The Mirror

Managing Tottenham - Xavi Simons dilemma as Thomas Frank given £84m priority transfer

Thomas Frank's Tottenham tenure has started at a respectable pace, but the Dane still has several key challenges to address as we head into the heart of the 2025/26 campaign

It's been a bright start to life at Tottenham for Thomas Frank. The former Brentford boss has introduced a welcome blend of consistency and tactical flexibility - aspects that were sorely lacking under Ange Postecoglou last season.

Six wins, four draws, and just one defeat from their opening 11 games represent a solid return, highlighted by a superb 2–0 win away at Manchester City in August. But after an early surge, Spurs' momentum has eased somewhat, with three draws in their last five matches.

Clean sheets have also dried up. Having conceded just once in their opening four Premier League matches, Frank's team have leaked four goals in their last three outings, and six in their last five in all competitions.

Things, however, are generally looking up for Tottenham, but a challenging run of fixtures lies ahead, with home clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United, and tricky away trips to Monaco, Everton, and Newcastle.

Frank will need to have everything finely tuned if his side are to navigate this spell successfully. With that in mind, here are four key priorities for the Dane as he prepares for the remainder of the campaign.

Get Xavi Simons firing

It felt like something of a coup when Tottenham pinched Xavi Simons from under Chelsea's noses in the summer. But while the Dutchman's arrival generated huge excitement, his start in north London has been more steady than spectacular. He hasn't been poor by any means, but nor has he yet justified his £52 million price tag.

Part of the issue is that Frank still hasn't figured out where Simons fits best. The 22-year-old, who's notched just one goal contribution (an assist against West Ham) in seven games so far, has been used across multiple roles - as a No. 10, a left winger, and a No. 8 - but has struggled to find rhythm or consistency in any of them.

Simons is not a like-for-like replacement for James Maddison, the creative heartbeat he has effectively filled in for following the Englishman's ACL injury. Where Maddison thrives on invention and flair, Simons is more of a passing midfielder - one who keeps play moving and knits attacks together rather than producing moments of magic on his own. That's not a flaw, but it does mean he needs the right system and supporting cast to shine.

For Frank, the dilemma is clear: identify Simons' best position and build the structure around him to unlock his potential. Once he settles into a defined role and gains confidence and rhythm, Tottenham could finally begin to see the player who not only dazzled in the academies of Barcelona and PSG, but also lit up the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig last season.

Find a reliable No. 9

If Tottenham are to take the next step under Frank, they need a dependable, ruthless presence at centre-forward - a true No. 9 capable of turning half-chances into goals. At the moment, that player simply doesn't exist in this squad.

Dominic Solanke has shown flashes of quality, but injuries have disrupted his rhythm and consistency. Richarlison continues to work hard but remains an enigma in front of goal, while Mathys Tel, though promising, is still more of a long-term project than a reliable week-to-week scorer.

Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from PSG, remains something of an unknown quantity. Once tipped as the next big thing after his breakout at Eintracht Frankfurt, his spell at PSG fell flat following his £64.2m move to Ligue 1, and while his loan at Juventus last season was an improvement, it was hardly spectacular. He's currently sidelined with an injury, which hasn't helped him or Spurs.

Between the quartet, there's talent, energy, and potential - but not the kind of relentless finishing that defines top-four teams. For Spurs to genuinely compete at the sharp end of the table, they need a striker who can deliver 20 or more goals a season - someone who can turn tight games into wins and lift the team when the performances dip.

That's the kind of cutting edge Harry Kane once provided, and it's what Tottenham have been missing ever since his departure. Kane, who is regularly linked with a return to Spurs, has publicly distanced himself from a Premier League return, yet there will be other options available.

For Frank, the task is twofold: either get one of his current options firing consistently, or identify a striker who can come in and provide that elite output.

One potential target is Samu Omorodion, who has been sensational since joining Porto in 2024, netting 24 goals in 37 league appearances. The Spain international, who nearly moved to Chelsea last year, and has been compared to the likes of Didier Drogba and Victor Osimhen, has an £84m release clause in his contract.

That figure might be hefty, but his current form suggests it could well be money well spent. Besides, Hugo Ekitike and Nick Woltemade arrived in England for comparable fees this summer, and both have proven to be smart acquisitions.

