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10 'not at races' and 'sloppy' 4 v Chelsea

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Tottenham Player Ratings: 2/10 'not at races' and 'sloppy' 4 v Chelsea - LondonWorld
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Thomas Frank heard boos ring out around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.

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Tottenham Hotspur are still without a home win since the opening day of the Premier League season with north London rivals Chelsea cruising to a 1-0 win on Saturday evening.

Thomas Frank’s side were outclassed by an organised Enzo Maresca outfit. Joao Pedro ended his goal drought following some sloppy Spurs defending, and could have had a hat-trick if not for some top tier saves by Guglielmo Vicario.

There were boos at half-time and full-time as the Spurs players left the pitch - here’s how the Tottenham Hotspur stars rated.

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

GK: Guglielmo Vicario, 7

Was made to work a couple of times by Pedro in the first half, producing some good saves. Had little chance with the Chelsea goal after mistakes from the defenders in front of him. Some really dogged distribution at the end left Spurs with little chance of salvaging something.

LB: Djed Spence, 5

Didn’t look very comfortable this evening. A deer in the headlights at times with Pedro Neto taking every chance he could to run at the full-back.

CB: Micky Van de Ven, 6

Looked at fault for the Joao Pedro goal but was sold a terrible pass by Xavi Simons. Looked more convincing alongside Cristian Romero after he came on.

CB: Kevin Danso, 4

Shown up by Joao Pedro today. There’s been a lot of talk about the Chelsea striker’s lack of potency but his pace and strength regularly had Danso scrambling at the back for Spurs.

RB: Pedro Porro, 2

That was a tough watch. Not at the races at all with some poor choices when the ball was at his feet. Did play with character, looking to get the Spurs crowd going at times in the second half, but lacked quality today with set plays often overhit too.

Spurs lack character in midfield

CM: Pape Sarr, 5

Somewhat of a passenger. Struggled to find any real influence on the game.

CM: Joao Palhinha, 5

A similar showing to colleague Sarr in the centre of the park. Completely outclassed by a Chelsea midfield that was a level above.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur, 4

That was a nasty tackle on Reece James with the midfielder perhaps lucky to only be shown a yellow card. That moment did wake Spurs up momentarily but going down to 10 men would have killed off any chances of a comeback before half time.

LW: Lucas Bergvall, N/A

The fixture had barely started when Bergvall was forced off the pitch following a knock to the head. Was not happy about being taken off but had the decision taken out of his control.

ST: Randal Kolo Muani, 5

Had little to feed off today, so can’t have too much blame put on his shoulders. There was a decent half chance just before the break but a sloppy touch saw it vanish. Moved out wide when Richarlison came on.

RW: Mohammed Kudus, 7

Probably the neatest Tottenham Hotspur player with the ball at his feet but kept quiet by Marc Cucurella. Tried to do too much on his own sometimes, but there weren’t many inspiring options for him to work off.

SUB: Xavi Simons, 4

Thrown in early on and looked caught off guard by that. Did perhaps offer some more width that Bergvall but another player who was far too sloppy tonight. Subbed back off again after 73 minutes.

SUBS: Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson.

In other news, Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Big character' 9/10 and 'sublime' 8 as Tottenham beaten.

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Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Big character' 9/10 and 'sublime' 8 as Tottenham beaten

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Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Big character' 9/10 and 'sublime' 8 as Tottenham beaten - LondonWorld
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Enzo Maresca saw his side take all three points back home across London with a 1-0 win over Spurs.

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Chelsea will be grateful for a simple 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening following dramatic matches against Sunderland and Wolves over the past week.

The Blues were more dominant than the scoreline gives them credit in north London, outclassing a Spurs side that struggled for ideas against the organised visitors. A Joao Pedro goal was all it took to separate the two sides as Chelsea moved level on points with Thomas Frank’s side.

A flurry of late chances could have seen Chelsea go two or three up but a confident showing will please Enzo Maresca ahead of another two games in the space of a week. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.

Chelsea Player Ratings

GK: Robert Sanchez, 9

Chelsea need this Robert Sanchez every week. Confident when collecting crosses. Some good distribution too, but not really tested by a toothless Tottenham.

LB: Marc Cucurella, 7

Diligent in his work against Mohammed Kudus, keeping the winger quiet. Was clattered into by the frustrated Spurs star in the second half. Lacked some of his usual attacking threat but a sound outing nonetheles.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah, 8

Applauded by teammates in the second half for an inspired moment of defending, stretching out his leg to nick the ball away in a promising Spurs attack. Strong against Richarlison once the Brazilian came on and alert to the end.

