The Independent

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven claims that Alexander Isak is the best striker he has faced in the Premier League, with the Dutchman labelling the Liverpool man as “top class”.

Van de Ven joined Spurs in the summer of 2023, and has faced the likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah during his time in north London, though he named Isak as the best attacking player he has come up against.

The Swedish striker has scored six times in five appearances against Spurs, grabbing braces on two occasions, though only one of these games saw him face van de Ven, with the Dutchman absent for the other four fixtures.

When asked who his toughest opponent has been, the Dutchman highlighted Isak and the Sweden striker’s performance in Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Spurs in April 2024.

“The game we played against Newcastle, the one where I slipped, this game [Alexander] Isak was a different level,” he explained.

“At this point, I was like, ‘he’s a top-class player’. I knew he was top class but this game, I was like...[scoffs].

“He can run in behind, he can come onto the ball, he’s technical, he’s also really good with the ball, he’s fast, he has a top finish, at that point he was literally everywhere,” he added.

Isak scored two goals for the Magpies in that 4-0 win, with the 26-year-old going on to establish himself as one of the best strikers on the continent before his £125m move to Liverpool this summer.

The striker arrived at Liverpool alongside £116m signing Florian Wirtz, but the duo have failed to hit the ground running at Anfield, with their arrival coinciding with a period of difficult form for Arne Slot’s champions.

Meanwhile, van de Ven and Spurs have seen change come this season after the club appointed Thomas Frank to take over from Ange Postecoglou, though the club currently sit 11th after just six wins from 16 games.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed that members of the Spurs squad implored manager Ange Postecoglou to change tactics towards the end of their successful Europa League campaign last season.

Spurs won their first trophy in 17 years under Postecoglou with a win a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final back in May, though the Australian was subsequently sacked after steering the club to a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Postecoglou’s tactics repeatedly came under scrutiny during his time in north London, with Spurs sometimes criticised for seemingly not being able to sit back and defend draws or leads.

And Van de Ven agreed that Spurs “didn’t really have a Plan B” sometimes, with the players consistently “getting exposed” as they “didn’t really have solutions”.

“In games where we were 1-0 up, we can’t keep playing our football, sometimes we need to just sit back, make sure no one comes through us,” explained Van de Ven on the Overlap.

“Me and Cuti [Cristian Romero] were playing only the Europa League games last season. At one point, we just walked up to the gaffer and said that we need to change some things and play more defensive sometimes, we need to make sure we win those games,” added the Dutchman.

“We played away at Frankfurt and were 1-0 up, and we can’t keep attacking, we just need to come back and have a low block and make sure we go to the next round,” he explained.

“We sat with him and he agreed with us on some things and he said, ‘I expect you two guys to sort this on the pitch – to make sure that this is something everybody knows’, and to speak with everybody on the pitch.

“In the meetings, he said that we were going to change some things sometimes in different situations. He said to me and Cuti personally, ‘You guys make sure the other guys listen to you, you have a reputation in the team, everybody respects you and knows how important you guys are, so make sure the guys follow what we say on the pitch.’”

Spurs eventually beat Frankfurt 1-0 away to seal a 2-1 win in the quarter-final of the Europa League, and they went on to beat Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals before the final against United in Bilbao.

When asked about the mentality and tactics going into that game, Van de Ven explained: “We spoke with Ange before the final, everybody knew that we need to win a trophy, it doesn’t matter how we’re going to do it.

“Even then Ange said at the beginning that we need to play from the back and do what we always do, but when it came to half-time and we were 1-0 up, Ange just said: ‘Keep pressing but when it doesn’t work out just drop back and make sure we lock it, make sure they don’t come through.’”

Spurs ran out 1-0 winners at the San Mames, courtesy of a goal from Brennan Johnson, though the result was not enough for Postecoglou to keep his job.

Despite this, Van de Ven was complimentary of his former boss, stating that he firmly believed in the tactics and system.

“When the results were getting down, Ange was really focused on his system, he really believed in his system, and to this day I believe in his system because I think we played some unbelievable football. So, the system works, but at some points I think we needed to adapt a bit more,” he added.

Tottenham Hotspur 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 costly mistake playing out from the back was punished 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 Sangare's wonder goal as Spurs put in a wretched performance and endured a desperate afternoon by the Trent.

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 hapless 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," he said.

"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 Sangare'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."

PA

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed the club is addressing a new disciplinary matter concerning midfielder Yves Bissouma, following allegations that the player inhaled nitrous oxide for a second time in two seasons.

Bissouma has not featured under Frank since August, having been dropped before the Super Cup due to repeated lateness, and has since been sidelined by multiple fitness issues.

The Mali international, who underwent ankle surgery in October, now faces further scrutiny after a report in The Sun on Saturday showed footage of him allegedly inhaling the substance, widely known as laughing gas.

