The Mirror

With Antoine Semenyo City-bound, Bournemouth start the second half of the season looking for answers quickly in the creativity front as they welcome Spurs in the Premier League

For the second time in as many Premier League matchweeks, the Vitality Stadium plays host to a North London giant, as Bournemouth welcome Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night. Andoni Iraola’s side suffered a narrow defeat in a five-goal thriller against Arsenal last time out, while Spurs were left frustrated by a disappointing home draw with Sunderland over the weekend.

It was seventh heaven for Arsenal and eleventh-place misery for Bournemouth, whose dreadful winless streak in the top flight extended into double digits despite a spirited showing against the league leaders. Bournemouth initially took the lead through Evanilson, but Gabriel Magalhaes’s equalizer and a Declan Rice double put Arsenal firmly in control. Eli Junior Kroupi’s stunning goal proved to be only a consolation for the increasingly exasperated Cherries.

Bournemouth were understandably aggrieved when referee Chris Kavanagh blew the final whistle just as they were about to deliver a dangerous ball into the box. However, even if that last chance had produced an equalizer, it would not have changed their worrying winless run. Eleven games without a victory marks Bournemouth’s longest such streak in a single top-flight campaign. Yet, thanks to the struggles of the bottom three teams, the 15th-placed Cherries remain closer to the top five in points than to the relegation zone.

Moreover, four of Bournemouth’s five league wins this season have come at the Vitality Stadium, but Iraola’s men now face a Tottenham side with ambitions of reclaiming their status as the Premier League’s best away team. Only Arsenal (20 points) have collected more points on the road than Spurs (18) this season, and with the Gunners hosting Liverpool on Thursday, a win for Tottenham would see them return to the summit of the away form table.

That task will be far from straightforward, despite Bournemouth’s recent struggles. Thomas Frank’s side have yet to hit their stride during the harsh winter months and dropped two points in agonizing fashion against newly-promoted Sunderland. Brian Brobbey’s thunderous strike canceled out Ben Davies’s opener in a 1-1 draw. Still, Sunderland have also taken points from Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City this season, so Sunday’s result was not a disaster for Frank.

Nonetheless, that offers little solace to Tottenham fans, who see their team languishing in 13th place overall. The Lilywhites have managed just two wins from their last 11 Premier League matches, home and away. On the bright side, Spurs are chasing a third consecutive Premier League away clean sheet—a feat they haven’t achieved since April 2022. However, Bournemouth’s 1-0 win in August means the Cherries could now complete their first-ever league double over their North London rivals.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Team News

Long-serving Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook made his return from a neck injury as a substitute against Arsenal—a timely boost for the Cherries, especially with Justin Kluivert now facing an extended spell on the sidelines following knee surgery. The hosts are also without Tyler Adams (knee), Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh), Ryan Christie (knee), Matai Akinmboni (muscle), and Will Dennis (ankle). Dennis’s injury prompted the club to bring in former Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a free transfer, but young Veljko Milosavljevic (knee) has resumed training.

Antoine Semenyo, whose £65 million transfer to Manchester City has yet to be finalised, is due a medical later this week and is highly unlikely to feature in this match.

On the Tottenham side, Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus is ruled out as the Spurs winger suffered a thigh injury during the first half of the draw with Sunderland and is expected to miss out this week. Kudus joins a growing Spurs absentee list, which also includes Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr (both at AFCON), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), and Dominic Solanke (ankle). However, Destiny Udogie (thigh) is back in training, and Xavi Simons returns from a three-match suspension.

Simons is likely to slot straight back into the starting XI in place of the injured Kudus, while Lucas Bergvall could also be handed a start after Wilson Odobert suffered a facial knock at the weekend.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Prediction

Tottenham to win and both teams to score - 24/5 (Betfred)

Over 2.5 goals - 8/11 (Betfred)

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West Brom have announced that head coach Ryan Mason has been relieved of his duties after the Baggies fell to a 10TH consecutive away defeat against Leicester on Monday night.