CB: Wesley Fofana, 7

Comfortable at the heart of defence. He’ll have tougher outings this season with Spurs not doing a lot to really make the Chelsea defence think.

RB: Reece James, 9

A captain’s performance tonight with big character. A relief to see him get back up after that nasty Bentancur challenge. Had an influence all over the pitch.

CDM: Moises Caicedo, 8

Easy to see why Caicedo continues to earn plaudits. It was his bulldoggish attitude that saw him hound down the ball for the Chelsea goal, which was the vital moment in the match.

Malo Gusto given standing ovation by Chelsea supporters

CDM: Malo Gusto, 8

Has really stepped up in that midfield role. A big shift that earned him a standing ovation from Chelsea supporters following his substitution in the second half.

LW: Alejandro Garnacho, 7

A really bright start to the game made it feel as if the former Manchester United man would be Chelsea’s principal threat as Djed Spence struggled. Did lose his influence as the game went on before his second half sub.

CAM: Enzo Fernandez, 7

Here, there and everywhere, covering a lot of ground in north London. Had a couple of half chances that he perhaps could have done better from.

RW: Pedro Neto, 7

Always a threat when running thanks to his pace. Had a couple of chances to shoot in the second half and perhaps should have done better from those. Kept running with enthusiasm until late, going down with cramp in the final 10 minutes.

ST: Joao Pedro, 8

Really needed that goal tonight, and took it well. Regularly caused problems for Kevin Danso in particular and often found himself in the right place at the right time. Could have had more goals with another glorious one-on-one chance in injury time.

SUBS: Jamie Gittens, Romeo Lavia, Willian Estevao, Tosin Adarabioyo.

In other news, Chelsea now planning new contract for one of Enzo Maresca's 'favourite players' - and it's not Moises Caicedo.

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Next Celtic Manager: Robbie Keane passionately backed by ex Tottenham teammate

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Next Celtic Manager: Robbie Keane passionately backed by ex Tottenham teammate - londonworld.com
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The former Tottenham Hotspur striker is a leading candidate alongside Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Robbie Keane has been backed by ex teammate Jamie O’Hara to have the skillset needed for a successful tenure as Celtic manager amid links with the job in Glasgow.

The Scottish Premiership giants and Brendan Rodgers parted ways this week with veteran Martin O’Neill appointed on an interim basis. Celtic are now working on a permanent appointment.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou had been tipped to return but it now appears that Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna and Keane are frontrunners.

Robbie Keane a frontrunner for Celtic job

It could be hard for Celtic to persuade McKenna to leave his project with the Tractor Boys and, as a result, widespread reports on Thursday suggested that Keane is becoming an ever stronger candidate.

The 45-year-old is currently at Hungarian side Ferencvaros having previously worked with Maccabi Tel Aviv. Keane won the league title with both those sides and would be a familiar face for Celtic.

Keane spent a short loan spell at Celtic Park over the back end of the 2009/10 season, scoring 16 goals in just 19 matches. Given the former striker’s lack of coaching experience in a major European league, it would be a head-turning appointment.

The Irishman made 306 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur during his time at the club, scoring 122 goals. He won the League Cup in 2008 with the side.

Jamie O’Hara backs former Tottenham Hotspur teammate

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Spurs colleague Jamie O’Hara backed Keane to succeed at Celtic, should he get the job. O’Hara said: “Keano was an amazing captain, amazing person. As a leader in the dressing room in terms of standards being set. I know he’s been linked to the football club [Celtic]. He’s managing.

“Celtic fans probably think he’s not right for us yet, he’s not the guy. Listen, he’s gone and done his management where you wouldn’t expect people to go, he’s won the league, won the cup then gone to Hungary and won the league again. He’s won two league titles.

“We talk about Graham Potter at Ostersands. You say, who are Östersunds? Then he goes and gets a really good job. Don’t write Keano off. I know him from a player and as a captain, proper leader. Whether he’s right for Celtic yet I don’t know, but he’s going to be a big manager. He’s a top manager and a leader in the dressing room.”

Keane also had a stint at London outfit West Ham as a player. The striker was sent on loan to the Boleyn Ground in 2011 and made 10 appearances for the club, scoring two goals.

The Hammers had the option to extend the loan for two years if they avoided relegation that season, but the club didn’t survive the drop and Keane returned to Tottenham Hotspur.

In other news, Thomas Frank issues triple Tottenham injury update ahead of Chelsea.

