ESPN

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank expects to be given time to turn his side's problems around after insisting there is "no quick fix" following a 3-0 Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest.

A mistake playing out from the back was proved costly by Callum Hudson-Odoi, who then scored with an overhit cross as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was caught out of position.

The forlorn Italy international could not do anything to keep out Ibrahim Sangaré's wonder goal as Spurs put in a wretched performance and endured a desperate afternoon in the East Midlands.

The clouds had appeared to be lifting after a draw at Newcastle and wins over Brentford and Slavia Prague -- but this was as bad as it has been under Frank, who insisted things would not turn around overnight.

Asked if he would be given time to implement his idea, the Dane said: "I can't see why not. I think it's pretty evident that if no one gets the time, no one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix."

He added that, while he may appear cool, he is hiding a "hurricane" inside him.

"I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it's deeply frustrating that we are not doing better today after three good performances," he said.

"I think it is extremely important to be calm and measured and of course, have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they're not in doubt of what I think.

"I'm very honest about where we are as well. I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance, no two ways about that.

"But I also know that to change this will take some time. No one will want to hear about that. It's just reality.

"I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances and that's the thing. We are working very hard."

Frank did absolve goalkeeper Vicario of any blame for the opening goal -- even though his pass to Archie Gray put the Spurs midfielder under pressure.

"I think you see that every week in the Premier League and from every team all over the world," Frank added. "So, there's no problem with that.

"It is a classic thing you see week in, week out. A ball playing to one of the two sitters, bounce it up first touch, not take a touch.

"You learn from that, I'm pretty sure he will use one touch next time."

While Spurs put in a shocking performance, this was probably the best for Forest under new boss Sean Dyche, whose side moved five points clear of the drop zone.

"Overall, it was probably our best [performance] because of the balance of play," Dyche explained.

"When we had to defend, we did. When we could play, we did. When we had to clear our lines and do the basics, we did."

Dyche is usually pragmatic when his side scores, but even he allowed himself to celebrate Sangaré's stunner, not that he admitted it.

"I'll have to look at that back," he joked. "I'll have to get the VAR to have a check on that. I'm disappointed in myself if I have got involved in that nonsense."

Tottenham had also succeeded in frustrating United defensively. By half-time, United had already attempted 15 shots -- slightly above their 90-minute Women's Super League (WSL) season average of 14.5 -- as they struggled to convert their pressure into goals.

But complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the second half after Fridolina Rolfö was introduced. The 32-year-old's impact was immediate and decisive and, after Ella Toone pulled one back in the 74th minute, Rolfö almost single-handedly dragged United back into the contest, scoring twice to complete the comeback and save a 3-3 draw -- with her equalizer coming right at the death.

Ultimately, it was a game of two halves. Spurs demonstrated some devastating efficiency early on but sat back too early and struggled to hold off a ruthless United, who were determined to fight back. The hosts may have shown resilience, intensity, and belief to salvage a point from a seemingly lost position, but they also showed just how vulnerable they can be.

After a great start to life in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL), United suffered a bruising 3-0 loss to OL Lyonnes midweek and failed to get a shot on target against the eight-time champions. Their once-unflappable defense looked shaky as they lost control, and vulnerabilities in attack began to seep into their defending.

So where do these two results leave them? Well, nine points behind WSL leaders Manchester City (in fourth place) and heading into the final UWCL matchday on Wednesday with a playoff spot assured, something many have long suspected is clear: Given the composition of the squad, United are not yet equipped to compete simultaneously for both the WSL and the UWCL.

However, the resilience that has often been absent in recent seasons, particularly when compared to the ingrained winning mentality of a side like Chelsea, is beginning to surface.

Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea have shown in recent years just how demanding it is to sustain challenges on both fronts. City, despite holding a six-point lead over Chelsea in the WSL this season, missed out on European qualification and were unable to maintain momentum in either competition last year, primarily due to injuries. Arsenal, meanwhile, effectively sacrificed their domestic title ambitions after damaging defeats to Aston Villa (5-2) and Brighton (4-2), but that compromise ultimately delivered their first continental title in 18 years.