Mason, 34, landed the West Brom job in the summer after a stint coaching at Tottenham, whom he has also previously managed on an interim basis. But the former midfielder has been unable to bring success to the Hawthorns and leaves with the club 18th in the Championship table, 10 points off the play-off places.

His departure comes less than 24 hours after West Brom were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Monday - the team's 10th straight away defeat, which is the worst run in club history.

A club statement on Tuesday morning read: "West Bromwich Albion have today parted company with men’s first team Head Coach Ryan Mason.

"Assistant Head Coach Nigel Gibbs and First Team Coach/Head of Performance Sam Pooley have also departed The Hawthorns.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Ryan, Nigel and Sam for their efforts and wishes all three the very best for the future.

"First Team Coach James Morrison will oversee first-team affairs on an interim basis until a new staff is appointed.

"The process of recruiting a new men’s first team Head Coach and staff is under way."

West Brom, who handed Mason a three-year deal back in the summer, play Swansea in an all-Championship third round FA Cup tie on Sunday. Their next league fixture comes the following Friday when they host Middlesbrough at the Hawthorns.

Tottenham Hotspur have faded after a fast start under new manager Thomas Frank and the Londoners sit 12th in the Premier League table at the halfway point in the season

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has admitted he isn't enjoying life at the North London club. The Danish boss joined from Brentford over the summer but has seen results taper off after a fast start.

Spurs drew 0-0 with Frank's former side in their last match and some fans booed off the team. They have won just two of their last 10 league matches to sit 12th at the halfway point in the season and their manager didn't mince his words in the lead-up to Sunday's game at home to Sunderland.

"So the short answer is no," Frank said when asked if he was enjoying his time in charge at Spurs. However, he anticipated being able to look back at this period with pride further down the line.

"When you need to put in a big, big shift and it's not smooth and it's tough, it's probably difficult to enjoy it," he added. "I'll give you an example. If I run hard, I don't enjoy that moment. But I know I need to keep my head down and run hard to get through it, to get my fitness up or to win a race, whatever it is.

"We're in a situation where you need to run hard, to stay in it, to get through it. And then on the other side, when you look back on this spell we think 'what a learning experience', that made it so much better for the future. It's definitely a marathon. It definitely seems like it's one of the little bit more heavy miles I'm on now. But head down and keep going."

Spurs are still without several players for the weekend's match against Sunderland. Xavi Simons is suspended after a recent red card, while Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Lucas Bergvall remains an injury doubt while James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are long-term absentees, but striker Dominic Solanke is getting closer to a return after not featuring since August. However, Frank would not give a concrete date on the striker's comeback.

"The thing I need to know about, of course, is when he's out there on the pitch with pictures then that's positive," he said. "To say mid-Jan, end of Jan or 25 Jan, I will not do that. I will very much look forward to naming the dates when he's involved in the squad."

Upcoming opponents Sunderland are severely depleted due to AFCON. Habib Diarra, Chemsdine Talbi, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore and Reinildo are all away with their national teams, but defender Dan Ballard could be fit to return after missing the draw with Manchester City through injury.

“The standards within our team are high," Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris after the City draw extended their unbeaten home run to 10 matches. "We want to get better and it is important to always have that mindset, because if you want to stay at the same level, you will be punished. We must be ambitious and hopefully that will be the case in our next game.”

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on Cristian Romero avoiding a red card during Tottenham's goalless draw with Brentford on Thursday evening

Tottenham have received fresh verdicts on the controversial potential red card and penalty incidents from their goalless stalemate away at Brentford.

Despite bouncing back with victory against Crystal Palace last time out, Thomas Frank's team dropped points once more as neither side could find the breakthrough at the Gtech Community Stadium. In an extremely tight encounter, Brentford enjoyed marginally more possession than their guests and managed one additional shot on target.

