The Spurs Web

An exciting Belgian youngster, who Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have their eye on, has now made a revealing statement about his own future.

Spurs continue to eye the best talent around the world

Tottenham’s strategy of signing up-and-coming young prospects is now starting to bear fruit, with the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr and Archie Gray evolving into important players for the side.

It is not a strategy that Spurs look likely to abandon, with the North London club continuing to be linked with the best young talent in Europe and South America.

One of those is Ajax youngster, Rayane Bounida, who is yet to break into the Eredivisie side’s first-team, but continues to impress in youth football, with 10 goals to his name so far this season.

The 18-year-old, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a left-winger, looks set to be the latest in a long line of great talents to emerge from Ajax’s famed academy.

It was reported last month that Tottenham have been watching Rayane Bounida’s performances closely and could be tempted to make a move for him.

Bounida is free to talk to clubs outside the Netherlands as he is now into the final six months of his deal at Amsterdam, but the youngster has now handed Spurs a blow by revealing that his entourage are speaking to Ajax over a contract extension.

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The attacker told ESPN (as relayed by Voetbal Primeur): “My management is now busy with the club. That’s what I’ll stick to. With Ajax, I meant. But that’s what I’ll stop at. Like I just said, I want to leave it at that. They are working on it.”

Some Spurs fans will want to see readymade players signed

Some Tottenham fans might have become impatient with the club’s transfer strategy and might feel that they need to add proven performers if they are to have aspirations of competing against the best sides in the Premier League.

However, it is important to remember that the situation is not an either/or. There is no doubt that the club need some experienced signings in a couple of crucial areas.

But at the same time, that should not distract from the larger project of securing the best young talent in world football and helping them fulfil their potential.

Tottenham Hotspur are still reportedly exploring options to bolster their attacking line, with Barcelona’s Ansu Fati emerging as a potential target.

Tottenham’s hunt for attacking reinforcements continues

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a versatile forward remains a recurring theme this transfer window. Following their inability to secure PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani, Spurs have now turned their attention to other options.

Recently, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was linked as a potential target, with his ability to play across the front line fitting the profile Postecoglou is seeking.

However, sources close to the situation suggest that a mid-season deal for Mbeumo appears increasingly unlikely, forcing Tottenham to assess alternative candidates who can strengthen their squad for the second half of the campaign.

Ansu Fati attracts Tottenham Hotspur’s interest

According to reports from Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as potential suitors for Barcelona’s Ansu Fati, who is widely expected to depart the Catalan giants during this transfer window.

The publication claims Tottenham are keen to bring Fati on board, viewing his versatility as a key asset that could address the gaps in their attacking setup.

Meanwhile, West Ham United are also monitoring the situation closely, with injuries to forwards Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug leaving Graham Potter’s side short of options in the attacking department.

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With Barcelona reportedly open to sanctioning another loan deal for Fati, the decision now hinges on the ability of either Premier League club to present a convincing offer.

Could Fati fit into Tottenham’s plans?

The report also highlights that Tottenham’s interest in Fati has been influenced by growing pressure following their defeat to Arsenal, which has intensified calls for reinforcements.

With Barcelona prepared to facilitate a loan deal, the move appears to be a low-risk option for Tottenham, provided they can outmanoeuvre West Ham United in negotiations.

The stakes are high as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to take on Everton at Goodison Park this weekend, with both sides desperate to secure a crucial Premier League victory that could shape their seasons. Let’s find out how you can watch Everton vs Tottenham.

Everton vs Tottenham: A clash of two struggling sides

Tottenham Hotspur’s season under Ange Postecoglou has been poor, to say the least. Their last Premier League outing resulted in a 2-1 defeat to North London rivals Arsenal, extending their winless streak in the league to well over a month.

The Lilywhites, currently sitting 13th in the table, find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they battle to avoid slipping further down the standings.

Everton, their weekend opponents, meanwhile, are also enduring a tumultuous campaign, with their position in 16th place leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone.

