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Mauricio Pochettino has responded to criticisms from Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner after criticism of how the United States national team has handled call-ups.

Pochettino, who is now head coach of the US national side, sympathised with Glasner but admitted that the 51-year-old does not understand the plight of international managers.

Glasner took issue with the use of Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards. The centre-back was used in last month’s friendly internationals against Ecuador and Argentina despite the Premier League club advising that he be rested.

Oliver Glasner frustrated by US international minutes for Crystal Palace star

Richards had been nursing an injury but played the full 90 minutes in both of those matches. At the time, Glasner said: “My only complaint is the U.S. team didn’t talk to us because Chris was struggling with his calf for many weeks. We talked to them and said he should rest as they were just friendlies. But they played him twice, every single minute. That’s a little bit disappointing. On the other side, we’ve tried to manage his minutes here."

The Crystal Palace defender was later sidelined for the Carabao Cup win over Liverpool at Anfield with a calf injury before returning for the 2-0 win over Brentford. Pochettino reflected on his experience both as a club and international manager when criticising Glasner’s comments.

He told talkSPORT: "It's difficult for the coaches, I think, because it happened to me in the past. When you are a head coach in a club, you are always egoist, you don't think about the national team or sometimes you believe that you have the right to say things that are not right.

“I think we managed very well the situation that you are asking me about Richards. We played him because he was ready to play and he didn't suffer any issue with that. I think it's the coaches in the clubs, they need to understand that the players want to play for the national team.

“We have only this window to prepare for the World Cup. These are not friendly games for me when you play for the national team. It's about playing for more things, not only playing a game because you defend your flag."

Ex Chelsea and Spurs boss ‘disappointed’ with Eagles manager

Pochettino spent five years managing at Tottenham Hotspur before a short spell at Chelsea. The Argentine mutually agreed to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2023/24 season before taking up the post with the United States in September 2024. The US face Paraguay and Uruguay in friendlies later this month.

Pochettino went on to say: “I think I feel disappointed with the words. I am very disappointed with Oliver because we always respect and we as the coaching staff respect the player and we respect the clubs. Our medical area is in contact with all the clubs that we have players at and always we will take the best decision for the player.

"That is not to risk and then thinking that the player needs to be fit and feel well to have the possibility to perform in the club that they belong to and also for the national team. I am disappointed, but in some points I understand. I understand that sometimes coaches can complain about the national team.

“We'll see one day if he's in my position to be a coach in the national team where he can understand this type of situation. But OK, it's not a big deal.”

In other news, Chelsea vs Wolves early injury news as 7 players ruled out and 2 doubts.

Real Madrid have been linked with transfer interest in a Tottenham Hotspur player who Jamie O'Hara believes could be the next Gareth Bale.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie O’Hara has told the club to slap a £100 million price tag on star man Micky Van de Ven following his heroic exploits in midweek.

The 24-year-old scored an unforgettable solo goal in the 4-0 win over FC Copehagen on Tuesday night. The centre-back ran the length of the pitch and through the opponents before firing in.

That goal came just over a week after Van de Ven bagged a brace against Everton in the 3-0 Premier League victory. The player, who was signed from VfL Wolfsburg in 2023 for €50 million has earned a reputation for his pace and ability with the ball at his feet.

Micky Van de Ven impresses for Tottenham Hotspur

Speaking on Sky Sports on Wednesday, O’Hara heaped praise on Van de Ven and admitted he could be ‘wasted’ in a traditional centre-back role. He said: “I genuinely think, he could be Gareth Bale. I’ve played with Bale when he was a left back and you could see his athleticism, you saw he had pace, but what he became... he became a right winger in the end, and a number 10.

“Micky Van de Ven, I think, is almost wasted as a centre half when you have that type of pace and skill and drive, he can finish. I genuinely believe that in the future you might look at him and say, could you play him somewhere else? Could he be a 6 ft 4 left winger who’s good on the ball, gets to the byline and gets crosses in? No one can keep up with him.”

