Daily Mail

Tottenham Hotspur vice-captain Cristian Romero was reportedly wanted by three of European football's biggest clubs during the summer transfer window.

Romero has been a Spurs player since August 2021 when he arrived in a £42million deal.

The 26-year-old has since made 101 appearances for the London club and is rated very highly by manager Ange Postecoglou.

According to TyC Sports, Spurs fielded interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain over the summer but responded to all enquiries by making it clear that Romero was not for sale.

Had United signed Romero then Erik ten Hag would have been able to pair him with Argentina team-mate Lisandro Martinez at the heart of his defence.

Instead, Ten Hag brought in Leny Yoro from Lille, as well as Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, PSG spent around £34million to buy Ecuadorian centre back Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Madrid did not sign any new defenders this summer, although Jesus Vallejo returned from a loan spell at Granada.

The report by TyC suggests that interest in Romero is likely to be reignited next summer when Spurs may be in a slightly weaker negotiating position - as Romero will have only two years left on his contract, unless he signs a new one before then.

Romero's current contract ties him to Tottenham until June 2027.

Romero is currently in South America on international duty with Argentina.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 win over Chile on Friday.

Tanguy Ndombele believes he made the correct decision to terminate his contract at Tottenham and is seeking redemption with Ligue 1 side Nice.

The French midfielder left Spurs in June after agreeing to terminate his contract, despite having one year remaining on his deal.

Nice snatched up Ndombele less than a month later, and following a tough few years in football, the 27-year-old is looking to regain the form that secured him a move to north London in 2019.

Just three games into the season, Ndombele is already showing flashes of his talent once more, but his renaissance in France is only just beginning.

'Returning to France was the right decision,' Ndombele told Marca. 'I am at a point in my career where I need to play.

'I have things to prove and, beyond playing well, I want to rediscover certain sensations.'

The midfielder made 91 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in his five years at the club.

However, after a bright start, Ndombele, who signed for £63million, was sent on a series of loans at his former club Lyon, Napoli, and Galatasaray.

His time in Turkey was a real low point in the midfielder's career. He only managed 664 minutes of football in 26 appearances at the Istanbul-based side.

Ndombele was also famously involved in a major bust-up with manager Okan Buruk due to being more than six kilograms overweight.

He was reportedly caught swapping a strict diet for less nutritionally beneficial foods such as hamburgers and chips.

However, Ndombele has shed much of that weight while at Nice and is convinced he can return to form once more.

He added: 'I've experienced some tough times, but that doesn't mean I won't play abroad again. I try to learn from the bad.

'People forget that we're human beings, we're not robots. I may not be the player I was before, but I can be a good player.'

Maurice still has faith in Ndombele and is also optimistic that the midfielder will shine back in Ligue 1.

'I've known him for a long time and I have confidence in him,' said Maurice. 'I know what he can and can't do.

'He needed a healthy environment to give his best. He's not there yet, but he's on the right track.'

Tottenham will have a huge Matildas flavour in the Women's Super League this season after Hayley Raso became the latest Australian to join the English club.

Raso's move from Real Madrid to Tottenham was confirmed on Sunday night, and it comes hot on the heels of Clare Hunt joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain.

The pair join Matildas defender Charlotte Grant at Spurs, while Ange Postecoglou coaches the men's side.

Raso, who announced in June she was leaving Real Madrid, has signed on with Tottenham until 2026 and will wear the No.8 shirt.

The 29-year-old made history last year when she became the first Australian to play for Real Madrid.

Raso scored four goals from 28 appearances in her sole season there, with her struggles to cement a starting berth convincing her to leave the Spanish powerhouse.

The speedy winger will be hoping her time at Tottenham is far more successful, and she'll have plenty of Australians for company.

Raso is no stranger to the WSL, having played for both Everton and Manchester City.

On the international stage, Raso made her Matildas debut in 2012 and scored three goals at the 2023 Women's World Cup as Australia reached the semi-finals for the first time.