Under the guidance of Sean Dyche, and now David Moyes, the Toffees have shown glimpses of resilience but remain inconsistent.

With just one point separating them from the bottom three, Everton will be equally motivated to claim all three points against a vulnerable Tottenham side.

This clash comes at a pivotal moment for both teams, as a victory could not only lift spirits but also provide a significant boost in the standings.

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For Tottenham, the prospect of narrowing the gap to 10th-placed Brentford adds an extra layer of urgency, while Everton will view this as a chance to climb away from the relegation fight.

When and where is the game?

The Premier League clash between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur will take place at Goodison Park on Sunday, 19 January 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm UK time.

How to watch Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fans in the UK can watch the match on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD, and Sky Go. For those who prefer streaming, the game will be available via Sky Go UK NOW and Sky Go Extra.

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur: team news, injuries and absences

Tottenham Hotspur will be without several key players for this encounter, with Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie all sidelined due to injuries.

Rodrigo Bentancur, recovering from a head injury, is also expected to miss this match, although he could return in time for the Europa League fixture on Thursday.

Everton’s injury list is equally concerning. Manager David Moyes will be without Armando Broja (leg injury), Dwight McNeil (knee injury), James Garner (back injury), and Tim Iroegbunam (foot injury).

Seamus Coleman, dealing with muscle cramps, remains a doubt, while Youssef Chermiti’s muscle injury will keep him out until late January.

The Spurs Web prediction

Given Everton’s struggles and their lack of cutting edge in attack, this match presents a golden opportunity for Tottenham to secure their first Premier League victory of the month.

If Ange Postecoglou’s side can bring their best form to Goodison Park, they have the potential to dominate proceedings and exploit Everton’s vulnerabilities.

A convincing 3-0 win for Tottenham seems a likely outcome, as the Toffees continue to search for stability and momentum in a challenging season.

Tottenham Hotspur once again lost out on three points as they fell short to Arsenal at the Emirates, making it just five points from the last 27 available in the Premier League.

Words can’t describe the pain of seeing “North London is red” flooding social media. And why give fans hope in the first place? Surely, it would’ve hurt less if Spurs hadn’t squandered a lead for the umpteenth time.

Looking at the lineups and benches, it was pretty clear what to expect. Yet, for some reason, Arsenal acted like they were the ones going through a rough patch. Their “crisis underdog” act is getting old.

First half: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

The first half was all Arsenal as Spurs kept losing the ball in all kinds of dangerous areas. The Gunners’ pressure was relentless, and Tottenham couldn’t progress the ball effectively. By the 20-minute mark, they hadn’t touched the ball in Arsenal’s box. But then, completely against the run of play, Heung-Min Son gave Spurs the lead with a deflected shot that found its way past Raya.

Of course, the joy was short-lived. Arsenal equalised from a corner just 15 minutes later. Gabriel’s header initially seemed destined for the net, but it ended up being credited as an own goal off Dominic Solanke. It was yet another example of Spurs’ inability to defend set pieces.

Unfortunately, replays showed what appeared to be a clear touch from Trossard in the build-up to the set-piece, meaning it should never have been a corner in the first place. Of course, they had to score from something they didn’t deserve!

Before Spurs could regain composure, Arsenal struck again. Leandro Trossard was released down the left by Odegaard and rifled a low shot past Kinsky, who really should’ve done better. However, much of the blame lay with Bissouma, whose sloppiness left Spurs exposed.

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That first goal from Son never really pumped me up, and by half-time, Spurs had conceded twice in the final 15 minutes. They’ve now let in 10 goals in that period this season—the most in the Premier League—while Arsenal have scored 10 in the same timeframe.

Second half: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Surprisingly, Arsenal didn’t park the bus, but Spurs hung on for all the wrong reasons. The introductions of Maddison and Johnson at half-time brought little or no improvement, as Spurs continued to struggle to create chances in the final third. The removal of Bissouma and Sarr might explain why they didn’t concede again, as Spurs looked slightly more stable defensively.

