Football365

Arsenal have made a shock ‘phone call’ to Manchester United over a move for Marcus Rashford in January, low-balling the Red Devils with a tempting offer.

Rashford wants out of Old Trafford having announced his desire for a “new challenge” last month, but options are thin on the ground thanks to his £300,000 per week wages and his lack of interest in a move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey.

Talks have reportedly been held with Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, while negotiations with Milan are supposedly more advanced.

A report on Thursday revealed that West Ham have also been asked to be ‘kept informed of Rashford’s situation’ after Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui as manager ‘but know he is more likely to join a top European side’.

A sticking point for Milan could be their unwillingness to stump up more than half of Rashford’s £300,000-a-week wages, and that’s also sure to be a problem for Tottenham and their penny-pinching chairman Daniel Levy amid a report from the Daily Mail that they too are keen on the 27-year-old.

But it appears Arsenal may have found a way of coming to terms with Rashford’s lofty wages, by low-balling Manchester United in a shock ‘phone call’ to enquire over the forward.

MORE MANCHESTER UNITED COVERAGE ON F365

👉 Big Weekend: Arsenal v Man Utd, Accrington, Kinsky, Guardiola, Bayern Munich

👉 Man Utd ‘consider £40m offer’ for Arsenal target despite Amad contract extension

👉 Liverpool forward ‘considered’ to ‘replace’ hijacked Man Utd transfer target amid Rashford swap ‘talks’

Italian journalist Massimo Marianella, while discussing Milan’s ongoing attempt to sign Rashford, claims Arsenal made contact with the Red Devils on Friday.

He told Sky Sports (via Calciomercato): “It seems that Arsenal has made a phone call to Manchester United for Rashford. The club valued €25m.”

That offer of €25m (£21) falls well below United’s supposed £40m valuation for Rashford, but amid reports that other suitors are only interested in a loan move, with United likely needing to pay a significant portion of his wages, the Arsenal offer may well be tempting as they would reap the reward of a pure profit sale and have him off their wage bill.

It’s a move that makes sense for Arsenal too, assuming they can persuade him to sign on reduced terms – £300,000-a-week would make Rashford their highest earner, surpassing the £280,000-a-week they pay Kai Havertz.

Mikel Arteta is thought to want to bolster his forward options as they look to cope with the absence of Bukayo Saka.

Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have failed to meet expectations for much of the season, Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea hasn’t worked out and while Gabriel Jesus’ form has improved dramatically in recent weeks, doubts remain as to whether they have the required quality in attack to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League.

Tottenham are reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Randal Kolo Muani, after telling the Paris Saint-Germain striker there will be a place for him in the side.

Spurs are one of a number of Premier League sides who have taken an interest in Kolo Muani. It comes after reports that PSG are willing to let him leave on loan.

He has been offered just 350 minutes of Ligue 1 action this season, directly contributing to three goals in that time.

Though Premier League rivals are giving Spurs competition, TBRFootball reports they are ‘close to agreeing personal terms’ with Kolo Muani.

In fact, they are reportedly hopeful the work they have done on the deal so far can see the it over the line ‘this week’. It’s said Tottenham have been pushing ‘really hard’ to agree terms with the striker.

Discussions are said to have been fruitful, and the terms are now ‘all but agreed’.

The promise Tottenham are said to have made could have pushed things over the line. Indeed, the report states they have offered Kolo Muani a place in Ange Postecoglou’s lineup.

So far this season, the most minutes for Tottenham attackers have been given to Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

The former has also played a lot in midfield, boosting his numbers. Heung-min Son is a notable absence from that top three, and it’s speculated that Kolo Muani could challenge the South Korean for minutes, given his ability to play wide out left.

MORE ON TOTTENHAM FROM F365:

👉 How can Bournemouth keep hold of a man like Andoni Iraola?

👉 Postecoglou sack, ‘pragmatic’ Terzic in as Spurs reach sliding doors?

👉Which players have forced the most Premier League manager sackings by scoring?

The report also details that Tottenham and PSG are yet to commence talks, but it’s known that the French side are willing to let Kolo Muani leave on loan, though they would like an obligation for him to be bought to be included.

According to the report, Spurs would be open to that once performance-based targets have been reached, with the club feeling the striker can lead them into a new era.

Ange Postecoglou claimed the Sky Sports reporter was “mocking” him after Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Liverpool, with the Spurs boss illustrating his questionable grasp of the rules having launched into a quite extraordinary rant over VAR.

Lucas Bergvall scored the controversial winner for Spurs in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, when he perhaps shouldn’t still have been on the pitch, though Big Ange disagrees.

