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Spurs have lost a manager and another member of the first team squad over the past 24 hours with the North London derby looming large.

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Tottenham Hotspur are set to host Arsenal in something of a crisis later this month with more bad injury news coming on the same day that the sacking of Thomas Frank is confirmed.

Spurs parted ways with their manager following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night and are now on the lookout for a replacement, whether that be an interim boss or a permanent appointment.

It remains to be seen whether the club finalises a deal for a new manager before the club’s next match. That is the North London derby on February 22.

Tottenham Hotspur handed another blow after Newcastle United defeat

Speaking after the loss to the Magpies, Frank once again pointed to the injury crisis at the club as reason for his side’s struggle for form. When asked if he would keep his job for the clash with the Gunners, he said: "1,000 per cent sure. I am also 1,000 per cent sure that I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries on the back end of this and what we’ve been facing, but I know when you need to build something and need to get through things, you need to show unbelievable strong resilience.

“I think it is fair to say there are a few before me up here not only for Tottenham but in many other clubs that have lost their head many times and I think you need to have a calm head, carry on, keep fighting and keep doing the right thing, make sure we stick together because we can only do this if we stick together. That is the board, that is the leaders, that is the players, that is the staff, that is me and that is the fans. We only get through this together."

Spurs are lacking creative options with Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski all on the long injury list. Frank had turned to Wilson Odobert on the flank against Newcastle United but the player lasted just 35 minutes.

The player had gone shoulder to shoulder with Harvey Barnes and appeared to land awkwardly on his knee, requiring attention from the medical team on the pitch before hobbling off with a problem that looks worrying for Spurs.

Speaking after the game, when asked for an update, Frank had said: "No, not yet. I hope it's nothing too serious, but I don't know what it can be. I hope it's not a serious injury to a 20-year-old young player."

Wilson Odobert injury update

Now, reports from Le Parisien claim that Odobert has suffered a dreaded ACL tear in his left knee. It remains to be known whether the winger requires surgery but an ACL injury would likely be season ending for the former Burnley man.

Odobert had not been one of the first names on the team sheet under Frank but looked to have an important role to play over the run-in due to the injuries. The 20-year-old had been fit and available for every Premier League game so far this season, featuring in all but two.

The winger has registered just two assists this season but his performances as an impact substitute had earned praise. Following the 2-2 draw against Manchester United in October, in which Odobert grabbed one of those assists, former Premier League winger Theo Walcott said: “Odobert was absolutely outstanding when he came on. A player that has to be able to take risks and play with that freedom with energy, and that is what you have to do as a substitute.

“What I like about him, he likes to put the ball in when you have space. He likes to change his game and not be predictable when you give players who are ball carriers this amount of space.”

In other news, Pedro Porro shares blunt 13-word message after Thomas Frank sacked by Tottenham.

Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League table and are just five points above the relegation zone.

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Tottenham Hotspur have sacked manager Thomas Frank following the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

An injury-hit Spurs side recorded an 11th defeat of the campaign so far as their torrid form in front of home support continues. Boos rang out around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at full-time, and not for the first time this season.

Frank has kept his job under increasing pressure in recent months and had been adamant that he continued to have the backing of the board when speaking to the media following the latest defeat. The Tottenham manager explained he had held talks with chiefs in North London on Monday and was not concerned about his position.

Tottenham Hotspur sack Thomas Frank

However, on Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that Frank had been dismissed from his role at the club. Spurs have a week-and-a-half until they are next in action with the small matter of a North London derby against Arsenal on February 22 to prepare for.

Frank left his previous role at Brentford to take up the job at Tottenham in the summer. The Dane had spent seven years with the Bees and helped the club from the Championship to the Premier League, consolidating their status as a top flight club.

The 52-year-old replaced Ange Postecoglou at Spurs and, despite strong form in Europe and securing a place in the last 16 of the Champions League, consistently struggled for form in the Premier League. Recent defeats to Newcastle United and Manchester United, combined with the resurgence of Leeds United and West Ham, have left Spurs in a precarious position.

Frank responds to Spurs boos after Newcastle United defeat

Tottenham sit just five points above the drop zone with the reality of a potential fight for survival setting in. Speaking after the defeat to Newcastle United, Frank had said: "I understand the fans' frustration. We are in a position we don’t want to be in and we are working very hard day and night to change. I also think it is a situation now the club has been in, it’s fair to say, for almost two years and at the end of last season as well - clearly a pattern that we struggle to manage Europe and the Premier League.

