GIVEMESPORT

Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace are both interested in signing Lecce winger Patrick Dorgu, with the Serie A club looking for around £50 million for the youngster, according to CaughtOffside.

Dorgu has enjoyed a bright start to the new season, netting three goals in 12 appearances in the Italian top flight. This form has prompted interest from a host of clubs, including the aforementioned Spurs and Palace, as well as Chelsea, Napoli and Juventus.

Ange Postecoglou is keen on bolstering his forward line in either January or the summer, while Palace are desperate for attacking reinforcements, scoring just eleven league goals in their first 13 matches. Both London clubs have identified Dorgu as a potential option to explore and have asked to be kept informed about any transfer movement regarding the Dane.

Spurs and Palace Eyeing Dorgu

The player's entourage wants him to remain in Italy

Developing through Danish side Nordsjaelland's academy, Dorgu never managed a senior appearance for the club, and left for Lecce in the summer of 2022, at the age of 17. Enjoying his breakthrough into the first team last season, he's racked up 47 appearances for the Serie A outfit, scoring four goals.

Described as 'absolutely absurd', the 20-year-old is now consistently a member of the Denmark national team, and is highly thought of in Italy. He's also being targeted by a number of Serie A and Premier League clubs, with CaughtOffside reporting that both Tottenham and Palace are keeping an eye on him.

Lecce are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £50 million for their starlet, which could favour the English clubs courting him, despite his representatives supposedly wanting him to remain in Italy. This could mean that they engineer a move to Napoli or Juventus, or that he stays at Lecce for the time being.

Tottenham could view Dorgu as a long-term replacement for Son Heung-Min, or merely as a squad upgrade on either Brennan Johnson or Timo Werner. Postecoglou is an admirer of the Lecce man, and could push the North London club to make a move for him as soon as January.

Meanwhile, Palace haven't been impressed by Ismaila Sarr's displays in South London, and view Dorgu as a more adept potential successor to Michael Olise, who chose to join Bayern Munich in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been sending scouts to watch Raul Moro in action after the Real Valladolid star has crept onto boss Ange Postecoglou's radar as he looks at the possibility of strengthening his options on the flanks during the January transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs consigned reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to their heaviest home defeat in any competition since February 2003 when they sealed a 4-0 win last weekend, and they have their sights set on building on the result when they host Fulham on Sunday despite being forced to settle for a draw against Roma in midweek.

A stoppage time equaliser from Mats Hummels resulted in Tottenham missing out on victory and, having made Dominic Solanke the most expensive acquisition in their history thanks to completing a £65million switch from Bournemouth in the summer, Postecoglou is looking to make further alterations to his squad at the turn of the year.

Spurs Keeping Tabs on Moro's Performances

Capital club eyeing 21-year-old amid search for fresh wide options

Tottenham technical director Johan Lange has been tasking members of the recruitment department with embarking on scouting missions to run the rule over Moro, according to GMS sources, but they are facing competition from the likes of Premier League rivals Liverpool if they look to up the ante in their pursuit in January.

Real Valladolid will hold out for in the region of £9million if Spurs or another of the winger's suitors come calling for his signature during the early stages of 2025 as the La Liga strugglers do not want to be left in a situation where one of their leading attacking assets departs midway through the campaign.

GMS sources have been informed that a host of big-hitting European clubs have been running the rule over Moro on a regular basis after he has been a shining light in a side propping up the Spanish top flight, and Tottenham representatives have been among those in attendance at fixtures as they go in search of further competition in wide areas.

Spurs are aware that they will not have any issues meeting the 21-year-old's wage demands as he is on a contract worth less than £17,000-per-week at Valladolid, but his current employers are in a strong negotiating position ahead of potential offers as the agreement is not due to expire until the summer of 2028.

Although there have been concerns that Moro may need more time to fully develop his game before being ready to make the jump by joining a side regularly in continental competitions and challenging for silverware, GMS sources have learned that he is firmly on Tottenham and Liverpool's radar as the winter transfer window edges closer.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Raul Moro has found the back of the net three times in La Liga this season, despite having an expected goals ratio of 1.67

Postecoglou Facing Obstacles in Moro Pursuit

Valladolid talisman gaining interest from La Liga rivals

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham could face further obstacles in their pursuit of Moro as a host of Valladolid's La Liga rivals have also started keeping tabs on his situation after making a telling impact and have refused to rule out the possibility of attempting to profit from his side's struggles.