She also played in the past two Olympic games in Tokyo (2021) and Paris (2024).

Billionaire former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis has 'taken over' a picturesque Devon town after parking his £250million superyacht off the coast for almost a month.

The superyacht acts as a floating home for the private businessman, who is worth approximately $6.4billion (£4.8billion), and features onyx and marble interiors, an office and even a padel tennis court.

The 322-foot custom-built yacht has been docked in Dartmouth since the beginning of August after arriving from Troon, Scotland around August 5.

But local residents have complained about the boats long-term presence, calling it 'an absolute eyesore' and saying it is 'totally out of place in beautiful Dartmouth'

Aviva had not been seen in British waters for some time as it was held as collateral by US courts for over a year whilst Lewis faced charges of insider trading conspiracy charges which he pleaded guilty to in January, admitting to sharing insider secrets about publicly traded companies with several individuals.

Under US sentencing guidelines, Lewis faced 18 months to two years behind bars but he escaped jail time because of his age and medical issues and was instead handed a sentence of three years probation and $5million (£3.8million) fine.

One lifelong local questioned why the billionaire would want to spend nearly a month in Dartmouth, where it has been raining a lot, instead of somewhere more tropical like the Caribbean or the Mediterranean

They told The Sun: 'I guess he’s here for the regatta that starts this week but who knows how long he’ll stay.

'It’s just a huge floating gin palace, miles bigger than anything else in the harbour. We’ve seen his crew come and go in a tender but I don’t know if he’s even onboard - nobody’s heard anything.'

Aviva was built in 2017, sleeps 16 people and has a top speed of 20 knots and an eco-friendly hybrid electric propulsion system.

Lewis was born and raised in the UK, and turned his father's catering business, Tavistock Banqueting, into a company that sold luxury goods to American tourists, before turning to currency trading in the 1970s.

He moved to the Bahamas to avoid paying UK tax rates, and made millions betting against the British pound and the Mexican peso in the 1990s.

He eventually bought Tottenham Hotspur, though was removed as a 'person of significant control' in 2022 after it was handed over to a family trust.

Alexander Isak netted a late tap-in at St James' Park to hand Newcastle a huge 2-1 victory over top-four rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

Towards the end of an open first half, Harvey Barnes produced a smart finish inside the penalty area to fire Newcastle ahead at the break.

Spurs came out with more intensity in the second half and levelled terms in the 56th minute courtesy of an own goal from Magpies defender Dan Burn, who accidentally blasted the ball into his net following a poor piece of goalkeeping from Nick Pope.

Newcastle substitute Jacob Murphy and Isak capitalised on Tottenham's high defensive line in the 78th minute, and the Sweden striker was on the spot to net his first goal of the season and win his side all three points.

Mail Sport's AADAM PATEL was at St James' Park to give his verdict on the players' performances .

NEWCASTLE

Nick Pope - 6

Made two comfortable first-half saves from Pape Matar Sarr but will feel that he should have done better than parry James Maddison’s effort to Brennan Johnson for Spurs’ equaliser. Made a superb save to keep out Maddison with the scores level.

Tino Livramento - 7

Another solid performance in the week of his first England call up and a player that continues to go from strength to strength. More touches (59) than any other Newcastle player. No Trippier, no problem.

Emil Krafth - 6

Impressive alongside Dan Burn and did well to nullify Wilson Odobert whenever he cut in from the left in the second half.

Dan Burn - 6

Influential for the goal with a quick throw in to Lloyd Kelly and was superb defensively, including a superb block to deny Son Heung-Min. But will know he has to do better for the own-goal that very nearly cost Newcastle. Apart from that, a solid afternoon at the office.

Lloyd Kelly - 7

Nut-megged by Son and picked up a booking for dragging him down but did superbly for Newcastle’s opener, driving down the left flank and picking out Harvey Barnes. Replaced by Lewis Hall in the 68th minute but on the whole, a good display.

