Daily Mail

Bournemouth took the extraordinary, gas guzzling decision to FLY to London for their Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur, Daily Mail Sport understands.

The Cherries took to the skies for a 20-minute short-hop to City Airport, rather than opting for a more eco-friendly train or bus journey in a carbon heavy move which may well raise eyebrows among campaigners, other clubs and the league itself.

Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium is a mere 113 miles from Spurs’s Tottenham Stadium and can be reached without traffic in around two-and-a-half-hours by road. Trains from Bournemouth to Waterloo take around one hour and 59 minutes.

However, the Cherries instead decided to fly to London, ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 victory which left them with two wins from their opening three games.

It now remains to be seen if they will repeat the trick for the six other top-flight matches they will have to play in the capital.

The decision would appear to be at odds with the Bournemouth’s own, seven-page sustainability policy, in which an entire section is dedicated to ‘Sustainable Transport’.

Within the section, the club pledge to ‘develop a domestic travel policy that reduces reliance on air travel, considering sustainability, performance, and logistics’.

It adds that it will ‘expand low-carbon travel options for fans (e.g. coach travel, public transport info)’ and look to introduce a Cycle to Work and Car Share scheme for employees. It would appear that there is a different stance towards manager Andoni Iraola and his players.

Bournemouth have been contacted for comment.

In March of this year, the Premier League launched an Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which it said ‘reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental issues and building on existing work to support long-term change’.

The strategy has three priority areas including ‘future-proofing the game by supporting decarbonisation across the Premier League’.

Bournemouth declined to comment. It is thought the club were keen to maximise the time the manager had available to work with players between matches. They had played at home to Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Tottenham suffered defeat in the Premier League for the first time this season as they lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Evanilson scored the only goal for the Cherries in the fifth minute.

There was a buzz surrounding Tottenham following victories against Burnley and Manchester City.

The arrival of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig has also given the club a boost.

However, the loss to Bournemouth shows that there is still much work for Thomas Frank's side to do.

Daily Mail Sport's MATT BARLOW assessed the game.

Frank expresses his frustration

These are the days sent to test new Tottenham bosses. Never mind Manchester City away, it's the ones they're expected to win that cause anguish in this North London postcode.

Days when the fresh optimism of a new £51million signing evaporates quickly, replaced by familiar despair with Thomas Frank flapping his arms at the fourth official because the decisions are going the wrong way.

They were jeered by the home crowd at the end, just a week after victory at City. 'I would prefer them not to boo, but I understand that was not a good performance and they have high expectations, which is absolutely fair,' said Frank.

Here we go again, the veteran Spurs watchers were thinking. Somewhere Ange Postecoglou was raising a glass to Bournemouth.

No creative spark…

It was tempting to wonder just how much Xavi Simons could have changed the outcome. Frank said it would have been useful to have someone who might conjure 'something out of nothing' but this was a day when the dearth of creativity screamed out from the bench.

The threat of Mohammed Kudus was easily nullified by Bournemouth's new left back Adrien Truffert, while new centre-half Bafode Diakite pocketed Richarlison, who has started the season so well.

Pedro Porro, perhaps preoccupied with keeping an eye on Antoine Semenyo, had little of his usual influence going forward.

An injury setback to Dominic Solanke, who missed most of preseason with an ankle injury, was a reminder that there is no reliable source of goals without Heung-min Son.

Brennan Johnson, who was last season's top scorer, hero of the Europa League final and had scored in the previous two Premier League games, misfired on the left flank and the decision to replace him was greeted with a cheer but the options on the bench were limited.

Tactical mistakes…

Frank was hailed for his tactical acumen and flexibility through the first three games in his new job, but Spurs started poorly, conceded after five minutes and failed to respond.

They moved the ball too slowly in deep areas, they were utterly overwhelmed for the first hour of the contest and did not find a foothold into the game until the closing stages.

Bournemouth both won possession in the press in the final third and caused problems firing long balls direct into spaces, particularly looking for Semenyo behind Porro in the early stages.

Spurs improved when Mathys Tel came on and Lucas Bergvall moved deeper into midfield, from where he sought to pass the ball forward with more zip. Although this came in tandem with the visitors sinking deeper with an eye on the clock.

What a difference a day makes…

It didn't take long for Djed Spence to crash back down to earth after his first England call-up. Slow to push out, Spence played Evanilson onside for the only goal, scored with the help of a deflection in the fifth minute.

Everything changed for Spence at Bournemouth in December, a day when Tottenham lost by the same score and Postecoglou came under fire from the travelling fans.

Spence walked across to put an arm around his beleaguered boss and led him back to the dressing room, and his Spurs career never looked back. Before long he was in the team regularly, signing a new contract and now in the England squad.

