I have been here for three and a half years now and I don’t forget how we have done everything,” Emery told reporters.

READ: Aston Villa ‘disgraceful’ after ‘joke’ decision from Unai Emery

“Some of these players were winning several matches in a row earlier in the season.

“Now we have 58 points after 35 games of the season. I am so proud of the players. I am not linking the changes in the team to the results.

“We also lost at Nottingham Forest and at Fulham last weekend. When we beat Sunderland here I also made changes, but because we won, nobody said anything.

“We lost here because Tottenham played better than us. We must be realistic about everything. I don’t change my mind or my point of view.”

“It made Spurs look like PSG…”

However, Jordan has now hit out at Aston Villa, Emery and their players after one of the worst performances he has “ever seen”.

“Tottenham were good, better. But the more Tottenham got into that game, the more they realised that Aston Villa were going to do absolutely bugger all, let alone lift a leg,” Jordan said on talkSPORT.

“Tottenham got bolder and bolder and looked better. No one’s taking it away from Spurs. I’m glad they got a result.

“The fact is that Aston Villa put top players in there, not mugs. If you’re an Aston Villa fan, go and watch that game, having paid a lot of money for it, despite the fact you’ve got a big game coming in the week, and we know that you just played, and you’re going to be a bit leggy. That’s why you made the changes.

“But even the manager, he looked completely nonplussed, disengaged, completely out of sorts.

“I don’t think you should be questioning integrity. I think you should be calling it what it was, an absolute disgrace of a performance.

“Spurs must have been rubbing their hands, thinking we are never, ever going to get a better opportunity to play such a slovenly, disengaged, unmotivated, chaotic, poor side as Aston Villa.”

He added: “That is as bad a Premier League performance as I think I have ever seen, even watching Derby and watching Wolves. They were so disconnected, so disengaged, so disinterested, so under-aroused that it made Spurs look like PSG.”

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Jordan even went as far as to suggest Aston Villa’s players “cheated the paying public out of a performance”.

He added: “Look at the players that were in that team. Look at the noise and the experience around. We had to listen to Tyrone Mings over the years about what he thinks he’s entitled to. That performance in that side was abject.

“Tielemans was abject, Ross Barkley was a mile off. Tammy Abraham didn’t lift a leg. They were shocking.

“I’m not just saying it because I’ve got any dog in the fight or axe to grind.

“I sat there watching, they’re just cheats. They cheated the paying public out of a performance.”

According to reports, Liverpool have decided to meet Tottenham Hotspur’s asking price to sign Micky van de Ven this summer.

Liverpool wanted Van de Ven before he joined Spurs and he has remained heavily linked with a move to Anfield over the past couple of years.

With our colleagues at TEAMtalk reporting that Ibrahima Konate has ‘agreed’ on a new contract, Liverpool will be in a healthier position at centre-back from next season as they will also have Virgil van Dijk, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet to choose from.

However, Van Dijk has declined this season and will inevitably leave when his contract expires when his current deal expires in 2027, so they need a long-term replacement for the Dutchman.

This could lead Van de Ven to Liverpool, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting that he is their ‘top target’ to ‘lead their defence’.

READ: Awful Liverpool player has ‘checked out’ while Konate not good enough for Spurs

Spurs are said to have made a ‘clear barrier’ to Van de Ven by demanding 95 million euros (£82m) for their prized asset, but Liverpool are ‘preparing’ to ‘present’ their rivals with a ‘virtually irresistible offer’ of this value.

The report claims: ‘Liverpool have identified Micky van de Ven as a top defensive target for the upcoming transfer window. The 25-year-old Dutch centre-back from Tottenham has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most formidable defenders thanks to his speed, physicality, and ability to cover ground in open play.

‘At Anfield, they believe his profile fits perfectly with a defence that needs energy, leadership, and a player capable of maintaining a high defensive line for extended periods.’

Van de Ven “ticks the boxes” for Liverpool

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has explained why Van de Ven would be a perfect signing for his former club.

“I think he (Micky van de Ven) ticks the boxes,” Murphy told AceOdds.co.uk.

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“I think obviously he’s a wonderful athlete, good footballer. Adaptable as well, he can play left-back, left wing-back, he’s played different positions for his national team. He’s big, he’s got presence, he’s got Premier League experience.”