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Tottenham man named 'most frustrating' after 5

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Tottenham man named 'most frustrating' after 5/10 Newcastle United performance - LondonWorld
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Spurs lacked potency as they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

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Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson has come under fire from former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara after his performance against Newcastle United.

Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup at St James’ Park with the holders winning 2-0 on Tyneside. Frank’s side equalled the Magpies’ 10 shots and found five shots on target but lacked potency.

Thomas Frank is reportedly not convinced by the striking options available to him with the club supposedly considering selling Dominic Solanke in January. Richarlison has also struggled for goals but, for O’Hara, it’s another Spurs man who is failing to reach his full potential.

Brennan Johnson labelled ‘most frustrating footballer’

Speaking on Sky Sports on Thursday, he said: “Brennan Johnson is the most frustrating footballer to watch. He has so many good attributes but never shows it on the football pitch.

“His goalscoring record last season was really good, he gets on the end of crosses and that is an art. Being in the right place at the right time, brilliant, but his all round game at Tottenham has not improved since we bought him from Nottingham Forest.

“We spent £50 million on him. Give me more, I need to see more from you. He’s a good player, he’s talented and can score goals but I don’t think he believes he can be a top player for Tottenham.”

Johnson joined Tottenham Hotspur from Forest for a reported £47.5 million in September 2023. The Welsh international has gone on to make 99 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals.

Football.London rated Johnson as a 5/10 for his efforts against Newcastle United. The outlet said: “Battled through a few first-half knocks. Flashed a drive across the face of goal that just evaded Richarlison at the far post. Too streaky throughout the game, passenger at times. Must do more to keep his place. Fans cheered when he was subbed for Mohammed Kudus.”

Richarlison continues to struggle for Tottenham Hotspur goals

O’Hara also had criticism for Richarlison. The Brazil international started the campaign with a brace against Burnley on the opening weekend but has only netted one league goal since.

The pundit said: “It was men against boys, physically overrun and outbattled by a team who knows how to win at home, a team who knows how to press and fight. I thought it was a weak performance, not terrible, but to say it’s one of our best...

“We don’t look like we can hit a barn door. Richarlison up front, apart from the first couple of games and I thought we could get a decent Richarlison here, he’s reverted back to the Richarlison that I watched all last season. He can’t score. We don’t look like scoring goals. Set pieces we’ve been dangerous but in terms of open play and making things happen, it’s not [good].”

In other news, Thomas Frank issues triple Tottenham injury update ahead of Chelsea.

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Tottenham Hotspurs fan carves Arsenal stars into pumpkins for Halloween

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Tottenham Hotspurs fan carves Arsenal stars into pumpkins for Halloween - LondonWorld
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A bit of Halloween fun turned into a story of unlikely teamwork when a Spurs fan carved Arsenal stars into pumpkins for a rival supporter.

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An Arsenal fan’s spooky Halloween request has led to one of the most unexpected collaborations in the history of North London football rivalry.

Edward N, a lifelong Gooner from East London, posted a task on local services marketplace Airtasker, asking for someone to carve Arsenal heroes into pumpkins.

His post, titled “Arsenal-Themed Pumpkin Carver Wanted!”, quickly caught the attention of Alison, a 59-year-old mum from Essex and, crucially, a Tottenham Hotspur fan.

“I’d love to carve some Arsenal-themed pumpkins for you!” Alison replied. “I’ve got the tools and will make the process as smooth as possible.”

When asked how she felt about bringing Arsenal icons into a Spurs household, Alison admitted: “It started as a bit of banter around the house, but now I’m wondering if I’ve gone too far. Arsenal pumpkins in a Spurs household… time will tell, I might end up sleeping in the shed after this!”

Despite the friendly rivalry, Alison delivered five frightfully detailed gourds featuring Arsenal’s biggest names and moments, including Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal cannon, and Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Magalhães doing their iconic mask celebrations.

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Next Celtic Manager: Tim Sherwood outlines stance as ex Tottenham star also linked

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Ex Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood was asked if he would take the job at Celtic.

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Celtic are on the search for a new manager following the departure of Brendan Rodgers and familiar former Tottenham Hotspur star is touted to be one of the frontrunners.

Rodgers quit the Glasgow giants amid reports of a fallout with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. It brought about the end of the manager’s second spell at Celtic Park.

Celtic sit second in the Scottish Premiership after nine matches, already eight points behind rivals Hearts. Martin O’Neill has been brought in on an interim basis with a permanent appointment expected in due course.