His goal came soon after Dominic Solanke had what he thought was the opener ruled out for a marginal offside, with the mic’d up referee Stuart Atwell announcing the VAR reversal to the stadium. We don’t think Postecoglou’s a fan.

“I’m really surprised at how people in this country are so easily letting the game change so much so quickly,” said Postecoglou. “It’s changed more since VAR has come in since I’ve been involved than in the past 50 years. We never used to debate offsides, we never used to debate handballs, we never used to debate holding in the box, we never used to debate so many things.

“I mean, did everyone really love the announcement today? Did that give you a real buzz? I mean, seriously. My understanding of it is, this is what the people want. That’s what I keep getting told.

“I understand that and I understand that VAR is going to be there. Technology is going to be a part of life, but it’s like my wife and our kids. We know technology but she limits their screen time. Why? You know, to slow things down, I think.

“We’ve just got to be careful about constantly… why do we want to change the game so much? And I know I’m going to be the old bloke in the stands that keeps shouting ‘boo’ every time and I’ll be the only one, but I just thought people would be a little bit more protective about the sanctity of the game.

“I think there’s a lot of confusion at the moment. That’s my belief, that the game is changing on the basis of technology, and I’m saying, ‘Why isn’t anyone speaking up about it?’ Especially in this country who, for all intents and purposes, you guys think you’re custodians of the game, you’ve got a song that says. ‘It’s coming home’.

“This is your game, and yet it takes an Aussie from the other side of the world to be the one that’s most conservative about changes. I’m happy to just be the lone voice of saying, ‘Just leave the game alone for a bit’.

“Even extra time now, minutes added on, minutes added on here, we never used to talk about these things before. Yet now everything is changing, so that was my [point]. So today, I can see why Arne [Slot] would be very disappointed [with the Bergvall decision]. If that was me, I’d be disappointed as well, but apparently they’re the rules.”

Postecoglou was a very angry man after Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend as Joelinton handled the ball in the build-up to Anthony Gordon’s equaliser, but no VAR action was taken.

The Spurs boss said he was “the angriest I have been in my career” at the time, and attempted to clarify his comments after the clash with Liverpool.

Postecoglou said on Wednesday night: “My comments about ‘a fair and even playing ground’ that’s what they’re about. So today it advantaged us, yeah? I wasn’t saying that there was a vendetta against me or Tottenham when I spoke last week. That’s not what my comments were about. I could be on a lone crusade here, but I’m happy to do that.”

MORE TOTTENHAM COVERAGE ON F365

👉 How can Bournemouth keep hold of a man like Andoni Iraola?

👉 Postecoglou sack, ‘pragmatic’ Terzic in as Spurs reach sliding doors?

👉 Which players have forced the most Premier League manager sackings by scoring?

Posteocglou was also asked whether it was his side that enjoyed good fortune against the Reds as Lucas Bergvall escaped a second yellow card for a tackle on Kostas Tsimikas moments before scoring the winner.

Asked if his team were fortunate not to go down to 10 men for the tackle, Postecoglou replied: “Yeah great question!

“No he wasn’t. People misinterpret my comments from the other day. The rule is – and we have been told for quite a while now – that if an advantage gets played and as long as it’s not cynical tackle, it’s not a yellow card.

“We’ve been screaming for it for the last two months It’s happened to us consistently, have a look at our games. To me that was pretty clear. That is the rules and we abided by them today.”

A slightly odd interpretation of the walls given Bergvall’s tackle could be described as reckless, in which case a yellow should have been given, and because an advantage should not be applied on a second yellow card except in cases of an immediate chance.

Postecoglou remained testy when asked about his previous assertion that he always wins a trophy in his second season, firing back: “People can keep sort of mocking me about it, we will see,” before walking away from camera.

Confession: I attended Spurs’ hospitality as an Arsenal fan and it was unbelievable…  Football365

Tottenham have taken steps to resolve the Fraser Forster-ness of their bad situation by bringing in a new goalkeeper as their first signing of the January transfer window in a deal worth a reported £12.5m

Of course, being Tottenham, they have set a filter on “players aged 21 or younger” and come up with Slavia Prague’s Antonin Kinsky, not to be confused with his retired Czech international goalkeeper father of the same name.

Kinsky the younger has only established himself as Slavia’s first-choice keeper this season, getting his chance to impress after Everton legend Jindrich Stanek went down to injury in pre-season.

The 21 year old has kept more clean sheets (12) than he has conceded goals (7) for the table-topping side in the Czech league this season, as well as playing in the Champions League qualifying rounds and in the Europa League. Players can no longer be cup-tied in UEFA competitions, so that doesn’t pose any issue to Tottenham for their own Europa League campaign.