TEAMtalk have today carried new reports of Real Madrid transfer interest in the player. The Galacticos are said to hold ‘genuine interest’ in the Spurs star with the Netherlands international viewed as a potential long-term successor at the Bernabeu,

Real Madrid linked with swoop for Spurs star

Tottenham Hotspur are not wanting to sell and hold negotiating power with Van de Ven contracted until 2029. O’Hara, who said he would not blame Van de Ven for wanting the move, advised Spurs to demand at least £100 million for his services.

He said: “What Bale went on to become, I never saw. Harry Redknapp got more out of him, then Villa-Boas got more out of him, he was playing as a number 10, cutting in off the right, whipping balls in the top corner. Van de Ven is so good and can be so effective in a wider area or higher up the pitch with his pace and technique. He’s good in the air. I look at him and think, are looking at someone who could move away from centre half and become a marauding left back or even a winger, I think he’s got the ability potentially to become that player.

“I’d love to keep hold of Van de Ven and we should do everything we can, pay him whatever he wants. If we’re going to spend money on players, you’ve got to pay him £200k a week. He’s worth it because he’s someone that will end up at Real Madrid. I won’t boo him as I believe that any player that wants to better themselves or have a new challenge, get something in life you never thought you’d be able to achieve. Go for it.

“For me, Van de Ven is a £100 million centre half. That’s how good he is. If Real Madrid do come knocking, Tottenham have got to go all out and say - if you want him you have to pay big bucks for him. I think they will want him, he’s that good. Tottenham have to do everything in their power to sign him up to a new long term contract and make him the face of Tottenham’s future, because he is unbelievable.”

In other news, 'Deeply disappointed' - Copenhagen boss rips into team after Tottenham thrashing.

Thomas Frank has been analysing the performance of one of his slow starters.

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking about one of his players after Tuesday night's comprehensive win over Copenhagen. Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert put Tottenham ahead, although Johnson was sent of in the 57th minute.

That didn’t slow Tottenham down, though, with Micky van de Ven then scoring a cracker, while Joao Palhinha came off the bench to add another.

The win was an important one for Tottenham, who now have two wins and two draws from their first four Champions League games, and they have some trickier games still to come. It was also an important response to the weekend’s home defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League.

It has been a solid start to the season for Tottenham, but not everyone has hit the ground running. Summer signing Kolo Randal Muani has not been at his best since arriving on loan from PSG, and he couldn’t find the net on Tuesday night, either, but Frank admits the forward is not yet up to speed.

"I think he's just taking steps in the right direction and he's getting more and more fit,” Frank said. “I will still go as far as I don't think he's fully firing yet, but you can see he's such a handful to play against. The goal is a ball in behind where he just can't really control it, the defender and he's practically on the goalkeeper.

“Then he shows extreme composure to just take the ball down and a nice assist for Wilson. He's through two or three times and could have scored more. So I think he was a threat, probably also should have scored on the header."

Speaking abut the attacking line in more general terms, the Spurs boss added: “I think it was a step forward. I liked what I saw from Brennan, it was classic Brennan, running in behind. I really liked the assist from Xavi, very good assist from Xavi. So happy that it was a goal from Brennan, assist from Xavi.

“I liked bits from Wilson, and also of course he scored. I think Kolo looked like a handful, in many situations. He could easily have scored one or two goals maybe in the end. I think all of them have much more to come. But it was definitely a step forward."

Tottenham now turn their attention to the weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester United as they look to get back to winning ways in the league.

Arsenal, Brentford and Crystal Palace stars congratulated the Spurs midfielder on social media this week.

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Tottenham Hotspur attentions remain focused on preparations for tonight’s Champions League meeting with FC Copenhagen in north London but one player’s focus has been captured by the arrival of twins.

James Maddison announced the birth of Jensen and Frankie on Monday evening, celebrating the news alongside ‘superwoman’ girlfriend Kennedy Alexa. The England international and his girlfriend shared a black and white photo of their newborns sleeping as they confirmed the names.

The midfielder joked that he now has a ‘five a side football’ team after the twins were born on October 30. He wrote: “Jensen & Frankie Maddison 30.10.25. Five a side team complete. You’re a superwoman @kennedyalexa.”