A move for Omorodion in January might be unrealistic, but there's no reason why the groundwork for a transfer next summer couldn't begin now. Until then, Frank will need to get at least one of his current strikers firing on all cylinders, but if none prove capable of stepping up soon, finding a genuine, top-class No. 9 must become a priority - because without one, Tottenham's ceiling will remain frustratingly low.

Work out the midfield

For all of Tottenham's early promise under Frank, one key question still lingers: what is his best midfield? Rotation is healthy and even necessary in a long season, but if Spurs are to build rhythm and cohesion, they'll need more regularity in the centre of the pitch.

So far, Frank has chopped and changed his combinations, with Joao Palhinha, Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Xavi Simons and Archie Gray all featuring in various trios and setups. Sometimes it's been a flat three, other times two sitting behind a No. 10.

That flexibility is part of Frank's appeal. He's tactically adaptable and unafraid to tweak his shape. But there comes a point when versatility can blur into uncertainty.

Palhinha and Bentancur offer a solid, disciplined base, but perhaps lack the creative spark to unlock tight games. Sarr brings energy and drive, while Bergvall and Gray both possess composure and promise - yet none have truly cemented their place. Then there's the question of Maddison's reintegration once he returns to full fitness: does he come back as a pure No. 10, or is there room for him in a deeper, more fluid three?

These are all puzzles Frank needs to solve, and soon. The midfield is the heartbeat of any successful side, and while depth is a strength, stability breeds understanding. If Tottenham are to progress from a promising project to a genuinely cohesive unit, Frank will need to identify his go-to trio and give them the time to grow together.

Get motoring in the Champions League

Tottenham could really do with making another statement in Europe this season. A strong run in the Champions League wouldn't just boost their reputation, it would re-establish them among the continent's elite, something they've not truly been since Mauricio Pochettino's tenure.

The campaign hasn't exactly started with fireworks. A narrow 1–0 win over Villarreal was followed by a flat 2–2 draw with Bodo/Glimt, leaving Spurs with plenty of work to do in the group phase. What they need now is momentum - a string of results to propel them towards the knockout stages and give this side the belief that they belong at that level again.

They've already shown they can compete with Europe's best, having come within minutes of beating PSG - their Champions League opponents next month - in the Super Cup before the French champions struck twice late on to force a 2–2 draw and win on penalties. Performances like that prove Tottenham have the quality - they just need the consistency.

For a young and relatively inexperienced squad, a deep European run could do wonders. It would build confidence and create a winning mentality. Frank's side have shown flashes of quality domestically, but taking that onto the European stage would be a true marker of progress.

And with Champions League qualification for next season far from guaranteed, there's every reason to go for it. A confident, fearless approach in Europe could not only transform Tottenham's campaign but also remind everyone - including themselves - that they're still capable of mixing it with the best.

Jeremie Frimpong takes swipe at Spurs 'sore loser' as Liverpool star causes immediate stir

Liverpool have 15 senior players away on international duty, with the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike making an impression with the Netherlands and France, respectively

Arne Slot's Liverpool squad could be forgiven for not being in the best spirits heading into the October international break. Enduring a a week they'd rather forget, the Reds suffered three back-to-back losses against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.

Both domestic defeats were a result of last-minute winners, rubbing salt in the wounds for Liverpool as they lost their top spot in the Premier League table to Arsenal.

However, it seems that a change of scenery could do wonders for the majority of Slot's squad, with 15 of his senior players called up for international duty as the Premier League takes its latest pause.

They all seem to be in high spirits too, if the photos and videos shared by their national teams are anything to go by, as the Reds look to bounce back from their club-level woes.

Florian Wirtz is putting in extra hours on the training pitch with Germany, hoping to kickstart his career with the Reds, while Andy Robertson has shrugged off injury worries, after getting a knock against Chelsea, to join full training with Scotland, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The first day of international matches was on Wednesday, with Mohamed Salah having a day to remember. And with several of his Liverpool colleagues also set to play in the coming days, we take a look at how Liverpool's internationals are getting on during the break....

Frimpong tells 'sore loser' Spurs star to 'have respect'

Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong may not have had the smoothest start on the pitch, but he's certainly making waves off it. The Dutch international has quickly become a popular presence in the dressing room.

He's also a hit with his fellow countrymen and couldn't resist a playful jab at Tottenham Hotspur's Xavi Simons during a recent training session with the Netherlands squad.

