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'The decision was good!' - Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes praises Harry Kane for leaving Tottenham to join Bayern Munich in search of trophies as Ballon d'Or charge heats up

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'The decision was good!' - Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes praises Harry Kane for leaving Tottenham to join Bayern Munich in search of trophies as Ballon d'Or charge heats up - Goal.com
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Kane ended up scoring 280 goals for Spurs, surpassing Jimmy Greaves as the most prolific scorer in their history. Despite his reputation as one of the best players in the world, the England captain was unable to help the north Londoners end their trophy drought. With only one year remaining on his contract, he left Tottenham for Bayern in 2023, though it wasn't until 2025 that he got his hands on silverware, firing the Bavarians back to the Bundesliga title. With Bayern on the cusp of retaining the German championship and among the favourites in the Champions League, there is talk that Kane could even become the next winner of the Ballon d'Or.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Fernandes claimed that while trophies shouldn't be the measure of a player's quality, he admired Kane for stepping out of his comfort zone.

"We've seen many Ballon d'Or winners who haven't won the Champions League. They still won because they were the best," Fernandes said.

"Obviously, it's easier for me to say because I haven't won many trophies. And trophies are important. But at the same time, you don't play by yourself. It's not tennis.

"If he had stayed [at Tottenham] another one or two seasons, he'd have been the best goalscorer ever in the Premier League. So, would he have been a legend or not? He would.

"He decided to go to Bayern and the decision is good because he knows he has a big chance of winning trophies. And now we're talking about Harry Kane that is scoring the same amount of goals he was scoring at Tottenham, but he might win a Ballon d'Or now because he’s going to win trophies."

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Tottenham plunged into Premier League relegation zone as West Ham thrash Wolves

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West Ham moved out of the bottom three in emphatic style, securing a 4-0 demolition of Wolves at the London Stadium. Braces from Konstantinos Mavropanos and Taty Castellanos ensured a vital three points for the Hammers, taking them up to 17th place and two points clear of the drop zone.

While the mood in east London was one of relief, the result had dire consequences for Tottenham in the north of the capital. Spurs have now been pushed down into 18th position, marking the first time in 17 years that the club has found itself in the Premier League relegation places. The last time they sat this low was in January 2009 under Harry Redknapp, following a defeat to Wigan Athletic.

The timing could not be more critical for incoming manager Roberto De Zerbi, who is set to take charge of his first game against Sunderland on Sunday.

He becomes the third man to occupy the Spurs dugout this season, following the unsuccessful spells of Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor. De Zerbi’s sole mandate is to arrest a slide that has seen the club fail to win any of their last 13 league matches.

The statistical breakdown of Tottenham's season makes for grim reading for the Lilywhite faithful. Of those 13 winless games, eight have ended in defeat, and the club has not tasted victory at home since early December.

For West Ham, the victory over Wolves represents a significant step toward securing a 15th consecutive season in the Premier League. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Graham Potter earlier in the campaign, has managed to steer the ship through choppy waters in 2026, picking up crucial points against the likes of Manchester City and Spurs themselves.

The Hammers now face a testing run-in that includes three London derbies and a daunting clash against league leaders Arsenal. However, with their fate now back in their own hands, the momentum shifted significantly on Friday night. The four-goal cushion not only provided three points but also a timely boost to their goal difference as the season nears its conclusion.

While West Ham look upward, Tottenham must navigate a fixture list that offers little room for error. After the trip to Sunderland, De Zerbi’s men faces Brighton and Wolves before a daunting final month. Their May schedule includes high-stakes encounters against Aston Villa, Chelsea, and a potentially season-defining final day clash against Everton.

The prospect of Championship football is becoming an uncomfortable reality for a club of Tottenham's stature. With only seven games remaining in the 2025-26 campaign, the pressure on the new management and the playing staff has reached a boiling point.

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James Maddison responds to questions over his physique after Tottenham gym clip goes viral amid journey back from ACL injury

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James Maddison responds to questions over his physique after Tottenham gym clip goes viral amid journey back from ACL injury - Goal.com
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Maddison, who has been sidelined for 247 days, was seen in the clips performing strength exercises aimed at rebuilding the power in his legs following a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Sharp-eyed supporters quickly pointed out what appeared to be a significant discrepancy in muscle mass between his legs. Some fans suggested that his right leg looked noticeably thinner than his left, leading to fears that his recovery might be stalling as Spurs battle against a shock relegation threat in the Premier League.