Tottenham Hotspur star announces birth of twins

The couple, who have been together since 2020, are already parents to twins Delilah and Rome, born in July 2023. Kennedy also gave birth to a baby boy called Leo in 2021.

Among the fans congratulating the pair on social media included Arsenal star Declan Rice, Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who all know Maddison through international duty.

Spurs teammate Micky Van de Ven also commented a pair of emojis, as well as Pedro Porro. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, West Ham man Kyle Walker-Peters and Middlesbrough full back Matt Targett also passed on well wishes.

Maddison and Kennedy had announced that they were expecting twins for a second time in June this year. At the time, Maddison was preparing for the season ahead but has since picked up a serious injury.

James Maddison injury update

The 28-year-old has not featured this season after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. Maddison has been sharing content from his recovery on social media, already back in the gym on Monday and joking that the rehab work was ‘bang out of order’ following the birth of his twins.

Speaking about when the player could return, Thomas Frank said: “This season? Er.. that I don’t know. The short answer would be maybe. He got the injury on [August 3]. I think we need to get past Christmas to see how quick he is going. Normally, you would say nine months, as I understand it, without me being a doctor. So, let’s see.”

Maddison himself said: “I've already looked [at the average time out]. If it's eight months, six months isn't a question. The stage I'm at now, this needs to be right now.

“I'm 28, I'm going to be 29 when I return, I'm in my prime, really. These are my peak years ahead of me. I need to come back and I need to stay fit. So actually I'm not going to be pushing to say 'oh why are you taking so long', sort of thing. But if it gets to eight months and we're flying or whatever, if I'm in the right frame, that will allow me to play this season won't it, towards the end.”

In other news, Tottenham in competition with Man Utd to sign £70m 'Rolls Royce' who would be 'ideal' for Thomas Frank.

Tottenham have a fresh injury issue ahead of their clashes with Copenhagen and Manchester United.

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been discussing his side’s injury issues ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen. Spurs have only won one of their three Champions League games so far, and they need to get a move on if they want to progress to the next round without the need for a play-off.

Spurs will be favourites at home, but it’s no secret that their best form has come away from home this season, and they are coming off the back of a home defeat in the Premier League, losing to rivals Chelsea.

In that game, Spurs suffered three new injury concerns, but Frank has confirmed that only one of them will miss the Copenhagen game. “Lucas got a concussion, which was probably pretty obvious from the footage,” Frank said. “Big praise to the medical team, because it's a tricky situation to be in when it's two minutes into a game and everything is on it. So, well done to them because it's the player’s health that's the most important thing. Djed and Mo got a knock. They could and should be available for tomorrow.”

Asked if Bergvall will miss a certain number of games, Frank added: “Yes, he's out for the next two games.” That means Bergvall will also miss the Manchester United game, and he will then have to pass specific concussion tests if he wants to play during the international break.

Frank on Copenhagen test

Copenhagen have had a tough time with injuries of late, and Tottenham need to win this game if they have ambitions of progressing, given there are tougher games to come. For Frank, it’s a game against a club from his home country, and that offers an advantage, given he keeps an eye on his home league.

“Of course I follow the results and the league, so I know how the results are every week,” Frank added. “I still have good colleagues, friends working in different clubs, knowing obviously also a lot of people in Copenhagen. So, I know of course Copenhagen is not in the best place, but it's a very good team.

“They have very good European experience. I expect it to be a difficult game, and always that's my little bit go-to, no matter a team, if they're in form or they are out of form, the next game is the one that everything can change in. So, we prepare like normal, very aware of the strength of Copenhagen and of course some areas we like to exploit. So that's how I take it. I know Jacob Neestrup very well. He's a very good coach. He knows what he's doing with his coaching staff, so I expect a tough challenge and a tough tactical challenge.”

Arsenal and Tottenham are said to have been ‘alerted’ to the possible availability of a possible target.

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Arsenal and Tottenham are said to have been ‘alerted’ to the possibility of a player coming on the market in the near future. Both clubs were linked with the same player during the summer transfer market, but the player never became available.

That player is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who was once a Real Madrid undroppable, playing on the other side to Vinicius Jr and playing a key part in two Champions League titles.