The Spain under-21 international, who features predominantly on the left-flank despite also being capable of causing problems for opponents from the opposite side, has been described as having 'electric' pace and also spent time with Serie A outfit Lazio during the early stages of his career.

Postecoglou is eager to bolster his squad with fresh attacking impetus in 2025, GMS sources understand, resulting in scouts assessing whether Moro would be capable of making his mark in a Tottenham side aiming to end their trophy drought and qualify for next term's Champions League.

GMS sources recently revealed that the north Londoners' ability to acquire a key target during the winter transfer window could have an impact on whether Timo Werner remains at Spurs on a permanent basis, having sealed an initial loan switch from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig earlier this year.

Tottenham Hotspur could consider free agents Keylor Navas and Loris Karius as potential replacements for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, according to The Athletic.

Ange Postecoglou insisted Spurs will not pursue a new shot-stopper in the January market, but if their stance changes, the veteran duo have been identified as ‘the two highest-profile goalkeepers’ available.

According to The Athletic, if Tottenham agree a deal for either of them in January, they could quickly step in while Vicario continues to recover:

“Postecoglou did say clearly on Wednesday that Spurs will not be going for a free-agent goalkeeper in the January market.

“If for whatever reason that policy changes and if they do choose to go for a short-term cover in goal, then attention will naturally turn to Keylor Navas and Loris Karius, the two highest-profile goalkeepers who are currently free agents.

“If Spurs could agree a deal for either of them in January, they could quickly slot in while Vicario continues to recover.”

Vicario, who underwent surgery on Monday, will be out for 'months' after playing with a broken ankle against Manchester City on Saturday.

The 28-year-old received treatment in the first half following a collision with City winger Savinho but played the full match as Spurs stunned the reigning Premier League champions 4-0.

In his absence, 36-year-old Fraser Forster has stepped in for Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Roma in the Europa League and is expected to do so at least until the new year.

Forster made his fourth appearance of the season on Thursday, and only his fifth since the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Navas, labelled 'outstanding', remains a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season. The 37-year-old spent six months in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest in 2023, making 17 appearances at the City Ground.

Karius, meanwhile, departed Newcastle this summer after two seasons, having made just two starts under Eddie Howe in all competitions.

Tottenham drew 2-2 with Roma after a very late Mats Hummels equaliser in an entertaining Europa League game. The result now makes Spurs' visit to Ibrox to play Rangers in December a mouth-watering prospect.

Spurs were awarded an early penalty, when VAR adjudged that Hummels had upended Pape Sarr. Son Heung-min stepped up to drill home the penalty. Rather than sit back, Roma pushed on and tried to play expansive football. They were rewarded after 20 minutes when Evan Ndicka headed home unchallenged off of the crossbar.

Roma's bravery was further demonstrated just two minutes later, when El Shaarawy smashed in after a lovely ball in from Dybala. Fortunately for Spurs, the goal was chalked off by VAR. The hosts then went 2-1 up when Dejan Kulusevski crossed for Brennan Johnson to convert. Minutes later, Kulusevski was denied by the post. For the neutrals, the first-half was a very entertaining spectacle.

Spurs would have been delighted to see Dybala substituted at half-time. Yet Roma continued to get forward and had two goals disallowed by VAR from Kone and Dovbyk. Roma came even closer to drawing level when Angelino struck the crossbar. Dominic Solanke somehow hit the woodwork when it seemed easier to score.

With only minutes left, Fraser Forster made a stunning save from Gianluca Mancini who struck from only eight yards. Yet Spurs were unable to heed that warning, as Angelino delivered for Hummels to smash in a last gasp equaliser.

Match Highlights

Spurs Player Ratings

Fraser Forster - 7/10

In for the injured Guglielmo Vicario, and after settling in, was called upon to make some good saves.

Pedro Porro - 7/10

The Spaniard saw plenty of the ball in another energetic performance up and down the right flank.

Ben Davies - 7/10

The Welshman's experience was called upon to steady his side on another exciting night of European football.

Radu Dragusin - 6/10

Had to be on his guard, particularly in the second-half when Roma really went looking for a second goal.

