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James Maddison is 7/1 to score first today as 6/5 favourites Tottenham Hotspur take on 9/5 underdogs Manchester United

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James Maddison is 7/1 to score first against Manchester United today

Click here to see ALL today's latest sports betting stories

There are several bets on offer in the head-to-head and Goalscorers market for today's Premier League showdown between Tottenham and Manchester United.

After a dismal run of form that saw them go seven straight league games without a win, Spurs finally picked up a victory last time out in the top flight when they beat Brentford 2-0 away from home.

And they are tipped to make it two wins in a row against United as Tottenham enter today's contest as 6/5 favourites.

Conversely, United are 9/5 underdogs and a draw is priced at 11/4, according to Sky Bet.

Meanwhile, in the goalscorers market - Tottenham's Mathys Tel is the favourite to score first at 13/2, while James Maddison, Rasmus Hojlund and Brennan Johnson are all priced at 7/1.

Maddison, Tel and Hojlund have combined to score 17 goals across all competitions this season.

Sky Bet odds in Full-time Result market for Tottenham vs Manchester United:

Tottenham 6/5

Manchester United 9/5

Draw 11/4

Sky Bet odds in Goalscorers market for Tottenham vs Manchester United:

Mathys Tel to score first 13/2

James Maddison to score first 7/1

Brennan Johnson to score first 7/1

Rasmus Hojlund to score first 7/1

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Man United and Tottenham DISASTER ratings: Two of the Premier League's most underachieving sides meet, but who has it worse with injuries, the board and the players?

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Tottenham host Manchester United in a bottom-half Premier League clash this weekend and, fortunately for one of them, they can't both lose.

It's been a season to forget for both sides, who currently sit 15th and 14th respectively in the table. United, 20-times English football champions, are on track for their worst-ever season, somehow worse than the disaster of 2023-24 under Erik ten Hag.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are the same. Their current total of 1.12 points per game is worse than the 1.16 they picked up in the 1997-98 Premier League season when they finished on 44 points - their worst-ever total.

A win for either side on Sunday, however could finally kickstart their season. Not to much - Spurs are out of the running for every trophy apart from the Europa League - United also have the FA Cup - but it's a starting point.

But how bad do both sides really have it? What's to blame? And is there any way in the short term at least that their issues can be fixed?

Mail Sport looks at the disaster ratings for each side, rating seven key areas of both clubs out of 10 and delving into where their problems really are.

Manager

Tottenham: In theory, these two sides have two managers that could be at opposite ends of their tenures.

Ange Postecoglou is over a year-and-a-half into his stay in north London, and has at times been hanging onto his job by a thread. Spurs are failing in every competition apart from the Europa League, have had some embarrassing defeats and every press conference seems to involve the Australian snapping at a reporter.

Still, he maintain the faith of the powers that be. Other things have happened seemingly out of his control - more on that later - and it seems he will be given a fair crack at things once he has a fully fit squad available.

Still, it's been way below par and it feels as though the trigger could be pulled any moment. 4/10

Man United: Ruben Amorim seemed to signal a fresh start at Old Trafford, but it's been anything but so far. United keep falling to defeats, and Amorim hasn't been shy of expressing his views in the media either.

A clash with Marcus Rashford has been the main plot line of his stay so far, while a refusal to budge from his favoured 3-4-3 is starting to raise eyebrows.

United would be right to stick with him, but the potential for another disaster and managerial change is already there. 6/10

Board

Tottenham: 'We want Levy out.' They are the chants that are regularly heard around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium these days.

Since Daniel Levy took over as chairman in 2001, it's been up and down for Spurs - their shiny new ground in north London shows there has been some good to go with the perceived bad.

But no trophy since 2008 and a 'Spursy' tag ultimately comes down to one man. That's not stopped him trying - and Spurs will always be stable off the pitch - but football success is what, for many, matters most. 4/10

Man United: The same song was used in Manchester in reference to the Glazer family until Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority stake and took control of footballing matters nearly a year ago.