A video shared by the Dutch national team on social media shows Frimpong participating in a keepy-uppy rondo with several team-mates, including Simons and Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.

Frimpong had to be quick to keep the ball in play after a volleyed pass from Simons, even colliding with the cameraman in the process. The rondo broke down when the ball returned to the Spurs midfielder.

Simons voiced his frustration before the rondo restarted, but after failing again, he ran off with the ball and kicked it high into the air.

"See, this is what losers do, bro!" Frimpong quipped to the cameras. "Sore loser, bro. Why did he kick the ball away?".

Addressing Simons, he added: "Hey, have respect, have respect bro!".

Both Frimpong and Simons could be chosen to start on the right wing for the Netherlands in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Malta on Thursday night, followed by a match against Finland on Sunday.

Ekitike makes waves and catches eye of two-time World Cup winner

Hugo Ekitike has made a flying start to life at Liverpool, netting five times in his opening 10 matches, and will be eager to carry that momentum into the international break with France.

The forward earned his first and second caps for his nation - both coming off the bench - during the previous international window, but may now be in contention for a starting berth.

The 23-year-old has been given the number nine jersey and with Kylian Mbappe facing a fitness battle, plus several of France's regular attacking options missing from the squad due to their own injury concerns, Ekitike stands as a genuine candidate for a more significant role.

He has certainly boosted his chances during training too, continuing to catch the eye of boss Didier Deschamps, who stands as one of just three individuals to have lifted the World Cup as both a player and a manager.

The France national team shared footage of a finishing exercise on their social media platforms, with Ekitike shown slotting home efforts from both his right and left boot into the corner.

His clinical finishing drew admiration from Deschamps, as the two-time World Cup winner could be heard remarking: "Oh yes, that's what happens when you're two-footed!"

France welcome Azerbaijan in their latest World Cup qualifying fixture on Friday before making the trip to Iceland on Monday.

Salah breaks silence on social media after making history

During Liverpool's charge towards the Premier League title last season, a post-match selfie from Mohamed Salah was a common sight. Fans certainly enjoyed these small glimpses into the celebrations of the soon-to-be champions after each victory, with Salah often pictured alongside his fellow goal scorers.

However, this trend hasn't continued into this season, with Salah not quite reaching the lofty heights of last year. As a result, his performances have come under scrutiny.

Liverpool's star forward has been quiet on the pitch and social media since their 3-2 triumph over Atletico Madrid three weeks ago. However, that all changed when Salah made history for Egypt in their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday evening.

Salah was instrumental in Egypt's 3-0 win over Djibouti, scoring two goals - one a smart finish in a one-on-one situation in the first half, and the other a sublime lob over the keeper in the second half.

These goals have propelled Salah to the top of the African all-time leading goalscorer list in World Cup qualification, surpassing the likes of Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o and Islam Slimani with a total of 20 goals.

The 33-year-old is now preparing for his second World Cup appearance, having also scored the decisive goal that secured Egypt's place in the 2018 tournament in Russia.

Despite his previous World Cup experience being marred by an injury inflicted by Sergio Ramos, Salah will be hoping to make amends as Egypt gear up for only their fourth-ever World Cup appearance.

The Pharaohs were understandably ecstatic after the final whistle, and Salah broke his social media silence by sharing a celebratory picture of the squad in the dressing room, accompanied by a heart emoji.

Konate moves closer to fitness comeback

Despite suffering a quad injury during Liverpool's loss to Chelsea, Ibrahima Konate remains with the France squad, suggesting the issue is only minor.

The centre-back has been spotted back in team training, but he has also been seen working individually alongside Mbappe as France carefully manage the pair.

L'Equipe reports that the duo trained alongside the group "without any apparent discomfort at the start of the session," during France's Wednesday session, before proceeding with their individual training.

While it's still uncertain if Konate will be fit to face Azerbaijan on Friday, Liverpool can take comfort in the fact that his injury sustained at Stamford Bridge wasn't severe.

Bradley vs Wirtz round II

Conor Bradley is set to face off against his Liverpool colleague Florian Wirtz in Northern Ireland's second match of the October international break, when they welcome Germany on Monday.

In their previous encounter, Wirtz emerged victorious, netting a spectacular free-kick as Germany claimed a 3-1 victory.

Before the clash with Germany, Northern Ireland will first play host to Slovakia on Friday.