Archie Gray - 6/10

Again in the starting line up in the Europa League, Gray again gained vital experience and applied himself well.

Pape Matar Sarr - 7/10

Used his energy and speed to good effect to win his side an early spot kick.

​​​​​​​Rodrigo Bentancur - 6/10

Looked to get on the ball in the middle of the park, but did look a little leggy. Was brought off to prevent him being sent off.

Brennan Johnson - 7/10

Looked full of confidence as he chased the opposition and showed a turn of pace and some nice touches. Was on hand to score Spurs' second goal.

​​​​​​​Dejan Kulusevski - 8.5/10

Got a bit flustered in the first-half which saw the Swede go into the book, but was on hand to provide the assist for Johnson to put Spurs 2-1 up and was a constant danger to Roma.

​​​​​​​Dominic Solanke - 6/10

Always waiting in the wings to get the service, but still a very quiet first-half for the England striker, but he continued to put in a shift.

Son Heung-Min - 6/10

Had a great start to the game after converting a penalty after five minutes. Always available for the ball, but his influence waned.

​​​​​​​SUB - James Maddison - 6/10

Replaced Brennan Johnson with a little over 20 minutes left to play.

​​​​​​​SUB - Yves Bissouma - 6/10

Brought on alongside James Maddison with just over 20 minutes left to play.

​​​​​​​SUB - Lucas Bergvall - 5/10

Brought on for the last 10 minutes. Not especially impactful.

​​​​​​​SUB - Timo Werner - 5/10

Along with Bergvall, the German was introduced into the action with 10 minutes left, but also struggled to influence proceedings.

​​​​​​​

Roma Player Ratings

Mile Svilar - 6/10

Found himself collecting the ball from the back of his net after only five minutes, which wasn't an ideal start. The keeper had to be alert as Spurs went in search of goals.

​​​​​​​Evan Ndicka - 7/10

Showed his aerial prowess with a wonderful header to bring Roma right back into the match.

​​​​​​​Mats Hummels - 6/10

Although a wonderful player in his day, the big German looked a little cumbersome when he got to the ball late to bring down Sarr and concede an early penalty. Yet he had the last laugh with a late equaliser.

​​​​​​​Gianluca Mancini - 6/10

Held firm defensively while also trying to begin attacks with quick forward passes.

​​​​​​​Angelino - 7/10

Showed a good range of passing and looked to get on the ball whenever possible. Eventually assisted Hummels' late goal.

​​​​​​​Manu Kone - 6/10

Another Roma player to see a goal disallowed by VAR. Battled away as the game became more scrappy in the second half.

​​​​​​​Leandro Paredes - 6/10

Kept the ball moving as Roma belied their poor Serie A form and tried to get a result at Spurs. Showed some good defensive work too.

​​​​​​​Zeki Celik - 6/10

Got on the ball far more in the second half than the first as Roma pushed for an equaliser.

​​​​​​​Stephan El Shaarawy - 7/10

Unfortunate to have what would have been a first-half goal ruled out by VAR. Very much in tune with what Dybala was doing in attacking areas.

Paulo Dybala - 8/10

Looked sharp and eager and, at 31, still very capable in the number 10 jersey. Was at the very centre of the best things Roma did. However, he was substituted at half-time.

Artem Dovbyk - 6/10

Roma's biggest goal threat so far this season had a very quiet evening at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Looked to have equalised until the linesman raised his flag.

​​​​​​​SUB - Matias Soule - 6/10

The 21-year-old Argentine came on at half-time for his fellow countryman Dybala. Linked up well in attacking areas.

SUB - Alexis Saelemaekers - 6/10

On the wrong end of a very nasty tackle from Bentancur that incurred the wrath of Claudio Ranieri.

​​​​​​​SUB - Nicola Zalewski - 6/10

The Polish international was given 25 minutes to do some work out wide on the right.

Man of the Match

Dejan Kulusevski

The 24-year-old Swedish international was at the heart of everything Spurs did well. Energetic, but always with some kind of end product, Kulusevski was on hand to lay on Tottenham’s second goal. This came after he galloped down the left flank and centred for Brennan Johnson to score.