“I think the rare moments of call it bad attitude or ill-discipline, if you like, that have come are probably linked to the horrendous, chaotic situation Spurs are in. Very rarely do we see him lose his head. He’s generally been pretty well-behaved and conducted himself pretty well.”

“My only slight concern with van de Ven is his injury record. I don’t think he’s played a full-season yet and what you want at the back is durable players who can build relationships.”

“But in terms of his ability, he’ll be on the radar. There’s a lot of good centre-halves out there. I think especially with his pace and physicality, I think if you’re going to play front-foot football and go at teams, you need centre-halves who are quick and can recover and he’s one of the best, in terms of his recovery, out there.”

Roberto De Zerbi has provided an update on the fitness of Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur following Tottenham Hotspur’s huge three points at Aston Villa on Sunday evening, while also raving over Conor Gallagher’s performance at Villa Park.

Spurs climbed out of the relegation places after recording back-to-back league wins for the first time since August, as they took advantage of West Ham’s slip-up at Brentford on Saturday.

The performance, albeit against a poor Villa side with one eye clearly on the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest, was arguably one of their best of the season – although that bar is pretty low.

De Zerbi is clearly now getting a tune out of players Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor clearly could not, although, as usual with Tottenham, the result did not come without some concerns.

READ: De Zerbi tells Tottenham not to forget ‘sad memories’ as exiting bottom three is not the end

Having lost Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke to injury at Wolves, there were more worries when Bentancur came off injured at Villa Park, while skipper Van de Ven was also spotted limping after rolling his ankle at the end of the match.

The key duo were outstanding in a critical victory, with Tottenham’s spine steadfast throughout, and De Zerbi’s update on their fitness post-match was at least encouraging ahead of next Monday’s home visit of Leeds United.

When asked if Van de Ven had suffered an ankle issue, the Spurs boss said (as per Football.London): “No, no, no. He’s ok.”

De Zerbi was also asked if Bentancur, who came off in the 67th minute, was okay, to which he replied: “Yes, yes, Bentancur was just tired.”

Assuming neither player suffers any lingering ill-effects, that’s massive news for Tottenham as they look for a win against Leeds that could take them one step closer to safety.

Conor Gallagher finally steps up for Tottenham

Another player who excelled at Villa Park was midfielder Gallagher, who had his best game in a Spurs shirt, while also notching his first goal for the club.

And, speaking after the contest, De Zerbi had high praise for the former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid star, telling reporters: “When Gallagher plays like this we play with 12 players because you can find him as a striker, as a midfielder, as a full-back, everywhere on the pitch you can find him.

“Great player, great passion, great qualities. Great player.”

Gallagher himself admitted it has been a “difficult few months” but that it was nice to finally show whey the club made their move for him in the January window.

The midfielder said: “It has been a difficult few months for me, for the whole club and this is what I do best, work hard off the ball.

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“I am a team player, I try and do what I do best and the fans were able to see that. I’ll keep doing that the best I can to make the club proud, to help Tottenham keep playing like that and get more wins.

“If I am being honest, normally when I scored when you score your first goal for the club there is a relief for yourself, but there was none of that, I was so focused on going again and continuing to play well, knowing how important the three points were.

“I am so happy and so proud.”

Roberto De Zerbi has urged his Tottenham players not to forget the “sad memories” of this season just because they have climbed a point above the relegation zone.

Tottenham saw off Champions League-chasing Aston Villa in one of their most crucial results of the season on Sunday. Heading into the game two points below West Ham in the final relegation place, Spurs knew how big a game it was for them.

And their performance did not disappoint, as they were 1-0 up in 12 minutes and had their second in the 25th. Tottenham’s defence then ably halted Villa’s attack, whose only shot on target went in, when Emi Buendia struck deep into added time.

It was too late for Villa to rescue a point, though, and the victory for Tottenham saw them climb one point above the Hammers, and back out of the relegation places, giving them hope with three games to go.

De Zerbi feels that while his side are out the relegation places, they can’t forget the poor place they have found themselves in, and in a way still do.

Asked his feelings on exiting the relegation places on TNT Sports, the Spurs boss said: “Nothing, because the season is not finished yet. We have to play another three games starting on [next] Monday night with Leeds, they are playing very well.

“We can’t forget what the situation was before Wolves. It was a very sad situation and these memories have to stay in our heads.

