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Tottenham must exploit 2011 Premier League rule change against Aston Villa - opinion

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Tottenham must exploit 2011 Premier League rule change against Aston Villa - opinion - LondonWorld
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Yesteryear, Ange Postecoglou may have been punished for huge changes to his team but now Tottenham Hotspur must exploit that old rule change.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou joked that he would be wrapping his squad in ‘cotton wool’ this week ahead of the Europa League final against Manchester United next week. He may have cracked a wry smile when uttering that phrase but the Aussie should not be joking in the slightest.

The Premier League season is over for the north London club. It’s been a disaster and an embarrassment that won’t be hidden even if Spurs manage to thrash Aston Villa at Villa Park and record a triumphant victory against Brighton on the final day of the campaign.

Postecoglou and the club know that the only way to salvage something from the 2024/25 campaign is by getting their hands on the Europa League trophy. It’s been a spectacular cup run and the season hinges on the final in Bilbao next week. Win, and Tottenham Hotspur remember a historic campaign. Lose, and it’s the worst season in years.

Tottenham Hotspur managing fresh injury blow

A primary reason why it has been such a poor season for Postecoglou’s men is a plague of injuries that have run through the squad. Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Wlison Odobert, Ben Davies and Richarlison are just a handful of first team stars who have missed a chunk of action.

Now, ahead of that Europa League final, Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked by the news that Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery and will miss out. The 25-year-old is a vital player for Postecoglou thanks to his versatility but joins James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dane Scarlett on the injury table.

Clearly, Spurs are struggling to keep players fit this season and the club needs its squad at top strength to overcome an unpredictable Manchester United outfit. Any further injuries must be avoided at all cost.

Postecoglou said: “We’ve got enough injuries. I’ll put them in cotton wool for the next ten days. Seriously, with the way things have gone this year, any extra curricular activities are going to be at a minimum.”

It’s therefore somewhat frustrating to hear that the Spurs boss will ‘definitely’ be fielding captain Son Heung-min against Aston Villa on Friday night. The South Korean has been battling his own fitness problems but looks set to feature in the final... so long as he does not aggravate anything at Villa Park.

Postecoglou has also spoken of using the Aston Villa match as a chance for key players to impress and ensure a place on the starting XI next week but he is playing with fire on the injury front. The Tottenham Hotspur manager must rotate his squad as much as possible and key his starting XI to take on Manchester United in that cotton wool he speaks of.

Premier League makes rotation rule change in 2011

Previously, making dramatic changes to his starting XI may have been penalised by the Premier League. Blackpool were fined £25,000 for rotating 10 of their starting XI during their time in the top flight.

That rule ensured that there was always a level playing field and that, for example, the Spurs team that Aston Villa face is as strong as another team had to play at a different stage of the season - especially important given the Villains’ involvement in the race for Champions League football.

However, that rule changed in 2011 and means that Postecoglou can keep as many of his best players away from the action as he likes. Following the 2010/11 campaign, clubs agreed to modify the rules to allow for mass rotation. A spokesman for the Premier League said at the time: "The clubs voted at the last Premier League Annual General Meeting to modify the rule regarding clubs fielding full strength teams (E.20). From 2011/12 onwards the rule will allow any combination of players included in a club's 25-man squad list to be selected for a Premier League fixture.

"The 25-man squad rules do allow clubs to pick Under-21 players beyond those named in their squad list and, with this in mind, it was agreed by the clubs that it was appropriate for the rule to remain in place in order to ensure the integrity of the competition."

Postecoglou must remind himself of that rule and seek reassurance from it. The Europa League final is all or nothing and the meeting with Aston Villa this week cannot be to the detriment of that giant European clash.

In other news, Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links.

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Tottenham 'magician' undergoes surgery in mammoth blow for Ange Postecoglou

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Tottenham 'magician' undergoes surgery in mammoth blow for Ange Postecoglou - LondonWorld
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Ange Postecoglou is set to be without midfielder Dejan Kulusevski for the rest of the season.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski has undergone surgery for a patella injury picked up in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were humbled by their London rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that bitter taste of a 20th Premier League defeat is compounded by news that Kulusevski’s knock is more serious than confirmed.

The versatile midfielder hobbled off after just 19 minutes against the Eagles but Postecoglou had played down the severity of that problem. Spurs face Aston Villa in league action this week, but have little to play for in the division, with all eyes on the Europa League final in Bilbao next week.