Chelsea provide perhaps the clearest example of the trade-off required. They have maintained domestic supremacy, winning the WSL in each of the past three seasons, but at a significant cost in Europe. Last season's 8-2 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the semifinals marked the third consecutive year they exited at that stage.

This season is the first time United have had to balance the demands of two of the toughest competitions in the world, and their performances across the past week reflect that learning curve. Ahead of a decisive Champions League fixture against Juventus on Wednesday, there are positives to take from the draw with Spurs: the timing and impact of the substitutions, and the grit shown to recover from a difficult position.

What cannot be overlooked, however, is how vulnerable United appeared at times. A lack of a clinical edge in attack has left increased pressure on a defense that, last season, was among the strongest in the league. As a result, United looked exposed, and well-organized opponents willing to take their chances will view this performance as a blueprint for how to frustrate and ultimately defeat them.

Yes, injuries and absences have compounded these issues; Celin Bizet is unavailable due to pregnancy, Hannah Blundell has only recently returned from maternity leave, and Millie Turner has been sidelined since her injury against London City Lionesses. That has left United with just two available central defenders and limited tactical flexibility.

But while a lack of depth may be a reasonable explanation against a side like OL Lyonnes, who boast one of the deepest and most talent-rich squads in Europe, it holds less weight against Spurs. Barring two new additions, Spurs fielded largely the same squad that United dispatched comfortably twice last season. The visitors also named just one attacking substitute on a thin bench, making United's squad depth appear considerable by comparison.

So, a busy January transfer window feels essential if United are to keep pace in the title race and give themselves a realistic chance of progressing through to the UWCL knockouts. To even attempt to fight on both fronts, significant investment will be required. This could arguably be United's most crucial spending window.

Nottm Forest vs. Spurs (14 Dec, 2025) Live Score  ESPN

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation at Tottenham Hotspur while Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot could leave for a move to Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's grades | Women's grades

TOP STORIES

- Arteta tells critics to back off struggling Gyökeres

- Frank: Tottenham will make signings in January

- David Silva: 'I was the first' to receive Inter Miami offer

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation, with Tottenham Hotspur working to renew the right back's contract beyond its 2028 expiry, says TEAMtalk. City are looking for a new right back and also have Newcastle United's Tino Livramento high on their list of options, though Porro was on their books from 2019-2022 and didn't make a first team appearance. Spurs are willing to give the 26-year-old a significant pay rise as they aim to see off interest from other clubs.

- Real Madrid are interested in a deal for Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, 26, according to TEAMtalk. United's director of football Jason Wilcox is considering letting the Portugal international leave as he has a contract that runs until 2028, which includes the option for another year. Madrid signed Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, but Dani Carvajal's age (33) and Dalot's versatility are factors in them looking to improve their options. Though Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested.

- Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is close to reaching an agreement with AC Milan, as Barcelona have doubts over signing him, says Sport. It is increasingly likely that 39-year-old Robert Lewandowski will leave the Blaugrana in the summer when his contract ends, and Vlahovic, 25, is also expected to become a free agent in the summer. However, his wage demands of €12 million-a-season are an obstacle, while his six goals in 17 appearances have not been enough for Barca to maintain an interest.

- With Juventus keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Davide Frattesi, Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Khephren Thuram could move the other way to join up with his brother Marcus Thuram. The two deals won't necessarily be linked and the Nerazzurri have previously dismissed an approach to sign Frattesi from Juve, while they are interested in Roma's Manu Koné and Atalanta's Éderson as possible replacements.

- Footmercato have offered an update on the situation of Bayern Munich center back Dayot Upamecano. Bayern are still negotiating to extend the 27-year-old's contract past this summer but their latest offer doesn't meet his expectations. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both informed the France international that they are able to meet his wage demands if he becomes a free agent in the summer, with Los Blancos even having a verbal agreement on the basics of a contract.

EXPERT TAKE

Nicol: Salah didn't look like he was saying goodbye to Liverpool fans

Steve Nicol speaks about Mohamed Salah clapping the Liverpool fans after their win over Brighton.