Bruno Guimaraes - 6

Has to do more in big games. Simply wasn’t on the ball enough and his afternoon was summed up when he was dispossessed by James Maddison before tracking back, fouling him and picking up a booking.

Sean Longstaff - 6

Did his job without ever threatening to take control of the game. Booked in the first half and was replaced by Sandro Tonali in the 68th minute.

Joelinton - 7

Like Guimaraes, such an asset to Newcastle but was far too passive until he played an exquisite through ball to Jacob Murphy, who squared to Isak for the winner. An unusually quiet game but the Brazilian showed his class when it mattered.

Anthony Gordon - 6

A quiet game by his standards after an electric start but constantly offered an option. Replaced in injury time for Miguel Almiron.

Harvey Barnes - 7

In for Jacob Murphy and justified that decision by Eddie Howe with a really well taken goal. Went close with an early effort that went wide before a superb finish that was wonderfully caressed past the outstretched Guglielmo Vicario. Replaced on the hour mark for Murphy.

Alexander Isak - 8

His attempt to lob Vicario with a cross-shot that hit the bar was outrageous and would have been a contender for goal of the season. And in the right place at the right time like a proper centre-forward to get the winner.

Substitutes

Jacob Murphy - 7 (61' for Barnes)

On for Barnes and really should have done better when he was presented with a golden opportunity but it was his run and pass that gave Newcastle the three points.

Sandro Tonali - 6 (68' for Longstaff)

Sounded like Newcastle had scored when he came on for his first appearance at St James’ Park since October 2023. Offered some much-needed control to the midfield in his cameo.

Lewis Hall - 6 (68' for Kelly)

Did his job after coming on in the 68th minute.

Miguel Almiron N/A (90+4' for Gordon)

TOTTENHAM

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

Kept busy but could do nothing to keep out Harvey Barnes’ opener. Great save to deny Jacob Murphy in the second half and again could do nothing for Alexander Isak’s winner.

Pedro Porro - 6

Always an entertaining watch and offered an attacking threat throughout with six attempts on goal - more than anyone else. And more touches (87) than any other player. But crucially couldn’t get back in time when Joelinton’s pass cut through the Spurs backline and has to improve at the back.

Radu Dragusin - 7

One of two Spurs changes, coming in for Micky Van de Ven. Put in a solid shift with some great challenges, with one denying a goalbound attempt by Isak.

Cristian Romero - 6

Scored early on but was miles offside. Was in no man’s land for the Newcastle goal but apart from that, had a decent game.

Destiny Udogie - 6

Could have offered more attackingly but kept Anthony Gordon quiet before he switched sides. Undone for the goal as he struggled to keep up with Jacob Murphy

Yves Bissouma - 6

Decent defensively but didn’t offer enough going forward. Booked early on in the second half and taken off for Rodrigo Bentancur late on after Newcastle restored their lead.

Pape Sarr - 7

In for Brennan Johnson. Constantly involved in possession in first-half and came close to scoring twice but was denied by two good saves from Nick Pope. Booked for a bad challenge in the first-half then replaced at half-time as Ange Postecoglou went more attacking.

James Maddison - 6

Had a really poor first half which was summed up by an embarrassing dive in added time. Fortunate not to get booked but he was much better after the break, playing a key part in Spurs’ equaliser before forcing Pope to make a superb save. Booked shortly after and let Joelinton turn him too easily for the move that led to Newcastle’s second and was booed off when he was replaced for Lucas Bergvall late on.

Dejan Kulusevski - 5

Started up top but dropped into midfield in the second half. Didn’t do anything of note.

Wilson Odobert - 6

Impressive start to the season though wasn’t as comfortable down the right flank. Still offered a threat and played down his preferred left flank in the second half. Missed a sitter before he taken off for Timo Werner. Will be such a force if he can improve his finishing.

Son Heung-min - 6

An unusually quiet game. Struggled centrally here last season so started on the left and even though he played down the middle in the second half, he was limited to just the one attempt on goal.

