CaughtOffside

Ange Postecoglou has hailed his side after their triumphant victory against Manchester United on Sunday evening.

After failing to beat Tottenham Hotspur on two separate occasions last season, Manchester United fans would’ve been optimistic about their chance on Sunday especially taking into account the form of the London club in the build-up.

But any hopes of a victory were severely weakened when Brennan Johnson opened the scoring early on, setting the tone for what would be a miserable evening at Old Trafford.

A Bruno Fernandes red card would only dampen the home crowd further with Postecoglou’s side turning the screw in the second half as Erik ten Hag’s side pushed forward, conceding two more goals.

Speaking after the contest the Australian manager praised the performance of his players and emphasised what made the difference in this game when compared to previous losses against Arsenal and Newcastle.

“But just in general, I think the team, like I said, it just felt that as I kept saying, I thought we played really well, we played well at Newcastle, we played well against Arsenal, but we just missed chances and it felt like there was a desperation about us trying to get another one.” He said in his post-match interview.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ange Postecoglou is under pressure at Spurs.

Although Spurs overcame Qarabag 3-0 in the Europa League in mid-week despite being down to 10 men, Postecoglou remains under pressure due to the side’s disappointing league form.

The 59-year-old has won just two of his first five Premier League games of the season with Spurs sitting 11th in the table.

Pressure building on Ange Postecoglou at Spurs

And even though the likes of Southampton’s Russell Martin and Everton’s Sean Dyche are among the favourites to get sacked first, Postecoglou isn’t totally safe in London.

Criticism is beginning to mount, and with the ex-Celtic boss in need of points but due to play Manchester United next, few would be surprised if, by the end of the weekend, the heat was turned up a notch.

Ex-Chelsea manager on shortlist to replace Aussie

And according to a recent report from Fichajes, Daniel Levy is already considering his options with former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri among the names shortlisted.

The 65-year-old has a history of managing big clubs, but his connection to Chelsea, which saw him in charge in the 2018-19 season, could dampen fans’ appetite for changing their manager.

Sarri, who has not been in work since leaving his role at Lazio at the start of the year, could make a surprise Premier League return before the end of the season, but whether or not that’s back to London to join Spurs remains to be seen.

The Italian won the 2018-19 Europa League with Chelsea before lifting the 2019-20 Serie A title with Juventus.

Chris Sutton has backed Manchester United to pick up a valuable win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this weekend.

The two heavyweights go head-to-head off the back of contrasting fortunes in the Europa League during the week, with United drawing 1-1 at home to FC Twente while Spurs beat Qarabag 3-0.

Neither side have looked convincing at the start of the new Premier League campaign, with each picking up just seven points from five games and only separated in 10th and 11th by Spurs’ superior goal difference.

With all that in mind, it’s a key clash between two sides looking to gain ground in the race for Champions League football.

Sutton backs Man Utd to beat Spurs

Spurs have taken just one point from their last three Premier League visits to Old Trafford since thrashing United 6-1 back in October 2020.

However, the Lilywhites did come from behind twice to draw 2-2 there last season, while they also won 2-0 against the Red Devils at home earlier in the campaign.

But Sutton believes it’s United who will claim all three points on this occasion, citing ‘Erik ten Hag’s counter-attack football’ as the key to beating Ange Postecoglou’s men.

“My first thought was that I fancy Manchester United to win this but, the more I think about it, the less likely that seems,” Sutton wrote in his Premier League predictions column for BBC Sport.

“United made heavy weather of their Europa League draw with FC Twente on Wednesday, with a performance that was very uninspiring.

“Mind you, we need to see more from Spurs in the final third too, so I am going to stick with my instincts and go for a United win. Let me explain why.

“In my opinion, United cannot beat Spurs by going toe-to-toe with them, but there is an argument that Tottenham’s playing style will suit Erik ten Hag, because it is in these sort of games where Ten Hag’s counter-attack football works best.”

Sutton doesn’t seem entirely convinced about his prediction. Indeed, the former Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Chelsea striker is worried about a potential lack of physicality in the Man Utd midfield, who will go up against the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison and Yves Bissouma for Tottenham.

“I am not exactly confident they will beat Spurs though,” Sutton continued.

“What worries me most about tipping United is what happens in the centre of the park. Are United going to rely on Christian Eriksen again, against his former club. A great player, but does he have the legs?”

Top photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Former Brazilian footballer Edmundo has sparked speculation around Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison, suggesting that the striker could be a future target for Vasco da Gama.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Edmundo referred to Richarlison as a “dream” signing for the Brazilian club, hinting that a potential transfer could be a possibility in the coming years.

Edmundo, who had a successful career with Vasco da Gama, discussed the club’s intent to bolster its squad with marquee signings, emphasising Richarlison as a key option for their forward line.

This isn’t the first time the Brazilian club has been linked with the Tottenham striker, as Richarlison was reportedly a summer target for Vasco. However, those rumours were quickly dismissed by the player’s representatives.