But Xabi Alonso has seen things differently to his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, and Rodrygo has started just two of his first nine La Liga appearances of the season. Alonso has had little reason to change things, with Los Blancos currently top of La Liga, but that won’t give Rodrygo reason to feel any more positive.

Reduced appearances this season could see Rodrygo demand a move as he looks to become a key player elsewhere, and according to Graeme Bailey, a move could well be in the offing.

He told GiveMeSport: “Rodrygo’s situation has not improved this season. As we reported in the summer, Xabi Alonso always planned on making Arda Guler one of his key figures, and that has played out as expected.

“With teen starlet Franco Mastantuono also getting regular game time, there is little sign of how Rodrygo can find a route back into the lineup. I am told that Rodrygo is again considering his options, and one possibility is a switch to the Premier League, which could become a real option in January. He is certainly one to watch as we approach the New Year.”

The same outlet claims both Arsenal and Tottenham have been ‘alerted’ to the possibility of Rodrygo becoming available in the new year, with intermediaries said to have put the word out.

The tricky part for Real Madrid is that, while Rodrygo is not currently a key starter, he is one of their first go-to players when Vinicius and Franco Mastantuono need a break or when one of the two players are not available.

That means the Brazilian is still seen as an important player, and Alonso will see Rodrygo as a starter if one of his first-choice wingers gets injured. From that point of view, selling Rodrygo, particularly during the season. That could make a summer move more likely, and with a contract in place until 2028, the Spanish giants can take a firm approach to negotiations.

In terms of the Arsenal and Tottenham’s possible interest, the Gunners are not likely to be looking for any expensive reinforcements until January due to the money spent in the summer. Arsenal added strength out wide with Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze can also play there.

Tottenham added Mohamed Kudus, but they could certainly fit in a high-quality winger depending on how much they are willing to spend to get one. The summer is likely to suit Spurs better, given the likely increased winter price and the recent changes at the top at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with one of the Premier League’s brightest young defenders

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A challenging end to October has begun to put seeds of doubt in the minds of Tottenham Hotspur fans, as their strong start to the season has threatened to be derailed by poor home form which has seen the Lilywhites win just one of five league games in north London thus far.

The full-time whistle after Thomas Frank’s side lost 1-0 to Chelsea was met by a chorus of boos by the home faithful, as arguably their worst performance yet under the Dane arrived in one of their biggest London derbies. This followed home defeats by Bournemouth and Aston Villa earlier in the season, while Spurs were knocked out of the Carabao Cup away at Newcastle United earlier last week.

While the issues surrounding Spurs’ home form may be deeper-rooted since the arrival at their new stadium, Frank might look to the transfer market in an attempt to turn things around and ensure his side maintain their push for Champions League qualification.

Spurs linked with Jarrad Branthwaite alongside Man United

According to reports by Caught Offside, Spurs are competing with Manchester United for the signature of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who is reportedly valued at £70million by the Toffees and is regarded as one of the brightest emerging centre-backs in the Premier League.

Injuries have curtailed the 23-year-old’s progress so far this season, with a hamstring injury and subsequent surgery keeping the former Carlisle United academy graduate on the sidelines and ensuring he has not added to his one senior England cap to date.

Everton have ‘no intention of selling’ Branthwaite and view him as a vital part of their future, but this has not prevented Spurs and United circling and weighing up his hefty price tag. Spurs are said to view him as an ‘ideal fit’ for Thomas Frank’s system, particularly as a left-footed centre-back, while United hold a ‘long-term admiration’ for the defender - who signed a new five-year deal just last summer.

The report considers a summer 2026 move more likely than a January transfer for Branthwaite, who is believed to be ‘content’ at Everton. But the Merseyside club’s resolve could be tested if a Premier League rival were to come in with a bid matching their valuation in the winter.

‘Rolls Royce’ defender Branthwaite will continue to attract Premier League’s biggest clubs

Branthwaite was previously referred to as a “Rolls Royce defender who has everything” by a recruitment insider back in 2023, at which time he was reportedly valued at £100m having enjoyed a stunning break-through season to Everton’s first team. But the Toffees are believed not to be budging on their current £70m valuation, and hope Branthwaite will be a key part of their new era under David Moyes.