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson - 8 (45' for Pape Sarr)

Changed the game. On for Pape Matar Sarr at half-time as Ange Postecoglou reversed one of his two pre-match changes. Nearly had an immediate impact but somehow, Odobert skied his deflected cross over before playing his part in the equaliser. Caused Newcastle an array of problems.

Timo Werner - 4 (74' for Odobert)

Came on in the 74th minute but was so poor. Postecoglou should have kept Odobert on.

Lucas Bergvall N/A (82' for Maddison)

Rodrigo Bentancur N/A (82' for Bissouma)

A late Alexander Isak goal earned Newcastle all three points at St James' Park

Harvey Barnes, Dan Burn and Isak scored all three goals in the game

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After the fallout of failing to land a club-record signing this week, it was left to the fella who retains that tag to remind folk why keeping him is Newcastle’s smartest piece of business this summer.

Tottenham were desperately unlucky not to win, but they don’t have a striker. Newcastle do, and Alexander Isak was the difference here. The £63million Swede was not at his best and was not enjoying a particularly good afternoon.

But he was there to score the winning goal, there in the six-yard area, there to bring calm after perhaps the most turbulent 48 hours under Saudi ownership. Spurs had fizzed a succession of balls through the goalmouth without any takers.

Indeed, both of Newcastle’s goals came during periods in which the visitors were on top. Harvey Barnes gave them a first-half lead, but Dan Burn’s own goal deservedly put Spurs level before the hour.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were the most likely winners from that point. They would have won with a centre-forward.

And so, when Newcastle broke upfield on 78 minutes, there was an inevitability about Spurs being punished.

Joelinton muscled free of James Maddison and sprung Jacob Murphy free. He could have shot but instead squared for Isak. It was a simple finish, but simple gets the same reward as complicated.

The victory leaves Eddie Howe’s side fourth in the table, and they’ll take that after a transfer window that closed amid the failure to sign defender Marc Guehi for £70m from Crystal Palace.

It left Howe frustrated and questions being asked over new sporting director Paul Mitchell and chief executive Darren Eales. But this felt like the sort of boisterous occasion Newcastle needed.

Noise, wind, rain, irritation in the air. Even the floodlights were on from the off, and the hosts made an illuminating start.

Not quite the start of two seasons ago, when they led 3-0 inside nine minutes against the same opposition. But they were front foot, aggressive and pulsing forward to the beat of the crowd.

Isak bullied Son Heung-min out of possession in the fifth minute and, with a cute shot from a narrow angle, clipped the crossbar.

Barnes then shaved the post with a trademark curler after cutting inside and it needed a goalmouth block to deny defender Emil Krafth an unlikely goal.

It was all going so well until injury struck. It wasn’t a Newcastle player, this time. Rather, assistant referee Ian Hussin pulled up with a muscle complaint and a stoppage of around five minutes broke home momentum and, seemingly, concentration.

When the game restarted, Newcastle’s control had shifted to Tottenham. They were still in control when Newcastle took the lead on 37 minutes.

Burn would usually be on the end of a throw-in, but here it was his quick release from the left that put Lloyd Kelly clear.

He drew back for Barnes and the winger’s first-time finish had enough fade to carry it beyond the dive of Guglielmo Vicario. Did it spark a home improvement? Not really. After that bright start, the lights remained out.

Howe and assistant Jason Tindall were already deep in discussion about changes when Spurs drew level on 56 minutes.

Before that, in the minutes after half-time, Son, Wilson Odobert and Pedro Porro all went close to equalising. In the end, it was Burn who put through his own net.

Nick Pope has been recalled to the England squad this week - and he went on to produce a string of brilliant saves - but his part in this goal was not international class.

James Maddison’s low shot should have been gathered instead of parried and, when Brennan Johnson followed up to stab back on goal, Pope’s arm kept it out only for Burn to hook in from the goal-line.