“It’s something me, the team, the club, the players we need to learn to do even better physically and mentally to deal with that. Part of that of course is the 11 injuries or 10 plus a suspension plus another one today which of course doesn’t help in a situation like that.

“Then we face a Newcastle team which is struggling a little bit lately, look at what they put out on the pitch, compared to what they have done in the last three years. I think it’s fair to say it’s quite different to us. I think Newcastle were more on top first half. We came back in it very well. Then I think it was a little bit symbolic of our season that we had a transition going one way, then we misplaced a pass and defended badly for the 2-1 goal."

In other news, What Mauricio Pochettino has said about Tottenham return and why contract clause blocks appointment.

Thomas Frank has been handed yet another Tottenham Hotspur injury to deal with ahead of facing Arsenal.

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Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert lasted just 35 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night with Thomas Frank handed yet another injury concern.

Spurs slipped to just five points above the relegation zone with their latest home defeat, coming to a Magpies side who have been woeful on the road this season. Frank continues to struggle on without 11 first team players and looks to now have a fresh concern.

Odobert, who arrived at Spurs from Burnley for £25 million in August 2024, had only been a bit-part player this term but has been handed minutes in all but two Premier League fixtures so far this season. He’s one of the few first team players who had been yet to miss a match through injury this term.

Wilson Odobert picks up injury against Newcastle United

The player had gone shoulder to shoulder with Harvey Barnes and appeared to land awkwardly on his knee, requiring attention from the medical team on the pitch before hobbling off with a problem that looks worrying for Spurs.

The winger will join fellow wide man Mohammed Kudus on the treatment table in North London. Frank is also without James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski also unable to provide creativity from midfield.

Spurs being without another option comes as a potential boost to upcoming opponents. Arsenal travel to their North London rivals on Sunday, February 22 with Fulham hosting Spurs at the start of March. It remains to be seen whether Frank will be able to call on the influence of Odobert for either of those fixtures.

Odobert has been on the receiving end of praise from Frank in recent weeks for improvements made on the pitch as he continues to look to cement a role in the starting XI. Following a 27 minute cameo from the bench against Crystal Palace at the end of December, the Spurs boss said: “I think take the positive away from the Crystal Palace substitution role, where he was so lively and they couldn’t catch him and should have scored at least a goal. And then last night, I think there was still some very positive glimpses.

“I think he is in the situation where he takes a little bit better decision when there’s, let’s say, three times the touch, because even if he’s taken it, that will just get him in a top position as soon as it’s turned and we’re three vs three, instead of it’s a bad touch and then we go the other way, for example.

“So just keep learning that. That’s just a normal part of football. Unfortunately, there’s a little bit of extra focus in the Premier League, but hey, that’s part of it.

“Wilson, I’ve said it many times, is a very promising player that I believe a lot in. He looked so lively against Crystal Palace, but also natural with a young player, [that] he was a little bit up and down yesterday. I’m convinced he’ll be very good for us.”

Wilson Odobert on ‘good relationship’ with Thomas Frank

Odobert himself has spoken positively about his relationship with Frank. The Spurs boss has tasked the winger with boosting his goal and assist output.

The player said: "We have a good relationship. He trusts me and I feel that trust. It's by having that close, trustable relationship that I'm able to feel freer out on the pitch and do things I'm capable of. We work a lot with the coach, we have a lot of videos, we all try to focus on our improvement and we work as much as we can to make things change.

"I think I have to keep improving, both as a player and as a person. It's true that in football we talk a lot about statistics at the moment, so I'm trying to improve those stats but, more than anything, to help the team and be someone who contributes to this team as much as possible.”

In other news, Next Tottenham manager odds: Spurs legend favourite alongside ex-Barcelona, Leeds United and Man United men.

Thomas Frank was asked if he would still be manager at Tottenham Hotspur for the derby against Arsenal later this month.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is confident that he will still be in his job for the North London derby against Arsenal later this month, despite defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

Eddie Howe’s side picked up a much-needed 2-1 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Spurs’ woes in front of home support continue. Frank’s side now sit 16th in the table and just five points above the relegation zone with the threat of a fight for survival looming large.

Frank has been under pressure for months with talk of a potential sacking but has retained the support of the board. Tottenham Hotspur backed the manager in the January transfer window with nearly £50 million spent on Conor Gallagher and Souza.

Thomas Frank admits talks with Tottenham Hotspur board

The latest defeat leaves even more questions over Frank’s future at the club and the Spurs manager was asked about his tenure straight after the defeat. Speaking on TNT Sports, Frank admitted to having spoken to the board on Monday.