Saudi Pro League clubs were among the most likely to make a move for him. In the end, no concrete offer arrived for the striker and he ended up staying at the club.

Edmundo sparks speculations after name-dropping Richarlison

But Edmundo has now sparked speculations once again after name-dropping him among those who could be targeted by the Brazilian club.

As quoted by CNN Brasil, the 53-year-old stated:

“Now, the idea is to keep all the main players and hire two or three heavyweight players. One for the defence, one for the midfield and two for the attack. Heavyweight like Richarlison. I’m dreaming and I can guarantee that 2025 will be different.”

Richarlison’s struggles at Tottenham

Richarlison joined Tottenham in a £60 million move from Everton in 2022, but his performance has not matched expectations. In 68 appearances for Spurs, he has contributed 15 goals and 8 assists. Despite being brought in as a major attacking force, the 27-year-old has struggled to cement his place in the starting line-up.

This underwhelming form has raised questions about Richarlison’s long-term future at the North London club, with reports suggesting that Tottenham could consider selling him in future transfer windows.

New big money striker Dominic Solanke has hit the ground running as well, which is expected to further reduce his playing time at the club.

If his struggles continue, a move away from Tottenham, possibly to Vasco or elsewhere, could become a realistic option.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League clash with Qarabag has been delayed, with kick-off now rescheduled to 8:35pm (UK time).

The match was originally slated to begin at 8pm, but Spurs revealed in a short statement that ‘severe travel disruptions’ meant there was a 35-minute delay.

“Tonight’s UEFA Europa League League Phase clash with Qarabag has a new kick-off time,” the statement on their official website read.

“After a delay due to severe travel disruption, the game will now kick-off at 8.35pm (UK).”

BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella later revealed that Qarabag only arrived at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 7:45pm, while thousands of fans were still battling to reach the ground due to issues with the London Overground and roads.

“Qarabag arrived at Tottenham at 7.45pm for this kick-off at 8pm, which has officially been delayed until 8.35pm,” Kinsella wrote.

“The stands here in North London are also far from full as “severe” travel disruption impacts travel by the London Overground and on the roads.”

Tottenham Hotspur starting XI vs Qarabag: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Veen, Davies; Sarr, Bissouma, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Top photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Lucas Bergvall has revealed the ‘important’ role Dejan Kulusevski has played in helping him adjust to life at Tottenham Hotspur.

The teenage midfielder joined Spurs from Djurgardens in his native Sweden during the summer and has made a promising start across his first five appearances.

Bergvall’s first start for the Lilywhites came in their 2-1 win over Coventry City in the EFL Cup. During 62 minutes on the field, the 18-year-old completed 27 of his 31 passes and created one chance, while chipping in defensively with two tackles, one interception and five recoveries.

The three-time Sweden international impressed with his composure and ability to take the ball under pressure, so much so that Ange Postecoglou’s decision to bring him off just after the hour mark was met with boos from the Spurs supporters.

Bergvall thankful for Spurs teammate Kulusevski

It very much looks like Spurs have a big talent on their hands.

And they’ll be glad to hear that Bergvall has been helped out with his adjustment period in England by compatriot and fellow Sweden national team star Dejan Kulusevski.

“He’s been so important (in my acclimatisation),” Bergvall said of Kulusevski (via Tottenham Hotpsur’s official website). “He’s a fantastic person and a fantastic player so I’m really enjoying spending time with him on and off the pitch.

“He can explain some things in Swedish so it’s easier to understand and he’s a top player so I’m learning a lot from him, he’s been here for a few years now so it’s great to have him here.

“I also really enjoyed the international break. To have him as captain took some getting used to! But it was fun to have him there.

“Two games, two wins, and I played in both so I was really happy to make my home debut in Stockholm in front of the fans, I’ll remember that forever.”

Top photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has revealed that super talent Mikey Moore is going the extra mile behind the scenes in order to improve his game.

The 17-year-old who recently signed his first professional contract with the club is one of the best talents in the country and is considered to be the next big thing at the club.

Since joining Tottenham as an under-9, Moore has consistently advanced through the ranks.

Last season in the U18 Premier League, he scored 14 goals and provided 8 assists in just 12 games. He continued his form in the pre-season with the first-team scoring 4 goals, earning the praise of Ange Postecoglou.

This season is expected to be his breakthrough season with the club. He made a cameo against Brentford in the 3-1 win this past Saturday, coming on for Dominic Solanke in the dying minutes.

And he is a contender to make his first Europa League start for Tottenham on Thursday when they face Qarabag FK.

Mikey Moore working hard behind the scenes

King has revealed that the youngster is putting in extra work with a personal coach behind the scenes and could become a frequent feature in the first team this season.

He told Tottenham News:

“It was quite exciting to see Moore come on against Brentford.”