And having witnessed their upcoming opponents already defeat the Germans in World Cup qualification, the Liverpool player isn't taking anything lightly.

"Windsor Park will probably be at its best over the two games so we have to manage the expectations of that," he stated ahead of the double-header. "I've a lot of faith in the team. We have a really good group of players".

"We feel more prepared than we did for the last Euros campaign. We've a bit more experience now and hopefully that will help us.

"I was surprised they (Slovakia) beat Germany, I think everyone was. Germany are a top team and not many sides have beaten them in the last few years.

"Slovakia are a very good team with good players, but we have some good players too, so we're looking forward to it."

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed an initial £100million by the Lewis family, who own the club, with the promise of more to come in the near future

Tottenham Hotspur's owners, the Lewis family, have injected an initial £100million into the north London club, promising more funds to follow.

After turning down three preliminary takeover bids in the past month, the influential family, who own Spurs through a trust and investment company ENIC, have now ploughed the nine-figure sum into the Premier League team as the first instalment of new capital. Since chairman Daniel Levy's departure last month after 24 years at the helm, the Lewis family have taken a more public role in supporting the club.

Siblings Vivienne and Charles Lewis, the offspring of former Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, have stepped up alongside Vivienne's son-in-law Nick Beucher.

The trio have been regularly seen in the director's box at recent Spurs matches, with Vivienne joining the club on their summer pre-season tour to Asia and Beucher accompanying her in Bodo last week for the Champions League match and at Sunday's NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A source close to the Lewis family told football.london about the cash injection. They said: "This is initial additional funding. As the club's management decides what's needed to deliver success, more money will be available. The Lewis family is committed to backing the club to be successful."

Spurs issued their own statement following the financial injection, declaring: "This equity injection will further strengthen the club's financial position and equip the club's leadership team with additional resources to continue the focus on driving long-term sporting success. This additional capital is part of the Lewis family's ongoing commitment to the club and its future."

Tottenham's new non-executive chairman, Peter Charrington, added: "As I stated a few weeks ago, our focus is on stability and empowering the management team to deliver on the club's ambitions.

"I know the Lewis family are also ambitious for the future. Today's capital commitment reflects that ambition and I would like to thank them for their ongoing support.

"We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Vinai [Venkatesham] and his team are supported in the best way possible to take this club forward."

On Monday, Brooklyn Earick and his 12-strong American consortium revealed they would not be moving forward with a takeover bid despite reports of a planned £3.3billion offer and an additional £1.2billion earmarked as transfer funds for head coach Thomas Frank.

Earick became the third interested party to pull out within the past month, following Amanda Staveley and PCP International Finance, along with an Asia-based group of investors headed by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings.

Despite rumours, Spurs and the Lewis family have consistently stated that the club is not on the market. Both CEO Venkatesham and Frank have publicly echoed this sentiment on their behalf, and their recent £100million investment seems to further reinforce this stance.

Cristian Romero’s four-word dig at Chelsea ace shows Tottenham star’s real character

Cristian Romero has joined up with the Argentina national team for the current international break and has been reunited with some familiar faces from the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero has cheekily ribbed two of his Argentina team-mates. The defender is currently on international duty, and he is expected to feature in the friendly matches against Venezuela (Saturday, 1am kick-off) and Puerto Rico (Tuesday, 12am kick-off).

Romero, who has played every minute of Tottenham's Premier League campaign this season, including last weekend's 2-1 victory over Leeds United, has been reunited with some familiar faces from Premier League rivals at the Argentina camp.

He shared a snap of himself alongside Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. Alongside the photo, he cheekily wrote the caption: "Y'all don't contribute anything."

Two laughing emojis indicated that it was a playful jibe to his international team-mates. Despite the comment, both Fernandez and Alvarez have had strong starts to their respective seasons.

Like Romero, Fernandez has started every league game for Chelsea, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over Liverpool last time out.

Meanwhile, striker Alvarez has featured in every league game for Atletico Madrid, netting seven goals and providing three assists in his nine appearances across all competitions.

Alvarez was the only one of the trio to feature in both Argentina games during the last international break. Fernandez sat out the first match due to a suspension and didn't make the squad for the second.

Romero, on the other hand, played the full 90 minutes of the first game but was left out of the squad for the second.

All three are keen to make their mark in the upcoming matches as they gear up to defend their World Cup title.

