talkSPORT

Darren Ambrose claims his criticism of Daniel Levy’s ownership resulted in him being taken off a sponsorship event job the very next day.

The former midfielder revealed the story when talking about the Tottenham Hotspur fan protest which saw over a 1,000 supporters attend before their match against Manchester United last week.

The crowd chanted ‘Levy out’ and ‘Enic out’ voicing their frustration over a lack of spending and consistent poor performances on the pitch.

Spurs currently sit 12th in the league with 13 losses out of 26 matches.

And Ange Postecoglou’s side have fallen out of all domestic cups after their 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking on Levy, Ambrose on Inside Spurs podcast said: “He’s a very good and astute businessman.

“Spurs is probably one of the most well run clubs, business wise in the world. On the pitch it’s not good enough and that’s what supporters want.”

Levy caught a lot of slack after the winter transfer window as Spurs only acquired two outfield players, Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso both on loan.

A lack of activity in the market considering the injury crisis Postecoglou has contended with, missing the likes of Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven.

Banners reading ‘Time for change’ and ‘24 years, 16 managers’ have been spotted across the stadium in recent times.

“I dared to criticise Daniel Levy one time on talkSPORT,” revealed Ambrose. “It worked against me.

“I was due to do a sponsored event for Crystal Palace. A couple of Palace ex-players, a couple of Spurs ex-players.

“I obviously chose the wrong time to air my frustrations. I got a call the next day from the Palace press saying representatives of Spurs have rung up and said unless I am taken off the gig they’re not going to be turning up.

“I asked, was it anything to do with Daniel Levy and they said his name was mentioned.”

Ambrose is a former Charlton, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle midfielder, but is a fan of Spurs.

Levy became chairman of Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 and has seen his team lift only one trophy in 2008, beating Chelsea in a league cup final.

Despite a poor season Spurs still have the possibility of silverware as they remain in the Europa league and will face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16.

And their fortunes seem to be changing as Spurs have won their third successive league match.

After a 2-1 loss to Leicester City they have beat Brentford, Manchester United and most recently Ipswich Town.

A 4-1 win inspired by good performances from Brennan Johnson who netted a brace, and Son Heung-Min who assisted the Welshman twice.

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison was quick to rub salt in the wounds of Ipswich following his side's 4-1 win on Saturday.

The 28-year-old came off the bench to help Spurs seal a third consecutive Premier League victory and move up to 12th in the table.

A double from Wales international Brennan Johnson had the north London outfit 2-1 up going into the break.

Maddison then notched up his fifth top-flight assist of the season when he supplied Djed Spence for the visitors' third before Dejan Kulusevski wrapped up the victory.

And taking to X after the match, Maddison couldn't help but fire a cheeky dig at the Tractor Boys by referencing their bitter rivals Norwich.

The seven-cap England international spent two years at Carrow Road between 2016-2018 - chipping in with 16 goals and 13 assists from 53 appearances.

One of his strikes came against Ipswich in a 1-0 victory for the Canaries at Portman Road in October 2017.

Such is his affection for Norwich, he had the canary bird tattooed on his right arm - which he pointed to as he embraced with Johnson in the away dressing room.

Showing it off proudly, Maddison captioned his social media post: "Johnson again ole oleeeee. Coyssss."

Like Maddison, Johnson was all smiles in the photo after finally scoring against Ipswich on his fourth outing against them.

For Ipswich supporters, they would have been gutted he got on the score sheet twice with his father David being a firm fan favourite.

David scored 62 goals for the club from his 158 appearances between 1997-2001 where he was their top scorer in three consecutive seasons.

Speaking after the match, Johnson said: "He [David Johnson] had a great time here.

“He holds the club in high accounts. For me, it was about getting the three points for Tottenham.”

With victories over Brentford, Manchester United and now Ipswich, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his side can make a charge to finish in the top ten.

The Australian said post-match: "They're one of the hardest working teams in the league. You know you're going up against a battle and a contest - we had to do that today.

"First half, we could have done better. We allowed them some moments, but in the second half we dug in. That allowed us to execute and play our football.

"When you come to a place like this, the crowd creates energy. We had to weather that storm."

He continued: "We were always a threat. Sonny was unplayable in that first half. So great to get Brennan back. He scores so many goals for us in those areas.

"The fact that we can throw people on from the bench who can contribute, and I could give Madders and Pedro [Porro] a rest.

