The Sun

Xavi Simons suffers ultimate humiliation vs Chelsea as Tottenham boss Thomas Frank commits most brutal act in football

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Tottenham star Xavi Simons suffers ultimate humiliation vs Chelsea - The Sun
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XAVI SIMONS had a day to forget for Tottenham after being substituted on and hauled off by Thomas Frank in the same game.

The embarrassing turn of events occurred as Chelsea defeated Spurs in North London to push into the Premier League top four.

The Dutch international was brought on from the bench in the seventh minute to replace the injured Lucas Bergvall.

His performance was unremarkable for the most part, with his biggest contribution being when he picked up a yellow card for hauling down Alejandro Garnacho.

But in the 73rd minute, with Spurs chasing down Chelsea’s one-goal lead, Simons was called back to the bench in favour of winger Wilson Odobert.

Spurs fans have grown frustrated with the 22-year-old’s performances this season since joining from RB Leipzig.

He has managed just one assist in all competitions for his new side so far, and is yet to find the net himself.

One fan said: “Not built for the Prem life.”

Another supporter added: “He just doesn’t look up to the speed of the league, looks too slow and indecisive in every situation.”

But Simons’ struggles for his new side will only make their opponents today feel even better after taking all three points back with them to West London.

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The Blues were on the brink of signing Simons in the summer window, before Spurs secured a shocking late swoop for the creative midfielder.

One Blues fan gave a brutal assessment of the youngster, saying: “Chelsea dodged a bullet.”

Simons appeared to mock Enzo Maresca‘s men in his announcement video for Spurs in August.

The video showed him answering a call before saying: “Noise? Don’t listen to it all. Only what matters Tottenham called and I answered.”

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Chelsea player ratings: Moises Caicedo proves he’s Prem’s leading midfielder but Alejandro Garnacho struggles vs Spurs

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Chelsea player ratings: Caicedo proves he's Prem's leading midfielder vs Spurs - The Sun
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MOISES CAICEDO and Reece James played key roles as Chelsea left Tottenham with all three points.

Joao Pedro made a vital contribution to the Blues as he broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.

Alejandro Garnacho was unable to improve his form as he put in another frustrating performance for Chelsea.

Scroll down to see how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Chelsea players in North London…

Robert Sanchez – 6

Other than a rather straightforward stop to deny Mohammed Kudus in added time at the end of the first half, Sanchez did not have too much to worry about in North London.

Set pieces were Tottenham’s main threat but the keeper dominated the box well, striding out to collect a number of them.

Malo Gusto – 6

Conceded a needless corner in the first half courtesy of a very wayward pass which was intended for goalkeeper Sanchez.

That aside, a solid enough performance or the Frenchman, who faced little real threat from a limp Tottenham forward line.

Wesley Fofana – 7

His first Premier League start in six weeks and came within a minute of his first 90 in the league of the season.

A long afternoon of deadline with Spurs set pieces but little else otherwise, keeping things very tight alongside Chalobah.

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Trevoh Chalobah – 7

Picked up an unnecessary booking for his protests over Rodrigo Bentancur not being sent off for his challenge on James.

However, a fine performance at the back, the standout moment being his acrobatic interception to stop a clipped ball falling for Kolo Muani.

Marc Cucurella – 6

Showed his usual energy and aggression down the left-hand side and dealt very comfortably with the limited threat Spurs offered down his wing.

Reece James – 7

Dragged into a real midfield battle starting alongside Caicedo in the middle and was ready for every moment of it.

Looked to get on the ball and move it forwards but and put up with challenge after challenge from the rough Spurs midfield, kept the level up right until the end.

Pedro Neto – 5

The former Wolves man has been Chelsea’s most reliable and consistent winger so far this season, but had a rather quiet afternoon here.

Worked hard down the right but had little to show for it.

Moises Caicedo – 9

Another stunning performance from Chelsea’s midfield machine. Caicedo looks to be the leading midfielder in the Premier League at the moment and was the man holding it all together for the Blues.

His tenacity made Pedro’s goal and he kept that level up throughout.