Their clubs' main concern will be ensuring they return fit and ready for the forthcoming fixtures. Romero missed last week's Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt due to injury before making his comeback against Leeds.

Spurs are back in action when they welcome Aston Villa on Sunday, 19 October (2pm kick-off). Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to face Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest on Saturday, 18 October (12.30pm kick-off).

Lionel Messi is set to lose two of his Inter Miami team-mates to retirement at the end of 2025 but a former Premier League defender could soon be joining the Argentina star

Sergio Reguilon is set to return to football after three months without a club by joining Inter Miami, it has been claimed. The Major League Soccer club are on the lookout for a new left-back after Reguilon's fellow Spain international Jordi Alba confirmed this season would be his last.

Regulon, 28, has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur when his contract expired in June. He spent five seasons with the North London club but only made 73 appearances during that period, spending time out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.

According to The Athletic, Inter Miami are "close" to a deal for Reguilon. However, the same publication notes that they are not expected to be able to play him in competitive matches until next season due to MLS' September roster freeze.

The Floridian side are preparing for a busy summer, with Sergio Busquets also set to retire. There are also question marks over the long-term future of two of their other ex-Barcelona players, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield last term but fell short in the post-season playoffs. Another former Barcelona star, Javier Mascherano, took over as head coach ahead of the 2025 season and has secured a return to the playoffs with time to spare.

If Reguilon links up with the club before the turn of the year, he will be able to watch Messi et all attempt to go all the way and win MLS Cup. The Argentina star is Inter Miami's top scorer this season with 32 goals in all competitions, with his 24 MLS goals putting him level with Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga.

World Cup winner Messi has recognised his career isn't far from its end, and cut an emotional figure after what could have been his last competitive international appearance in his home country. "I haven't made a decision about the [2026] World Cup," he said at the time. "I'll finish the season then I'll have pre-season, and there will be six months left. So we'll see how I feel."

Reguilon has played against Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba in the past, and was on the opposing side for a 2019 Clasico when Barca beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. He also started twice against the Catalan club during a spell with Sevilla and made two substitute appearances against them with Atleti during the 2023/24 season.

He made just six appearances for Spurs during his final season back in North London, four in the league and two in domestic cups. He was left out of Ange Postecoglou's European squad for last season's run to Europa League glory, but attended the final in Bilbao and was spotted speaking to former United colleague Alejandro Garnacho on the San Mames pitch.

Thomas Frank has made Tottenham hard to beat - and it's left them on the coat-tails of bitter rivals Arsenal as the season enters its second international break

Whisper it, but Tottenham supporters have a certain Ange Postecoglou to thank for their team being in the thick of an early title race.

That's because it was Big Ange who handed Spurs a place in the Champions League as his parting gift. Winning the Europa League booked Tottenham a seat at the top table of club football.

And allowed new manager Thomas Frank to sign some players of genuine class, in the shape of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha. It was the quality and adventure of Simons and Kudus which helped Tottenham secure an impressive win at Elland Road.

Kudus scored his first goal following his £55m move from West Ham, and is starting to live up to all the expectation.

But the triumph, which leaves Tottenham third in the table and just two points adrift of leaders - and bitter rivals Arsenal - owed more to character than creativity.

No-one has more expectation on their shoulders than Frank. He arrived at Tottenham with a reputation for being one of the brightest managers in the business.

Throw in the fact he succeeded someone who ended the club's long wait for silverware, and the pressure to take Tottenham to another level is enormous.

But just two months into the new season, and Frank appears to have rid his team of that soft underbelly. The one which saw them roll over and have their tummies tickled, with 22 league defeats last season.

The regular combination of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at centre back has given Tottenham some backbone again.

A spine Frank's men needed as Leeds pushed for an equaliser towards the end of an enjoyable clash at Elland Road. But Tottenham held firm, to take three points instead of one back down to London, having become the first team to win at Leeds for more than 12 months.

Tottenham have spent too long putting style before substance. Tottenham conceded just one goal in their opening five games this season, and have lost once in all competitions.

Frank has proved a great Dane so far. He appreciates how football should be played, and built an attractive side at Brentford.

But he also knows that while forwards win matches, defences win big titles. It's way too soon to believe Tottenham could do the unthinkable and go on and win the Premier League this season.

But watching them go head-to-head with Arsenal would sure be fun.

Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way in the Premier League title race but Chelsea, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are looking to keep touch with them

The Premier League title race took a new twist on Saturday evening as Chelsea inflicted a third straight defeat on Liverpool in as many matches at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a thunderbolt before Cody Gakpo pegged the hosts back in the second half.

However, it was the Blues who had the last laugh as Estevao scored from close range to spark jubilant scenes in west London. That result for Enzo Maresca's men ensured that Arsenal moved to the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side won 2-0 at home to West Ham United with Declan Rice and a Bukayo Saka penalty winning the contest at the Emirates Stadium. While it remains that Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City are all looking to capitalise on any slip-ups.

With this in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at who the title race contenders will be taking on when the Premier League returns in just less than a fortnight.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

Fulham (A) - October 18

Crystal Palace (H) - October 26

Burnley (A) - November 1

Sunderland (A) - November 8

Tottenham Hotspur (H) - November 23

Verdict: If you are to win the title, you need to be winning at least three but preferably four of these next five matches. Palace at home will be difficult particularly after their start to the season but at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be expecting success. Then, of course, at the end of that run of fixtures is the small matter of a north London Derby to contend with.

Liverpool's next five fixtures

Manchester United (H) - October 19

Brentford (A) - October 25

Aston Villa (H) - November 1

Manchester City (A) - November 9

Nottingham Forest (H) - November 22

Verdict: After three defeats on the trot, we are not sure that United are the perfect opponent straight after the international break. City away will also be tricky too but Liverpool will expect to right their title push in the other three fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur's next five fixtures

Aston Villa (H) - October 19

Everton (A) - October 26

Chelsea (H) - November 1

Manchester United (H) - November 8

Arsenal (A) - November 23

Verdict: This is perhaps the trickiest run of fixtures for any Premier League team in the next five. If Thomas Frank's side are still in third, or better, after the north London Derby, they will be serious contenders in this race but that is a big if at this stage.

Manchester City's next five fixtures

Everton (H) - October 18

Aston Villa (A) - October 26

AFC Bournemouth (H) - November 2

Liverpool (H) - November 9

Newcastle United (A) - November 22

Verdict: The final three fixtures of this run for Pep Guardiola's side will be a true test. That double header of Bournemouth and Liverpool before the international break is tough but City will be thankful they are the home side for both fixtures.

Chelsea's next five fixtures

Nottingham Forest (A) - October 18

Sunderland (H) - October 25

Tottenham Hotspur (A) - November 1

Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - November 8

Burnley (A) - November 22

Verdict: If Maresca is looking to build momentum after the Liverpool victory, this is the run of fixtures in which to do it. That clash with Spurs in the middle will be tough but there are three games there against teams just above the drop zone which are brilliant opportunities for Chelsea.

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LEEDS 1-2 TOTTENHAM: Thomas Frank's side moved into second place in the Premier League after goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus earned them all three points

Tottenham returned from the Arctic Circle to give Leeds United the cold shoulder at Elland Road. And in the process become the first side to beat Daniel Farke's men on home soil in more than than a year.

Two deflected goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus were enough to secure Spurs' first win in three games. Making amends for failing to beat Wolves, and then European minnows Bodo Glimt in the Champions League last week.

Noah Okafor had struck his second goal of the season to cancel out Tel's 23rd minute opener. But Kudus pounced before the hour mark with his first Spurs goal, to sink Leeds in wet conditions in Yorkshire and maintain his side's strong start to the new campaign.

Leeds had headed into this clash in confident mood and looking to protect their unbeaten home record. In fact, Leeds hadn't lost at Elland Road in over 12 months, a 23-game run stretching back to September 2024.

With two wins, two draws and two defeats, Leeds had made a decent start to life back in the top flight. And Farke's side made a bright start, to put the visitors under the cosh.

Anton Stach volleyed wide after Spurs failed to clear a corner, before Joe Rodon snuck in behind Destiny Udogie to meet a deep free kick and head against the post, with Guglielmo Vicario nowhere to be seen.

Spurs' first chance fell to Joao Palhinha on the edge of the box, but all he could do was blaze his effort high into the Kop, before Karl Darlow used his chest to keep out a strike from Udogie.

Thomas Frank's side might have lost just once in 10 games since he took charge, but Spurs were still struggling to create attacking threats. Which might have explained how own goals (four) remained the visitor's top scorer this season.