"Everybody gets a boost. From our perspective, these past two weeks have given us a breather and reset our football. I'm pleased the boys have embraced it."

With a Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar on the horizon, Postecoglou will be hoping his side's form continues.

As for Ipswich, they remain locked in a relegation battle having suffered a 15th Premier League defeat of the campaign.

They remain in 18th place - five points behind Wolves in 17th spot.

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison was quick to rub salt in the wounds of Ipswich following his side's 4-1 victory at Portman Road.

The 28-year-old came off the bench to help Spurs seal a third consecutive Premier League victory to move up to 12th in the table.

A double from Wales international Brennan Johnson had the north London outfit 2-1 up going into the break.

Maddison then notched up his fifth top-flight assist of the season when he supplied Djed Spence for the visitors' third, before Dejan Kulusevski wrapped up the victory.

And taking to X after the match, Maddison couldn't help but fire a cheeky dig at the Tractor Boys by referencing their bitter rivals Norwich.

The seven-cap England international spent two years at Carrow Road between 2016-2018 - chipping in with 16 goals and 13 assists from 53 appearances.

One of his strikes came against Ipswich in a 1-0 victory for the Canaries at Portman Road in October 2017.

Such is his affection for Norwich, he had the canary bird tattooed on his right arm - which he pointed to as he embraced with Johnson in the away dressing room.

Showing it off proudly, Maddison captioned his social media post: "Johnson again ole oleeeee. Coyssss."

Like Maddison, Johnson was all smiles in the photo after finally scoring against Ipswich on his fourth outing against them.

For Ipswich supporters, they would have been gutted he got on the score sheet twice with his father David being a firm fan favourite.

David scored 62 goals for the club from his 158 appearances between 1997-2001 where he was their top scorer in three consecutive seasons.

Speaking after the match, Johnson said: "He [David Johnson] had a great time here.

“He holds the club in high accounts. For me, it was about getting the three points for Tottenham.”

With victories over Brentford, Manchester United and now Ipswich, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will be hoping his side can make a charge to finish in the top ten.

And with a Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar on the horizon, Postecoglou will be hoping their form continues.

As for Ipswich, they remain locked in a relegation battle having suffered a 15th Premier League defeat of the campaign.

They remain in 18th place - five points behind Wolves in 17th spot.

Tottenham don’t want to be known as ‘Tottenham’.

No, that’s not a joke, and it’s left talkSPORT host and long-suffering Spurs fan Reshmin Chowdhury quite bewildered.

The club have written to broadcasters requesting they are only referred as ‘Tottenham Hotspur' or ‘Spurs’ going forward.

It comes amid a low-key rebrand from the north London club, who have dropped the words ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ from their official club crest, which - as seen on their shirts - is now just a cockerel standing on a ball.

Spurs have revealed an array of new logos and text fonts, where the word ‘Tottenham’ is actually never used on its own. Anywhere.

Instead ‘Spurs’ is the most-used name for the club, with crests not featuring any words at all and instead using their founding year of 1882 and LDN.

Cross-capital rivals West Ham have had the ‘London’ treatment already, with many Hammers fans complaining their historic club identify has been sacrificed in favour of marketing.

Tottenham Hotspur have perhaps taken that on board, with their N17 postcode and 'NORTH LDN' featuring in the new-look branding, as well as an old-school THFC monogram.

And in fairness to them, in a world where ‘United’ and City’ are regular sights in the world of football club suffixes, 'there is only one Hotspur’ (as written in the new branding guidelines).

It's been a club policy for years not to refer to themselves only as 'Tottenham' , but have they perhaps taken it a bit too far by demanding nobody else calls them 'Tottenham' anymore, either?

The change has already been spotted on TV broadcasts, where Ange Postecoglou was referred to as 'Tottenham Hotspur head coach' on-screen after a recent match. League tables also now include 'Hotspur' or just read 'Spurs'.

There is a point to be made that some clubs aren't called their city's name. You wouldn't merely say 'Nottingham' or 'Aston' when referring to Forest and Villa - that would be weird, right?

On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur don't have the same issues multi-club cities have in Manchester or Sheffield, and there is no problem with dropping the 'United' from Newcastle and Leeds and the 'City' from Leicester - we all know who they are.

There is only one 'Tottenham', too - so what's the point?

Lifelong supporter Reshmin doesn’t get it, and also thinks the timing of the request while the team languishes 13th in the Premier League table is quite crass.