But on-field matters are still a disaster, and regular budget cuts across the club seem to be causing unrest among fans. Dan Ashworth was brought in as Sporting Director and quickly dismissed, and there's a general feeling of 'what's next'?

Ratcliffe has a long way to go yet to win over United fans. 5/10

Transfers

Tottenham: Spurs and Levy spent big in the summer, recruiting Dominic Solanke, Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall. While Solanke and Bergvall have settled well, Gray has played out of position all season and Odobert has a long-term injury.

In January, it was a patching-up job, with Kevin Danso and Antonin Kinsky arriving to give support amid injuries. Mathys Tel, though, is their signing of the season, and Spurs will be pleased if they can make that permanent.

Still, they need more. But in the last two transfer windows, it's been pretty successful, although some Spurs fans may disagree. 8/10

Man United: Like Spurs, United spent big in the summer on the likes of Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs De Ligt, with Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui also arriving. There's been a mixed return on their investment so far.

In January, their hands were somewhat tied from a PSR perspective, with Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven the only arrivals. Antony and Rashford left on loan, but there need to be many more outs in the summer. 6/10

Injuries

Tottenham: There's no sugarcoating it. Tottenham have been decimated by injuries this season.

Their current injury list includes Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin.

Other stars - Micky Van De Ven and James Maddison to name just two - have also been in and out the side with issues. Is it Postecoglou's fault? Hard to know for sure. But it's not helped his cause in terms of having players available for selection.

Seeing the players written down makes it easier to understand why he is still being backed. It doesn't get much worse. 1/10

Man United: United have had to deal with injuries this season, but not much more than any other side, and certainly not on the same level at Tottenham.

That was until this weekend.

Lisandro Martinez's ACL injury was a huge blow, while Luke Shaw continues to struggle for fitness too and had made just one league appearance this season. Mason Mount is also currently sidelines.

But things came crashing down on Saturday when it was revealed that Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte had both suffered injuries, while Mail Sport exclusively broke that Amad Diallo could miss the rest of the season. Problems. 4/10

Players

Tottenham: One of the arguments of the 'Ange in' Spurs fans is that Postecoglou doesn't have the players available to him to play the way he wants to, as the song goes.

A high-pressing, all-aggression game is tough when you have so many first choice players absent. Again, is that his problem? Maybe. Or maybe the players just aren't good enough.

While the likes of Archie Gray and Djed Spence have stepped up in defence, players such as Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma have struggled further forward.

Son Heung-min, meanwhile, looks a shadow of his former self. Spurs fans will be hoping for a busy summer window. 5/10

Man United: All you have to do at United is take a look at their forward line. Just three goals between them for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee so far this season. Scott McTominay has more on his own since his summer exit to Napoli.

Kobbie Mainoo has been trialled up front, the wingers have struggled to becoming No 10s and the defence is being swapped every week.

Some have said United need a whole need squad to suit what Amorim wants to do. They may be right - he did brand them 'the worst side in the history of the club' after all. 3/10

Tactics

Tottenham: There's not much focus on formation with Postecoglou - more his approach to matches.

Often criticised for failing to adapt, it was pretty much 100mph or nothing, and it was a tactical approach that saw his side come unstuck on a number of occasions.

Recently, we have seen him adapt a little more, allowing teams to have the ball, though it's not bought much more success. It will be interesting to see if that sticks in upcoming games. 5/10

Man United: It's 3-4-3 or nothing for Amorim. You don't like it? Appoint a different coach, he says.

After Gary Neville voiced concerns that Amorim is struggling to sell his ideas to United's players, Mail Sport reported that some have discussed among themselves whether a change of plan that is better suited to their style of play may be the best way forward.

If the players themselves are questioning it, there's not much hope. There's no better flow or any clearer identity since Amorim took charge either - but the formation won't change soon - so get used to it. 5/10

Season overall

Both United and Tottenham have a long way to go to get back to their best. It's clear there are issues at both clubs both on and off the field, and it will take time.