Tim Sherwood responds to potential Celtic job links

Several familiar names have been linked with the job, including ex Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou. Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is another early favourite to take the post.

Tim Sherwood is not expected to return to management as he continues his regular punditry duties but, when on Sky Sports on Wednesday, he was asked if he’d think about taking the job in a light-hearted question.

With a big smirk on his face, he replied: “There are a lot of good candidates out there. I think it’s one of the best jobs in European football. I think it gives you a real opportunity to win, and not many jobs do, no one guarantees you a win but... It’s tough, it’s a goldfish bowl. It’s first or last up there, I’ve always said that, no matter who you’re managing, you can only succeed and win trophies.”

If there was any doubt over whether Sherwood would seriously consider the job, he then quipped back acknowledging the far-fetched nature of the fan question. He said: “Thanks mum.”

Robbie Keane ‘under consideration’ at Celtic

Sherwood had a short stint in charge of former club Spurs between 2013 and 2014 before going on to manage Aston Villa. One former Tottenham Hotspur star who is genuinely in the running is Robbie Keane.

The Sun reports that he is a ‘shock name under consideration’. The 45-year-old, who had a brief loan spell at Celtic in 2010, has won the league title with Maccabi Tel Aviv and with Ferencvaros since moving into management.

Keane is still working at Ferencvaros and has the Hungarian side above both Celtic and Rangers in the Europa League standings. They are due to host Rangers in December.

The former striker, who lifted the League Cup in 2008 with Tottenham Hotspur, scored 16 goals in 19 matches when playing at Celtic. He made a total of 306 appearances for Spurs, bagging 122 goals.

Speaking to talkSPORT on Tuesday morning, O’Neill confirmed that his role was only temporary with a permanent appointment still to be made. He said: "I got a call late afternoon, early evening yesterday from Celtic from Dermot Desmond, and Dermot asked me would I step in because Brendan had resigned from the football club.

"It's obviously the kind of shock news really as much as anything else. Shocked me as well too. But just to step into the breach and just do it on a short-term basis until a permanent manager is appointed."

In other news, 'Last 48 Hours': Tottenham contact 'incredible' Premier League striker loved by Thomas Frank.

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Tottenham vs Chelsea early injury news as 13 out and 1 doubt

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All the latest injury news ahead of Tottenham and Chelsea as they prepare to face off in the Premier League.

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Tottenham and Chelsea face off in arguably the game of the weekend in the Premier League, meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. There has been little rest for these two sides of late amid a relentless schedule, and both were in Carabao Cup action during the week.

In terms of the Premier League, Chelsea come into this one on the back of a defeat to Sunderland, while Spurs thrashed Everton last time out in a statement win. Here we round up the early injury news surrounding both sides.

Archie Gray - Out

Gray is out for a couple of weeks with a calf strain.

Cristian Romero - Doubt

Romero has a chance of returning here. Frank has said: “Cuti is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch.”

Destiny Udogie - Out

Frank said this week: “Destiny is on the pitch today as well. So, three steps forward.” Udogie is expected back in early November.

Dejan Kulusevski - Out

Kulusevsk is is going to remain out until late November. Frank said last month: “He's a key, key player for us. Instead of putting an exact month on [his return]. I just want him back as quick as possible. I know the medical team and Dejan are working very hard on that... It's not tomorrow, hopefully not too far away.”

Dominic Solanke - Out

Frank has said this week: “Dominic, steps forward, it's step by step.” Solanke is expected back in early November.

Ben Davies - Out

Davies picked up a muscular injury during the international window and will remain out here, and for a few weeks.

Radu Dragusin - Out

Dragusin is back in training but now needs a pre-season of sorts. Frank has said: “He's fully integrated into training now. An ACL [injury] is not tricky, but it's such a big injury, because you're out for nine months, so you need to build strength in the knee. He is definitely getting closer to being involved. I think we plan to play him in a friendly [during the Nov break], as I understand it.”

Yves Bissouma - Out

Bissouma is out for a few weeks with an ankle injury he picked up on international duty. Frank explained: “Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team, I think everyone saw that, so he got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.”

Kota Takai - Out

Takai is expected to return within the next couple of weeks from a troubling ankle issue. He will need to build up his fitness.

James Maddison - Out

Maddison ruptured his ACL during a pre-season clash and will much of the season.

Benoit Badiashile - Out

Badiashile is out after a fresh setback in October. Maresca has said: “Benoit will be out until December. He is injured again with a muscle problem. He was doing fantastic, showing how good he is, and we will wait for him.”