“He’s been doing extra work behind the scenes with a personal coach, working with Jamie Atkins, who is Ian Atkins’ son. Jamie runs a camp for young players called Peak Performance. He’s worked with Moore, and both Ian and Jamie tell me this kid is a big talent.”

“I think Moore has a real future in the game; he looks very confident. Players like Harry Kane, Glenn Hoddle, and Steve Perryman all broke into the team at a young age. Let’s hope Moore can follow in their footsteps.”

It’s clear that Ange Postecoglou is the most demanding of managers, and that’s precisely what Tottenham Hotspur need if they’re going to be successful in 2024/25.

The Lilywhites have flattered to deceive for years, but with the one or two more additions to their squad, the North Londoners need to get over the line in one of the domestic cup competitions as a bare minimum.

Tottenham hoping to land Angel Gomes

After five games of their Premier League season, Spurs find themselves in 10th position after just two wins.

There’s an immediate improvement that needs to be made, however, it’ll be January at least before the club can add to their ranks.

Whilst current first-team staff might not yet be playing for their places as such, who Tottenham target will hint at the positions within the squad that are under the most scrutiny.

It appears that the club are already looking even further ahead with Give Me Sport noting that the club are ready to battle both Newcastle and Man United for the services of Lille’s brilliant 24-year-old England international, Angel Gomes.

Gomes has history with the Red Devils of course, and that he was unable to make it at Old Trafford in the first instance may rule them out of the running in the early stages.

The outlet also suggest that the Magpies are considered outsiders in this particular race and although it doesn’t necessarily give Spurs a free run at Gomes, it would almost certainly make them favourites for his signature at this stage.

The player was born in Edmonton, North London, so the chance to be back ‘home’ could be too good to turn down.

Given that he would arrive at his new club as a free agent too, a lucrative contract could be offered to tempt the player to sign.

That’s when Daniel Levy will just need to lighten his grip on the purse strings a little.

Southampton winger Tyler Dibling has attracted the attention of the big clubs with his performances in recent weeks.

The 18-year-old has been handed the opportunity to showcase his qualities with the first team and he is looking to establish himself as a key player for Southampton. Has recently impressed with the Premier League side.

According to HITC, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were scouting the winger in action when Southampton played Ipswich down on Saturday. The match finished 1-1 and the scouts from all three clubs will have been delighted with the winger’s performance. Dibling managed to score a goal and his overall performance was quite impressive as well.

It will be interesting to see if the big clubs follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign Dibling in the coming months.

Tyler Dibling would be a future investment

Manchester United need more quality and depth in the attacking unit and the 18-year-old winger could prove to be a solid long-term acquisition for them. He is versatile enough to operate it on both flanks and he will add goals and creativity to the side. The winger is still only 18 and he is likely to improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into a top-class player for the club.

It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up with an offer to sign him in the near future.

Similarly, Tottenham and Newcastle could use more depth on the flanks as well.

Son Heung-min is in his 30s and he will need to be replaced soon. The 18-year-old winger certainly fits the profile and he could be a long-term asset for the north London club.

At Newcastle, they have been overly dependent on Anthony, Gordon and Alexander Isak for goals and creativity. Another young winger would be the ideal acquisition for them.

Top Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images.

James Maddison and his recent upturn in form has left many pundits, including Gary Lineker, impressed and hopeful the midfielder can help inspire an improvement of results for Spurs.

The 27-year-old signed for Spurs in a deal worth a reported £40 million last summer.

Maddison started very well but his form wained at the tail end of last season and forced Gareth Southgate to leave him out of his final 26-man England squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany.

However, undeterred by his international omission, Maddison has started the season in much better form and looks to be returning to his best.

Featuring during the Lilywhites’ 3-1 win over Brentford on Saturday, the former Leicester City playmaker put in a top performance and scored his side’s last of the game after 85 minutes.

Danny Murphy and Gary Lineker praise James Maddison

And discussing the Coventry-born midfielder during Saturday night’s Match of the Day on the BBC, pundit Danny Murphy gave his assessment of what was a super individual showing.

“I did pick him out because he was the best player on the pitch. Some sections of the media or people have questioned his start to the season, and I think that’s because Tottenham have started poorly,” he said.

“He has started this season very similar to the beginning of the last. He was the best player on the opening day at Leicester. Against Everton, he was superb when they won. Against Newcastle, he helped them dominate the game for long periods and probably should have done, and today in this deeper role that Postecoglou has put him in as a central midfielder, Kulusevski ahead of him, he was absolutely outstanding.

“He is always brave, goes and gets the ball under pressure, and he’s always positive with his passing. And so many times he set them on the attack because he takes responsibility.”

Presenter and former Spurs striker Lineker then added: “He’s a brilliant player, he really is.”

Maddison’s impressive form will be a huge boost for Ange Postecoglou, who, prior to yesterday’s win over Brentford, had won just one of his first four Premier League games of the season and was beginning to feel the pressure that comes with being a top-flight manager.