There are reasons to be cheerful - Amorim is starting a project, players are starting to return to fitness at Spurs, and both sides will strengthen in the summer transfer window.

But a lack of success this season, questionable tactics and poor players have contributed to this campaign being a bit of a disaster for both Tottenham and United.

Totals:

Tottenham 27/60

Man United: 29/60

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PLAY TEAMSHEET: Can YOU name the Tottenham team that beat Man United 3-0 in 2016? Or pick YOUR team and guess their starting XI

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Welcome back to Teamsheet... Mail Sport's original football memory game with a twist that gives you the chance to test your football knowledge against your mates.

Tottenham host Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, so we are taking you back to a clash between the two sides in April 2016.

On that occasion, Spurs picked up a convincing 3-0 victory at White Hart Lane as they tried to chase down unlikely leaders Leicester City in the final weeks of the season. We want to know if you can name their starting XI from that day.

It's just for fun, so see how you fare and share your Teamsheet score... full instructions on how to play are at the bottom of the article and in the game itself. And you can also pick any team you like and guess their starting XI.

Best of luck!

HOW TO PLAY

The aim of the game is to score as few points as possible!

If you guess a player at the first attempt you score one point - so the lowest score for guessing every player at the first attempt is 11.

Guess a correct letter in the right position, and it'll turn green. Guess a correct letter but in the wrong position, and it'll turn yellow.

You have six guesses for each player - and if you fail, we'll reveal their identity for 11 points! You can also ask for a free letter, but it costs you a point.

So play on to see if you'll score the best possible total of 11 - or fail on every player and score 121.

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Kim Jong-un BANS Tottenham Hotspur matches from being shown in North Korea... but it's not because he's an Arsenal supporter

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Dictator Kim Jong-un has banned Tottenham Hotspur matches from being broadcast in North Korea.

The nation's 26 million citizens sit down to watch Premier League games before news bulletins but they will not be able to watch the North London club.

North Korea's regime does not allow any games involving players from neighboring country South Korea to be shown.

This means Spurs, who are captained by Son Heung-min, are never shown on North Korea's version of Match of the Day.

Last year, coverage also left out Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Kim Ji-soo, a defender who plays for Brentford.

This means Jong-un won't be able to watch Tottenham and Son, who also captains South Korea's national side, take on his favourite team Manchester United on Saturday evening.

Matches are reportedly shown four months after they are played on state-run KCTV meaning last August's games were seen in January.

The games are shortened from 90 minutes to 60 and games are broadcasted before news bulletins.

The findings came in a report by the independent US think tank, Stimson Center's 38 North project.

North Korean television schedules are rife with propaganda, the report said, but sports is 'one of the few moments each day when state TV is not trying to send an overt or underlying message to its viewers'.

Martyn Williams, who worked on the findings, said: 'There wasn't really any intention to the research except that we thought it was interesting. We just saw a lot of football on KCTV. It's the main international sport they broadcast.'

The report added that in 2023, KCTV showed matches from the Premier League, Champions League and World Cup.

The previous year the country showed coverage of England's top flight alongside Germany's Bundesliga, Spain's La Liga, France's Ligue 1 and Italy's Serie A.

However, North Korea does not have an agreement to show TV highlights of Premier League games as they happen.

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Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham CANNOT give up in the Premier League and focus solely on Europe despite his side languishing in the bottom half of the table

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Ange Postecoglou insisted that Tottenham must improve their league position

He wants his side to balance their focus between European and domestic efforts

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Will Liverpool recover from Everton blow in season-defining week?

Ange Postecoglou has warned his Tottenham players not to fall into the trap of thinking the Europa League is all that matters.

The Spurs boss is determined to climb out of the Premier League doldrums as James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario return from injuries against Manchester United on Sunday.

'We can't put the cue in the rack in terms of the league and say let's peter out and finish where we finish,' said Postecoglou, whose team are 14th one place and two points behind United. 'That's not the mindset I want.

'We need to improve our league position. Where we are I don't think is reflective of what we have and that's my role, to get maximum out of the guys we have.