The match wasn't completely devoid of controversy, however, as referee Andrew Madley faced two significant decisions. The first concerned Spurs defender Cristian Romero, who had only recently returned from suspension following his dismissal against Liverpool before Christmas.

OPINION

OPINION

On this instance, the Argentina centre-back fouled Brentford forward Igor Thiago whilst being the last defender and seemed to use his hands in the process. No infringement was awarded and Romero, rather luckily, stayed on the field to complete the match, leaving Keith Andrews visibly frustrated.

During Sky Sports' Ref Watch, former referee Dermot Gallagher believed the incorrect decision had been reached, arguing that Romero deserved to be dismissed. "He challenges for the ball, he doesn't get the ball, he gets Thiago, there's no doubt about that," he stated on Friday morning.

"Is Thiago in possession? Most certainly. He'll skip by and he's away on goal. For me, foul, red card, easy decision."

Spurs were left frustrated when their penalty appeals were dismissed after Archie Gray was tackled by Kevin Schade and Nathan Collins in the penalty area. The contact appeared minimal on replays, and Gallagher concurred with the decision made on the pitch that no penalty should be given.

"I do not think it is a foul because Schade bumps into him," he explained. "There is a little bit of a nudge, but if you watch Gray, he actually throws himself forward and uses Collins's calf to go over – I thought no foul."

Now, Frank's team must prepare for a challenging series of matches, including hosting Sunderland this weekend and travelling to Bournemouth next week. Later in the month, they will welcome Aston Villa for the third round of the FA Cup, while a clash with Dortmund awaits in the Champions League.

In terms of the Premier League table, Thursday's draw means Spurs remain in 12th place, outside the top 10. They are seven points behind the top four with 19 games played, making qualification for next season's Champions League a daunting task.

'I texted Alexander Isak to say sorry - this is how Liverpool striker responded'

Alexander Isak suffered an ankle injury and a fractured fibula during Liverpool's 2-1 win over Tottenham and Micky van de Ven has reached out to the Sweden striker since then.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has disclosed a text conversation between himself and Liverpool's Alexander Isak after the latter's crushing injury blow. The club's record signing is anticipated to remain out of action for several months at a minimum.

The ankle problem occurred when Isak was caught by van de Ven while netting the Reds' opener in a 2-1 win over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He has subsequently gone under the knife to fix the problem, which also involved a broken fibula.

The setback represents another hurdle for Isak, who has struggled to cement his place at the club following his £125million switch from Newcastle this summer. Van De Ven has now detailed the message he sent to Isak after the high-octane Premier League encounter.

Chatting to Sky Sports, the Spurs centre-back revealed: "Yeah, I've text him. Of course.

"I've sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him, I didn't want to do something to hurt him. I just tried to block the shot and I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs.

"So I sent him a text afterwards. I want to wish him all the best in his recovery.

"That's what I said to him. And I hope we can see him back on the pitch very soon again."

When pressed about whether Isak responded, he continued: "Yeah, he really appreciated the message. He texted back."

While van de Ven chose not to reveal the exact details of Isak's response, it's reasonable to presume the Liverpool star welcomed the gesture and accepted the apology. His complete attention will now turn to regaining full fitness at the earliest opportunity.

Speaking about Isak's return, head coach Arne Slot expressed his confidence the striker will feature, again, before the current campaign concludes.

"Yeah, [he'll play again this season]. I'm confident.

"It's been a really challenging and difficult period for him, I think. Maybe no-one understands, but if you haven't trained for three or four months on a serious level with the team and you're playing in this league... in this league you need to be on the top of your game to impact the games.

"That took, which we all knew, months before we could bring him there. Because there was no pre-season, there were games, games, games.

Thomas Frank has spoken out about Tottenham's plans ahead of the January transfer window with the club looking to be active next month after reports of agreeing a deal

Thomas Frank expects Brennan Johnson to play for Tottenham against Brentford on New Year's Day, despite a £35million fee being agreed for the Wales star.