“Just one time we have played at home and the atmosphere was amazing in the stadium. I think it was a mental problem and these two wins, I hope we can play with more confidence and better mentality.”

On the performance itself, De Zerbi was happy, and singled out goalscorer Conor Gallagher – who was a target of Villa’s in January – as a crucial asset in the victory.

He said: “We played against Aston Villa, they are a very good team. A lot of very good players, a great manager but we played very well for 60 minutes without the ball and with the ball. We suffered with [Ollie] Waktins and Buendia and conceded a goal. That was the only bad thing we did on the pitch. I’m pleased with this performance from my players. I know how much they have suffered this season.

“The high pressure is mentality and then in possession. We played very well when we had to attack the space or to shoot. I love playing football. My job is to help them and show what they are capable of.

“Gallagher, when he plays well, we play with 12 players. He is an amazing player. [Randal] Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel played an amazing game. The two centre-backs with and without the ball, I am really pleased.”

It turns out there are more appealing opponents than those on the beach – those with their eyes elsewhere.

That is what two of Sunday’s three Premier League matches told us, anyway.

First, there was Bournemouth’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace, a match sandwiched between the Eagles’ Europa Conference League semi-final legs against Shakhtar Donetsk, before 2025 Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur beat 2026 Europa League favourites Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.

Palace head coach Oliver Glasner compared Sunday’s fixture at the Vitality to “a friend’s birthday” and Thursday’s second leg against Shakhtar as “your wedding” in perhaps the quote of the season.

“Let’s say you have a friend’s birthday and your wedding [a few days later]; you are more excited for the wedding. This is the same. Bournemouth’s semi-final was today – ours is Thursday.”

This is all very positive news for a Chelsea side chasing their first Premier League win since March 4, as they face Aston Villa’s Europa League semi-final opponents Nottingham Forest on Monday.

The performances of those Villa players tasked with the major inconvenience of a home match against Tottenham resembled those forced to attend a birthday party of their girlfriend’s friend you don’t have much time for.

Despite being given a chance to impress, Unai Emery’s fringe players produced a pathetic performance that left the Villa boss perplexed on the touchline.

Usually animated in his technical area, he was, as Darren ‘Fletch’ Fletcher put it, “dumbfounded”, and seemed to have the same expression on his face every time the camera cut to him – which was quite frequently, certainly more often than good patterns of play from his players.

While the Villa players showed no desire, effort or quality, Tottenham had all of the above in abundance to earn a priceless three points – their second Premier League win after their first in 2026 last time out.

After a typically limp performance at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge, Spurs were clearly better in their home draw with Brighton, and that improvement continued away to Wolves last week. The momentum from that win carried into this weekend, inspiring an excellent performance – their best in the Premier League since the early weeks of Thomas Frank’s tenure.

Spurs certainly benefited from a disgraceful Villa performance, though this is not a team guaranteed to take advantage of poor opposition displays. They have had rotten luck all season, but this time they took their chances rather than hitting the woodwork or missing sitters, with standout performers all over the pitch.

Randal Kolo Muani had his best game in a Spurs shirt. Micky van de Ven was superb. Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur were a nightmare to play against all evening. It all came together on and off the ball, and De Zerbi will be a very happy man this evening.

The Spurs supporters seemed to be embracing the relegation battle for the first time, while the home support were miserable and rightly furious throughout.

It was the most ‘eyes elsewhere’ performance we’ve seen in, well, hours, as Villa clearly had all their eggs in the Europa League basket.

You can’t really blame them at the semi-final stage, with Champions League qualification all but secured via a top-five finish in the Premier League. It would take something remarkable for Villa to bottle it, but Bournemouth are in good form and the Villans have now won three, drawn three and lost six of their last 12 league matches. They have not been at the races this year, and Sunday’s match was their worst showing of the campaign.

It came at an unsurprising time given their European commitments, but at a perfect time for Spurs and an awful one for West Ham, who now take their London rivals’ place in the bottom three.

The relegation picture looks very different, changing the outlook on Forest’s trip to Chelsea on Monday and leaving Spurs in the awkward position of supporting title-chasing Arsenal away to the Hammers next weekend, while they face Leeds United, who may now be on the proverbial beach

We will soon find out whether those teams are more dangerous than ones with bigger priorities. For now, though, Spurs can enjoy an absolutely priceless win and at least seven days out of the relegation zone.