'We need to move up the table and see where that takes us. I still think it's really tight. At some point, unless teams are really lucky, the kind of injuries we've had will catch up with others as well. Which gives us an opportunity if we can get on a run to move up the table.'

Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert are also close to returning from injuries, which leaves Postecoglou without Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke, who are all an estimated two to three weeks away.

Van de Ven's return from hamstring trouble has been delayed as the club work with outside experts to solve his persistent problems by understanding better the stress his extreme speed puts on his body.

But he and Romero are training regularly. 'They're not bed-ridden, they're not sitting around having treatment,' said Postecoglou, who hopes to have them back in the first team group next month.

Solanke, ahead of schedule after suffering a knee injury in mid-January, could also be back around the same time.

Returning players together with a rare fixture-free week ahead of the game at home to Manchester United have enabled Tottenham to take time off and refresh tired minds and bodies since their FA Cup exit at Aston Villa on Sunday.

'We're still in the same position and we're still dealing with certain things,' said Postecoglou. 'But there's a natural physical break which allows us to think from here onwards there's an opportunity to maybe change the course of our season.

'You can't ignore what's happened. We're still carrying remnants of that, the disappointment of the league season, the disappointment of going out in the semi final of the Carabao Cup, the disappointment of Sunday.

'You carry that with you. You can't just extinguish that. But there is an opportunity for a little bit of a reset because it's coincided with some significant inclusions.'

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Tottenham fans plan BIGGEST ever protest against Daniel Levy as organisers warn 'this is only the start' with pressure mounting on beleaguered chairman

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Daniel Levy will face the biggest protest against his 24-year Tottenham reign when Spurs host Manchester United on Sunday.

Frustration towards the Tottenham chairman has intensified in recent weeks with the club 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups.

Current manager Ange Postecoglou may be feeling the heat but anger at Levy is longstanding with Tottenham trophyless for 17 years and without a top-three finish in the league since 2018.

This is despite the club posting a revenue of £615million last season and charging the second-most expensive adult season ticket in Europe at £856.

And hundreds are expected to turn out for a demonstration, organised by fans' group Change for Tottenham, having grown fed up with the club's decline on the pitch during Levy's tenure.

Protesters plan to march ahead of the game and then stage a sit-in protest at full-time in the South Stand.

Demonstrations are nothing new with slogans including 'L£VY OUT' and 'Profit before glory' common place at Tottenham Hotspur stadium in recent seasons.

However, as Postecoglou's side gear up for a clash with fellow strugglers Manchester United, Change for Tottenham, have vowed to ramp up the pressure on Levy.

'You [Levy] are killing a once great football club to improve your own financial wellbeing,' spokesperson Jay Coughlan told GB News.

'Us fans deserve to have a voice, we seem to have sat back and let the club slowly lose what we are about.'

Coughlan has also sent out a warning to Levy that the protest at the Manchester United game 'is only the start' with 'more details to follow' on further action.

'It’s by far the most vigilant fans have been on the way the club acts,' Coughlan told The Sun.

'If you look at 2019, we were battling to win a Champions League final.

'Fast forward five years and realistically we’re in a relegation fight.'

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The awkward moment King Charles asks Tottenham captain Son Heung-min 'is the team in good order at the moment?' after back-to-back cup exits

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King Charles was seen having an incredibly awkward interaction with Tottenham captain Son Heung-min as he asked about the current state of the side.

The royal, 76, travelled to the stadium in north London to celebrate the positive socio-economic impact of the football club, and its partnership with the NFL, on the local community.

The King was seen smiling and waving at wellwishers, who were sporting white and blue flags - as he slowly made his way into the football club's headquarters.

The monarch greeted Tottenham Hotspur's men's captain, Son and the women's captain, Bethany England, who was part of of Sarina Wiegman's squad that won the Euros in 2022.

During his brief interaction with Spurs star Son, The King asked Son about Spurs' current situation, in front of club chairman Daniel Levy.