He was then unlucky to not score himself, but was denied by the post. As Roma got themselves back into the game in the second half, Spurs needed his pace and purpose to ensure they avoided defeat against the Italians. His performance is a reminder that Spurs can challenge for silverware this season.

Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mikey Moore ‘needs another three to four weeks’ to recover after being hit by a virus, insider Paul O Keefe has revealed.

The exciting left-winger has been unavailable for several weeks, and his absence is set to continue, in another blow to Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Moore was starting to become a regular in the first-team squad at the beginning of the new season, amassing eight appearances across all competitions and three starts, including his first in the Premier League against Crystal Palace last month.

The 'outstanding' 18-year-old broke into Spurs’ first team towards the end of last season at just 16, making his debut in the penultimate game of the Premier League campaign.

However, his continuous progress has now been slowed – according to O Keefe, the youngster will be absent for three to four weeks as he continues to recover after the virus:

Spurs have been struggling with setbacks this season, with starting centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both absent from their 4-0 win over Manchester City on Saturday. Meanwhile, Wilson Odobert and Richarlison are both out with long-term injuries.

To make matters worse, Guglielmo Vicario joined the duo on the treatment table this week, as he underwent surgery on a fractured ankle on Monday and is expected to be out of action for ‘months’.

While Romero is expected to return to first-team action later this week, Van de Ven is still weeks away from returning to fitness, as is Richarlison, who is only expected to return in the New Year.

Despite being previously linked with a new goalkeeper following Vicario’s injury, Postecoglou has ruled out a new addition in January and is aiming to trust Fraser Forster in goal.

The 36-year-old shot-stopper has made just four appearances for Spurs since the start of last season, including three of them in 2024/25.

After their impressive Premier League win over Man City at the weekend, Tottenham will next take on Roma in the Europa League as they aim to return to winning ways. Postecoglou’s side last fell to a 3-2 defeat at Galatasaray.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Europa League action on Thursday night when they take on Serie A giants AS Roma at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs returned to Premier League action against reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday and claimed a stunning 4-0 win, and will look to return to winning ways in Europe after suffering defeat to Galatasaray last time out in Istanbul. Roma on the other hand have changed manager since their last Europa League game, where they were held to a 1-1 draw by USG. Claudio Ranieri's arrival couldn't help at the weekend though as they were beaten by league leaders Napoli.

Both teams have their own injury problems coming into this game, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expect the sides to line up as a result.

Tottenham Team News

Vicario out for months

Ange Postecoglou has been rocked by the news that first-choice goalkeeper Vicario has been ruled out for several months after fracturing his ankle during the win over Man City, adding to the injury problems within the squad. Defender Micky Van de Ven is ruled out for several more weeks with a hamstring problem, and Mikey Moore and Cristian Romero look set to miss out after being absent from training.

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert remain long-term absentees while Will Lankshear is suspended after his red card against Galatasaray, but Rodrigo Bentancur is available.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou shared an update on the squad.

"Not really. It's not going to be weeks. It'll be months. He's had his surgery and because it's Vic and I don't like giving timelines as it puts expectations on them. Once we're in the rehab stage we'll know more."

Tottenham Predicted XI

Bentancur to start

Tottenham Predicted XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Bissouma; Johnson, Bergvall, Werner; Solanke.

Tottenham Predicted Substitutes: Austin (GK), Udogie (DEF), Porro (DEF), Romero (DEF), Sarr (MID), Kulusevski (MID), Maddison (MID), Cassanova (MID), Son (FWD), Moore (FWD), Williams-Barnett (FWD).

With several key injuries, Postecoglou is unlikely to risk too many first-team stars ahead of a busy schedule and this is a good opportunity for some fringe players to get minutes under their belt. Bentancur will almost certainly start in midfield while Romero is unlikely to be thrown back in. Timo Werner could get the nod on the wing after his cameo performance against Man City, with big earners James Maddison and captain Heung-Min Son rested ahead of the weekend clash with Fulham.

Roma Team News

Hummels back in involved

Ranieri opted to revert to a more old-fashioned 4-4-2 in the Napoli defeat, despite making very few changes to the personnel. Lorenzo Pellegrini returned from injury to replace Matias Soule in the only change from Juric's final game, while Paulo Dybala was only fit enough for the bench. He's unlikely to be ready to start in London, but should be on the bench again.