Johnson has been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, with the transfer window days away from opening. Multiple reports claim the Eagles have now made an offer agreeable to the Lilywhites, while Johnson has been touted as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo.

The 24-year-old, Spurs' top goalscorer last season, has yet to greenlight a move, however. Johnson has four goals in 21 appearances this term under Frank.

The ex-Nottingham Forest ace has been in and out of the team under the Danish coach. Regardless, Frank has declared he expects Johnson to face the Bees later this week, however.

"Again, this is the third time I think I've got this question," Frank said in his press conference on Tuesday. "There are rumours out there, in general I'll not comment on that, no matter if we want to sign or sell a player, or get a staff member in or out. I've no interest in commenting either way.

Pushed on whether he will be involved in Spurs' squad against Brentford, Frank was adamant. "He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace," he said.

"He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford."

"Brennan is a very important player for us," Frank added. "Sometimes things change if another player comes in. Unfortunately, Kudus came in for him and played on the right side and has done well. So it's been a little bit more tricky to get enough starts. He started the season also quite well from the left.

"I think Brennan has a lot of attributes. Very good running in behind, very good scoring goals. That's a good quality. So some of those key things is fantastic. Also working hard for the team, but you need more than just 11 players. That's the way it is. I think Brennan has been a top professional, is a top professional, trained well today. He's ready for two days' time.

Spurs boss Frank also revealed that Spurs will be active in the transfer market. The head coach noted that he wants to see his squad improve before allowing outgoings.

"We are, we will be in the market. We are definitely interested in, if we can, strengthening the squad," he said.

"We will do that, I've said it a few times before, that I think it's very important, of course, there are different types you can add to a squad. But the main bit is that the ones we add need to be the ones we really think can improve the team. And then, like normal, there can be outgoings if you want to try to make a sharp squad."

Antoine Semenyo is expected to leave Bournemouth in January with Manchester City leading the race for the forward, who politely declined Tottenham's interest but could still help Spurs in the transfer market

Despite being snubbed by Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window, Tottenham could still profit from his anticipated departure from Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old forward is tipped to be the star attraction of this winter's transfer market, thanks to a £65million release clause that can be activated until January 10. Given his stellar performance for the Cherries this season, it's no wonder he's attracted interest from top Premier League clubs including Spurs, both Manchester teams, Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, recent reports suggest Semenyo has set his sights on joining Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's squad, currently embroiled in a title race with Arsenal, would undoubtedly receive a significant boost from Semenyo's arrival, enhancing their chances of outdoing the north London club come May.

According to The Athletic, despite a competitive wage offer from Spurs, Semenyo respectfully declined their advances. It later emerged that his preferred destination is the Etihad Stadium, with City now stepping up their efforts to seal the deal by January 1.

Despite the odds, Spurs haven't abandoned their hopes of strengthening their attack in the upcoming transfer window. Semenyo's move to City could trigger a transfer domino effect that benefits the London side, reports football.london.

Spurs were previously linked with City winger Savinho during the summer, but no deal materialised before the deadline.

Potential departures at Spurs could free up both funds and squad space for new attacking additions, with Brennan Johnson's name being floated as a possible exit. Sky Sports News reports a handful of Premier League clubs are eyeing the Welshman, with Bournemouth being the latest to consider him as a potential replacement for the departing Semenyo.

The report suggests that Johnson's name has been mentioned at the Vitality Stadium as they brace for Semenyo's exit, while Crystal Palace also have a strong interest in the 24-year-old. However, it remains unclear whether Spurs are ready to approve a sale or loan move in January, even though they're on the hunt for a new forward, which could impact the winger's future.

Johnson made the switch to Spurs from Nottingham Forest for just under £50million back in 2023. To date, he has clocked up just over 100 appearances across all competitions, netting 27 goals and providing 18 assists.

This season under Thomas Frank, he has only made six starts in the Premier League, with a total of 16 appearances. He's netted four goals and hasn't provided any assists across all competitions.

