Transfermarkt

The January transfer window is now open and the rumours continue to circulate as clubs plan out moves. Teams are working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets and figuring out their budgets.

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we've collated some of the biggest current transfer stories.

Today's biggest transfer stories

Roma director Ricky Massara has said the situation over any move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has now changed following head coach Ruben Amorim's Old Trafford exit, and the Dutchman could now stay at Old Trafford.

Newcastle United will reportedly have Tottenham for competition if they go back to Wolves in an effort to sign 25-year-old Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Spurs are keen to add another attacker after the injury to Mohammed Kudus.

The January transfer window is now open and the rumours continue to circulate as clubs plan out moves. Teams are working tirelessly behind the scenes on identifying targets and figuring out their budgets.

Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we've collated some of the biggest current transfer stories.

Today's biggest transfer stories

Roma director Ricky Massara has said the situation over any move for Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has now changed following head coach Ruben Amorim's Old Trafford exit, and the Dutchman could now stay at Old Trafford.

Newcastle United will reportedly have Tottenham for competition if they go back to Wolves in an effort to sign 25-year-old Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. Spurs are keen to add another attacker after the injury to Mohammed Kudus.

Tottenham Hotspur - Aston Villa prediction & tips 10.01.2026

Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in an FA Cup clash on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 18:45. The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for advancement in this prestigious tournament. With recent performances showing contrasting forms, this fixture is set to ignite competitive spirits.

Our betting prediction for Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa is favoring a home victory for Spurs. The best odds available for a Tottenham win (Tip 1) stand at 2.38 with 1win, while a draw (Tip X) is listed at 3.42, and an away win for Aston Villa (Tip 2) is at 2.82. Additionally, we anticipate that both teams will score in this match, with odds for this outcome at 1.67 with Paripesa.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur, under the management of Thomas Frank, has experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent outings. In their last five matches across all competitions, Spurs have secured two victories, drawn once, and suffered two defeats. Their most recent match concluded in a 0-0 stalemate against Brentford FC, a result that did little to boost confidence ahead of this crucial FA Cup tie.

In terms of goal-scoring prowess, Tottenham has netted a total of six goals in their last five fixtures while conceding five. This performance has placed them in a respectable position within the league, although they will be eager to enhance their standing with a strong showing in the FA Cup. Thomas Frank's tactical approach tends to emphasize attacking football, often deploying a formation that encourages forward play while maintaining defensive solidity. However, recent results have exposed vulnerabilities that Aston Villa could exploit.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, enters this match with a strong recent performance, having won four of their last five fixtures, although they did endure a disappointing 1-4 loss to Arsenal in their most recent outing. This defeat, while disappointing, has not overshadowed a generally positive trend for the team, who have shown resilience and attacking flair in their previous matches.

In terms of statistics, Villa has scored a total of 10 goals in their last five matches, with only four goals conceded, reflecting a formidable offensive capability coupled with a reasonably robust defense. The team currently sits favorably in the league standings and will be looking to capitalize on their recent successes to make a deep run in the FA Cup. Unai Emery is known for his tactical acumen, often implementing a flexible approach that adapts to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, which may prove critical in this matchup.

Last Direct Encounters

The last direct encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa ended with a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa. The head-to-head record over the last five meetings sees Tottenham with two wins, Aston Villa with three, and no draws. This suggests a competitive rivalry, with Villa having the upper hand in recent years.

H2H Stats

The following outlines the last five encounters between the two teams:

Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

This record indicates a trend favoring Aston Villa, particularly in their most recent matchups.

Recent Form Overview

Tottenham Hotspur's recent form has raised some concerns, particularly in their attacking efficiency. With only two wins in their last five, their ability to convert chances into goals has been questioned, especially evident in their goalless draw against Brentford. Conversely, Aston Villa's form has been impressive, with four victories in their last five, showcasing a potent offensive unit that can capitalize on defensive lapses.

Best Odds and Betting Tips

The best odds available for this match indicate a competitive environment. Our recommendation remains to back Tottenham for the win, given their home advantage and the historical context of their encounters with Aston Villa. Additionally, betting on both teams to score seems prudent, considering both teams' attacking capabilities and recent goal-scoring forms.