Not one to let speculation linger, Maddison responded by sharing a front-on view of his legs to prove that his muscle development is symmetrical, placing the blame for the confusion squarely on the shoulders of the club's media department.

He captioned the post with a playful dig at the person behind the lens, stating: "Admin needs to work on the angles of videoing... @spursofficial."

Before his recent departure, former Spurs interim manager Igor Tudor provided a glass-half-full assessment of Maddison's condition. The Croatian coach had witnessed Maddison’s transition from the treatment room back onto the grass at Hotspur Way, noting that the player was beginning to rediscover his touch.

Speaking to football.london last month, Tudor said: "Maddison is already doing interesting things as well with the ball. Sprinting as well. I saw him. He is positive. He is positive."

The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi as the new permanent manager has brought a fresh wave of optimism to Spurs, and Maddison appears eager to work under the Italian. The midfielder was notably quick to react to the technician's appointment, "liking" the official announcement video on social media within minutes of it going live.

While De Zerbi has yet to confirm whether Maddison will feature in the final games of the current campaign, his presence would be a massive boost for a side sitting just one point above the drop zone. Tottenham will play their first game under the new coach away at Sunderland this weekend.

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Tottenham target Man City goalkeeper James Trafford to replace Guglielmo Vicario as Inter prepare summer swoop

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Tottenham target Man City goalkeeper James Trafford to replace Guglielmo Vicario as Inter prepare summer swoop - Goal.com
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Vicario's time in north London appears to be coming to an end after just two seasons. Reports suggest that the 27-year-old has already reached an agreement to facilitate his departure during the upcoming transfer window. Italian giants Inter are leading the race to bring the Azzurri star back to Serie A, as Spurs brace for a significant squad overhaul.

The goalkeeper is currently sidelined following hernia surgery and remains a major doubt for new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge against Sunderland this weekend.

With Tottenham mired in a shocking relegation battle, Vicario is thought to be seeking a project that offers stability and the guaranteed prospect of Champions League football, something Spurs look unlikely to provide in the near future.

According toThe Sun, Tottenham are monitoring Trafford at Manchester City, To fill the impending void between the sticks.

The 22-year-old England international returned to the Etihad Stadium in a £27 million move last summer following Burnley's relegation, but he has struggled for regular game time behind summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

While he started in City's recent 4-0 FA Cup win over Liverpool, Trafford has not featured in the Premier League since the Italian's arrival.

Spurs face stiff competition for the youngster's signature, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa also keeping tabs on his situation. Newcastle were close to signing Trafford last year and are still considered to be in a strong position if City decide to cash in.

However, the lure of becoming the undisputed No.1 in the English capital could tempt Trafford to join De Zerbi's revolution.

The appointment of De Zerbi has brought immediate questions regarding the club's long-term tactical direction, particularly in goal. The Italian manager worked with Bart Verbruggen at Brighton, and the Dutchman is another name reportedly high on the club's shortlist. If Vicario is unable to feature against Sunderland, De Zerbi may have to turn to Antonin Kinsky, who is desperate for redemption after being substituted just 17 minutes into a recent Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid.

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Roberto De Zerbi may not be 'right man' for Spurs with Teddy Sheringham fears 'Latin temperament' could prove his downfall in relegation scrap

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Roberto De Zerbi may not be 'right man' for Spurs with Teddy Sheringham fears 'Latin temperament' could prove his downfall in relegation scrap - Goal.com
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The Italian boss was recently appointed as Igor Tudor's replacement, tasked with pulling the north London side away from the Premier League relegation in the final weeks of the season.

Tottenham’s decision to turn to De Zerbi has divided opinion, with club legend Sheringham questioning if the Italian's abrasive nature is what the club needs right now.

Speaking to BestBettingSites, the former England international highlighted the manager's explosive personality as a potential hurdle in the locker room.