He did play in Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Palace, but once again began the match on the bench. He came on for Mohammed Kudus in the final 10 minutes at Selhurst Park as Frank's team clung to their slim lead, secured by Archie Gray's maiden goal for the club.

Spurs return to action midweek with an away fixture against Brentford. They then have to prepare for Sunderland's visit in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

CRYSTAL PALACE 0-1 TOTTENHAM: Spurs won their first away game since October thanks to Archie Gray's first-half header, easing the pressure on under-fire Thomas Frank

This time Thomas Frank got a much-needed reward after being made to suffer on the touchline. In the grand scheme of things, it was hardly the most convincing win for Tottenham but you suspect that will not bother Frank in the slightest.

After a thoroughly dismal run of just one win in their previous eight Premier League games, the spotlight and pressure is on a manager struggling to convince the Spurs fan base that he is the right man for the job. Tottenham fans are crying out for free-flowing, entertaining and attacking football and all they got was a scrappy Archie Gray header from a set-piece.

Spurs striker Richarlison saw two efforts ruled out for offside after VAR checks - the second in particular was pretty unforgivable - which would have made it altogether more comfortable. How a player who has cost over £100million in combined transfer fees throughout his career and played for Brazil 54 times can drift offside so frequently is anyone's guess.

And, instead, Tottenham were left to hang on as Frank looked on nervously from the touchline as he will be well aware every game, result and performance is being scrutinised right now. Frank needs a break and finally got one against a Crystal Palace who wasted a string of big chances themselves as their marathon season threatens to catch up with them even before the turn of the year.

Incredibly, Palace are already up to 30 games played this season in all competitions and their finishing looked tired and lacking composure. They are in serious danger of burning out and Tottenham were grateful recipients as the away end celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

Frank ushered his players over to the away end and you have to respect the Tottenham fans who were loud, supportive and jubilant despite another season of small wins and bigger disappointments. In fairness, Gray, aged 19 years 291 days, was a big win this time as he became Tottenham's youngest English goalscorer since Dele Alli who was four days younger when he scored back in January 2016.

Remember that goal? It was Alli's wonder strike - the overhead flick and volley - also at Selhurst Park which put the former Spurs and England midfielder on the road to superstardom. That seems a long time ago now for Tottenham and indeed Alli.

Well, funnily enough it will be ten years ago next month and is a reminder how time flies. Tottenham also need an upturn in fortunes - and quick. Spurs looked nervous at the start and took a while to get going while Palace played some nice stuff.

But Richarlison had the ball in the net after 17 minutes only for VAR to disallow it for an offside against Lucas Bergvall in the build-up. Richarlison might also have drifted offside had they got that far with the VAR. The Brazilian's celebrations suddenly looked a bit daft.

Where will Tottenham finish this season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.

Palace played the better football - the sort of passing game Spurs fans want from their team - but just could not take advantage. Jean-Philppe Mateta headed over, Will Hughes fired over and Adam Wharton fired straight at Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.

But when you do not take your chances, it generally comes back to bite you. Pedro Porro's deep corner was headed back across goal by Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison's flick-on fell for Gray who nodded in from point blank range. Palace continued to waste big chances.

Justin Devenny hooked over the bar while defender Maxence Lacroix glanced just wide after Jefferson Lerma's header. Richarlison had the ball in the net a second time but had drifted offside again. Unforgivable.

Wilson Odobert also crashed a shot aghast the post. Tottenham made hard work of it - but ultimately got the job done.

Thomas Frank told to QUIT Tottenham by ex-star in furious social media rant

Thomas Frank is under massive pressure to improve results at Tottenham after his side slipped to 14th place in the Premier League table following successive defeats

Thomas Frank has run out of excuses and should resign as Tottenham manager because he’s failed to make any progress this season. Spurs go into Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace sitting 14th in the Premier League table and ex-player Ramon Vega has called for Frank’s head.