In a clip that appeared online, Charles said: 'So who are you playing this weekend then?'

Son responded: 'We are going to play against United... Manchester United. On Sunday'.

The royal asked: 'Have you got a good chance?'. Son replied: 'I hope so'.

Charles questioned: 'Is the team in good order at the moment?'

'We are in a difficult moment but we are working hard', Son replied.

During the awkward interaction, club chairman Levy - who has come under scrutiny with the Tottenham fans in recent months - grinned as he watched along.

Ange Postecoglou's side have endured a nightmare campaign - derailed by injuries to their squad - which has left them 14th in the Premier League table.

After defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday, a game once again plagued by chants from the Spurs fans for chairman Levy to leave the club, Postecoglou's side are out of both domestic cups and the Premier League is a fever dream.

They have played 39 games in all competitions this season, conceding a whopping 57 goals. That's over 1.5 a game, and is lower than only Leicester and Southampton - 62 and 63 respectively. Below that is Wolves with 56 - decent company.

In 2025 alone, Spurs top the lot. Conceding 17 goals this calendar year, they are on par with Ipswich, while conceding more than Southampton and Leicester.

Their Premier League total of 37, meanwhile, is the fifth-worst in the division.

When it comes to defending, Tottenham are all over the place. Up there with the worst in the league. But the imminent returns of Romero and Van De Ven could help that.

Up front, there are injuries - Dominic Solanke is out, Wilson Odobert has missed almost the whole season and Richarlison looks set for another spell on the sidelines - but that hasn't stopped them performing.

Spurs have scored the third-most goals in the league this season with 48, behind Liverpool with 56 and Arsenal with 49 - tied with Manchester City.

They are fifth for expected goals and the same for big chances created. Tidy up the defence, and the potential to be a really good side is there. It's how that defence is tidied up - and how quickly - that leaves the problem.

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Roy Keane rips into James Maddison and questions when he will 'step up' for Tottenham - as he reveals the big 'problem' with the injured midfielder

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Roy Keane has questioned when James Maddison will 'step up' for Tottenham amid their struggles this year.

Ange Postecoglou's side have endured a nightmare campaign - derailed by injuries to their squad - which has left them 14th in the Premier League table.

Maddison is among the current absentees for Tottenham, after picking up a calf strain last month, with many fans hoping he'll soon return to the Spurs line-up.

However, speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet, Roy Keane suggested Maddison was not a big miss for Postecoglou's side.

Keane said: 'Which players [are we] talking about coming back that can help Spurs? I agree with [Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario] – that's two.

'[Destiny] Udogie is not bad. We saw James Maddison at Tamworth, he was taken off! Tamworth are non-league. People say, "Maddison's the man", but when is he going to step up to the plate?

'He got relegated with Leicester [City] and [looks like] with Spurs. Maddison isn't bad but if you think he's going to come back and get Spurs top six, you're in cuckoo land.

'He's a talented player, but if you're a player in the Spurs dressing room and he's back in the squad, you wouldn't be looking and going, "James is back today – we're going to be fine!".'

In the league, Maddison has made 22 appearances - starting just 15 of those - but still boasts an impressive output of eight goals and four assists for the north London side.

His most impressive display came during Spurs' visit to Manchester City in November - where he scored two of his side's four goals at the Etihad.

Keane continued: 'I saw him, James Maddison, at [Manchester] City when they won that game 4-0 and I thought he blended the quality of his attacking with actually being good in his defensive duties.

'I actually said that he set a standard that night that he's got to continue to keep. He's not consistent – that's the problem with him.'

In his last outing, prior to picking up the calf injury, the 28-year-old scored a goal and provided an assist as Spurs ran out 3-2 winners against Hoffenheim in the Europa League.

Much of Tottenham's campaign has been blighted by the overwhelming injuries to the squad, with Postecoglou forced to call upon teenage stars on a regular basis.

For their recent defeat by Aston Villa, Spurs had 11 first-team players unavailable due to injury - Radu Dragusin, Van de Ven, Romero, Vicario, Udogie, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Maddison.