MORE PREMIER LEAGUE COVERAGE ON F365…

👉 Only four Ruben Amorim Man Utd flops get in Roy Hodgson’s disastrous 2010/11 Liverpool team

👉 Arsenal forward signings among most regular rumours which have zero chance of happening in January

👉 Chelsea revert to pre-Maresca type as Haaland shines and Saint embarrassed: F365’s 3pm Blackout

Kinsky’s dependable form has not just earned him his first call-ups for the Czech national team, but apparently put him on Tottenham’s radar amid an injury and form crisis between the sticks.

Guglielmo Vicario has been out with a fracture ankle since November, and Forster has been criticised for his performances while deputising.

The England international missed Spurs’ defeat to Newcastle on Saturday through illness, forcing Ange Postecoglou to turn to 25-year-old debutant Brandon Austin.

Kinsky has arrived on a six-year contract and will appropriately wear the number 31 shirt for Tottenham. Subject to his work permit and international clearance getting waved through, he could make his debut as soon as Wednesday evening, when Spurs host Liverpool in the first leg of the League Cup semi-finals.

He said: “It’s been amazing to sign the contract. Tottenham is a big name in Europe, especially in the Czech Republic, so for me it is a big honour.

“I spoke with the coaches and the sporting director and I really got the feeling this is going to be the right choice.

“I like to play a lot with my feet. I’m looking forward to training, hopefully for the games. That’s the aim of every player, to be on the pitch.”

Tottenham will then visit non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup third round on Sunday before returning to Premier League action with a trip to fierce rivals Arsenal in the North London derby.

Postecoglou’s side have won just one of their past eight top-flight games, and that was against Southampton and so doesn’t really count.

The football Arsenal are playing is described as ‘monotonous, pointless and toothless’ as another ‘outrageous’ decision goes against them. Plus, Tottenham have finally broken Ange Postecoglou’s brain, Man Utd laughing stock and much more…

Send your views to theeditor@football365.com…

Another outrageous against Arsenal

Well here we are again with an unprecedented and never to be repeated game deciding decision going against Arsenal. Let’s get a few things clear, every team gets bad decisions that alone isn’t isolated to Arsenal, but what is isolated is these decisions that you cannot point to another time it’s happened in the league and you can be sure it won’t happen again. The decisions are completely out of context with how the game is refereed.

Secondly, I’m sure there will be plenty of fans who come out to gas lite Arsenal fans saying the decision was fine, a certain penalty, that much is obvious, the poor decision suits virtually every other fan, it takes 2 points from Arsenal so all the teams at the top are happy with it, all our big 6 rivals are happy and generally all fans are happy when something bad happens to a big team. Tribalism is not allowing fans to be objective. Sky sports are implicit in it too, look how critical Sky were of so many ref decisions until this season, PGMOL have clearly told Sky to button it and in exchange they will give Sky better but carefully orchestrated access to PGMOL. Webb has done the seemingly impossible and made ref standards worse.

Apparently var took 3 seconds to confirm the penalty, you can see on the slow mo that the ball clearly bounces of Saliba’s head before any clash of heads. That’s the equivalent of a tackle by Saliba, winning the ball. So even if the refs believe the head on head contact constitutes a penalty (which it never has in any game ever) they’ve completely ignored the touch on the ball by Saliba. PGMOL should be releasing the audio for every var decision, not just the ones they want, let’s hear the conversation on this particular one to see if the var even recognise the ball hitting Saliba’s head before the clash of heads.

Yes Arsenal didn’t play that well in the second half but Brighton were absolutely held at arms length until the penalty. Arsenal were without their first 4 choice starting attacking players so there was going to be some pragmatism about the performance and a hard fought 1-0 victory was on the cards until the ref intervened. Not one Brighton player appealed for the penalty and had it not been given every pundit and commentator would be talking about an unfortunate clash of heads rather than tumbling over themselves to try to justify it as a penalty.

Arsenal have had 4 decisions this year on an outrageous never seen before, never seen again level. It’s cost us likely 7-9 points. Again, I’d invite any rival fan to show me where Arsenal have been given big decisions this season in any game to ‘even it out’. Arsenal fans have been saying it for years, unprecedented decisions, bizarre decisions – backed up in law if you contort yourself in knots to defend it but no one can ever show an example of it happening before or after – this penalty is the same. Arsenal fans will happily point out plenty of times in just the next handful of games where the same incident happens and no pen is given. Just file it with the Martinelli 5 second double yellow card.

Arteta was taken to a tribunal last year following strong criticism of refs, they lost and he won, in the tribunal it was proven the authorities decided that Arteta’s higher profile meant he should be more harshly punished. Just something to think about.