Hopefully, another 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth does not represent the other bookend to an exceptional nine months in lilywhite.

All hail the Cherries…

Bournemouth on this evidence are no worse off for selling the bulk of their defensive unit in the summer. They defend very much from the front under Andoni Iraola, brimming with energy and intent, turning over possession in the final third.

David Brooks, who was exceptional, set the pattern. Working hard with flashes of technical brilliance on the ball. It was a shame he could not add a goal. He rattled the bar in the second half. Alex Scott and Tyler Adams also impressed in midfield.

The Cherries shot count was at 15 before Spurs managed their first and Djorde Petrovic was not required to make a save until Bergvall fired one straight at him in the 69th minute.

Only a hamstring injury soured the occasion for Iraola, who may, on his way back to Dorset, have congratulated himself on a decision to decline interest in the Tottenham job.

Tottenham have reportedly reached an agreement to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons in a £51.8million deal.

Thomas Frank's side have turned their attention to the Netherlands international after failing in their attempts to land Morgan Gibbs-White, Savinho and Eberechi Eze.

Simons, a versatile attacking midfielder who can play as an energetic number 10 or wide, was given permission by Leipzig to leave the training camp and complete a move.

The 22-year-old, who held talks to join Chelsea this summer, and his advisors flew to London on Thursday afternoon.

As reported by The Athletic, Spurs have had a £51.8m bid accepted and the player has completed his medical.

Simons is now finalising the last details of his Leipzig exit before officially completing the switch to north London.

Spurs wanted to proceed with the transfer quickly after the ways things played out with Eze and Crystal Palace.

Chelsea have been closely on Simons' trail throughout the summer. Personal terms have long since been agreed and Simon was keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

There has been no firm bid however from the Blues. They have been focused on making sales to comply with UEFA’s financial restrictions, with Christopher Nkunku close to a move to AC Milan, and on signing winter Alexandre Garnacho from Manchester United.

Chelsea fans have taken to social media to fume after it had appeared that Simons was bound for Stamford Bridge all summer.

One said: 'If it was some unknown kid we wouldve paid asking price already...what are they doing? Surely we need a backup for Palmer now with Nkunku gone'.

Another wrote: 'It's really crazy, after waiting, nkunku sold and now he's gone to Tottenham, crazy stuff.'

Earlier this month, Leipzig's Sporting director Marcel Schafer told BILD: 'We know his great ambitions to play in a top league for a title contender. He wants to prove himself at the highest level.

'If it makes economic sense, we're open. But only then. If it doesn't make financial sense for us, we look forward to another season with this outstanding player.'

Tottenham have emerged as contenders to sign Xavi Simons, whose proposed move from Leipzig to Chelsea has stalled.

Dutch international Simons has two years remaining on his contract. He is looking for a move to the Premier League and Leipzig are prepared to sell for £60million, with their sights set on Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as a replacement, according to Bild in Germany.

Chelsea have been on the trail of Simons for weeks with personal terms said to be agreed, although the London club is currently focused on outgoings and yet to make any sort of official move.

The delay has given Thomas Frank a chance to consider the 22-year-old as a solution to their quest for more midfield creativity having failed to land either Eberechi Eze or Morgan Gibbs-White in this transfer window.

Simons fits the profile Spurs like. He is young with scope to develop. His high-energy style is a good fit for Frank.

He dazzled in the youth ranks at Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain at 16 and left for a year with at PSV before the French giants exercised a buy-back clause. Leipzig signed him in January after spending 18 months there on loan.

Tottenham however have other options in play, including Savinho of Manchester City, Nico Paz of Como in Italy and Maghnes Akliouche, who has received his first call-up to the senior France squad after a strong start to the new season with Monaco.

The fact that Tottenham are involved in the Champions League this season could be appealing for Simons.

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is in talks to join Galatasaray on loan with an obligation to buy.

Bissouma, 28, is yet to feature for Spurs this season after being axed from their squad for the UEFA Super Cup against PSG because of persistent lateness.

The Mali international has been widely linked with a move away from the club in recent times and also missed their victories over Burnley and Man City.

Daily Mail Sport previously reported how Roma and Fenerbahce had expressed an interest in Bissouma, but Galatasaray have now seemingly emerged as frontrunners in the race.

The midfielder has made 100 appearances for Spurs since joining from Brighton in a deal worth £25million plus add-ons in 2022 and he played the full 90 minutes of their victory over Man United in the Europa League final in May.

He featured 44 times in all competitions last season, but the summer addition of Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich has knocked Bissouma down the pecking order.

The midfielder, who Spurs are believed to value at around £20m, also faces competition in central midfield from Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr.

Meanwhile, Bissouma's dropping for the Super Cup was the latest disciplinary issue to blight his time in north London.

A year ago, he was left out by Ange Postecoglou after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.