Dejan Kulusevski undergoes surgery on injury

Postecoglou could turn a thoroughly underwhelming season into an unforgettable one should the London outfit get its hands on silverware but he will likely have to do that without Kulusevski. A club statement shared via social media platform X read: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend. Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately. We're all with you, Deki.”

Kulusevski has been a key player for Postecoglou and Spurs this season, his versatility an asset when the squad has been blighted by injury worries. The Swede has racked up 50 appearances across all competitions with 10 goals and 11 assists. The player, who picked up an assist against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg last week, missed seven matches with a foot injury in March and April.

Speaking after the Crystal Palace match, Postecoglou had said: “He should be okay, just talking to him after. The medical team are not too concerned with him, more of a knock than anything else, so we're hoping he should be okay.”

Tottenham midfielder labelled ‘magician’ by Chelsea legend

Kulusevski has earned plaudits for his tenacity this season. Former Premier League duo Joe Cole and Peter Crouch complimented the star after back-to-back strong showings against Manchester City in the league and then Roma in the Europa League.

Speaking in November, Cole told TNT Sports: "He's a magician. He's such a good player. Tottenham are going to score so many goals with those two [Kulusevski and Johnson] combining this season.

“The reason he's getting the nod over Maddison [is] off the ball, he's very good. He sets the press, but I think you can get both of them in the side. Players who can handle the ball – technicians, technicians, technicians – especially the way Ange Postecoglou plays, those players can be so exciting."

Crouch added: "He's in that deeper position, and it might frustrate Maddison because you probably can't play both of them there. But in this central area, he's got more of a free role, and he can run and get behind people. He's so good in these areas.

"He's not blessed with tremendous pace, but the way he moves, he can run all day, the way he creates and gets out of tight positions, and his intelligence is wonderful to watch. He's playing with so much confidence."

In other news, Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links.

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Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links

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Jonathan David makes announcement amid Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham links - LondonWorld
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West Ham and Arsenal are just two Premier League sides who have been linked with a move for soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David.

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Lille talisman Jonathan David has officially confirmed that he will leave the Ligue 1 outfit at the end of his contract this summer as several Premier League sides monitor a potential free transfer for the 25-year-old.

David has scored 25 goals in all competitions this season and a total of 109 in 231 appearances for Lille since arriving at the club from Gent in 2020. The striker won the Ligue 1 title with the side in 2021.

Taking to social media, the Canada international spoke in an emotional video. David said: “I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye. I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy.

Jonathan David to leave Lille as free agent

“Notably the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions and I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy. I would like to thank all of my teammates, all the coaches, staff, technical and medical teams, the managers and everyone that I have met over the months at the club. Thank you very much for everything you have brought me over these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“Finally to the supporters, I know I didn’t have the easiest start but you have always supported me through all the difficult times and for that I truly hold you in my heart and thank you infinitely for all the beautiful moments we have shared. All the time you have been behind me and behind the team, for encouraging us and allowing us to have the seasons like we have had.”

It remains to be seen where David takes the next steps in his career but he is not set to be short of options. Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a move for the player.

Arsenal lead Premier League race for Lille striker with West Ham and Spurs in pursuit

The Gunners are in the market for a talisman this summer having lacked firepower this term. GiveMeSport carried reports this week that Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for the player, despite progress in their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Meanwhile, at West Ham, the loan of Evan Ferguson from Brighton has not worked out and Graham Potter will look for a more prolific solution come the end of the season. RMC Sport named the Hammers as one side ‘interested’ in signing the player alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at the end of April.

David has also been linked with clubs on the continent. While it’s expected that he could quit Ligue 1, Lille rivals Marseille are said to be well in the transfer race for the player with desires to bring the goalscorer down south.

In other news, Andrea Berta now ready to 'prioritise' Arsenal's primary striker target.

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Tottenham dealt fresh injury blow in Man Utd and Aston Villa boost

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Tottenham dealt fresh injury blow in Man Utd and Aston Villa boost ahead of Europa League final - LondonWorld
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Spurs could be forced to take on Manchester United in the Europa League final without the services of Dejan Kulusevksi.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is absent from training again on Tuesday after picking up a knock in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year-old had only just returned from a fitness concern and the severity of that problem had been played down by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. Kulusevski was expected to return to training on Tuesday but Sky Sports are at the training ground and report that the midfielder is not present.

Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill said: “I’m afraid it’s not good because he isn’t out there training with the rest of the players, doing their warm-ups of course ahead of this game against Aston Villa. We saw him limp off against Crystal Palace early on after coming back from another injury setback. It was a knee injury, ‘not too serious’ Ange Postecoglou said in his news conference on Monday.