When asked if he feared for his job ahead of Arsenal, he said: “No. I spoke to them yesterday, so no.”

Frank was also asked about his side’s precarious league position but did not go as far as admitting the team was in a relegation fight. He said: “We understand we are not in a top position and we need to do everything we can to work very hard to get out of.”

The manager added: “I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That’s fair and part of the job, unfortunately. I will work day and night to do everything to turn it around but it’s fair to say it’s never only one person. I think it’s fair to say we’ve been in this situation last year. It’s something we need to get through and improve and I’m not in doubt that I’m part of that.”

Les Ferdinand calls for ‘desperate measures’ at Spurs

Spurs were once again booed by the home support in London and former Tottenham Hotspur striker Les Ferdinand admitted that it could be time for the club to take ‘desperate measures’ to fix what is going wrong at the club.

He said: “It’s a totally different Tottenham Hotspur in the second half. You can’t wait until you’re a goal down to start performing. Well, you can, but you’ll end up where you are now - discontent, three points off the relegation zone, tough times. You can understand the supporters are angry at that.

“Confidence is a major thing in football and Tottenham are lacking any sort of confidence. All their mavericks, their creative players are missing. What they are going with at the moment is not good enough. It’s desperate times. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

“The boos at the end of the game were very loud and they have been very audible all season. A lot of the supporters have lost faith in what Frank is doing here. He’s worked most of the season without his creative players and been really unfortunate but the performances at home haven’t been good enough, and that’s what counts.”

In other news, Next Tottenham manager odds: Spurs legend favourite alongside ex-Barcelona, Leeds United and Man United men.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could launch a transfer swoop for the Premier League starlet

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Arsenal are back in action on Thursday evening with an away trip to Brentford as they aim to keep their push for the Premier League title on track. The Gunners are being chased down by Manchester City in 2nd. As for Chelsea, they take on Leeds United at home on Tuesday night.

The Blues have been in decent form under Liam Rosenior as they look to secure Champions League football. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves down in 15th position in the table. They are back in action this week against Newcastle United.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur interested in Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are ‘monitoring’ Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye, according to CaughtOffside. Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the player. The report adds that his current club could demand up to £65million for his signature in an attempt to fend off suitors.

Ndiaye, 25, joined the Toffees back in 2024 and is under contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until June 2029. He has been a key player since his switch to Merseyside and they could face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid attention from elsewhere. The forward has made 56 appearances in all competitions, 19 of which have come this season, and he has scored 15 goals.

The Senegal international, who has 39 caps to his name, joined Everton from Marseille having previously been at Sheffield United. He was an important figure for the Blades during his time at South Yorkshire. The France-born man found the net on 22 occasons in 88 outings during his Bramall Lane days.

Where next for Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye amid Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur links?

Everton’s resolve may well be tested if a big money offer came in from Arsenal, Chelsea or Spurs this summer. Manchester United have also been mentioned and they are likely to be busy in the next window. Time will tell whether the Toffees will be able to retain his services for another year.

After joining them, Ndiaye said at the time: "I am so pleased to be an Everton player. The main reasons I wanted to join were how big the club is, its history and the part I can play in helping the team in the forward direction it is going in. I'm so excited and can't wait to get going. Kevin [Thelwell, ex-Everton director of football] and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted. My Senegal team-mate Idrissa [Gueye] also played a part and spoke highly of the club and a lot of good things."

Meanwhile, their ex-boss Sean Dyche, now at Nottingham Forest, said: "Iliman adds versatility to our attacking options and strengthens our forward line as we look to build on the progress we made as a team last season in terms of chances created. He is still young but has experience at European and international level and we feel he will be a really positive addition to our squad."

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action against Newcastle United as they look to return to winning ways

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Tottenham Hotspur are positioned in 15th place in the Premier League table after 25 fixtures. They are only six points above the relegation zone with 13 games left to play. Pressure continues to grow on head coach Thomas Frank amid their inconsistent run of form.

The London outfit lost 2-0 away at Manchester United last time out. They are back in action on Tuesday evening at home to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Here is a look at their predicted XI for their upcoming clash...

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Newcastle United: goalkeeper and defence

GK: Guglielmo Vicario: He has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Spurs between the sticks this season, 25 of which have come in the league. The stopper has kept 13 clean sheets and will be eyeing another against Newcastle.

RWB: Archie Gray: At the age of 19, he has bags of potential to keep improving in the future. The versatile youngster has been getting a lot of game time at right wing-back recently.