Cole Palmer - Out

It was hoped Palmer would return after the last international break, but it has since been confirmed that he will be out until some time in November.

Levi Colwill - Out

Colwill has been ruled out for much of the season after an ACL injury. Maresca said shortly after the injury: “He is ok, aware he will be out for a long time. It’s a big loss for us. You know how important Levi has been for us last season and the way we want to play. We have said many times that we are able to create chances and attack if we’re able to build up the right way, and Levi was a huge part of our build-up.”

Dario Essugo - Out

Essugo has undergone surgery and will miss around four months of action. A club statement read: “Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action, and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club's medical department.” He is expected back near the new year.

Myhailo Mudryk - Out (Suspended and not PL-eligible)

Mudryk remains suspended due to alleged doping. A statement at the time read: “We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violations alleging the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance, in terms of Regulations 3 and 4 of The FA's Anti-Doping Regulations. As this is an ongoing case, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.” We do not include Mudryk in the final count due to his ineligibility.

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Tottenham contact 'incredible' Premier League striker loved by Thomas Frank

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'Last 48 Hours': Tottenham contact 'incredible' Premier League striker loved by Thomas Frank - LondonWorld
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Thomas Frank is said to be wanting extra goalpower for his Tottenham Hotspur squad come January.

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Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici is already working behind the scenes to add extra firepower to Thomas Frank’s squad come the opening of the January transfer window.

Spurs put three past Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, taking their tally for the season up to a joint league high of 17. It’s been a strong start to the campaign for new manager Frank, with his side sitting third in the division after nine matches.

There has been a lot to like, but reports this week suggest that the manager is not overwhelmingly happy with his choice of strikers. Randal Kolo Muani came in on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this summer but has struggled with injury.

Tottenham Hotspur ‘in talks’ with Brentford striker

Richarlison has seen his fair share of minutes but has only scored once in the league since his brace on the opening day against Burnley. Meanwhile Dominic Solanke continues to be plagued by injuries with Football Insider claiming the ex AFC Bournemouth man could be sold by Spurs in the New Year.

That would leave space for a new arrival and reporter James Davies believes that could come in Brentford man Kevin Schade. The 23-year-old arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium for £22 million in 2023, while Frank was still in charge in west London.

Davies took to social media platform X on Tuesday and wrote: “EXCL: Fabio Paratici has been in contact with Epic Sports Agency in the last 48 hours regarding Kevin Schade. Tottenham want to be kept informed on the situation — Thomas Frank is a huge admirer of his former player.”

Thomas Frank praises ‘incredible’ Kevin Schade

It’s been a slow start to life in the Premier League for the Germany international, who has had his fair share of injury setbacks. However, the forward is now fit and has two Premier League goals to his name, the latest coming in the Bees’ 3-2 win over Liverpool.

When at Brentford, Frank backed Schade to get better and better as the seasons go on. Following a brace against Manchester United in May, the now Spurs manager said: “He’s grown a lot this season. Scoring 10 goals – not many players have scored 10 goals in the Premier League in their career – and he’ll most likely become even better next year. That’s the plan.

“With his pace going in behind, his threat in the box on headers – two fantastic headers [against United], the first one is an incredible header, the second one is just top class – but also if we go longer he’s one that can win a flick-on and, with set pieces in both boxes, he’s working hard.”

In other news, Tottenham told they can sign 'strong player' to replace Dominic Solanke for bargain fee in January.

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Spurs told they can sign 'strong player' for cheap to replace Solanke

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Tottenham are said to be eyeing a striker who could be available for a bargain fee in the winter.

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Tottenham are now said to be looking at signing a striker in the winter transfer window as they ponder a potential upgrade on Dominic Solanke. It has been a solid start to the season for Spurs, who picked up a big win over Everton on the weekend to bounce back from a run of underwhelming performances in the Premier League and Europe.

Thomas Frank’s men are currently in third place, and they certainly would have taken that coming into the season given how last season went. Having said that, they do now have a few litmus tests to take care of in a very tough run of fixtures that will see them take on Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal consecutively in the league, while a cup game with Newcastle and a Champions League clash with holders PSG also have to be taken care of before the end of November.

After those fixtures, we should have a clearer idea of what Tottenham’s realistic ambitions are and whether they will be in the mix for Champion League qualification. Either way, Tottenham are already likely to have plans for the January transfer window, with sporting chief Fabio Paratici now back at the helm following a FIFA suspension.