Dejan Kulusevski injury update as midfielder misses Spurs training

“Kulusevski didn’t train on Monday because it was sore and they were waiting for that soreness to go down to assess the situation. There were high hopes that he would be out here today with the rest of the squad ahead of this massive game a week today in Bilbao. I spoke to him as he left the stadium on Sunday, he had a bit of a limp but it wasn’t too bad. I asked him three times whether or not he would be available for Bilbao, for that Champions League play-off, for that Europa League final. He said three times that, ‘yes’ he would be.

“We still think it’s not serious but obviously not in contention at the moment for selection for that match at Villa Park on Friday.”

Kulusevski has been a key player for Postecoglou and Spurs this season, his versatility an asset when the squad has been blighted by injury worries. The Swede has racked up 50 appearances across all competitions with 10 goals and 11 assists.

The player, who picked up an assist against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg last week, missed seven matches with a foot injury in March and April. He lasted just 19 minutes against Crystal Palace last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur blow comes in Manchester United and Aston Villa boost

It’s a big blow for Spurs as the season comes to an end. Postecoglou has little on the line for the trip to Villa Park on Friday night but it’s all to play for in Bilbao with the chance of winning silverware against Manchester United next week.

The absence of Kulusevski is a boost for the Villains, who are still wrapped up in the race for Champions League football and need three points against Tottenham Hotspur. It’s also good news for Manchester United ahead of that Europa League final with Spurs potentially arriving in Spain without a key star.

Speaking after the Crystal Palace match, Postecoglou had said: “He should be okay, just talking to him after. The medical team are not too concerned with him, more of a knock than anything else, so we're hoping he should be okay.”

In other news, European giants 'want' Tottenham star who is open to move after managerial change.

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European giants 'want' Tottenham star who is open to move

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European giants 'want' Tottenham star who is open to move after managerial change - LondonWorld
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Tottenham could lose one of their star men this summer amid managerial movements on the continent.

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Tottenham could lose one of their star defenders this summer amid reported interest from a league the player wants to play in. Spurs are in for an interesting summer, although not before their Europa League final with Manchester United on May 21, with Champions League qualification on the line.

Whether Spurs make it to the Champions League or not could significantly impact their recruitment this summer, and a number of players could push for an exit in the absence of European football.

One of those players is centre-back Cristian Romero, who has been heavily linked with an exit over recent months. The defender is under contract until 2027, but he has been critical of the club while also expressing his desire to play in La Liga.

Perhaps conveniently for him, The Sun report that incoming Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is a big fan of Romero’s, with claims that Alonso wants the defender to be one of his signings this summer. Alonso has announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen ahead of his expected move to the Santiago Bernabeu, with current Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti already being announced as new Brazil boss.

Alonso said of his departure over the weekend: "We lived a lot of special moments and it was a mixed feeling in the last home game. We are thankful for what we achieved in the past three years. I have changed a lot in these years. We had many experiences. Luckily most of them good ones, today maybe not but I will forget this one quickly. What I lived here in Leverkusen has been very special."

In the meantime, Fabrizio Romano has recently issued an update on Romero’s Tottenham contract situation, telling GiveMeSport: “From what I’m hearing, there is no active conversation between Tottenham and Cristian Romero to extend the contract. And that’s the crucial point, I think. In this moment, Cristian Romero is not discussing a new deal, and it’s probably also not something they are expecting to do in the next months. So there is a possibility to see movements around Romero.”

Romero’s La Liga dream

Romero recently addressed his future when speaking to TyC Sports in Argentine. “La Liga is left for me to play in, I would love to, to tell you the truth. I would love to play there because it’s the league I’m missing.” He added: “I try to above all live the day to day. There are almost two months until the championship ends and in my head it’s always (about) performing to the maximum, trying to finish in the best way possible.

“We’re in the semi-final of the Europa League. It’s an important step for the club after so many years where they hadn’t reached those stages. To say I’m happy (with that)? No, because in the end I want to win it, but it depends on a lot of things. After that, once the championship finishes, we’ll see. The truth is I haven’t spoken to my representative yet but I’m open to anything. In my head, I always (think about) growing, also (about) going to new places to keep growing but I don’t want to talk about that yet because there’s a few months left of the championship.”