Enzo Fernandez – 7

Moved into the No10 role behind Pedro, Fernandez showed plenty of energy and enthusiasm, though was perhaps a touch fortunate only to be shown a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Joao Palhinha.

Alejandro Garnacho – 5

Another frustrating performance by the summer signing.

Despite scoring his first goal for the club last weekend, there did not seem to be much confidence about Garnacho, who was found in good positions down the left in the first half but did next to nothing with the ball.

Joao Pedro – 7

A much-needed return to the scoresheet having not bagged since the end of August – a run of eight games for the Blues.

Pedro was ready to take his chance and was composed enough to lift the ball above Vicario – he was also more than ready for a tussle with the Spurs back line throughout.

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Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 66′) – 6

The Englishman was very unfortunate not to start after two assists and a stunning goal in the Carabao Cup win midweek.

Gittens’ direct runs helped keep Tottenham pinned back as the game wore on and the Blues worked to keep hold of their lead.

Should have doubled Chelsea’s lead in injury time but somehow managed to fire over the bar from seven yards out.

Romeo Lavia (Gusto, 75′) – 6

A superb option to have available from the bench to help see a game out. Lavia is always tidy and composed on the ball and reads a game well, he helped keep a lid on Spurs as Chelsea ran the clock down.

Estevao (Neto, 85′) – n/a

Tosin Adarabioyo (Fofana, 89′) – n/a

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Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Joao Pedro gives Blues the LEAD

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Tottenham vs Chelsea LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW, latest updates - The Sun
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TOTTENHAM are taking on Chelsea in a blockbuster London derby RIGHT NOW!

Joao Pedro gave the Blues the lead on 34 minutes after great work from Moises Caicedo.

Young Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall was reluctantly forced off with a head injury just six minutes into the match.

Live stream: NOW TV

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Premier League

Tottenham team: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Kudus, Kolo Muani

Chelsea team: Sanchez, Cucurella, Chalobah, Fofana, James, Gusto, Caicedo, Enzo, Garnacho, Neto, Joao Pedro

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Follow all the action with our LIVE blog below…

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Willie Young dead aged 73: Arsenal legend who also starred for Tottenham passes away

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Arsenal legend and ex-Tottenham star Willie Young dies at the age of 73 - The Sun
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ARSENAL and Tottenham legend Willie Young has died at the age of 73.

Young spent two years with Spurs and stood out at the Gunners during an impressive four-year stint.

Arsenal announced the sad news on social media with a touching tribute for the famous centre-back.

The statement read: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Willie Young.

“Making 236 appearances and winning the FA Cup in 1979, the Scottish defender was a cult hero at Highbury.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Willie.”

Fans were left heartbroken as they took to social media pay their respects.

One supporter tweeted: “RIP. My Dad used to tell me about Willie Young all the time growing up. Sad news.”

Another commented: “A true warrior on the pitch, and forever part of Arsenal’s story.”

A third wrote: “Very sad news, condolences to his family. Willie was in the Arsenal team on my first ever visit to Fratton Park, for a Pompey-Arsenal friendly in 1981.”

One fan said: “Sad news indeed, especially remember his games against Joe Jordan, neither holding back, full contact football… RIP Big Willie.”

While another supporter posted: “My condolences to the family and loved ones.”

Young’s career started in 1969 at Aberdeen where he rose to prominence before his move to England in 1975.

That was when the great Scot joined Tottenham, where he amassed four goals in 59 appearances.

Young then moved to Arsenal where he registered 18 goals and five assists in 236 appearances.

He won the FA Cup with the Gunners in 1979 and was runner-up in 1978 and 1980.

Young also started as Arsenal lost the 1980 Cup Winners’ Cup final to Valencia.

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Does anyone even care about Tottenham vs Chelsea? Both sides are pitiful and have no chance of winning the league

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Does anyone even care about Tottenham vs Chelsea? Both sides are pitiful and have no chance of winning the league - The Sun
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CHELSEA and Tottenham are two historically great clubs. But it’s clear right now that they are not trying to build ‘winning’ teams.