OTHER RUMORS

- Liverpool's shortlist of potential replacements for Ibrahima Konate is made up of Stade Rennais' Jeremy Jacquet, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is among Internazionale's main options to replace Yann Sommer at the end of the season, although the Nerazzurri are looking to keep the move in the €20 million range. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- West Ham have added Norwich City and USMNT striker Josh Sargent to their list of options for the position as they aim to strengthen in January. (Sun)

- Fiorentina's Albert Gudmundsson is among Roma's options if they can't sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, while Paulo Dybala is likely to leave the club in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Newcastle United will face competition from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider)

- Manchester City could look to offload Savinho, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb in January to fund incomings. (Football Insider)

- Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have a serious interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago, while clubs from Serie A and LaLiga are also keeping an eye on the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside)

- Two unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring Internazionale right back Denzel Dumfries, who has a €25 million release clause that is valid in July. (Nicolo Schira)

- Villarreal are in talks with Angers about signing 18-year-old striker Sidiki Cherif, but they are only willing to offer a fee of up to €20 million while the Ligue 1 club want €5 million more. (L'Equipe)

Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation at Tottenham Hotspur while Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot could leave for a move to Real Madrid. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Transfers home page | Men's grades | Women's grades

TOP STORIES

- Arteta tells critics to back off struggling Gyökeres

- Frank: Tottenham will make signings in January

- David Silva: 'I was the first' to receive Inter Miami offer

TRENDING RUMORS

- Manchester City are keeping tabs on Pedro Porro's situation, with Tottenham Hotspur working to renew the right back's contract beyond its 2028 expiry, says TEAMtalk. City are looking for a new right back and also have Newcastle United's Tino Livramento high on their list of options, though Porro was on their books from 2019-2022 and didn't make a first team appearance. Spurs are willing to give the 26-year-old a significant pay rise as they aim to see off interest from other clubs.

- Real Madrid are interested in a deal for Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, 26, according to TEAMtalk. United's director of football Jason Wilcox is considering letting the Portugal international leave as he has a contract that runs until 2028, which includes the option for another year. Madrid signed Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer, but Dani Carvajal's age (33) and Dalot's versatility are factors in them looking to improve their options. Though Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also interested.

- Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is close to reaching an agreement with AC Milan, as Barcelona have doubts over signing him, says Sport. It is increasingly likely that 39-year-old Robert Lewandowski will leave the Blaugrana in the summer when his contract ends, and Vlahovic, 25, is also expected to become a free agent in the summer. However, his wage demands of €12 million-a-season are an obstacle, while his six goals in 17 appearances have not been enough for Barca to maintain an interest.

- With Juventus keen to sign Internazionale midfielder Davide Frattesi, Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Khephren Thuram could move the other way to join up with his brother Marcus Thuram. The two deals won't necessarily be linked and the Nerazzurri have previously dismissed an approach to sign Frattesi from Juve, while they are interested in Roma's Manu Koné and Atalanta's Éderson as possible replacements.

- Footmercato have offered an update on the situation of Bayern Munich center back Dayot Upamecano. Bayern are still negotiating to extend the 27-year-old's contract past this summer but their latest offer doesn't meet his expectations. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have both informed the France international that they are able to meet his wage demands if he becomes a free agent in the summer, with Los Blancos even having a verbal agreement on the basics of a contract.

EXPERT TAKE

Nicol: Salah didn't look like he was saying goodbye to Liverpool fans

Steve Nicol speaks about Mohamed Salah clapping the Liverpool fans after their win over Brighton.

OTHER RUMORS

- Liverpool's shortlist of potential replacements for Ibrahima Konate is made up of Stade Rennais' Jeremy Jacquet, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. (Caught Offside)

- Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is among Internazionale's main options to replace Yann Sommer at the end of the season, although the Nerazzurri are looking to keep the move in the €20 million range. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- West Ham have added Norwich City and USMNT striker Josh Sargent to their list of options for the position as they aim to strengthen in January. (Sun)

- Fiorentina's Albert Gudmundsson is among Roma's options if they can't sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, while Paulo Dybala is likely to leave the club in the summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

- Newcastle United will face competition from Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. (Football Insider)

- Manchester City could look to offload Savinho, Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb in January to fund incomings. (Football Insider)

- Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have a serious interest in Brentford striker Igor Thiago, while clubs from Serie A and LaLiga are also keeping an eye on the 24-year-old. (Caught Offside)

- Two unnamed Premier League clubs are monitoring Internazionale right back Denzel Dumfries, who has a €25 million release clause that is valid in July. (Nicolo Schira)

- Villarreal are in talks with Angers about signing 18-year-old striker Sidiki Cherif, but they are only willing to offer a fee of up to €20 million while the Ligue 1 club want €5 million more. (L'Equipe)

The Colorado Rapids are poised to name Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Matt Wells to be the team's next manager, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN.

Wells, 37, replaces Chris Armas, whose contract expired at the end of the 2025 season, and was unable to reach an agreement with the MLS club on a new deal.

The London-born Wells is expected to arrive in Colorado next week following Sunday's game against Nottingham Forest.

Sources tell ESPN that Wells will be bringing several assistant coaches with him, but that current Rapids assistant and goalkeeper coach Chris Sharpe will remain on the staff.

The Athletic was the first to report the news.

Wells served a long apprenticeship in England and elsewhere, having been an assistant coach for Spurs' under-18 team as well as the club's development squad in 2018 before joining Scott Parker's staff at a series of stops, including Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge.

He rejoined Spurs in April of 2023 as an assistant, and joined the staff of Ange Postecoglou the following summer. He remained on the Tottenham staff upon the hiring of Thomas Frank in June of 2025.

As a player, Wells joined Tottenham's youth academy at the age of nine, but injuries scuttled his playing career, and he then pivoted to coaching, earning his UEFA B license at the age of 20.

Wells inherits a side that has long struggled to be a consistent force in MLS, making the postseason in just four of the last 12 seasons, with just one playoff appearance in the last four campaigns.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has confirmed Destiny Udogie will be sidelined until the New Year with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old sustained the problem in last week's 2-2 draw at Newcastle and missed Saturday's 2-0 win over Brentford.

Speaking ahead of Spurs' Champions League home game against Slavia Prague, Frank confirmed Udogie would not feature again until next month.

"Destiny has unfortunately picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game so he's out until January unfortunately," he told a news conference, adding that Brennan Johnson is "touch and go" for Tuesday's match with an unspecified problem.

"There will be a bit of rotation [against Slavia Prague]. I think that's the right thing to do to make sure everyone is coming full for energy and freshness but also keeping a core."

Udogie's progress at Spurs has been stunted by repeated muscule injuries. He has missed 25 games with hamstring issues during his time at the club.

Frank also confirmed Yves Bissouma is subject to an internal disciplinary procedure following allegations he inhaled laughing gas for a second time.

Bissouma was dropped from the squad in August for repeated lateness and is yet to feature for Tottenham this season, having been sidelined with various injuries.

He is currently recovering from ankle surgery but a report in The Sun allegedly showed footage of Bissouma inhaling nitrous oxide in November.

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Nitrous oxide was made a Class C drug in 2023 as part of the UK government's anti-social behaviour action plan and possession of it for recreational use is an offence.

"It is an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment," said Frank on Bissouma. "When we have dealt with that, then I will have a comment on that."

Spurs vs. Brentford (6 Dec, 2025) Live Score  ESPN

A wonderful individual display by Xavi Simons inspired Tottenham to a first Premier League home win since August with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Brentford.

Pressure had started to mount on Thomas Frank after a succession of tepid home displays and a run of three defeats in four matches, but for the visit of his old club he recalled Simons to great effect.

It took Simons only 25 minutes to set up Richarlison's opener before the £52 million playmaker got off the mark in his 19th appearance with a fine solo goal in the 43rd minute to clinch Spurs only a fourth home win in the league in 2025.

Frank embraced Brentford boss Keith Andrews before kick-off and multiple members of the visitors' backroom staff, but it was quickly down to business, with Simons given his first start since November 8.

Simons' recent exclusion had puzzled fans and he was in the thick of the action in the early exchanges as Tottenham attempted to start strongly after a shambolic opening against Fulham.