Alexis Saelemaekers is closing in on a return to the first team, but Uzbek international Eldor Shomurodov is a confirmed absentee with a muscle problem while Mario Hermoso hasn't travelled with the squad.

Roma Predicted XI

Dybala to be on the bench

AS Roma Predicted XI: Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Hummels, Angelino; El Shaarawy, Kone, Cristante, Saelemaekers; Pellegrini, Dovbyk.

AS Roma Predicted Substitutes: Ryan (GK), Marin (GK), Ndicka (DEF), Abdullhamid (DEF), Aboubacar (DEF), Pisilli (MID), Zalewski (MID), Paredes (MID), Baldanzi (MID), Dahl (MID), Le Fee (MID), Soule (FWD), Dybala (FWD).

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the sides keeping an eye on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, but they face plenty of competition for his signature, according to TBR Football.

With Guehi's contract set to expire in 2026, the Eagles could look to cash in during the next two transfer windows if the England international shows no signs of considering an extension. Newcastle were pushing to bring Guehi to St James' Park during the summer transfer window and saw a hefty bid of £65m rejected. The Eagles managed to keep hold of Guehi, but with Oliver Glasner's side struggling towards the bottom of the Premier League, the 24-year-old might be considering finding a fresh challenge.

Against Manchester City last time out, Tottenham lined up with Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies as their centre-back pairing due to injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven, showing that Ange Postecoglou could potentially do with more options at the back.

According to TBR Football, there is a good chance Guehi will leave Crystal Palace in 2025, and Tottenham are following his situation. The report claims that Chelsea are also keen, while Newcastle still consider the 24-year-old their first-choice target if they sign a defender during the January transfer window.

Guehi, described as 'exceptional' by Palace chairman Steve Parish, enjoyed an impressive Euro 2024 with his country. It's not been the perfect start to the 2024/2025 season for Guehi, especially if he's hoping to secure himself a move, with Palace sitting 19th in the Premier League table.

It could be a difficult race to win with multiple sides competing to secure his signature, so Postecoglou would likely have to offer assurances that he's going to be a regular starter. With Dragusin, Van de Ven, Romero, and Davies all competing for a centre-back role, it might be difficult for Guehi to earn a guaranteed place in the starting XI.

There's no doubt Guehi is destined to play for a top-level club competing for European places, but he's going to have to ensure he picks the right side in order to continue playing regularly.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a slight resurgence in recent weeks after securing their first two wins of the Premier League season under Gary O'Neil - and with Matheus Cunha being a huge part of that, club chiefs are reportedly insistent that they won't let the Brazilian go with an eye on survival, with Tottenham Hotspur being interested.

The Brazilian has been in fine form this season, with only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Chris Wood scoring more in the top-flight, which has led to him being touted as being able to 'walk his way into every Premier League XI'. His form has been a huge reason for Wolves' turnaround - but with that comes interest from other clubs. And reports have stated that the forward won't be allowed to leave in the winter window despite various club taking a keen eye.

Report: Wolves 'Insistent' They Will Keep Matheus Cunha

The Brazilian can't be sold if Wolves want to steer clear of relegation

The report from TBR Football states that, despite Wolves' momentum building and the January transfer window offers them a chance to move away from the relegation zone, it's also key that they should be keeping players such as Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in the winter.

Despite a tough start to the season for Wolves, 'sensational' Cunha has garnered interest from other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, owing to his seven goals and three assists in just 12 top-flight games this campaign.

Napoli and Newcastle United have also been credited with interest, with both clubs sending scouts to Craven Cottage to watch his brace as Wolves downed Fulham in a 4-1 win in the capital on Saturday afternoon - whilst Aston Villa are later mentioned.

Whilst Ait-Nouri is also attracting attention, sources have informed TBR Football that Wolves are insistent that neither of their key men will be sold in the winter, with both players committed to giving O'Neil the tools to survive in the top-flight.

Cunha was seen as a huge coup by Wolves after they signed him from Atletico Madrid halfway through the 2022/23 season on loan, before securing his services on a permanent deal just six months later after their obligation to buy was activated.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Matheus Cunha has 11 caps for Brazil, though he is yet to score for his country.