Every fan will point to their bad luck, (or call it excuses if your tribalism blinds you) Arsenal’s has been shocking this season, 3 months out for Saka, 2 months for Odegaard, 3 months for White, Merino 2 months in his first training session, Tomiyasu all season so far, and so many other injuries in clusters in the same position. We’ve had 6 full backs out injured at the same time!

Add on top the 3 red cards and this penalty it’s been a season to forget already.

Finally, can it be agreed that a bad ref decision and a general poor performance or lack of striker signing can BOTH exist independently of each other or are there people that still sit at home saying ‘team x should have just scored 3 goals then the refs bad decision has no influence’? *sigh*

Rich, AFC

Oh dear

Oh Dear Arsenal. So it’ll be 11 points behind Liverpool soon enough. I assume Arsenal fans are allergic to reality, as the last 21 years have demonstrated! What more can you add to this shitshow? I’ve recently heard a few Arsenal and non-Arsenal fans, sarcastically compare Arteta’s Arsenal to “George Graham Arsenal”. This is meant to be an insult but in fact, Arteta doesn’t deserve to be compared to a manager who assembled a title-winning side, that pipped one of the greatest ever Liverpool teams to a PL title, at Anfield!

Arteta gets his arse beaten each time he goes near Anfield, what with his gimmicks of playing YNWA on Spotify 🙄. What a ridiculous situation to witness Arsenal frequently face lower ranked sides who possess strikers who would improve Arsenal: be it Semenyo at Bournemouth, Cunha of Wolves, Mbeumo of Brentford, Villa backup Jon Dhuran, Isak at Newcastle etc.

How is this possible when the Arsenal manager has had five years and over £750m?! Wow.

If you are William Saliba and you’re clearly potentially the best CB in Europe, Madrid want you, you’re guaranteed major trophies, and playing with actual attackers (not £65m ashtrays), and demanding fans who won’t settle for glorious failure….wouldn’t you also take the RVP/Cesc/Nasri/Cole route? It’s a continuation of the same Loser mentality we saw under Wenger, except Arteta’s failure is being rebranded as some sort of Harrods car boot sale! It’s still tat lads – Harrods or not.

Arsenal’s football is monotonous, pointless and toothless. It relies on scoring first and the opposition floundering and completely opening up – when they don’t, the results are clear. Arteta is unable to build an attacking side that wins. Watching Arsenal run down the clock in stoppage time, at home, to Ipswich, is a scandalous embarrassment. Watch Arsenal play for set pieces at Brighton because every player on that pitch knew the 3 points relied on hanging on to a precarious 1-goal load….is embarrassing. Watching Joao Pedro and Mitoma, knowing that they were both far superior to every single Arsenal attacker on that pitch, is embarrassing. Knowing that Jesus in on £265k a week, but inferior to virtually every other starting PL striker, is embarrassing (but Arsenal fans curiously don’t care so much about clubs blowing stupid money in this case eh? Strange 🤔)

We’ve all gone over the £65m ashtray – at this rate he’s making Rashford look like a Pele-style signing.

Farce upon farce, 21 years straight. Congrats to Slot and Liverpool – Slot a thoroughly decent chap, spent nothing, never bitched, didn’t need 5 years and £750m, never talked shite about “Process”. Rocked up, on a much lower salary than Arteta’s current £15m (!!!). And has humiliated him on the pitch. Oh the shame.

Stewie Griffin (21-Gun salute to honour the 21 years of Failure!)

At least we’re scraping through and winning matches. Arsenal can’t even scraped through Brighton.

Veni, Singapore (I’d give them 1989 though, that was such a heartbreak.)

Brighton’s penalty

I’ve seen a lot of Arsenal fans (and manager) complaining about the penalty because it was ‘something they’ve never seen awarded before’. And although there are plenty of examples of similar things happening (like a keeper punching a player’s head rather than getting the ball and a penalty being awarded), they are right – I’ve never seen this precise thing given as a penalty before.

The thing is, I’ve also never seen a player run at an opponent from behind, drop-kick him, and then rain blows down on top of them from the mount position either.

Just because something is unusual – dare I say – even vanishingly rare, does not mean that it isn’t a foul. The reason no-one can point to a similar example of another penalty being given for the same offence is the exact same reason no-one can give an example of the obverse.

Greg, Taunton.

Spurs have done it at last…

Ange Postecoglou’s wildly absurd post-match comments make it clear (and obvious) that Spurs have finally broken his brain. I’m quite pleased with the prominent role Newcastle has played in the utter loss of his marbles over the last 18 months, but Spurs really do deserve the lion’s share of the credit.