Micky van de Ven sent a header over after seven minutes before Richarlison had an effort blocked by Nathan Collins soon after and a wayward strike by Simons further signalled Spurs' improved intent at home.

Brentford had offered little by the midway point of the half, but the in-form Igor Thiago provided a warning sign when his snapshot forced Guglielmo Vicario into a decent save.

Tottenham's encouraging start had still not produced a shot on target but that changed in the 25th minute.

Pedro Porro played his part with a wonderful ball over the top after a positive run by Simons, who had the presence of mind to pick out Richarlison at the back post to slam home.

It was Spurs' first shot on target in the first half of a Premier League game in five weeks, and just reward.

Simons demonstrated his renewed belief with an ambitious volley off target soon after before Caoimhín Kelleher denied Randal Kolo Muani from close range from a Porro corner.

Tottenham were not content to sit on a one-goal lead and the second arrived after 43 minutes after a moment of magic by Simons.

The Netherlands attacker initially lost possession to Mikkel Damsgaard, but won it back instantly from Sepp van den Berg and carried from the halfway line to leave Yehor Yarmoliuk trailing behind before he drilled into the bottom corner to open his account for Spurs.

It was a wonderful solo effort and Simons marked it with his trademark phone call celebration on top of an advertising hoarding.

Spurs should have made it 3-0 early in the second half but Kelleher saved from Djed Spence after he burst clear in the area.

Mohammed Kudus let fly next and Simons could only fire straight at Brentford's goalkeeper after a poor clearance.

However, Tottenham's skilful winger Kudus got a telling-off with 19 minutes left when his showboating gifted the visitors a throw and Romero slide in to deny Thiago before the home captain lambasted his team-mate, but it mattered little as Frank's men finally won again at home.

Thomas Frank has insisted Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Xavi Simons has been "fantastic" in training, but offered no guarantee he will start Saturday's visit of Brentford.

Simons, 22, has endured a difficult start to life at Spurs since he completed a £52 million ($69m) move from RB Leipzig in August.

Netherlands international Xavi has only two assists in 18 appearances, but appeared to be adapting to the demands of Premier League football before the November international break with a string of improved displays before being dropped to the bench for four games in a row by Frank.

Asked if Simons was not doing enough in training, Frank said: "Xavi has trained fantastic the last five or six times we really could train. Very good attitude on the training pitch. I like that a lot.

"We played different games, with different line-ups. I think that Xavi was [working] towards something better and better and as long as he's the same like Mathys Tel, train well, good attitude, then we're getting closer and closer.

"And I think it's also fair to say that he's coming on in all four games we've played."

Even though Simons has been used off the bench in the run of three defeats in four, Frank's decision to name him as a substitute for the visit of Fulham last Saturday raised eyebrows, especially when Tottenham are struggling for creativity.

Spurs went on to lose 2-1 at home to Fulham and are winless in the nine matches that Xavi has not started since he signed towards the end of the summer transfer window.

When Simons is included in the starting line-up, Tottenham boast a record of six victories in nine but Frank insisted his desire to play with two forwards in Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani was the main reason behind the Dutch attacker being benched last weekend.

"It's just different scenarios. We played with two strikers against PSG. Both of them scored," Frank said.

"I think it's fair to say that and I would not say that we struggled to score because we scored 23 goals. I think that's quite a fairly high amount.

"So, that's quite good, but also we played with the two just a little bit different role against Man United, so it's just different personnel and who's been a little bit in form and stuff like that."

Frank will face his old club Brentford for the first time on Saturday and despite pleasantries pre-match, it is a crucial fixture for the 52-year-old.

- Luka Modric: I wanted to leave Tottenham and join Chelsea

- Frank hails Romero's last-minute 'perfect bicycle' in Tottenham draw

Spurs' battling point at Newcastle on Tuesday provided a much-needed jolt of positivity, but Tottenham have won only three of their last 14 games in all competitions.

It was Frank who brought Keith Andrews to Brentford and the former set-piece coach will aim to increase the pressure on his old boss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"First and foremost, I think it's big credit to Brentford to be brave enough to promote within," Frank pointed out.

"What I saw in Keith, very good man, good values, good coach, had leadership potential, so yeah very impressive."