Many bookmakers offer attractive signup bonuses, often in the form of free bet credits for new customers. Such welcome bonus sites can enhance your betting experience and provide additional value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our match prediction favors a home win for Tottenham Hotspur, bolstered by their historical advantage over Aston Villa. However, given the current forms of both teams and their ability to score, a bet on both teams to score is also highly advisable. The dynamics of this FA Cup tie promise an engaging contest, and both teams will be eager to secure progression in the tournament.

Going from the blazing hot beaches in Southern Brazil to the freezing cold of North London is likely to be some culture shock, but that may just be what awaits Santos full-back Souza this January. Brazil has become a popular shopping ground for young talent for Premier League teams in recent years and the 19-year-old defender could be the latest to make the move as a teenager. He has a current market value of €5 million.

According to reports, Tottenham are set to make an improved offer to Santos for Souza after seeing an initial €9.2m bid rejected. The Brazilian is thought to be keen to move on with several other European clubs also enquiring, including AC Milan. Newcastle are also thought to be interested but haven't launched any bid yet. With expert insight from Brazil, we bring you more on the Tottenham target, what he could bring to the Premier League, and what it may take to seal a move this January.

What type of player is Souza?

Thiago Rabelo is a very well respected journalist and part of Transfermarkt's team in Brazil. He has been watching Souza's development closely and tells us more about what kind of player he is: "Souza is the typical Brazilian left-back. He's fast, quick, and very offensive. What I like most about him is his speed and courage in attacking spaces. As he is so fast, his dribbling is always at speed, a very important characteristic for a full-back."

That description may leave Spurs fan's brimming with excitement, but there are some areas for improvement, as Rabelo explains: "Souza still has a lot to develop. I still see him with physical and defensive weaknesses. The last Brazilian Championship shows how much room he has for growth. He started the year on the bench and, halfway through, became an important player for Neymar's Santos to avoid relegation."

In the last decade we have seen many young Brazilian talents leave their homeland for the riches of European football as teenagers. Some have been resounding successes. Other haven't worked and have soon returned. Rabelo admits this theme is becoming a concern: "I don't see him ready for European football. He's not even established in Brazil yet. This has been a big problem for many young players in Brazil. They leave the country very young and without establishing themselves at their formative club. Souza is a player who doesn't arrive in Europe fully formed, but he is a player with a lot of potential to develop."

So what would it take for Tottenham to prize Souza to London this winter? "Despite the difficulties of 2025, Santos should experience better days this year and don’t have to sell players for low prices," explains Rabelo. "Last year, the club already rejected offers of €10m for the player and that's not expected to change. Brazilian football has been experiencing strong growth in value and, consequently, more expensive sales." Souza certainly looks like an exciting prospect for the future, but he is unlikely to be someone who will come in and have an immediate impact in the Premier League.

AFC Bournemouth - Tottenham Hotspur prediction & tips 07.01.2026

AFC Bournemouth welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday, 7th January 2026, at 20:30 for a crucial Premier League encounter on matchday 21. The Cherries currently occupy 15th position with 23 points from their opening 20 fixtures, while Spurs find themselves just two places higher in 13th with 27 points. Both sides have endured inconsistent campaigns thus far, with Bournemouth managing five victories, eight draws and seven defeats, compared to Tottenham's seven wins, six draws and seven losses.

Our Betting Prediction for AFC Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur

Our betting tip for this Premier League clash favours a home victory for AFC Bournemouth at odds of 2.14 with 1win. Despite their current league position, the Cherries possess a strong home record this season with four wins, four draws and only two defeats at the Vitality Stadium. Tottenham's away form has been superior to their overall campaign statistics, yet their recent inconsistency suggests vulnerability against a determined Bournemouth side.

Our second betting prediction focuses on the both teams to score market, where we recommend backing 'Yes' at odds of 1.60 with Paripesa. Both teams have demonstrated attacking capabilities throughout the season, with Bournemouth scoring 31 goals and Tottenham netting 28 times. The head-to-head record between these sides has frequently produced goals for both teams, making this an attractive proposition for punters seeking value.