The Newcastle keeper then went a long way to redemption with flying saves from Maddison and Porro, and without them victory would not have been possible.

If you haven't seen how Newcastle took the lead, then here you go.

I mean, it really did come out of nowhere, but it doesn't take away from how nice of a goal it is.

Newcastle are brilliant on the transition and they punished Spurs in the blink of an eye. A lovely cross, and a great finish.

Not a bad celebration, either.

Noni Madueke was on fire last week, wasn't he?

The winger was given a first Premier League start of the season and my word did he take his opportunity.

A second-half hat-trick away at Wolves drove Chelsea to a 6-2 thumping win in the West Midlands.

He needs to build on that performance with another today if he is to show he is the real deal.

The only problem is, he hasn't taken aim at the city of London...

I'm guessing that means no goal today then.

Alexander Isak is such a star.

In my mind, he is one of the most underrated strikers in the Premier League, I love watching him play.

Do you know who doesn't, though?

Tottenham. They are sick of the sight of the Swedish striker, he wreaks havoc on them every year.

He netted twice in the 6-1 pasting of them two seasons ago and then did the same last campaign.

They will be hoping he stays quiet today, but it's hard to see that happening, isn't it?

Am I the only person that think this photo looks odd?

Seeing Jadon Sancho in the blue of Chelsea will take some time getting used to, that's for sure.

But we won't be seeing him don the colours today as he was not registered by the club in time on deadline day.

I'm sure the loanee from Manchester United will be in the stands, though, watching his new teammates.

I bet he will be itching to get on that pitch.

I keep on talking about these memories, don't I?

I'm sure Tottenham fans do not need reminding of what I am badgering on about, but I will provide it anyway.

Spurs have conceded 10 goals in their last two trips to St James' Park, scoring just one themselves.

Newcastle have been relentless on both occasions, romping to a 6-1 win during the 2022-23 season, and another 4-0 victory a season later.

Both matches will live long in the memory of both fans for very different reasons. I know that they live in mine.

Surely we won't get a repeat of them today, will we?

I'm pretty sure that's what I said last time, though.

The Geordies are probably happy to see the back of the transfer window.

They had a really unsettled summer, struggling to get the players in the positions they wanted.

One of those being Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, who has remained in south London after coming close to a move to St. James' Park.

Or maybe they wish they had a longer summer, so they could get them.

Either way, the dressing room is not in the best shape as they come into this one, with no new faces through the door on deadline day.

It means no fresh faces are starting for them today...

Sandro Tonali is in the building...

The Italian midfielder made his return to competitive football against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup in midweek, following a 10-month ban due to illegal betting.

I thought he would take a while to bed back into the game after so long out, but my word was I wrong.

Tonali was the Magpies' best player at the City Ground, it looked like he had never been away.

Will that impressive performance earn him a start today?

Every week there is a London derby, I swear.

This time it's the turn of Chelsea and Crystal Palace to lock horns and they will do so in the west of the city.

The Blues have of course provided entertainment both on and off the pitch over the last month, as they always do.

With plenty of new faces through the door, they looked the bee's knees last week away at Wolves as they ran rampant, scoring six at Molineux.

But their loss away at Swiss side Servette in midweek kept the club's renewed optimism in check and showed they still have a long way to go.

Today they face a Palace side who were tipped to do well this season, but they have had a terrible start.

Oliver Glasner's side have lost their two opening matches, which were also London derbies, to Brentford and West Ham, and they haven't looked particularly great.

With these two teams, though, I have no idea which way this will go.

It may only be three games in, but this is a monster clash.

Newcastle and Tottenham will both have the same goals this season and that is to make the top four.

Both have had similar starts to the season. Two games, one win, one draw, and a shaky performance or two were thrown into the mix.

When going for Champions League qualification, teams always want to get one over on their rivals, especially early on.

Newcastle have had major success in this fixture recently, but they can't go into this one thinking the same will happen again.

Meanwhile, those said results will be lurking in the back of Tottenham players' minds, but they can't let it affect them.