Richarlison came off the bench for Son in the final 10 minutes and showed some energy, but it’s tough to make a significant impact with so little time. Porro came closest to an equaliser, rattling the post deep into stoppage time, but Arsenal comfortably held on to secure their third straight derby win.

Takeaways

Bergvall and Gray shine amid the gloom

The only positives were the performances of 18-year-olds Bergvall and Gray. Bergvall, with a match-high 4 tackles and 9 duels won. And when an 18-year-old midfielder has more tackles than the likes of Saliba, Gabriel and Rice, that’s an indicator of how special he would be for Spurs in the future. Meanwhile Gray—playing out of position—handled world-class attackers with ease. Ange Postecoglou is right to fear other clubs and managers poaching these gems. By the way, did anyone hear a word of praise for them both from Rio Ferdinand and the BT team when they were bigging up Lewis-Skelly? Not me

Brennan Johnson – a disappearing act

Brennan Johnson, who was once on a goal-scoring streak has disappeared ever since. I don’t know what exactly he’s bringing to the pitch, just one touch in the opposition box, 0 accurate crosses and just 3 passes into the final 3rd. And when was the last time any of us saw the man winning a 50-50. Forget a 50-50, he’s going to play it back even if he has the most eye-watering chance. He needs to be a bit braver.

Djed Spence gives his all

Another Spurs player who was pretty impressive today was Djed Spence. He did everything he could, gave his all defensively and also when attacking. He made a few impressive runs through the left flank but there was no end product. If you look at where Spurs’ highest concentration of play came from, it was from Spence’s side.

A squad lacking leaders

Gray, Bergvall, Spence, and Son were the only ones who stepped up. Maddison disappeared five minutes into the second half, Kulusevski was invisible, and Johnson was ineffective. Solanke squandered easy chances, and the rest of the team were just there for the vibes.

Bissouma’s inconsistency strikes again

Yves Bissouma and his love story with inconsistencies: Looked so sharp against Liverpool and then was the only Spurs player who looked lively for the entire 120 minutes against Tamworth. Now he drops this stinker. In my opinion, Ange shouldn’t have used him so soon considering he’s played an entire 2 hours against Tamworth. Of course,e he’s going to be fatigued. (Spurs’ injury list says hi)

Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham: Conclusion

I could write a thousand words on what’s wrong at Spurs, but the issues are plain for all to see. Spurs’ last win at the Emirates came under Pochettino, and their last away win at Stamford Bridge was under him too. Since his departure (sacking is the right word), the team has failed to rise to the occasion in these crucial derbies. With just five points from the last 27 available in the Premier League, Spurs seem to have given up on the league entirely.

They’ve already lost 11 games this season, just one behind last year’s total. Unless the FA Cup or EFL Cup brings silverware, it’ll be another trophyless campaign. Spurs fans were assured of defensive reinforcements this transfer window but have only seen a goalkeeper arrive. Time is running out, and so is patience.

“Time heals everything,” they say. Let’s hope it’s true for Tottenham.

Antonin Kinsky’s agent has now spoken about the important role that Daniel Levy played in persuading the goalkeeper and his family regarding a switch to Tottenham.

Tottenham hierarchy moved swiftly to sign Antonin Kinsky

The Spurs top brass wasted no time in securing Kinsky, moving swiftly in the first few days of the window to agree a deal with Slavia Prague.

Their urgency was understandable, given Tottenham’s goalkeeping situation. The 21-year-old certainly did not let the club down in his debut against Liverpool, keeping a clean sheet and helping his side emerge with a crucial win.

The goalkeeper’s agent, Viktor Kolar, revealed a couple of days ago that Daniel Levy and Johan Lange flew to London on January 1 and were locked in ‘intense negotiations’ with Slavia Prague for two days to get the deal over the line.

Kinsky’s agent sheds light on Daniel Levy’s role

Kolar has now spoken in detail about the role that the Tottenham chairman played in ensuring that the transfer was finalised.