Tottenham have won just six of their 17 top-flight matches and Frank is under huge pressure following successive defeats against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. The Danish manager was appointed to replace Ange Postecoglou in the summer yet has so far failed to improve results domestically.

Frank’s side have lost just once in six Champions League games, but have continued where they left off in the league, having finished 17th under Postecoglou before beating Manchester United in the Europa League final. Former Brentford boss Frank has argued that he should be given time to turn things around because the Europa League success masked deeper issues.

“Honestly, I think we are in a transition phase, because yes, we are a Champions League club, but are we a Champions League club? We only qualified because we won the Europa League,” he told Sky Sports before the trip to Palace.

“We didn’t qualify because we were one of the four or five best clubs in the Premier League last season. We finished 17th. And now we need to compete in the Champions League while we’re competing in the Premier League, which is the most difficult thing.”

Frank’s words have fallen on deaf ears, with ex-Spurs defender Vega taking to social media to make his feelings clear. “Frank, stop talking about last season,” he wrote on X. “They finished 17th. You now have more fit players than Ange had last season, yet you’re still not better off. In fact, it’s a shambles.

“At least Ange with no support made a miserable season into a wonderful ending for the fans by winning the European Cup and qualifying for the CL. You are now enjoying. So please do us a favour and resign, mate!”

Vega, who spent four years with Spurs as a player, has been hugely critical of Frank’s time in charge in north London, having won 10 of 26 in all competitions. “He needs to manage the dressing room. Here the football is a psychological side,” Vega previously told talkSPORT.

“If he doesn’t control he dressing room. He can be as good as he wants, as nice as he is. But he doesn’t have the balls. I don’t see Frank pretty much suitable for Spurs because he hasn’t got the balls, hasn’t got the character to do this.”

Thomas Frank has said Tottenham Hotspur will be active during the winter transfer window and seemingly have £150million to spend in January on several players

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly are armed with a £150million war chest for the winter transfer window and several targets in their sights. Spurs are understood to be keen on signing a left winger and bolstering their defensive ranks this January.

The Sun reports that Antoine Semenyo is high on their list, although they face stiff competition from Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. The report suggests that City's prospective acquisition of the Bournemouth forward could pave the way for Tottenham to snap up Savinho, having missed out on him last August.

Persistent rumours linking them with Porto striker Samu Aghehowa are also mentioned. The one-time Chelsea target carries a £50million price tag.

A left-back, too, is reportedly a top priority to fill in for the injured Destiny Udogie. Doing so which would allow Djed Spence to revert to his preferred right-back position.

If that does not pan out, Spurs are said to be considering the addition of a left-sided centre-back. That would see Micky van der Ven shift to left-back.

Aghehowa could potentially set Spurs back by £50million, and it is assumed that any deal for Semenyo would trigger his £65million release clause. City reportedly turned down a £60million bid for Savinho over the summer.

Given Savinho's lacklustre form this season, it is unlikely his valuation has increased, hence Spurs' interest in the Ghanaian international. However, signing Aghehowa and either Savinho or Semenyo would leave approximately £30million for a defender.

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Spurs will be active in the winter transfer window. Earlier this month, Tottenham's coach said: "We will definitely be in the market, no doubt about that. We want them as early as possible, like every other time, and let's see if we can have them before 31 January."

Frank also addressed the future of Brennan Johnson amidst rumours linking him to Crystal Palace. He commented: "We haven't done too much in terms of [preparation for moving] players out. I think he's a big part of what we have when we're playing a lot of games."

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, understandably, is also keen for Semenyo to stay put. He said: "Antoine Semenyo right now is with us. He has trained today (23 December) with us very well.

"I understand that there is a lot of noise around Antoine. But my concern is that it doesn't affect him, his performances, and we are seeing that it is not affecting his performances.

"He is very committed to the team, and I hope we can keep him there. There are situations that we cannot control, but right now, Antoine is our player, and he's going to continue playing for us."