"I like him, first of all. I like him as a manager, if I’m perfectly honest," Sheringham stated. "I don’t know whether he’s the right fit for Tottenham. He’s very outspoken, very Latin temperament, quite narky at times. Says how he feels, says what he demands from people. I don’t know whether that’s the right sort of person in charge in the long run, but I’m excited by what he gives you."

Despite his concerns over De Zerbi’s personality, Sheringham remains a fan of the tactical innovation that saw the coach earn plaudits during his time at Brighton. He recalls specifically how the Italian dismantled top-tier opposition with a fearless approach that could breathe life back into a struggling Spurs squad if the players buy into his philosophy quickly enough.

"Pep Guardiola spoke very highly of him a couple of years ago," Sheringham added. "I remember him going to Arsenal with Brighton and taking them on - playing one against one all over the park and pressing everybody in midfield. It was like, wow, I like that. And it worked on the day. So he’s obviously a coach who knows what he wants and knows how to get it. I’m game to go along for the ride with him."

The turmoil at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium follows a period of perceived stability under Ange Postecoglou, whose sacking in the wake of their Europa League success last summer continues to baffle Sheringham. The former striker believes the Australian was unfairly treated after delivering silverware, suggesting that the subsequent appointments of Frank and Tudor failed to provide the clear leadership the squad required to perform.

"Under Ange, it did - and I still feel aggrieved for him. He came to the club, said he was going to win something, and he won something. Then at the end of the season he’s out of a job," Sheringham explained. "He must have been sitting there thinking, what the hell happened? I told them I’d win something in two years, I won something for the first time in God knows how long, and I’ve got the sack. I didn’t care whether he finished 9th or 17th. When you win something, that’s what matters."

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Scholes urges Manchester United to offload Mazraoui

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Scholes urges Manchester United to offload Mazraoui - Goal.com
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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has sparked widespread controversy with his recent comments, in which he painted a picture of an impending ‘footballing bloodbath’ at Old Trafford, naming Moroccan international Nasser Mazraoui among the players he believes must be offloaded during the upcoming summer transfer window.

These comments come at a time when the “Red Devils” are enjoying a remarkable resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has guided the team to third place in the Premier League, with a return to the Champions League looking increasingly likely.

Mezraoui in the firing line

During his appearance on the podcast “The Good, The Bad & The Football”, Scholes was unusually candid about the current squad, and his opinion on Nasser Mazraoui was categorical.

Read also: Italy and the UAE await... New Iranian statements on World Cup participation

Despite the tactical flexibility the Moroccan player has shown since his arrival, Scholes felt that this lack of positional clarity does not serve the club’s grand ambitions.

Justifying his stance on selling Mazraoui, Scholes said: “I don’t know exactly where his position is; he has been used as a right-sided centre-back at times. I don’t think he fits the team’s current system, and perhaps it is time for him to leave to make way for more specialised options.”

Observers believe that Scholes’ vision reflects his desire to build a defence characterised by physical strength and uncompromising pace, which has also led him to call for the departure of other players such as Harry Maguire (who has renewed his contract), Lennie Yoro and Patrick Dorgu.

Eight names on the chopping block

Scholes’ criticism did not stop at Mazraoui, but extended to a long list of players whom he believes are not up to the standard required to compete for the Premier League or Champions League titles.

Read also: Unbelievable details... Documents reveal what went on behind the scenes in the Morocco-Senegal final

The proposed list of “departures” included:

Defence: Nasser Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lennie Yoro, Patrick Dourgo, and Luke Shaw (due to his recurring injuries).

Midfield and attack: Casemiro (who has confirmed his departure), Mason Mount, Manuel Ogarti, and Joshua Zirkzee.

Stability in goal

In contrast, Cal Scholes heaped praise on young goalkeeper Sene Lamin, describing him as the real turning point in the team’s consistency following a spell of inconsistency under André Onana.

He also emphasised the need to retain Matthijs de Ligt as a key pillar of the defence, considering him the better option for the future compared to Maguire.

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Michael Carrick welcomes Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu back into Man Utd squad

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Michael Carrick welcomes Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu back into Man Utd squad - Goal.com
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United have announced which players have travelled to Ireland for a warm-weather training camp this week. The club have not played a competitive fixture since their 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium on March 20. The headline news involves the return of Martinez, who has been sidelined for five matches due to a calf injury. Carrick will be hoping that the Argentina international can prove his fitness in Dublin before Leeds visit Old Trafford on April 13. Given the defender's importance, his presence is a major step towards his competitive return.