England legend Stuart Pearce even branded the bizarre request ‘Donald Trump-esque’.

“Tottenham Hotspur have contacted broadcasters this month requesting that the club are primarily known as ‘Tottenham Hotspur’, with ‘Spurs’ being the preferred short version,” Reshmin said on talkSPORT GameDay.

“So the club have basically requested that they're not referred to as ‘Tottenham’. I'm just shocked by this one.

“I think big clubs in general are considering moving their branding away from a geographical location and having the football club itself as their brand, as opposed to where they've come from.

“But given where Spurs are in the table, how bad things have been and the doom and gloom around the club at the moment, I think it's pretty ridiculous that they're not focusing their energies elsewhere and that they take the time to to send an email to broadcasters to say, ‘oh, we really want to be called Tottenham Hotspur’.

“I think they should focus on actually getting it right on the on the pitch and working their way further up the table so that they can be considered a big club that plays in Europe regularly, regularly at the highest level, rather than trying to move away from what is the the identity of the club.

“Tottenham is the area. Tottenham is Tottenham Hotspur. It's a club. It's a community. It's a culture.

“And I find it very, very strange personally that the club have made this effort to just even compose this email and send this out.”

Pearce added: “It sounds very Trump-esque. Throw something out there that is going to attract the attention of whoever. Divert from the actual, real issue. That's how it seems.

“It seems a really strange one. You identify the football club as you do. Sometimes you call them ‘Spurs’, sometimes ‘Tottenham’, sometimes ‘Tottenham Hotspur’. It's just synonymous. It's what they are.”

Reshmin replied as only a Tottenham Hotspur fan would: “It's who we are, mate!

“I completely agree. What absolute nonsense.

“Honestly, focus your time elsewhere by trying to become a big club and return to that status rather than flipping sending an email to broadcasters saying we don't want to be known as ‘Tottenham’, just ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ or ‘Spurs’.

“Right, rant over.”

Sorry Tottenham - the jury is out on this one.

Cash-strapped Manchester United could be set for a much-needed multi-million pound windfall – thanks to former striker Mason Greenwood.

Greenwood has been banging in goals for fun since leaving Man United to join Roberto de Zerbi’s Marseille last summer.

The ex-England international’s hot streak of 14 goals in 22 games for the French outfit has alerted some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including the likes of PSG and Barcelona.

When United traded Greenwood with Marseille for £26.6miliion they insisted on an unusually high 50 per cent sell-on clause.

With the 23-year-old now valued at around £60m, that means United would bank in the region of £16.5m from any sale.

At a time when Sir Jim Ratcliffe is cutting costs to raise vital transfer funds, that money would come in very handy for struggling boss Ruben Amorim.

Bournemouth stars (and boss) wanted

Bournemouth are braced for a summer battle to keep several of their star men, and manager Andoni Iraola!

The Cherries are enjoying the season of their lifetime and currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League, likely to be enough to secure a spot in the Champions League.

Their incredible rise up the table has not gone unnoticed with centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is believed to have a £50m release clause in his contract, attracting attention from Liverpool and Chelsea.

Left-back Milos Kerkez is another Cherries star on the radar of a number of top clubs, including Manchester United, along with fleet-footed forward Antoine Semenyo, who has admirers at Newcastle.

Then there is miracle-working gaffer Iraola, who talkSPORT understands would be at the top of Tottenham’s list if they parted company with Ange Postecoglou, who is under pressure with Spurs down in 12th.

With Iraola preferring to sign short-term deals and only contracted until the end of next season that could leave Bournemouth vulnerable, although sources close to the Spaniard say he is happy on the Dorset coast.

Why Mitoma rejected Saudi revealed

Kaoru Mitoma is a rare breed in modern football, a player who puts ambition before money.

The Brighton winger was subject of a shock £74m bid from Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr in the final days of the transfer widow.

But even if the Seagulls were tempted to cash in on their Japanese international, which they were reluctant to do, talkSPORT has been told he immediately rebuffed the notion of moving to the Middle East.

That’s because the humble 27-year-old, who could have set himself up financially for life by linking up with Cristiano Ronaldo, has his sights set on one day playing in the Champions League.

What the Saudi interest has achieved is to strengthen Brighton’s bargaining position when an elite Premier League or European club do come calling by driving up his asking price.

After being compared to Arsenal's Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp following his stunning goal of the season contender against Chelsea, there is every chance the big boys could come calling.