Since then, there have been 19 goals in just 43 games for the Brazilian in what is almost a ratio of a goal every two games in the Premier League, and Wolves' chances of survival will almost certainly be related to how proficient the Brazilian can be throughout the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have refused to rule out the possibility of making Timo Werner's loan switch from RB Leipzig a permanent agreement after boss Ange Postecoglou has decided against cutting his temporary spell at Hotspur Way short in January, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Spurs were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer, which resulted in Dominic Solanke becoming the most expensive acquisition in the north Londoners' history as he completed a £65million switch from Bournemouth, and they grabbed a statement win over Manchester City last weekend.

Werner made an impact when he came off the bench against the reigning Premier League champions, bagging an assist as Brennan Johnson rounded off the scoring to condemn the hosts to their heaviest home defeat in any competition since February 2003, and the cameo performance has boosted his chances of having a long-term future at Tottenham.

Werner Having to Wait for Final Call on Future

Postecoglou holding off making decision over Germany international

Tottenham are entertaining the possibility of keeping Werner beyond the end of the campaign, according to GMS sources, but he will have to play the waiting game before discovering his fate as Postecoglou and other key figures behind the scenes are holding off making a final decision at this stage.

Having spent the second half of last term on loan from Bundesliga giants Leipzig, Spurs rushed into negotiating a fresh temporary agreement which included an £8.5million option to buy the Germany international before the summer transfer window officially opened for business.

GMS sources have been informed that Tottenham are not interested in ending Werner's loan spell ahead of schedule, despite continuing to weigh up the future of their attack, as the impact he made against Manchester City emphasised why Postecoglou has had faith that he is a strong member of the squad as he adds depth.

While the winger has started more fixtures than expected this season and pockets up to £200,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, large sections of the Spurs fanbase had been calling for him to be moved on in January if a break clause was included in the loan agreement after some below-par performances.

But Postecoglou is happy with the role Werner has played since his quickfire return to Tottenham, GMS sources have learned thanks to indications from insiders, and he is on course to remain in his current surroundings for the remainder of the campaign instead of heading back to Leipzig.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Timo Werner has been limited to just 267 minutes of Premier League action since the campaign got underway

Scouting Missions Could Have Werner Impact

Skov Olsen and Osorio among attackers being watched by Spurs

GMS sources have been told that Tottenham have handed members of their scouting department plenty of ongoing assignments as they look to become even more prolific in the final third of the pitch, and being able to acquire a key target could have an impact on the final decision over Werner's future.

The 28-year-old Champions League winner, who has found the back of the net three times and registered a further five assists over the course of his two spells with the north Londoners, is still being seen as a crucial member of the squad who can add an edge to Postecoglou's side when needed.

But that has not stopped the Greek-Australian tactician scouring the market for alternative options, GMS sources understand, and Club Brugge talisman Andreas Skov Olsen is among the names in the frame to put Werner's long-term future in jeopardy after regular checks have been made on his progress.

GMS sources recently revealed that Spurs have also been obtaining detailed scouting reports on Dario Osorio's development and could force the Midtjylland man into making a decision over whether to head to the Premier League after being pinpointed as a potential target for the summer.

Key Takeaways

Chelsea have dominated Tottenham in the Premier League since 1992.

Memorable matches like the 'Battle of the Bridge' have shaped the rivalry between the two clubs.

Ange Postecoglou's first match against Chelsea was one to forget, something he will not be aiming to replicate when they play against them in December.

Rivalries are what make football, and the Premier League more specifically, legendary. The drama. The chaos. The anticipation quickly shut down by an early opener. It's all part of the 'Derby Day' experience, with Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea being no different.

Tottenham, situated in north London, believe their biggest rivalry is with Arsenal, but their battle with Chelsea, in west London, remains fierce. In the Premier League, they have gone head-to-head and shared blows consistently, all creating a spectacle for those around the world.

Ahead of their first Premier League match this campaign, which will see Ange Postecoglou battle Enzo Maresca for the first time, we have outlined the overall head-to-head record between the two sides in the competition. One side has had far more success.

We have also laid out every single Premier League match between the two teams. Neither team has been relegated from the Premier League since it was formed in 1992, meaning there have been two matches between the two sides every single year since.