The timing of this return is vital as United have several availability issues. Carrick will be without Harry Maguire against Leeds after the England international received a red card against Bournemouth. Furthermore, Matthijs de Ligt remains absent, struggling with a back injury that has kept him out since November.

Additionally, Diogo Dalot and Tom Heaton have remained in Manchester as they recover from illness. Consequently, the return of Martinez provides a necessary reinforcement for the squad as they prepare for the final seven games of the domestic season to ensure they finish strongly.

There is also positive movement regarding the fitness of full-back and winger Dorgu, who has missed eight matches with a hamstring injury. The Denmark international is back training on the grass and has travelled to continue his recovery. Additionally, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have been included in the 25-man squad. Both players missed recent international duty with Slovenia and Cameroon respectively, but their inclusion suggests they are ready to contribute. Having these attacking options available will be essential as the manager looks to fine-tune his tactics ahead of the crucial run-in.

Sitting third in the table, United have seven games remaining to secure a Champions League spot. Their final push begins against 15th-placed Leeds, followed by a demanding trip to face Chelsea on April 18. The run-in includes crucial home clashes against Brentford on April 27 and a massive showdown with fifth-placed Liverpool on May 3. Carrick's men will then navigate fixtures against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, before concluding their campaign away at Brighton on May 24.

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after England goalkeeper's howler in FA Cup quarter-final

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after England goalkeeper's howler in FA Cup quarter-final | Goal.com English Oman - Goal.com
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Having suffered their own disappointment in midweek, crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Chelsea started this game well and were able to break down a well-organised Tottenham defence just before half-time, when Kerr headed home Keira Walsh's cross. It was a goal the Blues deserved, having produced a lot of positive play without creating too many clear-cut chances, but it wouldn't dampen Spurs' spirits.

The visitors had a few bright moments in the first half, thwarted by good defending by Niamh Charles on two occasions in particular, and they'd get their equaliser just seven minutes after the break, as Summanen's free-kick caught Hampton out completely. It looked set up for a cross from a wide angle, but the Finland international instead sent the ball flying over the England goalkeeper to net a goal that would open the game up completely.

From there, both sides had chances aplenty. The biggest ones came for Chelsea, when Kerr should've scored when gifted possession in the Spurs box and Ellie Carpenter missed a free header from a couple of yards out, but Tottenham had openings too, with Amanda Nilden forcing an uncertain save out of Hampton before Julie Blakstad sent a free header well wide.

Extra-time looked to be well on the cards, that was until Buurman stepped up to be the unlikely match-winner. The 19-year-old has been outstanding in the Chelsea defence since getting more opportunities after the turn of the year and she grabbed some deserved headlines when she strode forward in the final minutes, rolled the ball past a defender and then fired the ball into the top corner, to give the Blues the lead again with just four minutes to go.

It sent her side into the semi-finals of this competition yet again, as they look to follow up March's League Cup triumph with a fifth FA Cup in six seasons.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow...

Hannah Hampton (5/10):

Made a couple of decent stops but generally looked uncertain and made a big error for Spurs' goal.

Ellie Carpenter (6/10):

Had a good game up and down the right but did miss a massive chance to give Chelsea the lead when she put a header wide from a couple of yards out.

Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

Stood up tall in her duels and was solid in possession.

Naomi Girma (7/10):

Misplaced just one of her 72 attempted passes in a strong outing.

Niamh Charles (7/10):

Played really well in her first start since December. Made a crucial block to deny England in the first half, thwarted her again not long after and was involved in lots of good build-up play, including for the opening goal.

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after England goalkeeper's howler in FA Cup quarter-final

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after goalkeeper howler in FA Cup quarter-final | Goal.com UK - Goal.com
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Having suffered their own disappointment in midweek, crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Chelsea started this game well and were able to break down a well-organised Tottenham defence just before half-time, when Kerr headed home Keira Walsh's cross. It was a goal the Blues deserved, having produced a lot of positive play without creating too many clear-cut chances, but it wouldn't dampen Spurs' spirits.