Spurs coach wanted by Championship club

Swansea could turn to Ryan Mason in their hunt for a new manager.

Tottenham assistant coach Mason was high on the Swans’ wanted list before they appointed Luke Williams in January last year.

And after deciding to give Williams the boot after a run of eight defeats from their last ten games, the ex-England midfielder still has admirers among the Welsh club's hierarchy.

Mason also held talks with Anderlecht in October before deciding to stay at Spurs, so it remains to be seen if he is willing to leave now.

As talkSPORT reported on Monday, former Oxford boss Des Buckingham is also among the front-runners to replace the sacked Williams.

However, this notebook understands Russell Martin has no interest in a return to South Wales.

Nabil Bentaleb scored just four minutes into his long-awaited return after suffering a cardiac arrest last June.

The ex-Tottenham star now plays for his hometown club Lille in Ligue 1.

Before last night’s game, Bentaleb had not played since featuring in a World Cup qualifier for Algeria on June 10 last year, having suffered a cardiac arrest later that month.

Subsequently, the same heart specialist who treated his former Spurs teammate, Christian Eriksen, fitted him with a defibrillator.

After eight months of rehabilitation, the French Football Federation finally cleared Bentaleb to make his long-anticipated comeback last Wednesday.

Following his return to full training, the midfielder was named as a substitute for Lille’s critical trip to Rennes on Sunday evening.

Bruno Genesio’s squad entered the match seeking redemption after a surprising home defeat to Le Havre the weekend prior.

Meanwhile, their opponents had found early success under their new boss, former Newcastle and Aston Villa full-back Habib Beye.

With the score locked at 0-0, the moment arrived for Bentaleb, called upon to replace Ngal'ayel Mukau in the 76th minute.

Just four thrilling minutes later, the returning star made his mark, scoring from the rebound after Brice Samba had saved Chuba Akpom's header.

Bentaleb sprinted to the bench in joyous celebration, embraced by his ecstatic teammates.

Things got even better in the 86th minute, with Akpom scoring Lille's second to secure a 2-0 victory on Bentaleb's return.

Speaking after the match, boss Genesio said: "It's worthy of a film. He deserved it because I don't believe in luck; he believed in himself.

"It's an incredible, wonderful story.

"Nabil's goal put us on cloud nine; it's hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season - and in Nabil's mind, of course."

Bentaleb made his senior debut for Tottenham in 2013, having signed for the club's academy in January 2012.

He went on to make 66 appearances for Spurs before sealing a permanent move to Schalke in 2017 after a successful season-long loan.

During his time with the German club, Bentaleb tallied 19 goals in 107 appearances and briefly returned to the Premier League with a loan at Newcastle in 2020.

Two years later, he departed Schalke and made a switch to Ligue 1 with Angers for one season before fulfilling his dream of playing for Lille last summer.

With this victory, Lille climbed back above Lyon into fifth place in the Ligue 1 table, now just two points shy of the coveted Champions League positions.

They will return to action this Saturday when they host AS Monaco.

Tottenham’s owners are under attack again, this time from one of their own.

Jamie Redknapp, who started out at the club’s academy before three professional seasons later on in his career, took on chairman Daniel Levy before Spurs faced Manchester United.

The north London side are on course for one of their worst-ever Premier League seasons, 15th in the league and crucially out of both domestic cups.

Manager Ange Postecoglou spoke up his ability to lift a trophy in his second campaign, but those hopes are all but over with Spurs only still active in the Europa League.

With manager after manager failing to end the club’s trophyless streak since 2008, ire is now turning on Levy and ownership group ENIC.

Redknapp is one of those, explaining that the fish may well be rotting from the head down when it comes to the club’s culture.

“I’ve thought about the situation here long and hard since they lost against Liverpool because I played for both clubs,” the ex-midfielder began. “I tried to figure out why Tottenham have been underachieving for so long?

“I think a lot of it does come from culture, a winning culture. When I was at Liverpool I didn't win as much as I’d have liked to there but every season the environment was to try and win.

“But here I just think as long as they've got the American Football and they've got Beyonce in the summer, they're happy, the owners are happy.

"It looks like a business model that everyone can be happy with that can be successful. But does that breed a winning environment? No, it does not because something is fundamentally wrong.”

The majority of match-going Spurs fans are seemingly in agreement with their former no.15, with thousands attending a protest ahead of the clash against United.