Chris C, Toon Army DC

A long moan

Eddie Howe made me miss my train.

He coaches his teams to time-waste and pretend to be injured. I hate him for it and I hope he is never considered for the England job because he is a disgrace.

Referees have to stop the game and they get to rest and regroup whilst the momentum is gone. After the 4000th time someone fakes it, why does the ref not start booking people for cheating? Should retrospective bans happen? Should point deductions happen? I hate watching Newcastle but go because I have a season ticket and it’s always the same. Why no bookings for timewasting? It started after 30 seconds. 2 minutes for the most innocuous challenge and then he sprints back on. It’s shameful.

And the clearest handball in the world the whole stadium saw apart from the most pathetic ref (who also didn’t give at least 3 blatant yellow cards early on) and VAR and pundits make up total nonsense about it.

Anon. (looking forward Wednesday… Sack the board, Levy out).

Sad to see Man Utd become a laughing stock…

As a Liverpool fan, it would be easy for me to revel in United’s trouble, but I won’t, because we travelled the same path.

Since Ferguson retired, there have too many changes of manager resulting in players becoming complacent and coasting whilst waiting for the next coach to come and get sacked. Managing a big team in a second tier league is not the same as managing a big team in a big league. Didn’t Utd learn from the ten Hag experiment?

The front office is in turmoil and the instability there creates instability on the field (an example is bringing a former great in Ronaldo back to the club and de-stabilising their on-field structure, and remembering that the season before his arrival Utd finished second in the league with the best defence). Some of the players they’ve bought, and the money paid for them, is truly head scratching and this comes down to senior management instability and team management instability.

And finally, buy players that want to play for Utd. As I’ve said, I’m not lover of Utd but it’s sad to see the laughing stock they’ve become.

Milan

Man Utd get battered everywhere they go

Manchester United’s visit to Anfield this Sunday has all the makings of another nightmare for the Red Devils. While Liverpool thrives under the transformative leadership of Arne Slot, United is weighed down by years of mismanagement, poor decision-making, and the stench of corporate greed. The stage is set for Liverpool to dish out another humiliating lesson to their bitter rivals, thanks to a perfect storm of United’s structural dysfunction and Liverpool’s relentless form.

The Jim Ratcliffe Sideshow

Jim Ratcliffe continues to add another layer of chaos to an already fractured club. His controversial business dealings, which include environmental disregard and tax avoidance, have made his involvement in United’s future less of a solution and more of a PR headache. His ownership of Nice, a Ligue 1 club riddled with underperformance and fan unrest, is hardly a glowing resume for steering United back to glory.

More content with being the Reverse Robin Hood, Ratcliffe’s focus has often been on cutting corners rather than building sustainable success. If his track record at INEOS is anything to go by, United could find themselves subjected to a culture of profit over passion, further alienating the fan base. ( How’s that model going Spurs fans? )

The Glazer Legacy of Stinking Decay

Let’s not forget that the Glazers’ reign has been a 20-year masterclass in how to destroy a footballing institution. Saddling the club with debt while siphoning off dividends, the Glazers have prioritized balance sheets over silverware. United’s crumbling infrastructure—both on and off the pitch—is a testament to their neglect. The roof leaks at Old Trafford mirror the leaks in the squad, where aging stars and expensive flops struggle to create any semblance of coherence.

While Liverpool operates with a clear philosophy, United lurch from one identity crisis to another. Erik ten Hag tried to instill discipline and tactical structure, but his efforts were undermined by a dysfunctional recruitment strategy and a squad filled with inconsistent performers. Ruben Interim is like a fawn mid road as a 20 tonner bears down … and his arrogant reluctance to switch formations may well cost Utd their PL position this season. The Glazers’ habit of chasing marquee names for commercial clout rather than footballing necessity has left United with a bloated wage bill and a team ill-equipped to handle a high-octane side like Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Momentum vs. United’s Malaise

Liverpool, by contrast, is a well-oiled machine. Klopp rebuilt his midfield with the energy and creativity of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while Gravenberch has been a sensational revelation as the holding DM so afr this season. Mohamed Salah continues to defy expectations and is the best player on the planet. Anfield will be a cauldron of noise, and Liverpool thrives on the intensity of their home support.

United’s defensive frailties—exposed brutally in recent weeks—are tailor-made for Liverpool’s press.

Prediction

As United struggles under the weight of its own mismanagement, Liverpool is primed to exploit their weaknesses. Expect Slots side to dominate possession, press United into submission, and expose their lack of cohesion. A 3-0 or 4-1 scoreline feels inevitable, it could even be a 9-0 rollocking of LFC click, and the post-match analysis will likely include calls for further upheaval at Old Trafford.