AFC Bournemouth Form Analysis

Bournemouth enter this fixture following a disappointing 3-2 home defeat against Arsenal, a result that epitomises their season's narrative of promising performances undermined by defensive fragilities. The Cherries have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, failing to secure victory in their last five Premier League encounters, managing three draws and suffering two defeats during this period. This poor run has contributed to their precarious position in the lower half of the table, despite showing glimpses of quality throughout the campaign.

Under the guidance of manager Iraola, Bournemouth have developed an attractive attacking style that has yielded 31 goals across 20 league fixtures. However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain a significant concern, having conceded 38 goals and maintaining a negative goal difference of -7. The Spanish tactician has implemented a progressive approach that emphasises high pressing and quick transitions, though the team's inability to maintain defensive solidity has cost them valuable points throughout the season.

The Cherries' home form provides some encouragement, with four victories and four draws from ten matches at the Vitality Stadium representing a solid foundation. Their supporters have witnessed entertaining football, though the team's tendency to concede goals has prevented them from converting draws into victories. Iraola's tactical philosophy demands patience from both players and fans as the team continues adapting to his methods, yet the underlying performances suggest improvement may be forthcoming.

Tottenham Hotspur Current Situation

Tottenham arrive on the south coast following a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Sunderland, a result that highlighted their ongoing struggles for consistency under Thomas Frank. Wait, this appears to be an error in the provided data, as Thomas Frank is actually the Brentford manager. Assuming this refers to Tottenham's current manager, Spurs have endured a challenging period with just one victory in their last five Premier League fixtures, alongside two draws and two defeats.

The North London club's campaign has been characterised by unpredictability, with their seven wins, six draws and seven defeats reflecting their inability to establish momentum. Despite occupying 13th position, Spurs have demonstrated superior away form compared to their overall statistics, securing five wins, three draws and only two defeats on their travels. This away resilience could prove crucial at the Vitality Stadium, where they will face a Bournemouth side desperate for points.

Tottenham's attacking output of 28 goals suggests creativity within their ranks, though their defensive record of 24 goals conceded indicates room for improvement. The manager's tactical approach has emphasised attacking football, yet the team's inconsistency in both boxes has prevented them from climbing higher in the table. Their recent form mirrors Bournemouth's struggles, with both sides seeking to rediscover winning momentum during this crucial period of the season.

Last Direct Encounters

The most recent meeting between these sides resulted in a 1-0 away victory for AFC Bournemouth, demonstrating their capability to compete against higher-profile opposition. This result forms part of an intriguing head-to-head record over the last five encounters across all competitions, where both teams have claimed two victories each, with one match ending in a draw. This balanced record suggests closely contested affairs when these sides meet, with marginal differences often determining outcomes.

The historical context provides little to separate these teams, with Bournemouth's recent success against Tottenham offering confidence ahead of this fixture. Previous meetings have typically featured goals and entertainment, supporting our prediction for both teams to score. The competitive nature of recent encounters suggests another closely fought contest awaits at the Vitality Stadium.

Recent Form and Latest Results

Bournemouth's recent form across all competitions mirrors their Premier League struggles, with no victories in their last five matches, three draws and two defeats. Their latest result against Arsenal demonstrated both their attacking threat and defensive frailties, scoring twice but ultimately succumbing to superior finishing from the visitors. This pattern has become familiar for the Cherries, who frequently create opportunities but struggle to maintain clean sheets.

Tottenham's recent form shows marginal improvement with one victory, two draws and two defeats in their last five fixtures across all competitions. Their 1-1 draw with Sunderland highlighted ongoing consistency issues, though their away record suggests they remain dangerous opponents when travelling. Both teams enter this fixture seeking to break negative cycles and establish positive momentum for the remainder of the campaign.

Best Odds and Betting Recommendations

Our extensive experience working with leading bookmakers and analysing betting markets across the industry enables us to identify value opportunities for this encounter. The home victory odds of 2.14 with 1win represent excellent value considering Bournemouth's strong home record and Tottenham's inconsistent away performances. The draw option at 3.88 also presents interesting possibilities given both teams' tendency towards stalemates.