Should things go sour against the Manchester side, Postecoglou’s position will again come under the microscope, and Redknapp can’t quite see why he isn’t gone already.

When comparing other managers being sacked despite doing better than the Australian, Redknapp explained: “There’s never any rhyme or reason when he’s [Levy’s] got rid of managers.

"When you look at even [Andre] Villas-Boas, he was seventh in the league.

“It’s hard to second guess what someone like Daniel Levy will do, he’ll look at things and try to assess, but when he comes under enormous pressure that’s when he tends to change the manager.

“But he’s probably thinking right now, 'who else do I bring in?' There are candidates out there I think will do a great job here, but I think that’s the problem.”

Tottenham 1-0 Man United HALF-TIME

Spurs are head at home in the battle of the under-pressure managers, thanks to a goal from the returning James Maddison.

The Red Devils have been poor for large parts of the contest but arguably should have been level through Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine continued his recent poor run in front of goal by blazing over his side's clearest opportunity.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Højlund had the fewest touches (9) and made the fewest passes (3) of any player in the first half.

But there are reasons for Ruben Amorim to remain positive...

Spurs are winless in their last three Premier League home games when leading at half-time (D1 L2).

Tottenham 1-0 Man United

To run home Gary Neville's point, Casemiro has just picked up the game's first yellow card for a rash tackle on Heung-min Son.

Since his Premier League debut in August 2022, Casemiro has received more yellow cards (16) than any other United player.

The veteran Brazilian seems to be struggling with an injury in the aftermath of his challenge.

Ruben Amorim has a nervous glance towards the young subs warming up.

But fortunately for him, the former Real Madrid man gingerly returns to his feet and looks set to continue to half-time at the very least.

Tottenham 1-0 Man United

Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "The distance between the two centre midfielders for United is all wrong.

"Look where [Bruno] Fernandes is, look where Casemiro is. It breaks all rules of football. It's absolute madness.

"The structure of the team is awful."

He later added: "The two in midfield are split, it's embarrassing, you wouldn't see it in Under-9s or U10s football!

"Look at that space in midfield! Shocking."

Tottenham 1-0 Man United

WHAT A CHANCE FOR ALEJANDRO GARNACHO!

It's brilliantly engineered by Bruno Fernandes, who finds the Argentine in acres of space inside the box.

He's got a free shot from 10 yards out as Guglielmo Vicario comes rushing out but somehow Garnacho blazes it over the crossbar.

Perhaps showing why his last Premier League goal came under Ruben Amorim's predecessor Ruud van Nistelrooy!

Of players to have at least 10 big chances in the Premier League this season, Garnacho has the worst big chance conversion rate (2/14 - 14.3%)

GOAL!! Tottenham 1-0 Man United James Maddison

WHAT A START FOR SPURS!

So quickly after Guglielmo Vicario had been called into action with a quick double save to deny Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, the home side take the lead.

It's a mistake from Andre Onana, who spills Lucas Bergvall's effort from inside the box, and Maddison reacts quickest.

The England star pounces to finish from close-range into an empty net!

Maddison has been directly involved in 11 goals in 16 Premier League starts this season (8 goals, 3 assists).

However, that is his first Premier League goal against Man United, on his 12th appearance against them in the competition.

And there's a cheeky shush to the camera after his trademark darts celebration.

A nod to Roy Keane's public criticism of him in midweek for failing to show up in the big games?

Robertson: Second half was a slog

More from Liverpool defender Andy Robertson to Sky Sports: "We just managed to dig deep.

"Two nil at half-time, that can be one of the most dangerous results in football. We had to come out and start well and didn't quite do that.

"Second half was a slog, maybe playing Wednesday took it out of a few of the lads. But it was about trying to use the experience on the pitch and everything we've got.

"When they scored, everyone gets nervous, the crowd gets nervous - but it's a massive win for us."

Red alert

Liverpool didn't attempt a single shot in the second half against Wolves.

That is the first time on record (from 2003-04) that the Reds failed to register a shot in a single half of a Premier League game at Anfield.

Andy Robertson attempted to explain why to Sky Sports: "I thought Wolves were excellent second half.

"They made a couple of changes at half-time at 2-0 down and went a little more attacking with more forward players up in key areas. That made it more difficult.

"But we have to be better on the ball. We know that.

"The result is big, after Wednesday and the defeat in the FA Cup, it's important to get back to a winning streak.

"Hopefully, this can be the start of one."