If Branthwaite hits the ground running on his return from injury and returns to the England set-up ahead of the World Cup, his line of suitors will likely only increase next summer. Spurs will, therefore, hope to do the groundwork early in order to secure a signing who could be transformational to the Frank project in north London.

“Operation completed successfully. Thanks to the medical team for their work and to everyone who’s reached out with messages of support,” Branthwaite said on social media following his recent surgery.

“Even the negative ones add fuel to the fire and make me more determined. It’s been the toughest spell of my career so far but challenges build character. I’ll be stronger and better. Don’t doubt it.”

Thomas Frank was forced into an early substitution against Chelsea and could be without a key player.

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Tottenham Hotspur could be without a key midfielder for the visit of Manchester United next weekend with Premier League rules expected to rule the star out of action.

Thomas Frank’s side failed to win again at home in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday evening but return to action at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium twice over the next six days, with a chance to put things right.

Spurs host FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night in Champions League action before then welcoming Manchester United in the early 12:30 kick-off on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder suffers Chelsea concussion

Frank handed Lucas Bergvall his first Premier League start in four matches against Chelsea but the 19-year-old lasted just seven minutes in an unconventional left wing position before being taken off with a head injury.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struck a volley which smashed into Bergvall’s head from close range, leaving the Spurs star dazed and falling to the ground. The midfielder tried to get up and carry on but held the side of his head and looked confused.

Tottenham Hotspur medical staff tended to the player with the necessary concussion checks but ruled that he was not able to continue. That left Bergvall angry as he could be seen pushing the medical staff out of the way, before eventually heading down the tunnel with Frank needing to intervene.

The Spurs manager turned to Xavi Simons off the bench but the summer signing looked off the pace in the fixture, eventually being taken back off in the second half. Simons’ performance points at a need for Bergvall to be back soon, but the London outfit may have to be patient.

The Swedish international has impressed this season. Having been labelled as ‘unstoppable’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola last term, he was also hailed by the Swedish media during the October international break for his passionate performances as the nation struggled.

Speaking after the match, Frank said: “That was a concussion. So he totally couldn't stay on and I think the medical team did a good job in that aspect.

“Of course, we would have loved to have him continue. That's why we picked him in the starting XI. Unfortunately, that couldn't happen. So others will step in. Xavi knew the game plan.”

Lucas Bergvall a doubt for Manchester United clash

Bergvall must now follow a concussion protocol which, to a great extent, takes his recovery timeframe out of his own hands. The FA and Premier League have strict ‘return to play’ guidelines for players after a suspected concussion.

Essentially, this means that Bergvall will not be able to play a competitive game for six days. Sky Sports explains: “The guidelines work on a step-by-step basis, with a player only allowed to progress a step every 24 hours - although this process can often take longer. The steps are: No physical activity, light aerobic exercise, sport specific exercise, non-contact training drills, full contact training, return to play (after an all-clear from the club's medical officer).”

That means that Bergvall will certainly miss out against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night and faces a race against time to make the matchday squad to take on Manchester United. If his reaction to the substitution is anything to go by, the midfielder will be desperate to be back for that match, but will have to follow Premier League regulations.

In other news, Daniel Sturridge praises 'exemplary' Chelsea player for 9/10 Tottenham performance.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd was not pleased by Spurs' efforts against Chelsea.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank played down concerns after he appeared to show frustration with defenders Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven following the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.

The scoreline disguises what was a dominant performance from Enzo Maresca’s side as Spurs struggled to make much happen once again in north London. Tottenham Hotspur now haven’t won at their home ground since the opening weekend of the season.

Boos rang out across the ground both at half time and after the final whistle given the nature of the performance. Frank was asked for his reaction to those boos after the game.

Thomas Frank reacts to Tottenham Hotspur boos

He said: “100% [it’s natural]. I think we all sense the frustration and the emotions, that’s part of football. It’s extremely painful. It’s part of the job to sit here now and answer the questions. When you are burning inside and like to find solutions, we watch the game back and see what went wrong. It’s about trying to stay calm in general.