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Spurs 'like' £68m ace and have 'long

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Journo: Tottenham 'like' £68m ace and have 'long-term interest' in 17-goal Man Utd target - LondonWorld
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for the Europa League final against Manchester United

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Tottenham Hotspur’s season hinges on next week’s Europa League final against Manchester United - and the result is also set to have a major impact on their summer transfer plans.

Ange Postecoglou’s long-term future remains under question after a tough campaign in the Premier League. The former Celtic boss could lead Spurs to their first trophy since 2008 and in turn give himself some breathing space when it comes to his own role.

Tottenham could pocket close to £11m for winning the Europa League and earn themselves a spot in the Champions League next campaign. Even reaching the league phase of UEFA’s elite club competition will provide the North London club with a further revenue boost.

Winning in Bilbao could have a major impact on how the next 12 months look for Spurs and Postecoglou and whether they would be able to successfully pursue their top transfer targets.

Tottenham ‘like’ Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze

Reporting in a BBC Sport Q&A, journalist Sami Mokbel was asked about Tottenham’s potential transfer business come the summer. He revealed that the North London club liked Eze, who has a release clause of £68m in his contract at Selhurst Park.

Eze scored twice last weekend as Palace won 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and he is a player who is attracting interest from a number of clubs after impressing for several seasons now with Oliver Glasner’s side.

The 26-year-old has seven goals and eight assists in 32 Premier League outings this season. Palace have the FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to this weekend and if the Eagles triumph at Wembley they will secure Europa League football. If Spurs do not have European football next term, Eze might well decide to remain at Selhurst Park.

As things stand, nothing is certain for what Tottenham can actually do in the transfer window until they know what competitions they will be in next season - and who their manager will be.

Tottenham also have ‘long-term’ interest in Matheus Cunha

Mokbel also reported that Spurs have a long-term interest in Wolves star Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United and has a release clause of around £63m in his contract. He has scored 17 goals in all competitions for Wolves this season.

However, despite Spurs’ long-term interest - Europa League final opponents Manchester United appear to be the frontrunners to sign him. Last week, Fabrizio Romano reported for Caught Offside that Cunha was already engaged in talks with the Old Trafford club about a move. Their could be one issue for the Red Devils, which is the payment terms of Cunha’s release clause.

United are said to be keen to reschedule the terms of the release clause that would help them better fall in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. Winning the Europa League would put Ruben Amorim’s side in a better financial situation - which gives Spurs a little more motivation to ensure that does not happen.

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Club deny interest in Spurs man and it could be good news for Leeds

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Club deny interest in Spurs man and it could be good news for Leeds - LondonWorld
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One of Tottenham Hotspur’s players looks set to leave the club this summer

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It has been an unforgettable season for Tottenham Hotspur, and not all for the right reasons. A plethora of injuries, a growing tension between Ange Postecoglou and the media and a possible 17th-placed finish could all be diminished if the club are victorious in the Europa League final on May 21st.

To say their entire season rests on 90 minutes of football is an understatement, 17 years on from the last time the club got their hands on a trophy. Europa League success could represent a watershed moment and the start of a new beginning, but defeat would surely leave Postecoglou without a job and would leave his successor with an impossible task to turn things around.

Should Spurs win against Manchester United in what will be an intriguing final, their transfer plans over the summer will be bolstered by automatic entry into the Champions League as Europa League winners. If the club are able to bring in new faces, this could open the door for several players to leave. One player bound for the exit door is Manor Solomon, who has spent this season on loan at Leeds United.

Marseille deny interest in Manor Solomon

Marseille have been linked with Solomon, but Sacha Tavolieri has reported that the French club have denied having an interest in the Spurs man. This will be good news for Leeds, who are interested in keeping the winger after he registered ten goals and 12 assists in their Championship title-winning campaign.

A stumbling block between Solomon and a permanent transfer to Elland Road is a slight gap in valuation between the two clubs, as Leeds are willing to pay £15m while Spurs are holding out for a £20m fee. Ideally both clubs would like to get a deal over the line sooner rather than later.

The 25-year-old became a key part of Daniel Farke’s side as the season went on, registering eight goal contributions in their final six games including the stoppage-time winner at Plymouth Argyle which secured the Championship title. Solomon also has previous Premier League experience, scoring four goals in 19 top-flight appearances on loan at Fulham before his transfer to North London.

What Manor Solomon has already said on future

After helping Leeds earn promotion, Solomon posted a heartfelt goodbye on his Instagram page over the weekend. In the post, he admitted he did not know what the future holds as he expressed his love for the Elland Road club.