At this point, United’s issues are less about form and more about a systemic failure at every level. Until the Glazers are gone and Ratcliffe proves he’s more than just a corporate opportunist, the gulf between United and Liverpool will only grow. UTFR

Poor scouser Tommy, Spion Kop, Africa

Man Utd fans are ridiculous

United fans are absolutely insane. Ill add the caveat of saying not all as a close friend is a united fan and is pretty reasonable.

But calling for a new managers head and questioning if he can do the job after a handful of games is genuinely ridiculous.

Amorim is a good manager. I watched his Lisbon teams many times and he is clearly a good manager. But he is not Harry potter. He can’t conjure up players that can play his way out of players that can’t. Now you can argue the mistake was that he should have been appointed in the summer then this could have been addressed and that would be valid. But wanting him gone now before actually giving him a shot is super dumb.

To finish let me ask you a question which would hopefully snap everything into focus – who would do better? If you can’t name a currently existing manager who could do better then there’s no point in getting a new one.

I’m of the opinion nobody could do better because it’s at least a 5 year job and I said that in a letter on this site 4 years ago.

The fanbase needs to lose the “we are man united” mentality. You are what your most recent history shows you are – a mid table struggler akin to what villa USED to be. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

Lee

Keep Ruben Amorim for three years…

I think keep the governor He has inherited a rabble at least give him a chance to build his own team and turn it around if he can.

How long that’s going to take i don’t know ????

I would give him 3 years then see where we are.

Brendon 8437 from Melbourne Australia

Oh my…

Hormoz from Canada called Michael bloody Carrick a workhorse and also Wayne Rooney a true number 9.

Jesus wept.

Nikunj “MUFC” Solanki, Mumbai.

Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham would have beaten Newcastle United on Saturday without the injury problems impacting his team selection.

The Australian head coach was forced to put Brandon Austin in goal for his Spurs debut against the Magpies with Fraser Forster unwell and first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario still out with a serious ankle injury.

This added to Postecoglou’s long list of absentees, with injuries to centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven seeing teenage midfielder Archie Gray again partner Radu Dragusin in defence.

Left-back Destiny Udogie is also out for six weeks and Newcastle took advantage of Spurs’ injury problems by winning 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Magpies should have been out of sight in the first half and ultimately came under serious pressure in the last 30 minutes.

Spurs boss Postecoglou believes his side should have won the match and says they would have done so if things were more “equal and balanced”.

He said: “I’m hugely proud of my players. We were outstanding considering the situation we are in.

“We deserved to win that game. I don’t feel hard done by – that’s the way they do things. The last thing I want is an explanation [from the match officials].

MORE ON TOTTENHAM FROM F365

👉 Newcastle grip on Champions League tightens as Spurs hopes rest on unlikely trophy

👉 Tottenham ‘on verge’ of January signing ‘no one expected’ as Ange’s side reach ‘verbal agreement’

👉 Who is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League in 24/25?

“At half-time, full-time, I’m hugely proud of my players.

“We are are disappointed because all things being equal we’d have won. You can only do things that you can control, and there were things there today that were out of our control that took the game away from us.”

Postecoglou added: “On the balance of play, any balance you want with all things being equal, we would have won today.

“Outstanding. I couldn’t be prouder of the players. I couldn’t ask any more. It’s a game we would have won if all things were equal.

“If all things were equal and balanced we would have won today. Things weren’t equal and balanced.

“You can talk about whatever you want. You want my opionion – if all things were equal and balanced we would have won.

“We had plenty of chances. Our football was outstanding considering everything we’re going through.

“If it was an even playing field we’d have won.”

On ‘keeper Austin, the former Celtic boss added: “Really good. The moments we are going through putting big tasks on players and they’re rising to occasion.

“The performance deserved a victory.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe says “confidence has definitely shifted” with his side now on a six-match winning run domestically, leaving them fifth in the Premier League and top of the form table.

“We had to dig deep today,” he said. “It was a tough win but a massive one.

“There’s no denying the ball hit Joe’s [Joelinton] hand or arm but I’m not sure of the rules.

“Confidence has definitely shifted, it natutrally does when you win games. It was something we were building to.

“Performances were good. We’re a very good team with good players. I’d like to think we can keep it going.”

On match-winner Alexander Isak, who scored in a seventh consecutive Premier League, Howe said: “He was in the right place at the right time. That’s an art.

“Another good cross from Jacob [Murphy]. He’s be disappointed with the one he didn’t take. He’s on a hot streak, long may that continue.”

Another defeat leaves Tottenham 12th in the Premier League with 10 defeats from their opening 20 games.