It could be a massive mental battle today.

We are in for a rollercoaster of a day, people.

There is a reason it is called 'Super Sunday', the three matches ahead today epitomise that saying to a tee.

While we are still a fair few hours away from the showstopper at Old Trafford later, we have some tasty appetisers for you to tuck into.

Chelsea will be looking to back up their thumping of Wolves when they face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge later.

But the fixture I am licking my lips over is Newcastle hosting Tottenham - it always serves up a cracker.

Spurs fans will not be entirely optimistic after that last two trips to St James' Park, but I guess it's a new season.

Right then, that's enough of an introduction, let's get this show on the road!

Catfish And The Bottlemen have cancelled a gig at the last minute because of illness just days after fans expressed fear that their 'ambitious' concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be overshadowed by Oasis' gig on the same day.

MCD Productions posted a statement from the Welsh band just after 6.45pm on Saturday, about 15 minutes before doors were due to open at the RDS Simmonscourt venue in Dublin.

The band said: 'We regret to inform you that tonight's show is cancelled due to artist illness.

'Refunds are available from point of purchase. Apologies to all the fans who have travelled to the show today and for any inconvenience caused.'

The post did not specify the illness or who was unwell.

Fans worry that Oasis' comeback could spell bad news for the Catfish who also announced an arena tour this month which some fans now believe will sell 'negative tickets.'

The band, whose most famous song Cocoon was released 10 years ago, recently played Reading and Leeds festival as part of their comeback trail, which will culminate with a new album and a string of dates at arenas next year.

Catfish are set to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 3 next summer, but the show now coincides with one of Oasis' comeback gigs, just 12 miles away at Wembley.

Even before the Gallaghers' announcement, tickets were not exactly flying off the shelves for the Catfish show.

They have previously won BBC Music Introducing's artist of the year, and in 2016 took the Brit Award for best British breakthrough act.

Catfish And The Bottlemen are due to travel to Australia and New Zealand in September for several tour dates, before playing shows in the US throughout October and November.

Ange Postecoglou insists he is relishing the prospect of a return to Glasgow after his Tottenham Hotspur side were drawn to face Rangers in the Europa League.

After spending two hugely successful years in charge of Celtic, Postecoglou admits he will be in for a hostile reception when Spurs travel to Ibrox.

It proved to be a blockbuster draw for Rangers, with Philippe Clement’s men also travelling to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

The revamped format of the Europa League will also see them play Lyon, Nice, Olympiacos, Malmo, Union Saint-Gilloise and Steaua Bucharest.

The draw was made yesterday afternoon on transfer deadline day, with Rangers securing a loan deal for Dutch defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo from Feyenoord.

The 22-year-old centre-back moves to Ibrox on a season-long loan, with Rangers then having an option to buy the player next summer.

Rangers were also closing in on a £3.5m deal last night to sign Albanian international midfielder Nedim Bajrami from Italian side Sassuolo.

But the clash with Spurs proved to be the highlight of the draw earlier in the day, with Postecoglou set for a box-office return to Glasgow.

Asked how he felt about the draw and the prospect of going back to Ibrox, the Australian said: ‘Exciting. It’s good to be a part of.

‘Some good games. I am sure I will get a warm reception at Ibrox and they’ll look forward to seeing me.’

On the transfer front, Kasanwirjo was well known to Clement and Rangers head of recruitment Nils Koppen.

The young defender spent last season on loan at Rapid Vienna and is also an Under-21 international with Holland.

‘I am a defender who likes to play with the ball,’ said the 22-year-old, who could go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead. ‘Obviously I can play my duels, I am fast, I am strong, I can play. That is what the coach is looking for.’

Clement added: ‘We are thrilled to welcome Neraysho to the football club and we believe he will be a big asset to the team.

‘He can play in a number of defensive positions and will be a good option for the squad with the domestic and European commitments we have this campaign.’