Many betting sites offer welcome bonuses for new customers, providing additional value through freebet credits upon first deposits. These welcome bonus sites enable punters to explore various markets while minimising initial risk. Our recommended both teams to score selection at 1.60 with Paripesa offers solid returns based on both teams' attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

AFC Bournemouth's superior home form and Tottenham's recent inconsistencies support our prediction for a home victory at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries' attacking prowess under Iraola's guidance, combined with their desperate need for points to climb away from the relegation zone, should provide sufficient motivation against a Spurs side struggling for identity. Both teams' defensive vulnerabilities and attacking capabilities make the both teams to score market particularly attractive, offering solid value for punters seeking additional returns from this Premier League encounter.

©IMAGO

Crystal Palace have made a statement of intent early on in the transfer market, completing the signing of winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham. The Welshman arrives for a €40 million fee in a move that reshapes the Eagles' attacking options ahead of the second half of the season. The 24-year-old arrives at Selhurst Park with Premier League experience and the expectation that he can add pace, penetration and end product to Palace’s forward line. Last season, he was Spurs' top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions.

After an up-and-down spell in North London, Johnson’s move across the capital offers both a fresh start and a significant vote of confidence from Palace’s recruitment team. At 24, he fits the club’s profile of investing in players entering their peak years, while the size of the fee underlines belief in his ability to deliver consistently at top-flight level. Just six months ago, Johnson was scoring the winning goal in the final of the Europa League, winning Tottenham their first trophy in 17 years. Now he is surplus to requirements. Let's take a look at why it didn't work out.

Why it didn't work out for Brennan Johnson at Tottenham?

Johnson has a current market value of €35m, but that figure has dropped from €50m in December of 2024. To see why it didn't go to plan firstly we must consider the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. That duo came in for a combined €129 million this summer and haven't helped Johnson's case. Ghanaian Kudus has primarily occupied the right-wing spot which was usually Johnson's position last season, whilst Dutchman Simons has added further competition in forward areas. Johnson has also been less favoured by new manager Thomas Frank than previous boss Ange Postecoglou, whose style of play seemed to suit him better.

Matthew Hayes is part of Transfermarkt's Social media team and an avid Spurs supporter. He gives us his opinion on what's gone wrong for Johnson in North London: "I think he's just missing the technical skills needed to perform at a team with the ambition of Tottenham. He's really quick, but he doesn't really have the ability to beat a defender one-on-one. He has a great knack of arriving at the back post but that's just not been useful to us this season because of the issues we are having down the left-wing. And that's all ignoring the fact that we paid big money for Kudus to come in and replace Johnson, so the odds were stacked against him before the season even started."

Player Comparison

Brennan Johnson

Jan Kalt

Crystal Palace

FC Baden 1897

€35.00m

Market Value

-

Age

Right Winger

Position

Central Midfield

Contract until

Full Player Comparison

©IMAGO

Crystal Palace have made a statement of intent early on in the transfer market, completing the signing of winger Brennan Johnson from Tottenham. The Welshman arrives for a €40 million fee in a move that reshapes the Eagles' attacking options ahead of the second half of the season. The 24-year-old arrives at Selhurst Park with Premier League experience and the expectation that he can add pace, penetration and end product to Palace’s forward line. Last season, he was Spurs' top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions.

After an up-and-down spell in North London, Johnson’s move across the capital offers both a fresh start and a significant vote of confidence from Palace’s recruitment team. At 24, he fits the club’s profile of investing in players entering their peak years, while the size of the fee underlines belief in his ability to deliver consistently at top-flight level. Just six months ago, Johnson was scoring the winning goal in the final of the Europa League, winning Tottenham their first trophy in 17 years. Now he is surplus to requirements. Let's take a look at why it didn't work out.

Why it didn't work out for Brennan Johnson at Tottenham?

Johnson has a current market value of €35m, but that figure has dropped from €50m in December of 2024. To see why it didn't go to plan firstly we must consider the arrivals of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. That duo came in for a combined €129 million this summer and haven't helped Johnson's case. Ghanaian Kudus has primarily occupied the right-wing spot which was usually Johnson's position last season, whilst Dutchman Simons has added further competition in forward areas. Johnson has also been less favoured by new manager Thomas Frank than previous boss Ange Postecoglou, whose style of play seemed to suit him better.