According to TBR Football, Spurs could revisit the idea of signing Dusan Vlahovic, who was linked with the club in 2022 ahead of his move to Juventus. It’s reported Juventus could make the striker available for £20million in the January window in a bid to prevent a free departure next summer, given he is out of contract. Naturally, clubs outside Italy can agree a pre-contract with the striker ahead of the summer from January 1.

That will be an attractive option to many, but it’s a risky move given the number of clubs likely to come to the table. Tottenham can beat the queue by agreeing a fee before January rolls around, and £20million is a bargain fee for a player Juve signed for £66.6million. The striker has scored 45 times in 112 league appearances for Juve, and crucially, he is still only 25 years of age. He has six goals in 14 appearances this season.

Former Juventus manager Igor Tudor said of Vlahovic in September: “I’ll repeat what I have already said. In this month and a half of preparation he has always been focused, he has worked as an example. [Juventus general manager] Comolli said he is staying and I’m happy. He is a strong player and hopefully he keeps up this scoring rate, which is no small thing.

“Only two games have been played. I want to go match by match and do our best in the next one. Stay focused and train well, then we’ll see where this mindset and way of working takes us.”

Solanke is not living up to expectations

Spurs may be - and perhaps should be - considering Vlahovic because £65million signing Dominic Solanke has not lived up to expectations at the club so far. The striker has scored nine goals in 29 league appearances and has been injury prone of late, missing 22 games since March through three different injuries.

Solanke hasn’t been egregiously poor, but it feels like he has been given extra grace for one reason or another, while other Premier League players have been heavily criticised for failing to perform to a high level after arriving on deals priced as highly as £65million. That narrative is now starting to turn, and we are now seeing reports of Frank being unhappy with Solanke, whether they are accurate or not.

The addition of V;ahovic could add much needed competition for Solanke, and if Spurs still aren’t impressed, they would have the room to cut ties next summer.

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Ex Chelsea and Spurs prodigy gets international call up after League Two transfer

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The 21-year-old learned his trade in the youth academies at London giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

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Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur youth star Jude Soonsup-Bell has received an international call-up despite dropping down to League Two this summer.

The 21-year-old signed on a one-year deal for Grimsby Town in August and has made eight appearances for the side. The winger is yet to score but his performances have clearly turned the heads of the Thailand international team

Soonsup-Bell was once considered ‘one of the most promising youngsters at the club’ according to The Chelsea Chronicle. He was handed a first team debut under Thomas Tuchel, playing 45 minutes against Brentford in a 2-0 Carabao Cup win in 2021.

Soonsup-Bell a product of Chelsea and Spurs youth systems

Speaking about the young players who featured in that match, Tuchel said at the time: “I’m very pleased. It was a brilliant performance and a brilliant result so I’m very happy for the players. They showed great mentality. They were very disciplined, very structured, and within that structure we performed individually. It was very well done from them.

“It was a brilliant result given the circumstances, the line-up and the situation. Some of the guys who played were youngsters and the other guys had not many minutes like Trevoh, Saul and Barkley but they stepped up in a tough place.”

The wide man is set to face the Bees again this week when Grimsby Town welcome Keith Andrews’ side to Blundell Park in Carabao Cup action on Tuesday. Soonsup-Bell could feature buoyed by news from the Thailand international team.

Grimsby Town star gets national call-up

Thai football expert Ta Lao wrote on social media platform X: “BREAKING NEWS: CHANGSUEK SECURE JUDE SOONSUP-BELL!

“Grimsby Town striker Jude Soonsup-Bell has accepted the call-up to play for the Thai National Team! FA President ‘Madame Pang’ Nualphan Lamsam is moving immediately to complete the paperwork.

“Head Coach Anthony Hudson nominated the former Chelsea/Spurs youth star for the November ACQ2027 Squad.”

Soonsup-Bell signed his first professional deal with Chelsea at the age of 17 and has been capped by England from under-15 to under-19 level He then joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 but only ever played for the under-21 side. He then joined Segunda Division side Cordoba in August 2024.

When signing for Grimsby Town, manager David Artell said: "I'm really pleased that Jude has chosen to join the team. He's an exciting talent with a great pedigree and a player we have been watching for some time. He will add great competition to our forward line this season and we are really excited to work with him."

Grimsby Town sit sixth in League Two after 14 matches. After Brentford, the side faces Ebbsfleet United this weekend.

In other news, 'Not enough' - Chelsea dodged a bullet by not signing player who manager says is not fit enough.

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