He wrote: “After nearly a year without football. I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

“I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart. Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!”

Leeds have publicly issued their backing to manager Farke following their promotion and his stay at Elland Road could have an impact on Solomon’s future. The player shone for Farke in the Whites’ promotion season and he may want the Yorkshire club to go all out for the forward after his performances during the 2024-25 campaign.

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Tottenham handed referee who gave penalty against Arsenal for final

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The referee has been confirmed for Tottenham’s Europa League final against Manchester United.

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Tottenham and Manchester United now know which referee will take charge of their Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21. We are now just over a week away from the Europa League final, and it’s no secret that both Spurs and United are already planning for their trips to the Basque Country.

With nothing to play for in the Premier League and Champions League football available to the Europa League winner, both sides are placing all emphasis on winning the competition, and understandably so.

Given the poor form of both teams this season, it’s going to be a tough one to call, and so often a game of fine margins, there are many different potential difference-makers, including the referee

Europa League final 2025 referee confirmed

Tottenham and Manchester United now know that the referee for the Europa League final in Bilbao will be Felix Zwayer. The experienced official recently refereed Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Paris. In that game, Zwayer gave PSG a penalty for a handball on Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Zwayer has refreed two Tottenham games previously, and neither ended particularly well for the London club. He oversaw a 4-2 Champions League win for Barcelona in North London in 2018, and also a 1-1 Europa League knockout play-off stage first leg draw with Fiorentina in 2016.

As for United, Zwayer has refereed four games in all, and the Red Devils did not lose any of those. His last was United’s Europa League quarter-final first leg draw with Sevilla in 2023, and before that, he oversaw their Champions League group stage win over Villarreal in 2021.

The other games included a Champions League group stage win over Benfica in 2017 and a Europa League last 16 first leg away draw with Rostov.

Postecoglou on Tottenham’s situation

Speaking ahead of the Europa League final, Postecoglou addressed Tottenham’s disappointing season, their injury issues and the need for silverware. he said: “When you look at the historical backdrop of this club and what it has been on for the last 20-odd years, I feel like it could be a turning point in terms of the way the club is perceived but also more how it perceives itself, which is the biggest thing.

“Because until you do that, irrespective of what else you accomplish, people are always going to say ‘but you have not won anything’. In our game, and in life in general I guess, those are the things that matter most when people assess where you’re at. That’s the hurdle this club has to overcome because it’ll always be there. Until you actually do it, then you are fair game for people to say you have always kind of fluffed it on the big stage. Irrespective of what the opposition say or what anyone else says, what you’ve got to try and do is break that cycle.

“We’ve done a lot of heavy lifting in the last two years. We’ve signed a lot of young players with the right kind of thinking for the future. That’s costing us now because we don’t have a squad that can cope with what it’s going through now. It is not just psychological, it is about trying to change a whole range of things but also have that piece [of silverware]. My view was that’s what I’ll get judged on. I could have been sitting here fifth last year, fifth this year and maybe people wouldn’t be waiting for the white smoke to see if it’s my last one, but they would still be saying: ‘You know Ange, that’s great but it has all been done before. Until this club wins something, you haven’t made an impact.’ I kind of knew throughout my tenure that’s what I was going to be judged on, so now we have an opportunity to do that.”

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Aston Villa vs Tottenham early injury news as 4 ruled out and 3 doubts

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Aston Villa vs Tottenham early injury news as 4 ruled out and 3 doubts - LondonWorld
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All the latest injury and suspension news surrounding Tottenham and Aston Villa as they prepare to face off at Villa Park on Friday night.

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Tottenham are back in action on Friday night when they face Aston Villa in their rearranged penultimate game of the league season. Ange Postecoglou will have some big decisions to make for this one, with the Europa League final just five days later, and with nothing riding on this Premier League fixture.

There is plenty riding on it for Aston Villa, though, with Unai Emery’s men likely needing to win both of their remaining league games to stand a chance of finishing in the top five, and they will need help elsewhere, too. As Spurs and Villa prepare to face off in the Premier League on Friday night, we have rounded up all the latest injury and suspension news surrounding both teams.

Jacob Ramsey - Out (Suspended)

Ramsey was sent off with a second yellow card last time out and will be suspended for this one.

Marcus Rashford - Doubt

Emery said in his last Rashford update, over a week ago: “For tomorrow, he’s not available. He’s working on his comeback as soon as possible, but there are still weeks to be available. Hopefully, he will play with us in one or two matches.” It’s unclear when the forward will return.