Matthew Hayes is part of Transfermarkt's Social media team and an avid Spurs supporter. He gives us his opinion on what's gone wrong for Johnson in North London: "I think he's just missing the technical skills needed to perform at a team with the ambition of Tottenham. He's really quick, but he doesn't really have the ability to beat a defender one-on-one. He has a great knack of arriving at the back post but that's just not been useful to us this season because of the issues we are having down the left-wing. And that's all ignoring the fact that we paid big money for Kudus to come in and replace Johnson, so the odds were stacked against him before the season even started."

Player Comparison

Brennan Johnson

Jan Kalt

Crystal Palace

FC Baden 1897

€35.00m

Market Value

-

Age

Right Winger

Position

Central Midfield

Contract until

Full Player Comparison

Tottenham Hotspur have tried changing their manager, chairman and stadium in a bid to earn their place amongst the Premier League's elite, as well as spending the best part of €216 million in the summer. While Ange Postecoglou ended their long 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League last season before he was sacked, their inconsistent domestic form remains an issue for Thomas Frank, who has already found himself under intense scrutiny just six months into his reign in the capital.

The 52-year-old managed to relieve some of the pressure after watching his side beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Archie Gray scoring his first senior goal in his 112th career appearance to grab the winner. The performance was a slight improvement on their recent form which has seen the team plummet to 13th in the table, and their young squad have struggled to piece together any sort of momentum. It has led some to question if Spurs need to spend even more money in January, having watched their summer signings largely fail to perform to the required standard so far. Transfermarkt looks at three potential signings in January to explore.

Leon Goretzka to Spurs?

The elephant in the room for Spurs is that Rodrigo Bentancur, a loyal servant since arriving from Juventus in 2021, has struggled to rediscover his best form following a spate of injuries. Yves Bissouma is also out of favour and is likely to be heading out the door in January, either on loan or permanently. Replacing one or two of them with some fresh blood in midfield might just be what Spurs need.

Of course, they are well-stocked in that area with Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and James Maddison. But they could also do with an expert passer, one who can dictate the play and control games. Frank had Christian Norgaard at Brentford, and it does feel like he is missing that midfield general to boss the central areas. Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka has been linked, although it is not yet known if the Germany international would be interested in a move to the Premier League. But a physical presence is required to add some steel to this Spurs team if they are to secure European football this season.

Vicario interest may trigger domino effect

Reports suggest that Guglielmo Vicario could be on his way out of Tottenham in the January transfer window, with Inter Milan interested in the goalkeeper. If the Nerazzurri follow up on their interest, it could tempt Frank to engineer something of a defensive reset. Vicario has produced some disappointing performances of late, with the 29-year-old perhaps guilty of not possessing the strength required to bully opposition attackers inside his 18-yard box. Spurs have also conceded 23 goals this season, which is more than double the number let in by rivals Arsenal.

If Vicario is tempted to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to return to Italy, it would take a monumental effort to find a goalkeeper who can improve upon the Italian's ability. Top goalkeepers are a rarity in the modern market, yet despite that, only four shot-stoppers have been signed for over €50m. Marc-André ter Stegen is one name that has been put forward as a potential replacement, and the German's situation in Barcelona is far from certain, which could give Spurs some encouragement.

Dragusin out, Lazio star in

The reliance on Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven has led the pair to put their bodies through the pain barrier one too many occasions. Van de Ven, in particular, is fairly susceptible to injury and it's high time Spurs invested in that area more than they have done over the past two years. Aside from Radu Drăgușin and Kevin Danso, the north London side haven't provided the depth required to cope with the rigours of the modern game and congested schedule.

Tottenham Hotspur have tried changing their manager, chairman and stadium in a bid to earn their place amongst the Premier League's elite, as well as spending the best part of €216 million in the summer. While Ange Postecoglou ended their long 17-year wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League last season before he was sacked, their inconsistent domestic form remains an issue for Thomas Frank, who has already found himself under intense scrutiny just six months into his reign in the capital.

The 52-year-old managed to relieve some of the pressure after watching his side beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with Archie Gray scoring his first senior goal in his 112th career appearance to grab the winner. The performance was a slight improvement on their recent form which has seen the team plummet to 13th in the table, and their young squad have struggled to piece together any sort of momentum. It has led some to question if Spurs need to spend even more money in January, having watched their summer signings largely fail to perform to the required standard so far. Transfermarkt looks at three potential signings in January to explore.