This marks the second time Bissouma has been embroiled in such a controversy; he previously received a one-match ban at the start of the 2024-25 campaign for a "severe lack of judgement" after being filmed inhaling laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide was classified as a Class C drug in 2023 as part of the UK government’s anti-social behaviour action plan, making its recreational possession an offence.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague, Frank stated: "It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it."

Bissouma was already among Tottenham’s absentees, and he will be joined in the treatment room by full-back Destiny Udogie.

"Destiny picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately," Frank revealed.

A late decision will be made regarding Brennan Johnson’s availability. Frank also addressed the status of long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Dominic Solanke on Monday.

He confirmed that Kulusevski had been granted permission to travel abroad to continue his rehabilitation from a knee injury, while Maddison was seen at open training, even sharing a hug with the Spurs head coach, his return is not imminent.

"It is very early stages, still a long-term injury," Frank said of Maddison’s recovery from anterior cruciate ligament damage. "Good to see him out there but very early stages and there is no specific time frame. It will be a long time unfortunately before he is available."

In a more positive development, Randal Kolo Muani trained on Monday, offering a boost after he limped off during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Brentford.

That win marked the end of a nearly four-month wait for a Premier League home victory for Tottenham, and Frank is keen for the team to build on this momentum at N17.

Frank added: "It’s always good to build and get the momentum to get more consistent and good performances. We really try to build on that."

When questioned about his side’s prospects of finishing in the top eight, Frank emphasised his immediate focus: "I am more for me about this next game ahead of us."

A woman who demanded money from South Korea’s national team captain and former Spurs star Son Heung-min by claiming she was pregnant with his child was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday for extortion.

The woman, identified only as Yang, was charged with extorting 300 million won ($204,000) from Son in 2024 after sending him an ultrasound photo of a baby that she claimed was his and demanding money to stay silent.

She later conspired with a man, identified as Yong, to try to extort more money from Son.

The Seoul Central District Court on Monday said Yang “lied” to Son, although she hadn’t confirmed whose child she was carrying.

The court said Yang denied the charges of extortion and attempted extortion. Yong, who confessed, was sentenced to two years in prison, according to the court.

South Korean news agency, Yonhap, reported in May that a women in her 20s and a man in his 40s had been detained on suspicion of attempting to blackmail Son in June of last year while he was still at Tottenham.

The defendants used Son's fame and his "vulnerability" to the type of crime they were committing, causing significant mental anguish for him, the court was reported as saying in the ruling.

"[The woman] insists she received the money as compensation and portrays herself as a victim," prosecutors told the court on Monday. "But her claims do not fully match the facts," they said.

Son's representatives could not be reached for comment.

His agency has previously said Son had known the woman but had received a demand for money with fabricated materials, according to South Korean media.

The public affairs judge at the court did not return phone calls seeking confirmation on the sentences. A court official declined to comment.

Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero salvaged a point with a stoppage-time overhead kick to draw 2-2 with Newcastle at St James’ Park.

The hosts put in a controlled first-half display and enjoyed the better chances before eventually breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute through Bruno Guimaraes’ strike.

Although Romero replied only seven minutes later, Newcastle went back in front when referee Tom Bramall was called to the monitor and awarded a penalty, which Anthony Gordon slotted home in the 86th minute.

A dramatic end to the game saw Romero come to Tottenham’s rescue in the fifth minute of added time.

In the opening stages of the game, Harvey Barnes had a cross into the box nodded away and Newcastle were on the hunt again when Lewis Hall hit an effort past the post.

The hosts continued to apply pressure with Nick Woltemade flicking a header over and threatened again when Barnes beat Pedro Porro on the left and his ball reached Lewis Miley, who smashed a shot into the Tottenham defence.

The teenage midfielder had another promising opportunity, but had his first-time effort easily held by Guglielmo Vicario.

Newcastle remained in control, continuing to cause problems around the Tottenham box and Joelinton had an excellent chance to break the deadlock in the 35th minute when his low strike smashed off the far post.

Spurs then had a great chance of their own when Mohammed Kudus’ pass was backheeled over the crossbar and onto the roof of the net by Lucas Bergvall.

Guimaraes came on at half-time and Newcastle nearly struck minutes into the half when Barnes’ strike was saved by Vicario and Woltemade’s header from the rebound was cleared off the line by Kevin Danso.

Murphy’s cross was sent into Hall at the back post, where Porro cleared behind and Spurs safely navigated back-to-back Newcastle corners, which included Vicario making a great punch to clear Guimaraes’ inswinging delivery.

Spurs began to see more of the ball but struggled to test the home defence and the Magpies were soon on the charge, with Guimaraes playing a great cross-field pass into Jacob Murphy who had his shot blocked.