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves FULL-TIME

THE REDS HOLD ON TO A VITAL THREE POINTS!

Having conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to blow a 2-1 lead, history almost repeats itself for the second time in the same week.

However, Arne Slot's men, buoyed by the Anfield crowd, crawl over the line to restore their gap to Arsenal to seven points.

It looked a comfortable afternoon for Liverpool at half-time, with goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah putting the club in complete control.

The Merseysiders thought they had the chance to end the contest with a second penalty only to see it overturned for a Diogo Jota dive.

Matheus Cunha's stunning solo effort threatened to turn the narrative on its head as Wolves piled on a late onslaught.

But that decisive second goal didn't come for the away side, with Liverpool holding on for a much-needed Premier League victory.

Liverpool have won 30 of their 40 matches across all competitions this season (D6 L4), more than any other team in Europe’s big five leagues. Indeed, only in 2019-20 (37) and 1982-83 (39) have they reached 30 victories in a season in fewer games.

Liverpool have won 60 points in 25 Premier League matches under Arne Slot (W18 D6 L1).

The only manager in the competition’s history to win more points through his first 25 matches is José Mourinho (64 – Antonio Conte also on 60).

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves CHANCE

WHAT A TACKLE FROM JARELL QUANSAH!!

How big a moment could that be in the Premier League title race - Arsenal fans will be cursing the heavens at how close Wolves have come!

Tommy Doyle is found in space inside the box around the back of Andy Robertson and he squares a dangerous ball across the face.

It looks for all the world as if Munetsi has a tap in from close range but Quansah comes from nowhere to get a vital touch in.

Virgil van Dijk then clears away the loose ball but Liverpool living dangerously in the final few minutes.

SIX minutes added time!

Amorim: Amad to miss rest of season

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports, first on his club's injury crisis following training this week: "Amad [Diallo] was alone, [Manuel] Ugarte was a kick. Toby [Collyer] and Kobbie [Mainoo] felt something.

"It is what it is, but we have the kids and they have the opportunity to be on the bench. It is a really hard season and we have to deal with that."

On whether he expects Diallo to miss the rest of the season, Amorim added: "I think so, yes.

"I don't see it like that [world against us]. There are seasons when everything happens at the same time. Maybe we will find new ways to create situations.

"We have kids with less responsibility, less weight on their shoulders. They are good players. If needed we will put the kids to play and maybe we will find good things in this moment.

"It is a very good moment in their lives, no matter the moment of our club. We are ready to try to win this game. We want to win this game, we need to win this game.

"Whatever happens in the end it is my responsibility."

GOAL!! Liverpool 2-1 Wolves Matheus Cunha

WHAT A FINISH TO BRING THE VISITORS BACK INTO THIS ONE!!

Cunha scores for a third game in a row with a stunning curling finish from the edge of the box into the far corner.

Just minutes after the Brazilian had missed a guilt-edged chance from a Trent Alexander-Arnold pass, he halves Wolves' deficit.

Liverpool undone by a double change as Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are replaced by Darwin Nunez and Conor Bradley.

The Reds are caught cold from the restart as Cunha chops inside Ryan Gravenberch and beats Alisson Becker quite spectacularly.

Cunha has scored more goals from outside the area in the Premier League this season than any other player (5)

Only Raul Jimenez in 2019-20 (17) and 2018-19 (13) has ever scored more goals in a Premier League season for Wolves than him in 2024-25 (12).

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves

Quansah is on at half-time for Konate, who had been walking a tight-rope having been shown a yellow card during a testing 45 minutes.

A reverse substitution of the one Arne Slot made during his first ever Premier League match against Ipswich Town in August.

It is Quansah's first Premier League appearance of 2025, having fallen down the pecking order since that testing day at Portman Road.

Konate meanwhile scored in the reverse fixture away at Wolves earlier in the season but has struggled this afternoon.

Elsewhere, Bellegarde and Munetsi - the latter on for his Wolves debut - come on for Sarabia and Guedes.

Liverpool 2-0 Wolves HALF-TIME

Liverpool have scored 2+ goals in 17 successive matches at Anfield in all competitions.

That is the club's joint-longest run of scoring 2+ at home since joining the Football League in 1893 (also 17 from February to November 2019).

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah involved in both goals, with the former deflecting home a fortuitously poor-touch from the latter early on.

Diaz then won Liverpool a penalty after being taken out by Jose Sa, from which Salah duly stepped up to score from 12 yards.

