Cartilage Free Captain

It’s not a loss! Tottenham Hotspur went to Newcastle and came out with a hard-fought 2-2 draw thanks to an unlikely brace from Cuti Romero. But it wasn’t all positive news. Once again Tottenham did not have a single shot on target until late in the match — in this case until Cuti’s headed goal. In fact, Spurs had exactly two shots on target, both goals, and finished under 1.0 xG again.

Lots of stuff to talk about in this one. It’s time to rate the players.

Rate the players from 1⁄2 to 5 stars. If the player doesn’t deserve a rating due to minutes played, DO NOT RANK. I will round the stars up/down to the nearest half-star for the player ratings later this week.

If you’re on mobile or found this via AMP and the survey isn’t appearing below, here’s a direct link.

Tottenham Hotspur didn’t lose today! OK, they also didn’t WIN, but hey — baby steps. Spurs went to St. James’ Park three days after a humiliating loss to Fulham, a stadium that’s been a house of horrors for them over the past several years, and showed an incredible amount of resilience to come back from behind twice in the second half. Toon’s Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring in the 71st minute with another goal from outside of Spurs’ area, but Tottenham club captain Cuti Romero thumped in an equalizer seven minutes later to level the score.

Newcastle went ahead again late through Anthony Gordon from the spot after a controversial VAR assisted penalty after Rodrigo Bentancur was ajudged to have fouled Dan Burn on a corner, only for Romero to equalize virtually at the death with a spectacular overhead kick goal. The final score ended 2-2 — in the end a pretty good result with a decent 2nd half performance against a good team on the road.

Tottenham played a football match just three days ago, so Frank used the opportunity to rest a few key players, including MIcky van de Ven, who started on the bench alongside Xavi Simons. Kevin Danso started in the back line alongside Cuti Romero, who returned from his one match suspension for yellow card accumulation. Frank also set up with Brennan Johnson on the left in the attacking band along with Randal Kolo Muani and Mohammed Kudus. Frank opted for a midfield of Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, and Lucas Bergvall. Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie were the starting fullbacks.

Match reactions

An interesting new tactical wrinkle in the attacking third with Frank opting to play Kudus on the right and Johnson on the left of Kolo Muani. Brennan had a couple of nice crosses into the box in the early goings.

One of the things I noticed about Spurs in this first half is just how labored everything seems, especially going forward. Few people are making runs into space or showing for the ball. Johnson, Kudus, and Udogie all had promising runs into Newcastle’s half that fizzed out because they had no one to pass to.

I just wanna say: if that Bergvall backheel flick had gone in, it would’ve automatically been the dopest Spurs goal in a long time.

It’s super nice how Spurs all too frequently break with the ball and then politely wait for Newcastle to get in its defensive shape before attacking.

I think I’ve seen enough of Mohammed Kudus to really start to dislike what he does — which is weird for the dribbly guy we’ve been wanting for years. But he so frequently dribbles himself into trouble, his final ball is atrocious, and he frequently makes poor decisions including not looking up to see his teammates making runs. He’s probably the most frustrating player on this team, and there are a LOT of frustrating players on this team.

First half xG: NEW 0.45 - 0.36 TOT. No shots on target. LOL…LMAO

Midway through the second half I remember thinking to myself that Spurs better hope that they don’t let Newcastle score because if they do there’s little chance that they’ll get back into the match. So you can imagine my (lack of) surprise when that Guimaraes goal went in. And you could see it coming, too.

Spurs actually played better football in the second half — Newcastle started to tire and the pitch started to elongate giving Tottenham more space to work in. And yet, still no shots on target until the 78th minute. What does this team do in training all week?

Randal Kolo Muani continues to be the only player who is exciting to watch and dynamic on the ball. he’s fun and neat and cool. Wish we could actually get him the ball in dangerous attacking areas.

How about a goal on the team’s first shot on target? Sure, that sounds great, thanks Cuti!

I’m sorry, but that penalty decision was absolute horseshit. Bentancur was tangled up with Burn and I don’t care if that’s the way they’ve been calling it this season it’s only a penalty if you Zapruder it to an inch of its life. It happens on virtually every corner, and I’m so frustrated by that call (but also is anyone surprised that Bentancur was the one who was involved?).

CUTI ROMERO LAST GASP BICYCLE KICK OFF HIS SHIN TO LEVEL THE SCORE ASLDKJFKLASJDFKLASJDFKLJASDKLFJASDKLFJASKLDKJSEVNJKSDNVI34HKLFANSDVAHS;LFjkHASJKDhFKLHSAKLDfjHKLASHD;LFKA

We didn’t lose! I’ll take it. (Still mad about the penalty, though.)

Final xG: NEW 1.96 - 0.79 TOT. Spurs had eight shots, and scored on their only two on target.

Can things get worse?

That’s the question many will be asking as this Tottenham Hotspur season trudges on - now with bonus fixture congestion! That’s right, we’re now in the part of the season where Spurs have to deal with two to three matches per week, with this midweek instance against Newcastle.

Spurs have been struggling, and the matches coming fast and furious won’t help. Limited preparation time, tiredness, injuries, all of which stack up when you are trying to build cohesion. Thomas Frank’s glorious mane could soon be looking decidedly less so.

Travelling up north has never been a trip that has treated Spurs well either, with Newcastle a tough opponent even when the Lilywhites have been flying and firing. This side is very much in a hole, and Frank and the players need to dig themselves out of it. Could this be the match where the ascent begins, or will the excavation just drive hopes further into the dirt?

COYS!