As a result, Tottenham were active in the winter window and brought in three recruits; Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham's next outing sees them take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon - in a must-win match for Postecoglou.

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Daily Mail Online

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King Charles looked in high spirits as she visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, and even had a go at throwing around an American football in front of athletes.

The royal, 76, travelled to the stadium in north London to celebrate the positive socio-economic impact of the football club, and its partnership with the NFL, on the local community.

Charles must've felt like the team MVP - as he was greeted with joyful screaming and cheering, while confidently strolling onto the pitch.

The King was seen smiling and waving at wellwishers, who were sporting white and blue flags - as he slowly made his way into the football club's headquarters.

The monarch greeted Tottenham Hotspur's men's captain, Son Heung-min and the women's captain, Bethany England, who was part of of Sarina Wiegman's squad that won the Euros in 2022.

The trio were seen beaming as they posed for pictures at the event. Charles then met the longest-serving British NFL player Efe Obada and captain of Team GB Women's Flag Football team - as well as NFL Global Flag Ambassador, Phoebe Schecter.

The King - who is a fan of rugby and played it during his school years - was then shown how to throw an American football by Phoebe and Efe.

She could be heard teaching the royal how to aim for the target before he had a go himself, impressing the audience who applauded his attempt.

Charles then urged Efe to have a go and he managed to effortlessly throw the ball into one of the nets.

While posing for a group photo on the pitch, he was then presented with a replica of the club's historic original golden cockerel statue by both of the Spurs' captains.

He was also given an American football from the Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans by the NFL.

During his visit, Charles also watched a demonstration by young people involved in The Huddle Project - a dual sport programme launched in 2023 by Tottenham Hotspur, the NFL and Nike for boys and girls aged 11-18.

It increases access to free football and NFL Flag, which is the non-contact version of American Football, alongside as wellness experiences and employment opportunities in Tottenham.

After greeting representatives from the club, who are currently 14th in the Premier League, Charles then met with community groups and local businesses that have benefitted from the opportunities provided by the new stadium.

These include students from a state-funded Sixth Form, named London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, located on the stadium campus and co-sponsored by the Spurs.

The school prioritises spaces for pupils from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds to help give them the best possible chance of accessing the country's top universities.

Charles also met young people who are supported by The King's Trust, a youth charity founded by His Majesty as Prince of Wales in 1976.

He greeted those connected to the non-profit organisation, who live and work in Tottenham, some of whom have taken part in the Trust's 'Get into Security' programme delivered with the football club and are now employed at the stadium.

Before leaving the stadium, Charles also joined a workshop where he oversaw young people designing football jerseys alongside representatives from Nike.

It has been a busy week for the King, who hosted hundreds of military personnel at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening, alongside Queen Camilla.

His Majesty, as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, hosted around 340 people and spoke to service members.

Meanwhile, during the Queen's reception, Warrant Officer Danny Manifold from HMS Astute reflected on the strong ties between the Royal Navy and the Royal Family.

He recalled Camilla's thoughtful gesture during a 2020 visit to the Scottish naval base.

'At the height of the Covid pandemic, she had presented caterers on board HMS Astute with tea and biscuits specifically, English Breakfast tea and shortbread for all 135 submariners. It went down very well with the crew,' Manifold said.

'She writes at least once a year to us. Everyone really knows that she's really involved.'

She apologised then that she was unable to shake crew members' hands, due to the coronavirus pandemic - and thanked them 'from the bottom of my heart' for their service.

Camilla, 77, worked her way around the room, chatting to various guests in an eye-catching emerald green frock and black suede boots.

The King's event, which lasted more than an hour, saw him engaged in animated conversation with guests - and his 'eyes lit up' with the mention of James Bond author Ian Fleming.

Charles demonstrated a keen interest in the heritage during a recent engagement with service personnel, particularly in the history of the elite Number 30 Commando unit.