GOAL! Liverpool 1-0 Wolves Luis Diaz

DIAZ GETS A BIT OF LUCK BUT HE WON'T CARE!

Restored to his favoured left-wing position amid Cody Gakpo's injury, the Colombian has ended his recent goal drought.

It comes from Diaz's own cross for Mohamed Salah but the Egyptian's first touch is a poor one that ricochets into a dangerous area.

Toti helps it on and Diaz is first to it at the far post - it bounces off his chest on the fall which takes it past the onrushing Jose Sa.

Díaz has scored his first goal of 2025 in all competitions, ending a run of 10 games without scoring for Liverpool.

The winger has netted nine goals in the Premier League this season, his best-ever return in a campaign in the competition, whilst overall that was his 25th strike in England's top-flight.

Carragher told Sky Sports: ""Liverpool get a little bit of luck, and it's probably the only thing he can score with, Luis Diaz.

"We talk about getting a goal when you're struggling off your backside - this is off his midriff!

"Maybe that goal can give him confidence to return to the Luis Diaz we know."

Liverpool 0-0 Wolves CHANCE!

What a start that would have been for Trent Alexander-Arnold on his record-breaking milestone appearance!

The home side win a corner inside 30 seconds as Mohamed Salah's cross is deflected behind.

It's a well-worked set-piece routine that title rivals Arsenal would have been proud of as Andy Robertson plays it short to Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentine returns the ball to Robertson who picks out the run of his fellow full-back who had ghosted into the box unmarked.

Alexander-Arnold tries to emulate Steven Gerrard against Olympiacos with a first-time driven shot but gets it all wrong as it spins wide!

Two struggling sides go head-to-head as Tottenham Hotspur face Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United best bets

Tottenham Hotspur to win - 33/13 with SBK

BTTS and over 2.5 goals - 4/7 with Paddy Power

Mathys Tel to score any time - 9/5 with Betfred

Spurs vs Man Utd odds

Find the latest Spurs vs Man Utd betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United predictions

This has been a Premier League season to forget for both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

When the fixture list was released at the start of the campaign, this game looked like being significant in the top-four race. Instead, Tottenham head into Sunday’s match way down in 14th, with United one spot below their upcoming opponents.

A bottom-half finish is a genuine possibility for both sides. United have never finished lower than eighth in the Premier League era, while you have to go back to 2007/08 to find the last time Spurs ended a campaign outside the top 10.

That was also the year in which Tottenham won their most recent trophy, as Juande Ramos’ team beat Chelsea in the EFL Cup final.

Ten days ago, Spurs were still involved in three cup competitions. The Premier League had become a secondary consideration, usurped by the club’s desire to end its trophy drought.

However, recent defeats by Liverpool in the EFL Cup and Aston Villa in the FA Cup mean Ange Postecoglou’s charges are no longer able to claim a piece of domestic silverware this term. Their season, and perhaps the manager’s future, now comes down to the Europa League.

Manchester United are also through to the last 16 of that tournament, while they remain in the FA Cup too. Yet Ruben Amorim is struggling three months into the job. Results have been mediocre and performances have, for the most part, been poor.

Something has to change for both Postecoglou and Amorim. The former has rightly pointed to an injury crisis as justification for his team’s dismal form, but even with key players out Spurs should be higher than 14th.

Amorim, meanwhile, continues to insist he will not deviate from his preferred 3-4-3 system, even though the formation patently does not suit most of the players at his disposal.

The winner of Sunday’s clash will be given a reprieve, while the pressure will be piled on the losing manager.

The Tottenham supporters are yet to turn on Postecoglou, while there is little chance of Amorim’s job being under threat this season. Yet being in the bottom half of the table at this late stage of the season reflects extremely poorly on both clubs.

Tottenham vs Man United betting tips

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both in desperate need of a pick-me-up ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

Tottenham Hotspur to win

Tottenham remain without several first-teamers heading into the weekend, including Dominic Solanke, Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario.

The likes of James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are doubts and it would be a surprise to see either player in the starting XI.

Manchester United have fewer absentees, yet we anticipate them coming unstuck at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs are a deeply flawed team, but they still have some things going for them. Despite everything, Tottenham have scored the joint-third most goals in the division. Even with players out, this side creates chances.

United have been extremely underwhelming of late. They are heavily reliant on the relatively inexperienced Amad Diallo for inspiration in the final third, while question marks over the defence persist.