“Chelsea were good, we were definitely second best and performed badly. I think we lacked energy and intensity, that freshness we didn’t have that. The high pressure they came with we didn’t solve it well enough.”

Frank went out onto the pitch to applaud supporters following the match but some of his Tottenham Hotspur players did not want to do the same thing. Having turned in two particular error-prone performances, Spence and Van de Ven walked past the former Brentford boss and straight down the tunnel.

Spurs manager insists no fallout with Spence and Van de Ven

Frank was seen disgruntled at their decision not to thank fans in a moment filmed from the stands. After the match, the Spurs boss was asked whether that ‘striking image’ is a cause of concern for him.

He said: “All the players are, of course, frustrated. They like to do well, to win and perform well. I understand that. It’s difficult to be consistent in good times and bad times, that’s why I went to the fans as I did. It’s more fun when we win, I can tell you that.

“I understand why you ask the question. That’s one of the small issues. We have Djed Spence and Micky Van de Ven doing everything they can, I think they’ve performed very well this season. Everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way but I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Tottenham Hotspur are back in action at home on Tuesday night in Champions League action against FC Copenhagen and once more on Saturday for the visit of Manchester United in the 12:30 kick-off.

In other news, Daniel Sturridge praises 'exemplary' Chelsea player for 9/10 Tottenham performance.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez may not be in the headlines tonight but was praised by the former Blues man.

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Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is often first to be criticised for his performances between the sticks but the shot-stopper was praised for his efforts against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

The goalkeeping situation at Chelsea has proven a persistent headache for Enzo Maresca since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. Sanchez’s career with the Blues has been plagued by high profile mistakes with suggestions this summer that the Chelsea boss wanted new blood in goal.

The London outfit had been linked with a move for AC Milan star Mike Maignan before the Club World Cup but those negotiations fell through. After that, Maresca was adamant that he was happy with his current goalkeepers but that statement seemed somewhat unconvincing.

Robert Sanchez rated 9/10 for Tottenham Hotspur showing

Sanchez has held down the number one spot and his outing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was one of his best in a Chelsea shirt. The 27-year-old helped his side to a clean sheet against Spurs in a big three points for Maresca’s side.

LondonWorld rated the Spaniard a 9/10 for his almost pitch-perfect performance. Even though relatively untested by Spurs shots, it was an imposing performance at the back for Chelsea. We wrote: “Chelsea need this Robert Sanchez every week. Confident when collecting crosses. Some good distribution too, but not really tested by a toothless Tottenham.”

Joao Pedro got the goal for Chelsea which made all the difference while Moises Caicedo was his usual self in the centre of the park with a bulldoggish performance. However, speaking after the game, former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge singled out Sanchez for praise.

He said: “We talk about Tottenham’s set pieces before the game and that was one of the main ways they score goals this season. Between the crosses that he was put under tonight, he imposed himself, used his size and strength, wasn’t getting bullied into certain areas that he didn’t want to be in. I thought he was exemplary on the crosses today, came for everything and set Chelsea off on counter attacks.”

Joao Pedro returns to goalscoring form against Spurs

It’ll be a big confidence boost for Sanchez as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast, but the Chelsea goalkeeper wasn’t the only one to turn heads in north London. Pedro ended his goal drought with a tidy finish and was a constant goal threat for Chelsea.

The Blues forked out £60 million to sign Pedro from Brighton this summer and the forward had got off to a flyer with two goals and two assists in the opening three matches. The Brazilian then went without a league goal into this weekend.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sturridge said: “They’ve got exciting players, it’s about all coming together. Tonight shows what they could get to, it could have been three of four tonight. The team is building on the block that the manager has given them, they’ve got momentum now. We’re looking at a team building in confidence, the football they played tonight will make them feel good.

“If that doesn’t give him confidence, I don’t know what will. The amount of opportunities he had to score and his movements off the ball, I thought his positioning all over the pitch was very good.”

In other news, Tottenham Player Ratings: 2/10 'not at races' and 'sloppy' 4 as Chelsea cruise to victory.