CB: Joao Palhinha: Spurs’ defensive injury issues mean the midfielder had to drop into defence against Manchester United. The Portugal international is likely to do the same against the Magpies.

CB: Radu Dragusin: Cristian Romero was sent off at Old Trafford so is suspended. That will pave the way for Dragusin to start instead.

CB: Micky van de Ven: He was linked with Liverpool in the January transfer window. However, he stayed put in London and is a key player for his current club.

LWB: Destiny Udogie: Spurs snapped him up back in 2022 to boost their defensive department. He likes to get up and down the left flank.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Newcastle United: midfield and attack

CM: Conor Gallagher: Spurs landed him last month and he has since made a positive impression. He has injected more quality into their midfield ranks.

CM: Pape Matar Sarr: The 23-year-old gives Frank more competition and depth in the middle of the park. Yves Bissouma is another option to pick from if needed in this position.

FW: Matys Tel: It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Tel come back into the starting XI instead of Wilson Odobert against Newcastle. That would help freshen things up at the top end of the pitch to provide something different.

FW: Xavi Simons: Spurs brought him in last summer from RB Leipzig and it has taken him a while to get to grips with life in England. The 22-year-old has found the net twice in 29 outings since his transfer and will be looking to make more of an impact over the coming as he gets more used to the physicality of football in this country.

ST: Dominic Solanke: He scored an impressive goal in his side’s last home outing against Manchester City to help them secure a useful point. The striker will be aiming to add to his tally against the Toon Army, with Randal Kolo Muani ready to come on from the bench.

A look at the pundit predictions for Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

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Tottenham are back in action on Tuesday night when they face Newcastle United in an interesting clash between two sides who have been struggling to live up to expectation this season. Spurs are firmly in the bottom half, and pressure continues to build on Thomas Frank.

Eddie Howe has a bigger runway given his work over recent years, but Newcastle United are also in the bottom half and in danger of missing out on Europe this season. They come into this one on the back of a home defeat to Brentford.

Ahead of a clash between two sides who are in desperate need of a big win, we have rounded up the pundit predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Meerson.

Paul Merson

“Both Tottenham and Newcastle desperately need a response, don't they? They're not bad teams. But I feel they've both been let down at times by their best players! There is no justification for what Cristian Romero did against Manchester United on Saturday. It was ridiculous from him to get sent off. This isn't the first time Romero has let Spurs down and as long as he keeps playing, it won't be the last either.

“If the uncertainty around Sandro Tonali's future was a concern for Newcastle, now they also have to deal with his poor run of form. I also don't understand why his agent had to come out and talk publicly about his client's future in the midst of all this. It just adds more pressure on Tonali.

“This game is a football pundit's nightmare. You can predict one thing and the result could really embarrass you in the end! I can definitely see goals here, but I'm going for a draw. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Newcastle United.”

Chris Sutton

“Tottenham captain Cristian Romero let his manager down with his red card against Manchester United, and now he is facing a four-game ban. It's fine for Romero to be a motor mouth on social media, calling the club's recruitment "disgraceful", but he clearly needs to concentrate on his own game because he has been wild in the challenge again.

“For a manager like Thomas Frank, who is under pressure, that is the last thing you need. Poor old Eddie Howe is feeling the heat at Newcastle too, though. We had callers in to 606 at the weekend saying it is time for a change - my reaction was 'what!?'.

“I really don't get that thinking at all, and not just because Howe's the guy who ended their long wait for a trophy, less than a year ago.His squad is stretched now because of the Champions League and their run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and he also had everything around Alexander Isak's exit to deal with at the start of the season, when it wasn't his doing.

“Howe just hasn't been able to replace Isak, either. Yoane Wissa has taken a while to get up and running and Nick Woltemade is very different to Isak in that he likes to come to the ball all the time. People are saying a change of voice might help, but what about backing the guy who has given you so much happiness? I don't understand why you'd want him out.

“This is a very difficult game to predict for various reasons, but we do know Spurs are poor at home and Newcastle aren't great away. I still think someone will win it, but I am going to sit in the middle anyway, and go for a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the player ahead of the summer transfer window

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Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 2-0 away by Manchester United over the weekend. Cristian Romero was sent off at Old Trafford against the Red Devils. Pressure continues to grow on Thomas Frank and the club’s hierarchy have a decision to make.