He explained that Levy spoke to Kinsky‘s father, who is also a former professional goalkeeper who represented the Czech Republic at the international level, to convince him that Spurs would be the right fit for his son.

Kolar told MF DNES (as relayed by Sport Witness) about his client’s move to Tottenham: “We would not have written such a scenario even in our dreams. I have to admit that I wanted to experience that beautiful story again. That a footballer would be born, whom you would help raise for a world-class club.

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“That it would make sense for you to devote your time, capacity, and energy to him from the very beginning. Tottenham has a great team that takes care of the newcomers. Five or six people who speak all the world’s languages.

“Daniel Levy, the owner of Tottenham himself (convinced him). That same day (New Year’s Eve) he sent a message that he was flying to Prague on January 1. We met in our office in Pankrác. After three hours, it was agreed. I was so moved by how the father gave his son his blessing: Go ahead, I trust you. After the meeting, he was sure that the move was the right one.”

Daniel Levy will continue to spearhead negotiations

Some Tottenham fans have been calling for Levy to take a step back from footballing decisions, and one can argue that he has done that over the past few years, with others being handed the keys.

However, it is only natural for him to get involved in the negotiations as that is where the 62-year-old is in his element. It sounds like he played a crucial role in ensuring that Tottenham got the Kinsky deal over the line as swiftly as possible.

A pivotal North London Derby awaits this week, with Arsenal looking to reignite their title challenge while Tottenham Hotspur aim to salvage a disappointing Premier League campaign — let us find out how you can watch this game.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: A tale of contrasting form

As the Premier League resumes this midweek, Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium, where their North London rivals Arsenal await.

For the Lilywhites, the journey to this clash has been one of fleeting highs amidst a backdrop of league struggles, while Arsenal approach this encounter with their own share of setbacks.

Tottenham have endured a turbulent Premier League run, securing just one victory in their last five matches. This string of poor results sees them languishing in 12th place after 20 games, a position far removed from their fans’ aspirations.

However, back-to-back victories in cup competitions, including a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg and a professional display against Tamworth in the FA Cup third round, have restored some hope and confidence within Ange Postecoglou’s squad.

In stark contrast, Arsenal’s recent cup outings have been underwhelming. A 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and a disheartening penalty shootout loss to a struggling Manchester United side in the FA Cup have left Mikel Arteta’s men searching for redemption.

Yet, their Premier League campaign remains robust; they sit second in the table, albeit six points adrift of Liverpool, having played an extra game. The Gunners will be eager to bounce back, with a derby victory offering the perfect tonic.

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This meeting, therefore, transcends mere bragging rights. Arsenal seek to maintain pressure on Liverpool in the title race, while Tottenham look to reverse their fortunes in a season that has teetered on the brink of mediocrity.

When and where is the game?

The Premier League clash will be hosted at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. The fixture is scheduled for an 8 pm UK time kick-off.

How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur will be available to watch for fans in the UK on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and Discovery+. Fans can also follow the action via the Discovery+ App and BBC Radio 5 Live for audio commentary.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Team news

Tottenham Hotspur have significant absences heading into this encounter. Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie are all sidelined due to injuries. Rodrigo Bentancur is also unavailable as he recovers from a head injury.

However, Richarlison is expected to feature after a prolonged spell out, while Mikey Moore could play a role following his return against Tamworth.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have their own injury woes. Ben White (knee injury), Riccardo Calafiori (muscle injury), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee injury) are ruled out until late January.

Bukayo Saka (hamstring injury) and Gabriel Jesus (knee injury) are not expected back until late February, while Ethan Nwaneri (muscle injury) is sidelined until early February. Jorginho remains a doubt after picking up a knock.

The Spurs Web prediction

Given Arsenal’s injury struggles and their recent inability to overcome a Manchester United side reduced to ten men for 70 minutes in the FA Cup, Tottenham may sense an opportunity to exploit the Gunners’ vulnerabilities.