Instead, they are too focused on building their brand. They are becoming PR FC.

Who’s that person that can build our brand in certain areas, build a social media following with a younger audience?

Well, do you know what the younger generation really likes watching? A team that f*****g wins!

That’s why Manchester United and Liverpool remain popular, because they won the big trophies over prolonged periods.

I find myself watching Chelsea and Spurs and thinking: What’s the goal here? What are you trying to do?

And even worse: They are playing each other this weekend and does anyone even care? That smacks of being irrelevant, which is utterly damning.

Chelsea have spent nearly £1.5billion under the current regime and are a million miles away.

Are they any closer to winning the league? No. Are they in anyone’s discussions to win the league? No. Do we think they have the slightest chance of winning the Champions League? No.

It’s the same for Spurs. I do like Thomas Frank. He’s a really cool guy. But have you seen a dramatic change in them?

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They are definitely better than what they were with Ange Postecoglou, but that’s not hard.

Everything they are doing right now is what I would expect them to do.

I expected them to beat Everton.

Do I expect them to be competitive against and even beat Arsenal soon Possibly, but not likely.

You’re having to convince yourself of why they COULD win that game.

Would I put money on them making the top four? I don’t think so. It becomes this continuing theme of: What are they actually doing and where are they going? What’s their ceiling?

It sounds mad to say after they both won the European competitions they were in last season, but they are becoming the ‘best of the rest’, which is not a compliment.

If I am a Chelsea fan and I’ve seen my club spend nearly £1.5bn to win the Conference League — something that West Ham won — I’d be questioning whether we’re on the right track.

They are playing each other this weekend and does anyone even care? That smacks of being irrelevant, which is utterly damning.

Troy Deeney

And they will be in a position soon where they will have to persuade players like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo to stay. Money won’t be enough. They need to be winning the top titles.

Cole does not want to be competing for Carabao Cups. He may now be looking at teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich thinking: I want a bit of that.

He left Manchester City to showcase to everyone he could be the man and kick on, and as it stands that could be with Chelsea in the future or someone else now.

I know he’s injured right now, but is he watching Chelsea from the sidelines and seeing a team, a club, a manager that can compete for the Premier League?

He more than most knows what that looks like from during his time at City.

After co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali spent all that money, do they have a Vincent Kompany, a Sergio Aguero or Ederson? No.

Chelsea are not doing badly, they are doing ‘okay’, and ‘okay’ isn’t good enough.

They’re behind their rivals and need to get better, but their current model doesn’t lend itself to being better, and that includes Spurs too.

All the blame was previously put on former chairman Daniel Levy, but history tells us Tottenham don’t spend, they don’t go after it, so why should we believe it will suddenly change now?

Chelsea have spent nearly £1.5billion under the current regime and are a million miles away.

Troy Deeney

With the money they do spend, it is on the wrong players, ones that don’t make them better in the slightest. The £65m on Dominic Solanke stands out.

How is it that we can go back to their 2019 Champions League final team under Mauricio Pochettino and conclude that, in my opinion, only ONE current Spurs player gets into that starting XI? It’s Micky van de Ven, a centre-back.

What makes me laugh is that both Liverpool and Manchester City are going through a transition and yet Chelsea are STILL labouring behind them in the Prem table, while Spurs may be third but they definitely won’t stay there.

Chelsea and Tottenham have been building for years with talented young players but are not even favourites to finish in the top four? Make that make sense.

For me, both these clubs — massive clubs — are stuck where they are and I see no signs of that changing any time soon. It’s pitiful.

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Tottenham vs Chelsea offer: Get 10/1 on over 2.5 goals with talkSPORT BET

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Tottenham vs Chelsea offer: Get 10/1 on over 2.5 goals with talkSPORT BET - The Sun
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LONDON rivals Tottenham and Chelsea clash in Saturday’s blockbuster Premier League encounter.

To celebrate, talkSPORT BET are offering brand new customers an amazing price boost with over 2.5 goals scored now available at a colossal 10/1!