Dominic Solanke gave Spurs the lead inside three minutes and Newcastle’s comeback has propelled them to second in the table when conceding first. Character.

Tottenham were even more depleted and Newcastle United took full advantage, though their victory in north London should have been more convincing.

Illness to Fraser Forster meant a first-team debut for Brandon Austin, who joined Spurs in 2007. He didn’t do anything hilariously awful against Newcastle, so he appears to be an upgrade and should probably start over Forster moving forward.

The game pretty much went just how we expected it would. Spurs had the occasional bright spark but were largely outclassed and lost. It should have been more but Newcastle sat back in the last half-hour and were happy to see their hosts struggle to create any clear-cut chances.

Spurs surprisingly started perfectly, scoring after 200 seconds when Dominic Solanke converted a beautiful header from an even more succulent Pedro Porro cross.

The England international was too savvy for the returning Sven Botman, who looked exactly like a player who has missed a year through injury. Botman looked dodgy in the first half but that was to be expected. He was slow on the half-turn, got caught out for Solanke’s goal and was unconvincing in possession. Another contributing factor was that he played as the right centre-back next to Dan Burn, rather than on the left as his preferred spot.

Newcastle instantly responded through Anthony Gordon, who bagged himself a rare away goal with a tidy left-footed finish past debutant Austin. Spurs wanted handball against Joelinton in the build-up and while it did hit the Brazilian’s hand, there wasn’t much he could have done to avoid doing so.

Eddie Howe’s side were actually really sloppy in possession as Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy lacked chemistry on the right, but the latter threatened with a couple of low crosses across the six-yard box and one came off for him in the 38th minute. With the help of a Radu Dragusin touch, Alexander Isak scored for the seventh Premier League game in a row.

Somehow, that was all she wrote in terms of goals.

Newcastle remained hungry for a third but after an hour they sat back significantly more, looking to hit their opposition’s frail defence on the counter with the pace of Gordon and Isak. Spurs are not the best at breaking down teams, meaning it is not the worst approach, but you felt the visitors really could have gone for three, four or even five goals, especially after Radu Dragusin came off for Sergio Reguilon at the break. This meant Postecoglou had zero natural centre-backs on the pitch and a back four consisting of two right-backs, a left-back and a teenage midfielder.

The introduction of James Maddison, Heung-min Son and Yves Bissouma shortly after the hour mark must have shaken Newcastle a bit for them to change their approach. Going into the match it was never about Spurs’ attack and midfield issues, but their issues and lack of depth at the back and in goal. They actually became more feeble and there for the taking after the half-time change.

Newcastle were nowhere near their best at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but they didn’t need to be. Against a Spurs team without some of their best players, they only needed to reach second gear and we aren’t even sure they got there.

Questions will be asked of Postecoglou and we do feel some sympathy for him considering the absurd injury crisis he is experiencing right now. Injuries are part of the game, though, and seeing such a timid, uninspired first-half display was alarming. Those are the words you can associate with Spurs under Postecoglou over the last six months when that is the opposite of what the big Aussie stands for.

There is no confidence in that squad right now and there is only so much Dejan Kulusevski and Dom Solanke can do. Ange still has his best attackers available yet there is no free-flowing attacking play whatsoever. Son needs chances put on a plate for him these days and Maddison is wildly inconsistent. The midfield battle against the brilliant Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes was lost from the first minute, with Joelinton providing very little proving not to be a problem for the visitors.

Champions League qualification will only come via the Europa League and that involves winning an actual trophy, which Spurs are allergic to. A top-five finish in the Premier League is not happening. We don’t care if it’s only matchday 20. They have ten league defeats. Only the bottom four have hit double digits. At least fellow banter club Manchester United will join them on Sunday.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have won their last five in the Premier League and six in all competitions. They are on fire and won at Man United and Tottenham in the same week, which is huge for their Champions League aspirations, even if both of their opponents are miserably awful.

They go to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday with a very strong chance of getting a positive result. 2025 could be a huge year for the Magpies and going four points ahead of Manchester City and equalling Chelsea’s goal tally is a perfect start.

Spurs also have a Carabao semi coming up. The less said about that the better.

Ange Postecoglou has responded after Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison was criticised by a supporter for attending the World Darts Championship.

Postecoglou is one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager sacked as he’s come under fire amid Tottenham‘s inconsistent start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Spurs are one of the Premier League’s worst sides in terms of form as they sit eleventh in the table after 19 matches.

The North London outfit have won just two of their previous ten matches in all competitions. Last time out, they conceded a late goal as they were held to a 2-2 home draw against relegation candidates Wolves.

Against Wolves, Maddison was not at full fitness as he was restricted to a 26-minute cameo appearance off the bench.