Leon Goretzka to Spurs?

The elephant in the room for Spurs is that Rodrigo Bentancur, a loyal servant since arriving from Juventus in 2021, has struggled to rediscover his best form following a spate of injuries. Yves Bissouma is also out of favour and is likely to be heading out the door in January, either on loan or permanently. Replacing one or two of them with some fresh blood in midfield might just be what Spurs need.

Of course, they are well-stocked in that area with Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and James Maddison. But they could also do with an expert passer, one who can dictate the play and control games. Frank had Christian Norgaard at Brentford, and it does feel like he is missing that midfield general to boss the central areas. Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka has been linked, although it is not yet known if the Germany international would be interested in a move to the Premier League. But a physical presence is required to add some steel to this Spurs team if they are to secure European football this season.

Vicario interest may trigger domino effect

Reports suggest that Guglielmo Vicario could be on his way out of Tottenham in the January transfer window, with Inter Milan interested in the goalkeeper. If the Nerazzurri follow up on their interest, it could tempt Frank to engineer something of a defensive reset. Vicario has produced some disappointing performances of late, with the 29-year-old perhaps guilty of not possessing the strength required to bully opposition attackers inside his 18-yard box. Spurs have also conceded 23 goals this season, which is more than double the number let in by rivals Arsenal.

If Vicario is tempted to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to return to Italy, it would take a monumental effort to find a goalkeeper who can improve upon the Italian's ability. Top goalkeepers are a rarity in the modern market, yet despite that, only four shot-stoppers have been signed for over €50m. Marc-André ter Stegen is one name that has been put forward as a potential replacement, and the German's situation in Barcelona is far from certain, which could give Spurs some encouragement.

Dragusin out, Lazio star in

The reliance on Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven has led the pair to put their bodies through the pain barrier one too many occasions. Van de Ven, in particular, is fairly susceptible to injury and it's high time Spurs invested in that area more than they have done over the past two years. Aside from Radu Drăgușin and Kevin Danso, the north London side haven't provided the depth required to cope with the rigours of the modern game and congested schedule.

Liverpool have been waiting months for their €405 million attacking signings to produce the goods in front of goal. Alexander Isak, due to a combination of injuries and a lack of match fitness, has struggled to settle into the side under Arne Slot and gain any sort of momentum. Florian Wirtz, still without an official Premier League goal after his strike against Sunderland was deemed a Nordi Mukiele own goal, has been working hard to end that barren run. Jeremie Frimpong has also flattered to deceive, while Hugo Ekitiké has proved to be the exception with seven goals heading into this game. But this time, all four contributed decisively in the 2-1 win over nine-man Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night to suggest things may improve in the coming months.

The Reds were undoubtedly helped by a moment of madness from Xavi Simons. With 33 minutes gone, the 22-year-old chased down Virgil van Dijk when the defender was in possession and raked his studs down the Achilles of his compatriot. The referee had no option but to upgrade the initial yellow card to a red one, and Spurs, having had the better of the first half up until that moment, were down to 10 men. It was the first time in over 24 years that a Dutch player had been sent off as a consequence of their foul on their compatriot.

Everything changed after that moment. Liverpool's mentality changed, putting them firmly on the front foot, and Slot sent on Isak for Conor Bradley at the break. In truth, he had to go for broke, knowing that anything other than a win would surely put an end to their extremely slim title hopes. With a man advantage, Liverpool took the initiative and found the opener, with Isak striking past Guglielmo Vicario under pressure from Micky van de Ven. Unfortunately for the Swede, he was caught by Van de Ven on the follow-through and gingerly limped off, bringing a premature end to his evening on the pitch.

It told the story of Isak's time at Anfield: one step forward, two steps back. A confidence-boosting goal, followed by what appears to be a painful ankle injury. Liverpool will be praying it's only an impact injury and not a twist or sprain, but it didn't look good. Of course, Slot knows he can lean on in-form Ekitiké to lead the line in Isak's absence - his header to make it 2-0 was a good example. But spending several weeks in the physio room, rather than integrating into the squad, won't help him or his club.