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

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Once that’s done, make your first deposit of £10 or more and then place £5 or more with real cash on Total Goals – Over 2.5 – in the Tottenham vs Chelsea clash.

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Tottenham vs Chelsea preview: Betting tips, odds and free Premier League predictions

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Tottenham vs Chelsea preview: Betting tips, odds and free Premier League predictions - The Sun
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LONDON rivals Tottenham and Chelsea do battle in Saturday’s blockbuster Premier League encounter.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

Tottenham vs Chelsea preview

Chelsea visit Tottenham this weekend and will hope that a return to one of their favourite venues can get them back to winning ways.

The Blues suffered a shock defeat to promoted Sunderland at Stamford Bridge last weekend, ending a run of four straight victories in all competitions and seeing Enzo Maresca’s side drop to ninth.

But a short trip to north London could prove the perfect tonic.

Chelsea have won five of their six Premier League games against Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (L1), earning more victories at the ground than any other visiting side.

Furthermore, Spurs have won just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Chelsea (D2 L10) and have taken only four points from a possible 12 on home turf.

It’s perhaps understandable, then, that Chelsea arrive as favourites – especially given Tottenham’s lacklustre 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in midweek, despite only four changes to the starting XI.

That said, Tottenham remain third in the table, five points behind leaders Arsenal, and may have a trump card in manager Thomas Frank, who has lost just two of his eight Premier League games against Chelsea (W3 D3).

Tottenham vs Chelsea preview betting odds

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Tottenham vs Chelsea preview betting tips and predictions

Away win

We’re backing Chelsea to claim victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once again — with both teams on the scoresheet at 7/2 with William Hill.

As mentioned, the Blues boast a sensational record at this ground, winning five of their six Premier League visits. They now face a Spurs side who’ve only managed one league win at home this season -against Burnley (W1, D1, L2).

Tottenham have beaten Chelsea just once in their last 13 Premier League meetings, but they should find the net here, given the visitors have conceded in six of their seven away games in all competitions this season.

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Carded

I’m quite surprised to see Tottenham livewire Mohammed Kudus available at the enhanced price of 4/1 with William Hill to be shown a card on Saturday.

The Ghanaian, 25, has already picked up three yellow cards in 14 appearances for Spurs – including one in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday night.

No Tottenham player has committed more fouls (15) in the Premier League this season, while only Cristian Romero has collected more bookings, with two to Kudus’ name in league action.

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How Chelsea can overwhelm Tottenham with ‘crosses of chaos’ if Enzo Maresca ditches predictable tactics

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How Chelsea can overwhelm Tottenham with 'crosses of chaos' if Enzo Maresca ditches predictable tactics - The Sun
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ENZO MARESCA cannot find the formula to make Chelsea consistent as they struggle against deep-lying defences.

SunSport’s tactics nerd DEAN SCOGGINS thinks boss Maresca sticking rigidly to one attacking shape is making them easier to defend against.

In our brilliant YouTube show Tactics Exposed, we explain why the Blues are misfiring against a “low block”.

And it’s not just because of Cole Palmer being injured.

BOX FRESH

Maresca uses a “box midfield” that adapts to a 2-3-5 shape when they are attacking.

But that can become predictable — and teams who defend in a 5-4-1 can create a traffic jam outside the area.

It means it often needs a piece of magic to break a team down, rather than an overload or quick break.

And Spurs could employ a back five, depending on Cristian Romero’s fitness.

NINE OR TEN

Chelsea also need to find a solution to their attack, with last term’s top two scorers — Palmer and Nicolas Jackson — injured and dumped respectively.

Joao Pedro has made a solid start but perhaps works better as a No 10, rather than leading the line as a No 9.

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Playing two up top in a more fluid and “chaotic” front four could unlock Spurs.

But beware set-pieces and long throws!

CRISS CROSS

One thing Chelsea could do is look to deploy a big switch in where players move against the Spurs defence.

An attacking midfielder and winger, for example, could cross over into one another’s starting positions and cause chaos for the Spurs defenders on who to track.