Elsewhere, Scott Wright left Rangers to join Birmingham City in a deal worth £300,000, while Todd Cantwell was last night finalising the terms of his move to Blackburn Rovers.

Yves Bissouma has been on his very best behaviour according to Ange Postecoglou ever since the indiscretion featuring a balloon full of nitrous oxide.

He has been uncharacteristically punctual, first into the team meetings, keen to prove a lesson has been learned about responsibility.

And, having been forced to sit out the first game of the Premier League campaign as a punishment, Bissouma held steady on the road to redemption by marking his return to the team with his first goal for Tottenham on his 57th appearance.

Lashed into the top corner from the edge of the penalty box, it was the first of a comfortable victory that gave lift off to Postecoglou's second season.

'We know he's a good footballer, there's no doubting his ability,' said the Spurs boss afterwards. 'He has ability to do something special. We want to make him the best version of himself. That starts off the field as much as on it.

'Discipline is a big thing for him and it was a disciplined performance. Not just the goal but he had an important job for us. He had to be there to mop up and intercept and he was clean for the most part in possession. It's a good start. He's still got work to do.'

Heung-min Son pounced on a mistake by Jordan Pickford for the second as Spurs assumed complete control and later claimed the fourth after Cristian Romero had marked his 100th appearance for the club with the third, headed in from a corner.

All of which left Everton looking rather feeble. They have leaked seven goals in their first two games without finding the net, have not won away from home in 2024 and the threat of points deductions still lingers in the background.

They were depleted and patched-up in North London and on the back foot from the outset. 'Too subservient,' was Sean Dyche's description. Pickford made three excellent saves before he was beaten, blocking from Romero, flying to his right to keep out a deflected shot from Son and dashing from his line to smother another from James Maddison.

Brennan Johnson missed the target with a header he ought to have scored but Bissouma's aim was true. Dejan Kulusevski jinked into the box from the right and teed-up the chance. Struck first time, it veered away from Pickford and hit the net.

Everton's goalkeeper was at fault for the second, however, ruining his previous efforts. He was guilty of a poor touch as he shifted the ball across his body to kick with his left foot. Son pounced, tearing past with a searing burst of acceleration to steal the ball and roll it into an open goal.

Pickford held up his hands in apology. It felt like a long way back from here although Tottenham are so loose, they always offer glimmers of hope. One decent chance to equalise at 1-0, was squandered by Jack Harrison slicing wide on the half volley at the back post.

And there was a spell of pressure before half time when Everton threatened from a series of set-pieces. Spurs were painfully vulnerable defending set pieces last season and have worked hard to improve but they are not a powerful team in the air, unlike the visitors.

Maddison was back in his own goalmouth to make one vital clearance denying Abdoulaye Doucoure in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

For a spell after the interval, Tottenham failed to generate the same intensity and Everton flickered after the introduction of Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, who forced a splendid save from Guglielmo Vicario within seconds of coming on.

But it was brief. Postecoglou was quick to respond, sending on Pape Matar Sarr and Richarlison. Maddison went close to the third from free kick before Romero scored it, climbing above James Tarkowski from one of Maddison's corners.

Son made it four, beating Pickford from a tight angle after an exhilarating run by Micky van de Ven, carving a path down the centre of the pitch before claiming an assist.

Destiny Udogie hobbled off sparking concerns until Postecoglou dismissed it as nothing more than fatigue and tight hamstrings.

The deeper managerial problems sit firmly with Dyche, already braced for another survival fight.

'There's no acceptance of anything,' said the Everton boss. 'There's a reality to all the challenges in football but that's not acceptance.

'It's tough to come here to Spurs and it's tougher with a thin squad. I don't like making excuses but that's a fact. Does that mean they win? No, it doesn't because it doesn't always work that way, but you have to make it not work that way.'

As for the prospect of reinforcements in the transfer market before Friday's deadline, Dyche said: 'Until I'm told different there isn't any finance to go and to go and change things. This is what we are.'