But having weathered the early storm, Spurs took the lead out of nowhere.

Sean Longstaff was outmuscled in midfield, and when Rodrigo Bentancur sent Tel free down the right, the Frenchman beat Darlow with an angled strike which deflected off Pascal Struijk.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have equalised within minutes following a mistake from Bentancur, but failed to hit the target when it seemed easier to score.

Kudus was guilty of a similar miss at the opposite end, to blow a great chance to double his side's advantage. And it proved costly when Leeds equalised before half time, with Okafor gifted a simple tap in after Vicario could only palm Brenden Aaronson's shot straight into his path.

Vicario denied Calvert-Lewin with his outstretched foot, before the Leeds striker just failed to meet a wicked cross when a touch would have put the hosts ahead.

And moments later Kudus restored the visitor's lead, blitzing past the hapless Gabriel Gudmundsson while cutting in from the right, before burying a low shot past Darlow which deflected off the unfortunate Struijk again.

Longstaff just failed to find substitute Jack Harrison with the vital pass, as Leeds battled to get something from the game. While Joel Piroe came close to salvaging a point for Leeds, but saw his shot superbly saved by Vicario at the death.

And as the heavens opened again, it was visiting fans left signing in the rain after seeing Spurs extend their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions.

Archie Gray has made a big impression at Tottenham since his £30million move from Leeds and Thomas Frank has made a bold comparison to two of the world's best midfielders

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has delivered a glowing assessment of former Leeds United academy product Archie Gray, drawing parallels with Arsenal's Declan Rice.

The Spurs midfielder, whose father Andy and great-uncle Eddie both represented Leeds, made his senior bow under Daniel Farke in 2023. He went on to feature 52 times for the Whites during the 2023/24 season before sealing a £30million switch to north London.

Gray is gradually establishing himself in Frank's squad and winning plaudits in the process, having clocked up 51 outings for Spurs so far. The Danish boss holds lofty ambitions for the 19-year-old, having previously expressed interest whilst managing Brentford.

"Let's put it this way, yes, we spoke with him, but he ended at Tottenham and maybe that was good because I still have the chance to work with him," Frank disclosed. "I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and I think these days midfielders need to be more complete.

"You need to be a little bit of a six, little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice. I think they can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie and they are big names to compare him too, but I see he has got the same potential.

He added: "When do we judge a player? I think it is probably fair two years down the line where we can really make a big assessment. I am also being judged from game to game so I know how it works, but I think to judge it as a success or failure, I don't think you can really do that before two years. That's not to say you cannot be judged for your performances and if you haven't done well, that's fair."

There's genuine buzz surrounding the teenager, who has impressed in recent outings for Spurs. This week, he set up the dramatic leveller against Bodo/Glimt in their 2-2 stalemate in the Champions League.

"He seems to understand that he needs to work hard," Frank continued.

"The foundation, if you want to achieve anything, you need to do that. I think his understanding of the game is good as well. So, those two bits and the discipline, I think are key areas if you want to achieve anything. Maybe that is from the blood of the family."

His sibling, Harry, could soon step up from the academy ranks to the senior squad at Elland Road. The 16-year-old was included on the substitutes' bench for the 3-1 triumph over Wolves last month.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp landed himself in hot water with The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar in the wake of Daniel Levy's departure from the club

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp apologised to Lord Alan Sugar live on Sky Sports during Bournemouth's 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday night. In the wake of Daniel Levy leaving Spurs last month, Redknapp claimed that Lord Sugar had left the club 'in a complete mess'.

Redknapp insisted that Levy deserved credit for leaving the club in a 'really good way'. Unsurprisingly, Lord Sugar took exception to these comments and spectacularly threatened to sue the former footballer.

"He talks a load of rubbish," The Apprentice star tweeted. "He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess.

"He and SKY will be hearing from my lawyers Monday." On his first appearance back on the broadcaster since his comments, Redknapp decided to 'set the record straight'.

"I mentioned that Lord Sugar had the left the club in a mess," Redknapp said during the Friday Night Football coverage. "I just want to make clear that he stabilised the club and invested heavily during his time as chairman.

"When he took over in 1991, Spurs were close to bankruptcy and by the time he stepped away the financial position had been turned around. He also put significant money into the team and facilities.

"I apologise to Lord Sugar and his family for any misunderstanding and for any distress caused, and am happy to set the record straight."