The visitors had a few bright moments in the first half, thwarted by good defending by Niamh Charles on two occasions in particular, and they'd get their equaliser just seven minutes after the break, as Summanen's free-kick caught Hampton out completely. It looked set up for a cross from a wide angle, but the Finland international instead sent the ball flying over the England goalkeeper to net a goal that would open the game up completely.

From there, both sides had chances aplenty. The biggest ones came for Chelsea, when Kerr should've scored when gifted possession in the Spurs box and Ellie Carpenter missed a free header from a couple of yards out, but Tottenham had openings too, with Amanda Nilden forcing an uncertain save out of Hampton before Julie Blakstad sent a free header well wide.

Extra-time looked to be well on the cards, that was until Buurman stepped up to be the unlikely match-winner. The 19-year-old has been outstanding in the Chelsea defence since getting more opportunities after the turn of the year and she grabbed some deserved headlines when she strode forward in the final minutes, rolled the ball past a defender and then fired the ball into the top corner, to give the Blues the lead again with just four minutes to go.

It sent her side into the semi-finals of this competition yet again, as they look to follow up March's League Cup triumph with a fifth FA Cup in six seasons.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow...

Hannah Hampton (5/10):

Made a couple of decent stops but generally looked uncertain and made a big error for Spurs' goal.

Ellie Carpenter (6/10):

Had a good game up and down the right but did miss a massive chance to give Chelsea the lead when she put a header wide from a couple of yards out.

Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

Stood up tall in her duels and was solid in possession.

Naomi Girma (7/10):

Misplaced just one of her 72 attempted passes in a strong outing.

Niamh Charles (7/10):

Played really well in her first start since December. Made a crucial block to deny England in the first half, thwarted her again not long after and was involved in lots of good build-up play, including for the opening goal.

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after England goalkeeper's howler in FA Cup quarter-final

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Chelsea women's player ratings vs Tottenham: Veerle Buurman's bolt from the blue spares Hannah Hampton's blushes after England goalkeeper's howler in FA Cup quarter-final | Goal.com English Saudi Arabia - Goal.com
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Having suffered their own disappointment in midweek, crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, Chelsea started this game well and were able to break down a well-organised Tottenham defence just before half-time, when Kerr headed home Keira Walsh's cross. It was a goal the Blues deserved, having produced a lot of positive play without creating too many clear-cut chances, but it wouldn't dampen Spurs' spirits.

The visitors had a few bright moments in the first half, thwarted by good defending by Niamh Charles on two occasions in particular, and they'd get their equaliser just seven minutes after the break, as Summanen's free-kick caught Hampton out completely. It looked set up for a cross from a wide angle, but the Finland international instead sent the ball flying over the England goalkeeper to net a goal that would open the game up completely.

From there, both sides had chances aplenty. The biggest ones came for Chelsea, when Kerr should've scored when gifted possession in the Spurs box and Ellie Carpenter missed a free header from a couple of yards out, but Tottenham had openings too, with Amanda Nilden forcing an uncertain save out of Hampton before Julie Blakstad sent a free header well wide.

Extra-time looked to be well on the cards, that was until Buurman stepped up to be the unlikely match-winner. The 19-year-old has been outstanding in the Chelsea defence since getting more opportunities after the turn of the year and she grabbed some deserved headlines when she strode forward in the final minutes, rolled the ball past a defender and then fired the ball into the top corner, to give the Blues the lead again with just four minutes to go.

It sent her side into the semi-finals of this competition yet again, as they look to follow up March's League Cup triumph with a fifth FA Cup in six seasons.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Kingsmeadow...

Hannah Hampton (5/10):

Made a couple of decent stops but generally looked uncertain and made a big error for Spurs' goal.

Ellie Carpenter (6/10):

Had a good game up and down the right but did miss a massive chance to give Chelsea the lead when she put a header wide from a couple of yards out.

Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

Stood up tall in her duels and was solid in possession.

Naomi Girma (7/10):

Misplaced just one of her 72 attempted passes in a strong outing.

Niamh Charles (7/10):

Played really well in her first start since December. Made a crucial block to deny England in the first half, thwarted her again not long after and was involved in lots of good build-up play, including for the opening goal.

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