To that end, they should look to try and get a front four – rather than a front five – to maintain width and allow for more space for central players to run into.

These “crosses of chaos” can lead to the unpredictability which can open up the Spurs defence.

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Tottenham Europa League winner, 27, quietly retires to become a photographer months after Bilbao clash

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Tottenham Europa League winner, 27, quietly retires to become a photographer months after Bilbao clash - The Sun
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A TOTTENHAM Europa League winner quietly retired from football over the summer to pursue a career in photography.

The 27-year-old was down the pecking order as a reserve goalkeeper at Tottenham, often the third, fourth or even fifth choice between the sticks.

With his chances of playing for his boyhood club – living just two minutes from the stadium – low, he channelled his energy into other passions of his, including acting classes, hosting a radio show and developing his skills as a photographer.

The star, who joined Spurs when he was 10 years old, left the club as a free agent in the summer with a single appearance for the senior team to his name, a second-half substitute appearance in the Europa League under Jose Mourinho in 2021.

He received transfer interest from clubs as high as the Championship, being offered a six-month contract to be a No2, while also having a trial at a League One side who ultimately could not offer a deal due to financial issues.

But rather than trying to forge out a career in the EFL, Alfie Whiteman opted to hang up his gloves.

That decision, which came months after he won the Europa League with Spurs in Bilbao as they beat Manchester United 1-0, has sparked an incredibly unique career switch into film and photography.

Whiteman has signed as a photographer to Somesuch, a global production company with offices in London and Los Angeles which was behind Aneil Karia’s ‘The Long Goodbye’ which won the 2022 Oscar for Best Live Action Short.

Speaking on his decision to The Athletic, he said: “I signed for Spurs at 10 years old. Then I left school at 16 and went straight into this full-time life of football. When I was around 17 or 18, living in digs, I just had this feeling inside of, ‘Is this it?’

“Getting on the mini bus, going to training, doing the Sports Science BTEC (he also did an A Level in Economics) and going home to play video games. I realised, ‘Oh, I’m not happy here’ from quite a young age.

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“The stereotype of a footballer is generally quite true. It’s the golf, washbag culture. I was that young footballer. I wanted the Gucci washbag and I drove the Mercedes.

“You all just become a reflection of each other. You’re a product of your environment. It’s the way football is in this country; it’s so shut off from anything else. You go to training and then you go home, that’s it.

“I guess I always felt a little bit different. My team-mates — who I got on well with — called me a hippie. That was their definition. But then, when I was 18, I met my ex-girlfriend, who was a model.

“She was a bit older than me. Her best friend was a director. It just started opening my eyes to what life has to offer.

“So as I was getting a bit older around 18 or 19, I started meeting new people and realising a bit more about myself, and understanding the football bubble, because it’s so insular.”

Whiteman continued: “Football is a short career regardless, even if you do really well, and I knew that I didn’t want to stay in it.

“It was about trying to gain experience and be proactive in learning about these things I was also interested in, but mainly because I was enjoying it, and was surrounded by the kinds of people that were doing what I enjoyed as a job.

“They were making things. It was really inspiring.”

Whiteman described the lack of control he had over his football career as “frustrating”, detailing how a request to go on loan in 2024 after he had recovered from an ankle injury in pre-season in 2023 was rejected due to the club’s academy training registration needs for the Europa League.

His new career was kick-started after doing a job for a firm called Vibram at the World Toe Wrestling Championships, with a short film he shot ultimately being a big success with a five-star review from David Reviews, a prominent outlet within the short-form content space.

Whiteman said: “I was like, ‘Yeah, I’ll come hold the lights!’ And the day before that shoot, they asked for a video, too, so I was like, ‘I’ll do it. I’ll do it!’

“There was no budget or brief, nothing. I turned up with him on the day and ran around with my camera, and then took it to an editor, sat with him, and made this thing and it got posted.”

And within weeks of the film he had signed for Somesuch, and that job has kept him away from watching football since his retirement.

However, he revealed he has his eyes on being at the World Cup next summer and now enjoys a “pure” kick about with mates on a Wednesday evening.

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