The unit, originally proposed by James Bond creator Ian Fleming during World War II, remains an integral part of the UK Commando Force to this day.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, a member of the unit, noted the King enthusiasm when discussing its origins.

'His eyes lit up a little bit when we talked about that connection,' Armstrong said, highlighting the monarch's appreciation for its storied past.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Armstrong, from the UK Commando Force, described his conversation with the King on Tuesday as 'really special'.

'It means a great deal to us... that we have moments to share like this with the King,' he said.

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The stats that shame Spurs: Ange Postecoglou's side have faced the most shots this year, conceded more goals than Ipswich... and have one man to thank that it's not any worse!

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Three down, one to go - if Ange Postecoglou is going to keep his word of winning a trophy in his second season, it's going to have to be the Europa League.

After defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday, a game once again plagued by chants from the Spurs fans for chairman Daniel Levy to leave the club, Postecoglou's side are out of both domestic cups and the Premier League is a fever dream.

But how bad has it really been? With players falling like flies and different ways to fix the issues arising every game, it's been a season to forget.

The likes of Cristian Romero, Micky Van De Ven and Guglielmo Vicario have all been missing for extended periods, and players such as Archie Gray have tried to fill in, but the absentees have been brutal - and may be the reason Postecoglou is still in a job.

Defensively is where the main issues lay. Whether that's from direct issues in defence in terms of injuries or elsewhere, such as midfield struggles, it's hard to tell. But the numbers at the back are up there with the worst.

Mail Sport take a look at the stats - mostly provided by Opta - that shame Spurs this season - and in 2025 in particular.

Goals conceded

Tottenham, in reality, aren't in a relegation battle. They are 14th in the Premier League table, but 10 points above the bottom three. In terms of goals conceded, though, they are up there with the worst.

They have played 39 games in all competitions this season, conceding a whopping 57 goals. That's over 1.5 a game, and is lower than only Leicester and Southampton - 62 and 63 respectively. Below that is Wolves with 56 - decent company.

In 2025 alone, Spurs top the lot. Conceding 17 goals this calendar year, they are on par with Ipswich, while conceding more than Southampton and Leicester.

Their Premier League total of 37, meanwhile, is the fifth-worst in the division.

Shots faced

In 2025, in which Spurs have played 11 games, they have faced 167 shots on goal. That's more than 15 a game on average, and 52 of them have been on target, with 17 of them going in.

That equates to 15.2 per game - the third-most in the league, below West Ham (15.8) and Brentford (16.3).

Their shots faced total is more than 40 higher of any Premier League club in all competitions, with Manchester City conceding the next most with 126. Then come Newcastle with 120, Brentford with 114 and Manchester United with 109.

In terms of shots on target, Spurs' 52 is six more than Southampton's 46, eight more than Manchester City's 44 and nine more than Newcastle's 43.

Expected goals against

From the shots Tottenham have faced this year, they have conceded an expected goals against (xGA) number of 20.1.

For those not familiar with the metric, it assesses the quality of chances that teams are creating by working out the percentage chance that an effort will go in considering where it comes from on the pitch.

The numbers reveal that Spurs are conceding high-quality chances at will. They have actually only conceded 17 goals this year compared to the 20-odd they should have done, and they have goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky to thank for that.

In terms of the average, that's 1.8 xGA a game - the second worst in the league behind Southampton, who are up at 2.4.

But it's not all bad...

When it comes to defending, Tottenham are all over the place. Up there with the worst in the league. But the imminent returns of Romero and Van De Ven could help that.

Up front, there are injuries - Dominic Solanke is out, Wilson Odobert has missed almost the whole season and Richarlison looks set for another spell on the sidelines - but that hasn't stopped them performing.

Spurs have scored the third-most goals in the league this season with 48, behind Liverpool with 56 and Arsenal with 49 - tied with Manchester City.

They are fifth for expected goals and the same for big chances created. Tidy up the defence, and the potential to be a really good side is there. It's how that defence is tidied up - and how quickly - that leaves the problem.

Source