This derby should be fiercely contested. As a Spurs fan, there is no way I can predict that we will lose to Arsenal. Given their poor displays lately and our uptick in form, I can see us nicking a 2-1 win here. COME ON YOU SPURS!!

Tottenham Hotspur take on Tamworth FC away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup and will look to continue their cup success under Ange Postecoglou this season.

Tottenham Hotspur face a trip to non-league Tamworth FC

So, where do I start? None of us were expecting a victory against that Liverpool side, but here we are. Favourites to make it to the Carabao Cup final and Spurs will remain so until 6th February—when they’ll eventually have to face Liverpool again in the second leg. Whether we’ll see Wembley remains to be seen, but that’s a conversation for another day.

Now, Spurs turn their attention to the FA Cup and will aim to keep their cup dreams alive. Drawn against Tamworth FC, it will be a massive occasion for the non-league side, hosting a Premier League giant at their home ground.

What time does Tamworth vs Tottenham kick-off?

How both teams go into Tamworth vs Tottenham

Since Andy Peaks took charge of Tamworth in February 2022, their journey has been nothing short of inspirational. They’ve climbed from the seventh tier to the National League (5th tier), currently sitting 16th with a fair record for a newly promoted side: 8 wins, 6 draws, and 10 losses.

Spurs, on the other hand, mirror that mid-table mediocrity but in a much tougher Premier League setting. With 7 wins, 3 draws, and 10 defeats, they’ve struggled for consistency, although a recent 1-0 win against Liverpool offers hope. And their form before the game against Liverpool? Well, let’s not talk about it, it’s a dull picture.

Meanwhile, Tamworth have suffered back-to-back league defeats but have been sensational in the FA Cup. Their last-minute equaliser and penalty shootout win over a league-one Burton Albion side should be something they’ll look to build on.

Tottenham team news

Given Spurs’ current injury crisis, expect significant rotation. Regardless, That still won’t stop me from naming everyone who will be missing. Out of action are Vicario, Odobert, Richarlison, Davies, Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie. Forster and Bentancur remain doubtful, while the likes of Solanke, Kulusevski, and Son will mostly be rested.

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Mikey Moore has recovered from illness and should feature. On a personal note, I’ve been really looking forward to seeing him play. His 15-minute “Neymar-like” cameo on the left against AZ Alkmaar still gives me chills, and he’s never really featured much after that so this could be his moment to shine again. Expect Austin to start in goal, keeping Kinsky fresh for the upcoming North London derby.

Tamworth team news

Tamworth’s squad is less familiar. Ben Acquaye is expected to miss out due to injury. However, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Nathan Tshikuna, and Kyle Finn could return to the lineup after recent spells on the sidelines.

Some of Tamworth’s players have been really looking forward to this fixture for a while which means they will be coming with a plan, so Spurs cannot afford to underestimate them.

Predicted Tottenham lineup

Austin, Spence, Dorrington, Gray, Reguilon, Min-Hyeok, Bergvall, Maddison, Moore, Lankshear, Werner.

This could well be the perfect opportunity for Yang Min-Hyeok’s debut. Ange hasn’t given a timeline, but this match seems perfect for the young talent. Expect a few big names on the bench just in case—it’s Spurs, after all.

Our prediction

Tamworth are undoubtedly the underdogs so far in this tournament and the only team from the National League still active. Their FA Cup journey has been magical, but Spurs haven’t lost to a non-league side in this competition since 1914-15, and if they somehow break that record here, I don’t know what to say.

Tamworth’s defence has been shaky, conceding an average of 1.9 goals per match, the worst in their league. Their top scorer, 30-year-old Dan Creaney, has 12 goal involvements in 29 matches. A decent record, but not exactly a name that would be a threat.

Spurs will likely field a youthful team, which might disappoint fans given Tamworth’s steep ticket prices. With only around 4,000 seats in their stadium, they’ve set prices as high as £42: a move that’s difficult to justify, especially for this level of football. Still, it’s understandable that a small club would make the most of their chance to cash in on a big occasion.