Vicario made a solid punch to clear a Newcastle corner and Tino Livramento’s powerful effort from the rebound was cleared by Brennan Johnson.

The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 71st minute when Gordon’s cross was cleared as far as Guimaraes, who hit a brilliant finish into the bottom corner.

Following a triple substitution, with Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Xavi Simons introduced, Spurs suddenly levelled seven minutes later when Kudus’ cross was flicked home by the head of the diving Romero.

A chaotic final 10 minutes saw Newcastle awarded a penalty after Rodrigo Bentancur grappled with Dan Burn at the back post from a corner and Gordon made no mistake from the spot to fire Newcastle back in front in the 86th minute.

There was further drama to follow, however, when Aaron Ramsdale’s punch from a Spurs corner reached Romero and the skipper’s acrobatic overhead effort bounced through the box and into the bottom corner at the death.

PA

Tottenham travel to Newcastle looking for their first win in four Premier League games and to end a disappointing run which has seen them lose to two of their London rivals (kick-off 8:15pm, live on Sky Sports).

Manager Thomas Frank has come in for a lot of criticism in recent weeks, with the side sitting 12th in the table with just eight wins from his 21 games in charge, since replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer, and he is the second-favourite manager to leave his post in the latest Premier League odds.

They have won just once at home this season, and that was on the opening day of the season, so they may prefer being on the road tonight, but in Newcastle, they are facing a side who have won 11 of their 16 home Premier League matches in 2025.

The Magpies go into the game on the back of their best away win too, a 4-1 drubbing of Everton on Saturday, thanks to a brace from Malick Thiaw and further goals from Lewis Miley and Nick Woltemade.

The two sides are level on points this season, with both finding it hard to juggle the demands of the Champions League and Premier League, but a win tonight could see either side move up as high as seventh.

Tottenham might have lost their last three in a row against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham, but they have won at Manchester City, West Ham, Leeds and Everton so far this season.

They have lost their last four on the bounce at St James’ Park, though, with an aggregate scoreline of 14-2, and they have won just one of their last 13 midweek league games, drawing two and losing 10, so they will need a huge change of fortune tonight.

Since beating Brentford 3-2 in January 2024, they have lost each of their last seven midweek games, scoring just one goal in the process.

They were also beaten in the north east 2-0 in the Carabao Cup, earlier this season, when goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade earned the reigning champions a 2-0 win.

Newcastle, on the other hand, have won seven and drawn three of their last 10 midweek league games, since a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in February 2021.

In the league, Spurs have only failed to score twice so far, at home to Bournemouth and Chelsea, while Newcastle haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last six games. Football betting sites are offering just 7/10 on both teams scoring.

Newcastle vs Tottenham prediction 1: Newcastle to win by one goal - 11/4 Bet365

Nick Woltemade has settled in well to life in the Premier League and the north east with seven goals since making the £69m move from Stuttgart in August.

He also scored for his old club, and one for Germany in their recent 6-0 World Cup qualifier win over Slovakia, meaning he has nine in 21 appearances so far.

He scored last time out against Everton, and he has already netted against tonight’s opponents, and betting sites are offering 9/2 on him scoring first, as he has done four times so far for the Geordies.

Newcastle vs Tottenham prediction 2: Woltemade to score at any time - 13/10 Bet365

Newcastle vs Tottenham team news

Newcastle vs Tottenham predicted lineups

New customers can claim the talkSPORT BET betting sign up offer worth 30/1 enhanced odds for both teams to score in the clash between Newcastle vs Tottenham on Tuesday.

To qualify, use our link below before signing up for talkSPORT BET. After that, deposit £5 and bet a maximum £1 on the ‘Yes Both Teams To Score’ on the Newcastle vs Tottenham game at the normal odds.

If both teams score at St James’ Park, bettors will receive a cash payout at the normal price, while the rest of the 30/1 odds promo will be credited in free bets.

Free bets are available to use on the entire sportsbook and are active for seven days.

When having a bet, it’s vital to practice responsible gambling.

Betting can be addictive and it’s important to stay in control of your betting. Never treat gambling as a way to make money, never bet more than you can afford and when the fun stops, stop.

Gambling sites offer punters tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self-exclusion options, to help them stay in control.

But if you ever feel like you need help or advice on gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to contact one of the charities or organisations below.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Under-fire Thomas Frank has issued a rallying cry to disconnected Tottenham supporters and insisted they are "nothing without the fans" ahead of Tuesday's trip to Newcastle.

Frank's short tenure suffered another setback with Saturday's dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham, where goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was booed during the game following a comical error.

Further boos greeted half-time and full-time with this latest loss at home meaning Spurs' last Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium occurred on the opening day of the season. They have won only three of their last 21 games at home.