Spurs are sat down in 15th place in the Premier League table after 25 fixtures. They are back in action on Tuesday night as they look to return to winning ways. Up next is a home clash against Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur update regarding links to Nicolas Raskin at Rangers

Rangers may have to sell Nicolas Raskin for a ‘cut price’ fee this summer with Spurs and Leeds United ‘long-term admirers’, according to Football Insider. He is out of contract at Ibrox in June 2027 meaning he is heading into the final year of his deal. The midfielder made the switch to Glasgow back in 2023.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has shared this update regarding his future in Scotland: “Yeah, look, I’m sure there will be further interest in Nicolas Raskin come the summer transfer window. He will just have one year left on his contract at Rangers and if there’s no new deal agreed, Rangers might be forced into cashing in on Raskin.

“They won’t want to risk him running down his contract and potentially leaving on a free transfer. Clubs will be well aware of the contract situation, thinking they might be able to get Raskin for a cheaper fee in the summer due to that contract situation. They will be hoping they can lure him away with a decent-sized offer in that respect.”

Raskin, 24, is a Belgium international with nine caps to his name. He was snapped up by Rangers to boost their midfield department and he has since made 134 appearances in all competitions, 39 of which have come this season, and he has scored nine goals. The Liege-born man has had spells in the past at Gent and Standard Liege.

What now for Tottenham Hotspur-linked Nicolas Raskin?

Time will tell whether Spurs end up lodging an offer for Raskin. HLN reported last year that Crystal Palace and Wolves are admirers, although the latter are now heading down to the Championship. Bold also reported that FC Copenhagen like him over in Denmark.

After signing for Rangers, he said at the time: “I feel very excited to be here and I also feel very proud to join a very big club. I’m looking forward to playing at Ibrox. It was very exciting when I was told of Rangers’ interest because it’s a big club. I’m looking forward to making my debut and I hope it can be as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, their ex-manager Michael Beale added: “As a football club, Nicolas is a player that we have tracked for a long time and we are very pleased to welcome him and his family to Rangers. He is a young player that has already amassed good experience both in domestic and European competition. I am looking forward to working with him closely and integrating him into our team.”

If Spurs signed him, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. However, they may face competition from Leeds. Daniel Farke’s side beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 last time out last Friday to boost their survival hopes.

It turned out to be another exciting weekend in the Premier League at both the top and bottom ends of the table

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Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 2-0 away at Manchester United over the weekend to heap more pressure on head coach Thomas Frank. Meanwhile, Chelsea secured a 3-1 win away at Wolves. Cole Palmer managed to score a hat-trick at Molineux.

Elsewhere, West Ham boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 victory at Turf Moor against Burnley. Meanwhile, there were also victories for Arsenal, Brentford and Crystal Palace, but Fulham lost. Via WhoScored, here is a look at the Premier League Team of the Week...

Premier League Team of the Week: goalkeeper and defence

GK: Guglielmo Vicario, Tottenham Hotspur, 7.9: Spurs were beaten comfortably by Manchester United after Cristian Romero was sent off. Vicario put in a solid performance between the sticks though and kept the score down at Old Trafford.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Manchester United, 8.2: He has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils recently. They have won four games on the spin under the guidance of Michael Carrick and are on a roll.

Defence: James Justin, Leeds United, 8.4: Leeds picked up a massive three points at home against Nottingham Forest on Friday night to boost their survival hopes. Justin joined the Whites from Leicester City last year and has been a solid signing.

Defence: El Hadji Malick Diouf, West Ham, 7.8: West Ham will be relieved to have beaten Burnley. Diouf, who likes to get up and down the left flank of defence, caught the eye in Lancashire.

Defence: Jefferson Lerma, Crystal Palace, 7.8: Crystal Palace beat rivals Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 at the AMEX Stadium. Lerma played in defence and was solid against the Seagulls.

Premier League Team of the Week: midfield and attack

Midfield: Dango Ouattara, Brentford, 8.2: Brentford strengthened their European hopes with a 3-2 triumph over Newcastle United in the North East. Ouattara scored a late winner against the Magpies.

Midfield: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, 8.3: He is a massive player in the middle of the park for Manchester United. Carrick is managing to get the best out of the Portugal international right now.

Midfield: Cole Palmer, Chelsea, 8.2: Palmer scored three against Wolves and took the match ball home. The Blues are carrying momentum under Liam Rosenior as they look to get into the top four.

Midfield: Crysencio Summerville, West Ham, 8.0: Summerville’s pace and power caused problems for Burnley on Saturday afternoon. He scored the Hammers’ first goal against the Clarets before Taty Castellanos found the net.