This game definitely won’t involve a lot of tactics. Expect a game of simple football but Spurs should dominate proceedings. We should see a couple of good goals and an easy progression to the next round.

A potential upset? Tottenham Hotspur face a tricky test in the FA Cup as they travel to Tamworth for a classic David and Goliath encounter that promises drama, determination, and an electric atmosphere. Let’s find out how you can watch Tamworth vs Tottenham this weekend.

Spurs seek to keep momentum

Tottenham Hotspur’s break from Premier League action continues this weekend as they prepare for an intriguing FA Cup third-round tie against Tamworth.

Fresh off a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Spurs will hope to maintain their rhythm.

Tamworth, who sit 16th in the National League, represent a stark contrast to the calibre of opposition Tottenham are used to facing, but cup competitions are rarely predictable, and the FA Cup has a long history of underdog triumphs.

For Tamworth, this clash is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talent against one of England’s most illustrious clubs, while for Tottenham, it’s a chance to prove their squad’s depth and resilience.

The scene is set for an intense battle as Tamworth’s spirited underdogs clash with a Tottenham side eager to avoid a humiliating slip-up.

When and where is the game?

The FA Cup clash will take place at The Lamb Ground Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The fixture is scheduled for a 12:30 pm UK time kick-off.

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How to watch Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur

Fans in the UK can catch the action on ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Scotland, UTV, STV Player, TalkSport Radio UK, and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Tamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur team news

Tottenham will travel to Tamworth without several first-team regulars due to injuries, including Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Mikey Moore, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, Richarlison, and Destiny Udogie. Rodrigo Bentancur remains sidelined as he recovers from a head injury.

There is some good news for Spurs, however, as James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr return to the squad, having missed the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Tamworth manager Andy Peaks will be pleased to report a clean bill of health for his squad, ensuring he has a full complement of players to choose from in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

Spurs Web prediction

While Tottenham Hotspur are clear favourites on paper, the unique conditions of this match and the determination of Tamworth to make a mark could make this a trickier tie than expected.

That said, the quality of Postecoglou’s side should ultimately prevail, even with several key players absent.

Tottenham Hotspur will be taking a one-goal lead to Anfield as they look to secure a spot in the final of the 2025 Carabao Cup.

I’ve been hearing a strange noise in my head ever since the game: BERGVALL ARRIVES… AND SPURS LEAD THE TIE! That’s it; that’s all I can think about.

The young Swede might have been fortunate to stay on the pitch, but he’s just delivered one of the sweetest victories Spurs fans have seen in ages.

About the team news; Three days. That’s all Antonin Kinsky had after signing to prepare for his Tottenham debut. And what an introduction he had! Kinsky looked as calm as a seasoned pro, and you could’ve sworn he’d been at Spurs for years.

And let’s talk about Arne Slot’s lineup; he showed no mercy. The excuse of “Liverpool played with their second team” is off the table. Slot played his big guns fielding a near full-strength lineup, and Spurs, with 10 first-team injuries, came away with the win against the defending champions. Let’s have a look at the match report.

First-half: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Liverpool

It started quickly, with Spurs having an early shot from Radu Dragusin, diverted by Son, which forced a good save from Alisson in just the sixth minute. But then, the unfortunate struck; Rodrigo Bentancur landed awkwardly during that corner.

He had to be stretchered off with an oxygen mask—a sight no one wanted to see. Thankfully, the club later confirmed he was conscious and talking, but losing him was still a blow.

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With the injury overshadowing the rest of the first 45, the half ended goalless, with both teams boasting similar xGs (Spurs 0.34, Liverpool 0.36). Despite the equal stats, Spurs arguably looked the better side.

Second-half: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Liverpool

The second half brought all the chaos we love and hate. Alisson, normally a picture of composure, fumbled a back pass from Gakpo, almost gifting Spurs a goal. Pedro Porro had a chance to capitalise but somehow managed to miss. Ange was on the ground and so were Spurs fans.