Youri Tielemans - Doubt

Emery said of Tielemans’ injury recently: “He's injured and he's not available for tomorrow. It's a small injury, and we will test him again next week. He's not available for tomorrow.” The midfielder may be pushing for a return for this one.

Lucas Bergvall - Out

Postecoglou has said when asked if Bergvall will be back before the Europa League final: “Yeah, that is unlikely. If we had another two weeks, potentially he could. I am sure he will be trying, I am sure Madders will be trying, mate, just to get the strip on. Unfortunate for both of those guys, but that has been our season. Nothing has run smoothly. I am sure there will be parts of themselves disappointed they are not part of this most important part, but they have been so integral to us getting here.”

Heung-min Son - Doubt

Son came off the bench during the defeat to Palace, but he looks to reach full fitness, it would be a surprise if he was risked here, just days before the final.

James Maddison - Out

Maddison recently suffered a knee injury that will rule him out for the rest of the season. The Spurs boss said: “Madders from the first leg, so he's out. He'll miss the rest of this season and it’s disappointing for him. I'm disappointed for him because he's been a real catalyst for us. He'll miss out but that's been the story of our season.”

Radu Dragusin - Out

Dragusin is out for the rest of the season and likely a chunk of next term with an ACL injury. Postecoglou confirmed at the time: “Radu underwent surgery today following his ACL injury. That procedure has now been completed, and the centre-back will now commence with his recovery before beginning the rehab process.”

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Premier League defender finds new agent amid Tottenham and Liverpool transfer links

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Premier League defender finds new agent amid Tottenham and Liverpool transfer links - LondonWorld
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Wolves are desperate to keep their star defender, who has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has signed with new representatives ahead of the summer transfer window with the 23-year-old linked with a move to several Premier League rivals.

The Algeria international has been one of the bright sparks for Wolves this season as the Midlands club fought off relegation. Ait-Nouri has missed just one league fixture this season and picked up four goals and seven assists from defence.

Ait-Nouri has now racked up 133 Premier League appearances since making the move to Molineux in October 2020. That was initially a loan deal before the player put pen to paper on a £10 million deal the following year.

Wolves determined to keep Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Telegraph had claimed that Wolves were preparing a new contract offer for their key player this summer with the defender’s current deal set to expire in 2026. The club does hold the option of triggering another 12 months after that expiry.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been outspoken in his desire to keep Ait-Nouri as transfer rumours swirl. Speaking last week, the head coach said: ““If you were in my position, would you want to keep him or not?

“Me too. He’s a top player and we want to keep our best players. The target is to keep our best players and to bring in not too many players because then we would have to start again.

“I don’t want to start again from the beginning but some positions we need to be stronger next season. He (Ait-Nouri) is a top player. He can give us a lot and he can give us even more than he has this season because I believe that next season he can create different solutions, and I will do it with him.”

Spurs and Liverpool transfer target finds new agents

The Athletic has claimed that the club’s renewed ambitions under Pereira makes it ‘increasingly unlikely’ that the player will leave this summer, but a fresh report form transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggests Ait-Nouri’s vision may not be aligned. Taking to social media platform X on Monday morning, Romano wrote: “Wolves LB Rayan Ait Nouri has signed with CAA Stellar as new representatives. Algerian LB, one to watch in the summer as he can leave with several clubs keen on signing him after 5 goals, 7 assists this season.”

The Liverpool Echo claim that Arne Slot’s side are looking at a move for the defender while BirminghamWorld reported that Tottenham Hotspur had in fact already submitted a bid for the player earlier this year with West Ham also interested. TBR Football reporter Graeme Bailey also carried fresh reports of Spurs interest earlier this month, with Manchester City also namechecked as potential suitors.

Ait-Nouri was praised by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil earlier this season, with the manager’s comments making it clear why he would be such an asset for any Premier League rival. O’Neil said: “He can play anywhere on the pitch with the quality that he has and we’re working with him at the moment on his decision-making because he’s unbelievably brave.

“He takes the ball in some tight areas and he tries his best to look after it. Sometimes he slows the game down a bit which we’ve spoken to him about, trying to make the right call when we’re out and when we need to go to the goal fast and when we’re not and then you can take your time and we can rebuild.

“We’re helping him with those moments and he’s still a young lad. I know he’s played a lot of games for Wolves and he’s extremely talented, but there’s still a lot of learning that he needs to do in his understanding of the game.”

In other news, West Brom launch 'ambitious' enquiry to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker.

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