⚽ Back Tottenham Hotspur to win at 33/13 with SBK ⚽

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

There is no such thing as a guaranteed payout, but this wager has been successful more often than not in matches involving Tottenham in 2025.

Postcoglou’s stubbornness has cost his team this season. Even with a second-string defensive unit, the Tottenham manager has refused to offer the backline more protection.

Spurs are a front-footed, attack-minded side and their games tend to be remarkably open. Their 24 Premier League fixtures have averaged 3.54 goals per 90 minutes.

Manchester United’s contests have been less eventful (that is part of the problem), but they will find themselves swept along by Spurs, as they were in a 4-3 defeat on their last visit to this stadium in December.

⚽ Tip both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 4/7 with Paddy Power ⚽

Mathys Tel to score any time

Mathys Tel was a rare bright spot for Tottenham in their loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup last weekend.

The Bayern Munich loanee went straight into the starting XI following his recent move to north London. Tel looked lively throughout and it was he who scored Tottenham’s only goal of the game.

The Frenchman’s long-term future will not necessarily be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Postecoglou will be keen to make the most of the forward’s talents for the time being.

There is no doubting the 19-year-old’s natural gifts and Spurs supporters liked what they saw at Villa Park.

Do not be surprised if Tel makes his mark on his home debut on Sunday.

⚽ Go for Mathys Tel to score any time at 9/5 with Betfred ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham vs Man United

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Sunday 16th February, 4.30pm.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

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Aaron Lennon believes Tottenham's clash against Manchester United could be a preview of the Europa League final.

That's despite both clubs 'massively underachieving' as they struggle in the Premier League.

The two floundering giants clash on Sunday afternoon in north London, with both sides in desperate need of a win.

Since December 22, Tottenham and United have combined for three wins, two draws and an alarming 11 defeats from the last eight league fixtures.

Prior to Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brentford on February 2, they had not tasted victory in their last seven.

However, the two teams have enjoyed much greater success in their Europa League endeavours.

At the end of the league phase, United and Tottenham finished third and fourth respectively to avoid an extra two fixtures by way of the play-offs to qualify for the round of 16.

It paints quite the contrasting picture for the two teams, which is why former Tottenham winger Lennon believes Sunday is such a tantalising fixture.

However, despite the implications of a loss for either side, the former Tottenham winger refused to name it as 'make or break' for Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim.

"This game is massive for both clubs," Lennon told talkSPORT.com.

"Two teams that are massively underachieving. These are two teams everyone's been laughing about all season. The performance levels have been nowhere near where they should be for these two football clubs.

"These two are probably favourites to win the Europa League, which is scary. If they don't draw each other, this could easily be the Europa League final.

Tottenham and Manchester United's Premier League results since December 22

"I don't think it's make or break, I really don't. But it's a big game because both teams are not playing well and both teams badly need a win.

"So it's not make or break, but it would do wonders for Spurs to get a win."

Victory for Tottenham would mark the first time since September they have strung together consecutive league wins this season.

Coincidentally one of those wins came against United, as Postecoglou's side won 3-0 at Old Trafford on September 29 thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke.

However, eight of the Tottenham players who started that match are either major doubts or certain to miss Sunday's fixture.

Postecoglou's side also enter the contest on the back of damaging exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup against Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively.

In those matches, especially against Villa, the toll of playing midweek and on the weekend took its toll on a threadbare squad.

Tottenham's players looked evidently knackered and lethargic against a fresh Villa side, who constantly sliced the north London side open across all areas of the pitch.

But thanks to no midweek match, it's given Postecoglou and his players a vital breather and a chance for those injured players to step up their recovery.

With a few days of much-needed rest, Lennon expects an improved and energetic performance from Tottenham.

However, if they produce a similar display to that of the Villa match, the Australian boss will have 'huge problems' on his hand.

"The last couple of games, I know the lads are tired and I know they've got injuries, but still, the manner has not been good enough," Lennon said.

"You never want to see it as a fan or ex-player. Even the Villa game, there was no real fight.

"You can accept a team is better than you, Liverpool are better than Spurs, no doubt. But can you accept a team out-fighting you, out-running you?

"So I think the manner of the performance is what we're going to see. Do the lads look really up for it, are they going to battle, are they going to fight for this football club?

"I think that's more of what's going to be the cause of bigger problems, if they just turn up and get beat.

"I think that will cause huge problems for Postecoglou."