Spurs thought they had taken the lead when Solanke latched onto a Porro-long ball and slotted past Alisson. But VAR, in its grainy, low-resolution glory, ruled it out for offside. It’s ironic. The same VAR that ignored Van Dijk’s stamp on Dominic Solanke’s calf dared to intervene here. Still, rules are rules, right?

A controversial moment then occurred when Lucas Bergvall narrowly avoided a second yellow card. His first booking didn’t make much sense to me, so it seemed fair. As I watched, I couldn’t help but imagine how ironic it would be if he ended up scoring for Spurs—and then, it happened…

Bergvall, just seconds after escaping a red card, popped up in the 86th minute to slot the ball into the bottom corner. Solanke battled Konate to win the ball and set up the young Swede, who made no mistake.

The Liverpool staff were fuming but I was more than happy to see them annoyed by a VAR decision. As they say, what goes around comes around.

Takeaways

Antonin Kinsky – If the word “ice-cold” had a face

Oh boy. The man was a gem in the making. A clean sheet, six saves, including that insane last-minute reflex save against Nunez? I wasn’t nervous once when Spurs played it back to the keeper. The calmness he brought to the defence was exactly what they needed.

Dragusin’s redemption arc

After a rough outing against Newcastle, Dragusin was immense. His goal-line clearance in the second half was heroic, and he did his aerial duties well. He kept Liverpool’s long-ball threats in check brilliantly.

Pedro Porro again

Porro was pivotal in the attack providing two brilliant long balls, even if one led to an offside goal and his defensive work was solid. He intercepted, recovered, and stuck to his duties.

Djed Spence – Salah’s nightmare

Salah might need therapy after this. Spence held him at bay, winning eight duels, the most in the match. He was fantastic once again, yes once again as his performance went under the radar a bit because of the scoreline last time against Liverpool, but he deserves praise for limiting Salah’s impact this time as well.

Bergvall steps us

He might have escaped a second yellow, but I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t thrilled to see him get on the scoresheet. Kulusevski was quiet throughout the game and Spurs needed someone to bring in the liveliness and creativity, thankfully, Bergvall stepped up.

The road ahead

It’s only half the battle won and there’s a long, tough 90 minutes to go at Anfield. The second leg looms large, and Spurs’ track record there isn’t exactly appealing—it’s been over a decade since they’ve tasted victory on Merseyside. But there’s hope.

For now, let’s enjoy the feeling of waking up to a win (it’s been so long). And for any complaints about the ball; as long as our opponents play with the same one, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Fabio Paratici was spotted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during Spurs’ clash against Newcastle, and he was reportedly seen doing something rather interesting.

Fabio Paratici’s continued influence at Tottenham

It has almost been two years since Paratici resigned from his position as Tottenham’s managing director, but he still retains a big influence on the club’s transfer decisions, reportedly working as a consultant for the Lilywhites.

The Italian was spotted sitting in one of the boxes for Spurs‘ 2-2 draw against Wolves and it was suggested by Alasdair Gold that it is not a coincidence that the 52-year-old was seen at a time when the club would be finalising their January transfer plans.

Gold remarked that Paratici’s contacts and his relationship with various clubs could come in handy in helping Tottenham secure some smart January deals.

What Fabio Paratici was doing during the Newcastle clash

Tottenham content creator Chris Cowlin has now confirmed that Paratici was once again spotted at the club’s most recent home game.

Interestingly, Cowling revealed that the former Spurs managing director was constantly on the phone and was seen pacing up and down.

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That indicates that the Italian was hard at work trying to orchestrate certain transfer deals for Spurs, who need reinforcements across the pitch this month.

Tottenham have begun the transfer window with a bang

We are only a few days into the opening of the January window, but Spurs have already filled a gaping hole in their squad by signing goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.

The deal came out of the blue and was officially confirmed on Sunday, with the talented 21-year-old expected to serve as Guglielmo Vicario‘s understudy.

It is possible that Paratici was trying to shore up the final details of that transfer on Saturday before the young goalkeeper signed on the dotted line.