READ: Postecoglou sacked, trophyless Arsenal, Manchester United relegated and other football predictions for 2025

Despite this, Maddison and Spurs teammate Brennan Johnson attended the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace a few hours after the draw to Wolves.

This did not sit well with certain supporters. Commenting on Maddison’s Instagram post, a fan wrote: “You taking the p*ss? The form we’re in and you go to the darts? Unacceptable.”

To which, Maddison responded: “Shut up u wally [with laughing face emoji].”

MORE SPURS COVERAGE ON F365…

👉 Spurs player to make ‘long-awaited debut’ as ‘sickness bug’ ravages Postecoglou’s squad v Newcastle

👉 Who will be the next manager of Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou?

👉 A New Year’s Resolution for each Big Six manager as Amorim sacks off flops, Slot frees one star

Unsurprisingly, Postecoglou has sided with Maddison as he had “no issue” with Maddison’s decision to attend the darts.

“I’ve got no problem with the players having lives. It’s a lot different trying to play a game of football and living a life. I don’t see any problem with that and I don’t think it hurt him,” Postecoglou said.

“He wasn’t 100% and it was a game where we needed someone to be 100%. He was still well enough to play. If he was bed-ridden, didn’t turn up to the game and then still went to the darts, there may be an issue there. But I had no issue with that.”

Spurs were always likely to be active this month and a report from Fabrizio Romano claims they have ‘agreed’ to sign Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for around £10m.

Romano said: “Tottenham are on the verge of signing Slavia Prague GK Antonín Kinsky, he’s in London today for medical to follow — as

@infotbal reveals.

“Verbal agreement done between all parties involved including player side, Kinski should undergo medical after today’s game.”

He added: “Tottenham will spend over £10m for Antonin Kinsky as new goalkeeper, long term deal also agreed.

“Slavia Prague and Spurs will sign all the formal documents today after the game. Permanent move.”

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘on the verge’ of completing their first January signing as they have reached a ‘verbal agreement’.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is under pressure as one of the favourites to be the next Premier League manager sacked as his side have made an inconsistent start to the 2024/25 campaign.

After 19 games, Tottenham are eleventh in the Premier League and seven points adrift of fifth-placed Newcastle United.

Tottenham have been ravaged by injuries this season and they are currently without No.1 Guglielmo Vicario, who is out for months after undergoing surgery to repair his ankle.

In November, Postecoglou insisted Spurs would not sign a replacement in January as he did not feel a “free agent” would “help” them.

“That’s not going to happen – I don’t think signing a free agent now is going to help us,” Postecoglou said when asked about bringing in another ‘keeper.

“Fraser, I’ve known for a long time. He’s such a strong character in the group and always ready to play.”

READ: Postecoglou sacked, trophyless Arsenal, Manchester United relegated and other football predictions for 2025

Veteran Fraser Forster has filled in for Vicario and his poor form has tempted Spurs to change their transfer plans.

Earlier this week, a report claimed Tottenham were ‘eyeing up’ a raid for a goalkeeper from a rival Premier League side, but it’s since emerged that they are ‘on the verge of signing’ Slavia Prague goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

The 21-year-old joined Slavia Prague in 2021 and has made 29 appearances for the Czech side across all competitions this season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano backed a report from Infotbal in the Czech Republic, saying a ‘verbal agreement is done’.

MORE SPURS COVERAGE ON F365…

👉 Spurs player to make ‘long-awaited debut’ as ‘sickness bug’ ravages Postecoglou’s squad v Newcastle

👉 Who will be the next manager of Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou?

👉 A New Year’s Resolution for each Big Six manager as Amorim sacks off flops, Slot frees one star

Romano said: “Tottenham are on the verge of signing Slavia Prague GK Antonín Kinsky, he’s in London today for medical to follow — as

@infotbal reveals.

“Verbal agreement done between all parties involved including player side, Kinski should undergo medical after today’s game.”

He added: “Tottenham will spend over £10m for Antonin Kinsky as new goalkeeper, long term deal also agreed.

“Slavia Prague and Spurs will sign all the formal documents today after the game. Permanent move.”

The initial report revealed this ‘bombshell’ transfer ‘no one expected’.

‘According to information from inFotbal.cz, Slavia has agreed with Tottenham Hotspur to transfer goalkeeper Antonín Kinsky (21)! He should be in London now, where he will undergo a medical examination.

‘The details of the transfer are still a secret, but at first glance it is one of the best addresses for the young goalkeeper. Why? He will not go to Tottenham as a second choice. He will most likely go straight to goal, because the “Spurs” are troubled by injuries.’