Ahead of an ominous trip to St James' Park, Frank reflected on his sentiments on Saturday night where he was critical of those he said were "not true Tottenham fans".

He said: "I completely understand the frustration. If we don't win, there will always be a frustration, so that is normal.

"We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham Hotspur, we are nothing without our fantastic fans. Nothing. We need each other. There is nothing we want more than making them happy in every way.

"My point was during matches that's where we need each other. After, fair with the booing, but during, that is when I want to create a fortress.

"If any club wants to be successful, you need to create a fortress. If you want to create a fortress, it can only be together. Fans, team.

"My job is to make sure we do everything we can to perform but can we do that together? That's when you create a very difficult place to play."

Full-back Pedro Porro echoed Frank's comments on Sunday with an image on his Instagram page which was addressed "to the true Spurs fans" and sparked a backlash.

Asked if Porro was right to post, Frank added: "I think it's fair.

"Again, the players, they are individual people that can have their own opinions. And I think what he put out there was fair in every aspect."

The refences to "real" and "true" Tottenham fans increased frustration ahead of a long trip to an unhappy hunting ground in St James' Park.

Spurs have lost their last four matches at Newcastle, including a 6-1 thrashing in 2023 which saw Cristian Stellini remarkably sacked while serving as interim manager.

"How do you define a true Spurs fan? I think all the fantastic fans we have believe they're true Spurs fans," said Frank.

"Some react in one way, some react in another, some are a little bit in between. No matter what, we need all of them.

"I'm pretty sure every fan wants us to win and wants to support and wants to do everything. And then if not going to plan, then maybe some get more frustrated than others.

"When you say you lose the fans, how many is that? Five per cent? 10 per cent? 15 per cent? 20 per cent? How much is it?

"We would like to get all 100 per cent on board and there's only two things we can do. We can perform and keep connected."

PA

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank said the home supporters who booed goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario during the 2-1 defeat to Fulham “can’t be true fans”.

Vicario was jeered by some Spurs supporters when he touched the ball after his error led to Fulham doubling their lead inside six minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It gave Spurs a mountain to climb and although Mohammed Kudus pulled a goal back after half time, in an improved second-half performance, Frank’s side fell to another defeat.

Tottenham have not won a Premier League game at home since the opening weekend of the season while the past week has seen losses against Arsenal, PSG and now Fulham.

There were loud boos at both half-time and full-time and while Frank said supporters could voice their frustration at the team, he drew the line at the booing of Vicario.

“I didn't like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times when he touched the ball,” Frank told Sky Sports after the defeat.

“They can’t be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you are on the pitch.

“We do everything we can to perform. After, fair enough, boo, no problem. But not during. That's unacceptable in my opinion."

After Fulham’s Kenny Tete opened the scoring inside four minutes, Vicario was caught off his line as he dribbled into trouble and was punished by Harry Wilson from long range.

The Italian goalkeepers addressed the boos he faced afterwards and apologised for his mistake. “It's part of football,” he said. “I’m a big man.”

“We can't be influenced by the situation in the stands. The fans have the right to do what they think. It's on us to stay calm.

“We have to focus on ourselves. We are lacking in a little bit of composure and calmness at the moment. Today is a bad defeat and tough to accept.”

Tottenham have the second-worst home record in the Premier League this season, only ahead of winless Wolves, and they made a nightmare start against Fulham.

“When you're down 2-0 after six minutes, there is a mountain to climb,” Frank said. “When you're in a bad spell, everything seems to go against you as well - the first was a deflected shot, the second is a mistake from Vic.

“It is OK that [the fans] are frustrated, because we haven't won at home for a long time. We all badly want to win so I'm fine with them booing after the game, but during the game I hope it was one incident and it never happens again.”

Tottenham have now lost four of their last six Premier League games but their dismal home form predates Frank’s tenure, with Spurs only winning three of their last 21 home league matches and suffering 10 home league defeats in 2025 under both Frank and former manager Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, Frank said he did not see Pedro Porro’s furious reaction to Tottenham’s defeat, as the right back appeared to argue with team-mate Lucas Bergvall over whether the Spurs players would applaud the home fans at full-time.

Porro looked to be angered by Bergvall wanting to applaud and could be seen screaming Bergvall’s name as the 19-year-old started to walk around the pitch and show his appreciation to the remaining home supporters.

Porro did not applaud the fans and instead went down the tunnel, removing his shirt as he did so.

His frustration comes just weeks after Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence ignored Frank’s instructions to applaud the Spurs fans after their home defeat against Chelsea, with the pair later apologising.

Frank said he did not see Porro’s reaction but added: “We are in a tough spell right now and for my players it is about being as calm as possible and doing everything we can to work through it.”