Speaking about the timekeeping issue, Spurs boss Thomas Frank insisted he had moved on and said Bissouma was to be in the squad for their game against Burnley, although the Malian subsequently missed the 3-0 victory due to injury.

'We have dealt with the situation internally,' Frank said. 'There was a situation. I addressed it.

'There was a consequence and he will be in the squad. It is dealt with. We move forward to a big game.'

Galatasaray have won the Turkish Super Lig in the past three seasons and their squad includes several former Premier League players such as Nicolo Zaniolo, Leroy Sane, Lucas Torreira and Mario Lemina.

Former Tottenham and England star Andy Sinton is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack on Friday.

The 59-year-old's former club QPR, who he now represents as an ambassador, asked for supporters to wish Sinton well.

QPR issued a statement which read: 'On Friday evening, our club ambassador, Andy Sinton suffered a heart attack. We are pleased to say he is now recovering in hospital. Please join us in wishing Sints well'.

Sinton was capped 12 times by England between 1991 and 1993 and was part of the Three Lions' squad at Euro 1992.

He won the League Cup with Tottenham in the 1998-99 season and made 100 appearances for the club.

Sinton also featured prominently for QPR between 1998 and 1993 before signing for Sheffield Wednesday.

He later had a spell at Wolves and then represented Burton Albion.

Sinton returned to QPR in May 2015 as the club's first club ambassador. His job includes attending games and fan events as well as working with commercial partners.

In 2016 he helped to create 'Forever Rs', the club's association for former players.

Tottenham held further talks with Manchester City on Saturday over a proposed deal for winger Savinho.

Last week Daily Mail Sport revealed that the Brazilian's agent had jetted in from South America with a view to getting a deal over the line.

Savinho is thought to be keen to organise a move that facilitates his desire to become a regular first-team starter in the Premier League ahead of next year's World Cup.

Spurs had switched their primary focus to No 10 target Eberechi Eze in recent days, and believed they were on the brink of securing the services of the Crystal Palace star.

But within hours, the north London club saw their deal hijacked by their loathed rivals Arsenal, with the Gunners swooping for a star that had begun his boyhood career at their academy.

Eze was announced as an Arsenal player on Saturday afternoon ahead of his new club's 5-0 win against Leeds at the Emirates.

Savinho was left out of Man City's squad for their first two games this season - including Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad.

Tottenham are prepared to offer over £60million for the 21-year old Brazilian winger who is open to joining if City accept the offer.

Having missed out on Eze, Tottenham are also showing interest in West Ham attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta along with Aston Villa.

Paqueta has endured a difficult time after facing betting allegations and is open to leaving for a Champions League club.

The Brazilian was a solitary bright spark during his side's woeful 5-1 defeat to Chelsea on Friday evening, scoring the opener goal for the hosts before the visitors took over at the London Stadium.

West Ham have already sold Mohammed Kudus to Spurs this window while Villa have financial restrictions and have been exploring a deal also for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, along with Newcastle and Bayern Munich.

Villa are believed to be open to a loan deal for the striker, who has found himself knocked down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrivals this window of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.

Villa have also asked about Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku as they consider a number of options.

Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche is also on Spurs' radar, while Leicester's El Bilal Khannouss has been pushed towards them too after Crystal Palace made two offers for the 21-year old last week.

El Khannouss was left out of Leicester's squad that won at Charlton on Saturday amid talk he didn't wish to travel.

However, coach Marti Cifuentes said: 'We felt it was perhaps not the easiest week and in the end I decided to take him out of the spotlight, just because I think it's best for him and the team.'

Spurs are also looking to arrange more outgoings before the window closes, with Bundesliga side Hamburg close to signing Spurs defender Luka Vuskovic on loan.

Mikel Arteta has revealed Eberechi Eze phoned him as he was about to join Tottenham.

Arsenal left their north London rivals red-faced on Wednesday night when they reached an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace to sign Eze, 27.

Eze had looked Spurs-bound after they spent 10 days negotiating over a deal worth £55million plus add-ons - only for Arsenal to sneak in at the last minute with a bid worth £67.5m.

The 27-year-old completed the move to Arsenal on Saturday and was unveiled in front of fans before their 5-0 win over Leeds.

A report from The Athletic claims that Eze got in contact with Mikel Arteta just as he was about to commit to Tottenham.

When asked if it was true, Arteta said: 'That shows you how much he wanted to come.

'It's very different sometimes because you want to be very open and transparent with the players as they have to make decisions in their careers but I'm delighted to have him.

'I'm delighted to have him, I can tell how much it means to him and his whole family.'