Attack: Joao Pedro, Chelsea, 8.1: The 24-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge last summer from Brighton and Hove Albion to boost Chelsea’s attacking department. He has since fired 12 goals in all competitions, nine of which have come in the league.

Attack: Erling Haaland, Manchester City, 7.9: Haaland kept his nerve to score a last-gasp penalty for Manchester City away at Liverpool on Sunday afternoon as they came from behind to win 2-1 at Anfield. Pep Guardiola’s side are now six points behind Arsenal in the title race.

Spurs have a potentially obvious interim manager eyeing up the job should Thomas Frank lose against Newcastle United.

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Tottenham Hotspur face another big week of football action with a huge decision to be made should the club fall to another Premier League defeat against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

Spurs host Eddie Howe’s side in front of a home crowd as they look to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United. The North London outfit sit just six points above the relegation zone in 15th place and could fall to 16th by the end of Tuesday, should the Magpies win and Leeds United get a positive result at Chelsea.

Thomas Frank has been under pressure for weeks with murmurs of a potential sacking never truly going away. The team’s Premier League form is a real worry as teams beneath them pick up momentum and there is now further cause for concern off the pitch.

Cristian Romero red card points to worrying Tottenham Hotspur problems under Thomas Frank

Club captain Cristian Romero attacked the club’s fitness problems publicly on social media last week. Frank tried to play that down prior to facing Manchester United, wanting to quash the problem by telling reports it had been solved ‘internally’.

The centre-back then lost his head and lunged into a tackle on Manchester United star Casemiro on Saturday, receiving a red card for the reckless challenge. It’s the latest moment that points to a potential lack of respect towards Frank from the players.

It’s a crunch time in the season and, should Tottenham Hotspur lose to Newcastle United, the potential of a serious relegation dogfight cannot be laughed at. Leeds United are regularly getting results, Sean Dyche has lost just one of his last six at Nottingham Forest and West Ham have turned the corner under Nuno Espirito Santo.

A midweek defeat to Newcastle United would be enough reason to part ways would Frank. Should Spurs do that, the appointment of an interim manager seems blindingly obvious.

Spurs must take inspiration from Michael Carrick uplift at Manchester United

Manchester United had seen the morale uplift that can come with a young, ambitious boss who knows the club well in Michael Carrick. Spurs have the same opportunity with Robbie Keane.

The 45-year-old is currently in charge of Hungarian club Ferencváros. Keane won the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2024 and followed it up with a Hungarian league title in 2025.

While those achievements may not be comparable to the Premier League, it does show a manager capable of getting the best from a group of players at his disposal and an ability to do that quickly. Ferencváros have also punched above their financial weight in the Europa League under Keane.

It’s a promising budding management CV and, combine that with 306 Spurs appearances, it’s a prospect that offers much reason for excitement - a feeling hard to find at Tottenham right now.

What’s more, it seems certain that Keane would accept the job. The former striker was asked about potential Spurs interest last week and, while he did the respectable thing of re-affirming his commitment to Ferencváros, the Irishman spoke in detail about his love for the club.

Robbie Keane responds to Tottenham Hotspur links

The Spurs legend said: “I think it’s impossible to not be aware of anything these days, to be honest, especially when you have two kids who are Tottenham fans. Thomas Frank is a very, very good manager. He has just started there. A lot of stuff gets written, even when I was a player about going somewhere, going to different places. It goes over my head. I’m concentrating on what I’m doing.

“I think it’s nice that your name is there. Who puts it there? I have no clue. I think it shows you that I’m doing okay. To be even put there, again, I don’t even know, is it just the bookmakers? I have no clue how it works. I’m obviously aware of it, but I’m happy here.

“I mean, you can’t be at a club for that long if it doesn’t. That’s natural. It’s a fantastic club, unbelievable training ground and stadium. It’s amazing, of course, as we all know. And really good players, good squad of players. Yes, we’ve got a lot of injuries, but it’s certainly a place that I always look out for.

“As I said, my two boys are Tottenham fans. They’re always watching, and of course, like me, I watch every game anyway, regardless of Tottenham or anyone. It’s a wonderful football club, and I’m sure there’s no doubt that they’ll be back to where they belong.”

Keane even used the word ‘we’ when referring to Spurs’ injury problems. While he may be committed to his current cause, the chance to boost his reputation in an interim Premier League role just like Carrick would surely be too big an opportunity to turn down.

In other news, Next Tottenham Manager Odds: Ex Man Utd, Chelsea and Brighton bosses could succeed Thomas Frank.