Tottenham were left embarrassed with a 6-1 defeat at home

In the 1990s, Chelsea were not as powerful as they are now. They didn't have Roman Abramovich's financial support and were inconsistent in the league. However, that didn't stop them from dominating the matches against Tottenham, going the entire Premier League decade unbeaten with seven wins and seven draws.

Most notably, they beat the north London side 6-1 away from home in December 1997. After a steady first half which saw Tore Andre Flo's opener cancelled out by Ramon Vega's strike, Chelsea quickly demolished their rivals. Further goals from Roberto Di Matteo, Dan Petruscu, Mark Nichols and two more from Flo, to complete his hat-trick, finished off an embarrassment at White Hart Lane. They were left haunted for years.

Chelsea dominated the fixture

Chelsea's success in the 2000s does not need to be understated. They were one of the best teams in the world, winning the Premier League in 2005 under one of the greatest managers of all time, Jose Mourinho. They were defensively world-class, with Mourinho even conning the term 'parking the bus' after a 0-0 draw against Tottenham — and their success against the Lilywhites remained the same. They won 14 times, losing just twice.

Tottenham's first-ever Premier League win against them came in November 2006. On a winless run since 1990, the time of the First Division, they were desperate for success to finally arrive. It looked like it would be going pear-shaped again when Claude Makelele's excellent volley gave the Blues the lead, but Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon, via a stunning strike, secured a dramatic comeback and all three points. John Terry was sent off as well during a chaotic day in N17.

The Battle of the Bridge remains iconic

As Tottenham's record against Chelsea finally improved, their derby clashes became world-famous for drama and chaos. From Spurs' 5-3 win in 2015 to a dramatic 4-2 victory for the Blues a few years prior, you never knew what to expect.

However, it was their match at the end of the 2015/16 season which is considered one of the finest in Premier League history. Nicknamed the 'Battle of the Bridge', Tottenham had to win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990 to have a chance of winning the title. Everything seemed to be going to plan with goals from Harry Kane and Heung-min Son giving Spurs a 2-0 lead.

But in the second half, Chelsea were allowed a way back into the match and Eden Hazard's late equaliser sparked wild celebrations at Stamford Bridge. Not only in West London, but in Leicester, as this result handed the Foxes their first-ever Premier League title. It was a particularly heated match which saw nine of Tottenham's players receive bookings and a scuffle in the tunnel at the end of the game.

However, the drama for the decade didn't stop there. Less than a year later, Spurs beat Chelsea 2-0 at White Hart Lane to end their 13-game winning streak in the Premier League, but the Blues later had the last laugh, pipping Mauricio Pochettino's team to the title, Meanwhile, in 2018, Tottenham finally picked up their first win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 1990; two goals from Dele Alli saw them come from 1-0 down to win 3-1 in a match that epitomised everything legendary about the rivalry.

Red card chaos and managerial brawls

Chelsea's dominance has been revived in the 2020s, winning six times and losing just once. However, every match has continued the fiery and dramatic nature of the contest, especially in 2022 and 2023. At the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Tottenham picked up a dramatic 2-2 draw away from home thanks to a last-minute header from Harry Kane.

However, the main focus was on the sidelines, as former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte clashed with then-current Blues coach Thomas Tuchel. The German celebrated down the sideline when Reece James thought he had scored the winner, whilst – when Kane equalised and the full-time whistle blew – Conte returned the favour. As both were sent off, the match was dubbed 'The Battle of the Bridge II'.

A year later, Pochettino returned to N17 as Chelsea manager. Spurs wanted to prove a point to their former manager, but the occasion got the better of them. Spurs started quickly through a strike from Dejan Kulusevski, yet it soon unravelled. Cristian Romero was sent off midway through the first half before Cole Palmer equalised. Spurs' night then turned from bad to worse when Destiny Udogie was given the marching orders.

In memorable fashion, Postecoglou still played a high line with nine men, and it looked like they were edging closer to a memorable point, but three late goals from Nicolas Jackson saw Chelsea claim a chaotic Monday night 4-1 win in north London. Chaos.

Upcoming Fixtures

Postecoglou and Maresca will meet for the first time

Tottenham and Chelsea both have Champions League qualification aspirations this campaign, so their two matches against one another act as 'six-pointers'. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are enjoying life again with free-flowing football.