Daily Mail Sport understands Spurs had agreed to Palace's transfer demands on Wednesday and also struck terms with Eze who, at that stage, was keen to finalise the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Crystal Palace are understood to have insisted that Eze remain available for their Conference League play-off first leg against Norwegian side Fredrikstad on Thursday night, which handed Arsenal an opportunity to swoop in.

But in the end, Eze didn't play. Oliver Glasner expected him to have a send-off but revealed that the winger called in sick on the morning of the game.

He has signed a four year deal at the Emirates, with the option of a further year and will wear the No 10 shirt.

Eze Could make his debut when Arsenal travel to Anfield to face title challengers Liverpool next Sunday.

Arsenal have signed Eberechi Eze for £67.5million on a four-year contract — and he will wear the No10 shirt.

The ex-Crystal Palace forward will be unveiled at the Emirates today ahead of the Gunners’ 5:30pm kick-off against Leeds United.

It follows a remarkable turnaround which saw rivals Tottenham having agreed terms with the 27-year-old on Wednesday, with the player keen to finalise the move, before Arsenal swooped in.

That was just hours after Havertz missed on open training session in the morning because of a knee injury he picked up against Manchester United on Sunday.

Daily Mail Sport understands that the uncertainty around the length of Havertz’s absence was a contributing factor to Arsenal completing a deal for Eze.

He is the north London club’s seventh signing this summer and takes their spend to around £250m.

Eze’s contract has an option for a further year.

In his parting words to Palace, Eze said: 'Five years, man. Crazy. It feels like just yesterday I was walking through the doors joining from QPR. The day you gave me the chance to realise my dream of playing in the Premier League, For South London’s biggest club.

'From the start, I had goals set and my targets in place for what I wanted to achieve here at Palace but I had no idea of what these last 5 years would really turn out to be.

'They call us a family club because it’s impossible to truly understand what it’s like to be part of this club unless you’re in it. They’re not wrong. Throughout the challenges of the covid times, from the day I tore my achilles and the long road of recovery to that night at Selhurst against Villa when I came back, up until this very day, the love you have all shown me, the way you have all supported me, and how we’ve stood together no matter what, these are things that will live in my heart forever.

'And that's all before we made history together, lol. Wembley, man. That whole journey. Words aren’t enough to describe what we all experienced that day so I’m not gunna try, but what I will say is that God did something for us that will connect us for generations. The most special day of my career because God gave us what no one thought was possible for us!

'So after all of this, all I really want to say is thank you. Thank you for believing in me, thank you for giving me a chance, and thank you for the love shared that will last a lifetime.

Up the Palace. God Bless, Ebz.'

Daily Mail Sport understands Spurs had agreed to Palace's transfer demands on Wednesday and also struck terms with Eze who, at that stage, was keen to finalise the move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But Crystal Palace are understood to have insisted that Eze remain available for their Conference League play-off first leg against Norwegian side Fredrikstad on Thursday night, which handed Arsenal an opportunity to swoop in.

But in the end, Eze didn't play. Oliver Glasner expected him to have a send-off but revealed that the winger called in sick on the morning of the game. 'We don’t like to change the starting XI on matchday, especially in this situation when it is the first time of European football for Crystal Palace,' the Austrian admitted pre-match.

Palace went on to win 1-0 at Selhurst Park, with Jean Philippe-Mateta scoring their first ever European goal, and Glasner said afterwards: 'Ebs will not play for us anymore so it does not make sense to talk about him. It's gone.'

He later told his post-match press conference: 'I have to apologise to all of you because I didn’t tell the truth yesterday. I thought he would play... he called me and said he didn’t feel well. You have to ask him (why), maybe in a few days. No (I don’t think he will play for the club again).'

All the same, the Palace faithful, who had turned out hoping to see a final glimpse of their talisman, held up signs thanking him for his service and proclaiming him as a legend.

After stealing Eze from under the nose of their fierce rivals, Arsenal have now officially announced the deal, which is understood to be worth approximately £60m.

As reported by Daily Mail Sport earlier this week, Eze was convinced on joining the Gunners after a meeting with key club figures last month.

The Crystal Palace star was sold on the idea of moving to north London by Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Arteta, who met with him last month despite an offer failing to materialise at the time.

Tottenham moved for Eze after James Maddison was ruled out for the majority of the season with a serious knee injury.

Talks had been progressing but stalled as Palace scrambled for a suitable replacement, with Spurs even understood to have proposed offering forward Richarlison as part of the deal to help negotiations progress.

Eze's release clause of £60m, plus £8m in bonuses, lapsed last week.

Both north London clubs enjoyed victories in their first matches of the new Premier League season, with Spurs triumphing 3-0 over newly-promoted Burnley and Arsenal edging out a tight 1-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Manchester City take on Tottenham at the Etihad in the Premier League, with Jack Gaughan and Riath Al-Samarrai reporting from the grounds.

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