Lineups

Lineups will be posted closer to kick-off.

Live Blog

No Live Blog today due to staff shortages!

How to Watch

Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Time: 3:15 p.m. ET, 8:15 p.m. UK

TV: Not televised in USA, Sky Sports Premier League (UK). Check international listings at livesoccertv.com

Streaming: Peacock

Match thread rules

The match thread rules are the same as always. To any visitors coming here for the first time, welcome! We’re glad you’re here! Wipe your feet, mind the gap, and be sure to check out the other pages at this outstanding site. While you’re here, though, we have a few rules and regulations:

Absolutely no links to illegal streams. They’re bad and they get us in trouble. Violators will be warned or banned.

We have rules against “relentless negativity.” Nobody likes a Negative Nancy. Don’t knee-jerk and post outlandish or hurtful things just because you’re frustrated.

Along those lines, outright abuse of players or match officials is also not allowed. It’s fine to say “wow, that was a really bad call,” but it’s NOT okay to direct copious amounts of abuse in the direction of said official over a call you did not like.

Treat other people in the match thread the way you would want someone else to treat your grandmother. Be nice. This is a community of fans, not an un-moderated message board.

NO SPIDERS!

Finally, while we don’t have a rule against profanity, please try and keep the naughty words in check. Also, language that is sexist, racist, transphobic, or homophobic in nature will be swiftly deleted and you will be immediately banned. This is an open, supportive community.

Have fun, and COYS!

No frills today, my heart’s just not in it and Tottenham Hotspur play football again today. But for the sake of completeness and record-keeping, here are the masthead and player ratings for Saturday’s home loss to Fulham.

Micky van de Ven (Community — 3.5): Honestly, Micky saved our ass on a number of occasions in this match. Hard to say he was excellent, but he was the best Spurs had to offer on Saturday.

Lucas Bergvall (Community — 3.0): Useful in midfield, which is about as high a complement as I can give any Spurs player after that match (non-Micky edition).

Archie Gray (Community — 2.5): One of the few players who was actually showing for the ball, though he had few options once he received it. I’m heartened by Archie’s improvement this season.

Randal Kolo Muani (Community — 3.0): Continues to be one of the only bright sparks in this Spurs offense. Hit side netting and looked pretty good on the rare occasions he had to attack Fulham’s goal.

Thomas Frank (Community — 1.5): Some credit given for tactically switching things up in the second half; Spurs actually looked decent for a half hour or so in the second half. But too little, too late.

Kevin Danso (Community — 2.0): Had a wayward header that directly contributed to Fulham’s first goal. Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

Mohammed Kudus (Community — 3.5): Boosted his performance during the half hour stretch when Spurs were cromulent and scored a banger of a goal, but was otherwise pretty poor — more aimless dribbling and even more aimless crossing. Super frustrating.

Pedro Porro (Community — 2.0): Horrendous match with numerous wayward crosses to nowhere, and bypassed fairly easily by Chukwueze

Joao Palhinha (Community — 2.0): Not the right choice for this match; I assume he started due to rotation. Continues to be an oddly-shaped puzzle piece in this Spurs team.

Destiny Udogie (Community — 2.0): Had a herculean task on the left side, but was shaky defensively and hesitant going forward. His deflection led to the first goal, which is hardly his fault. Still a poor match.

Richarlison (Community — 2.0): What is it that you say you DO here?

Xavi Simons (Community — 2.0): I think several things about Xavi are true: a) He’s a talented player, b) He needs time to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, c) He’s being tactically misused in this Spurs team. Anyway, he wasn’t good on Saturday.

Wilson Odobert (Community — 2.0): Was basically utilized as a left back, not he strength. Also not his fault.

Rodrigo Bentancur (Community — 2.0): Didn’t really offer much as Palhinha’s replacement.

Pape Matar Sarr (Community — 2.0): Spurs’ offense took a dip the moment he came on for Bergvall. Not that it was all that high to begin with.

Guglielmo Vicario (Community — 1.01, you don’t ruin the bit): Whoof, buddy. Whoof. (He didn’t deserve the constant booing, though.)

No Tottenham Hotspur players were as bad as 1 star or a player rating without a theme.

Four straight winless results has Tottenham Hotspur down to 12th in the Premier League table, with echoes of last season getting louder and louder. Cries for Thomas Frank’s head have turned from over-reactionary to deafening, and it unfortunately seems like this saga can only end one way. If Frank wants to save his job, he will need to turn things around quickly, which is quite the ask at this moment.

Spurs travel to Newcastle Tuesday to face a club that has provided them nothing but trouble over the past three seasons. Should that match turn up empty, Frank gets to face his old employer amidst a home environment that will be anything but favorable. The Champions League continues after that, where anything other than three points would be a complete disaster. Good luck!

Match Details

Date: Tuesday, December 1

Time: 3:15 pm ET, 8:15 pm UK

Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne

TV: NBCSN/Peacock (US), Sky Sports Premier League (UK)

Table: Newcastle (t-12th, 18 pts), Spurs (t-12th, 18 pts)

These sides met just over a month ago at this exact venue, as Newcastle claimed a 2-0 victory in the Fourth Round of the League Cup behind goals from Fabian Schar and Nick Woltemade. That was remarkably the club’s sixth win over Spurs since the 2022/23 season, with no side outside the traditional Big Six causing this much difficulty. While the pair are level on points right now, their trajectories feel very divergent.

Three Big Questions

Will the dumb mistakes end? No one would accuse the Tottenham defense of playing particularly well, but it is extremely frustrating just how many of the goals recently have felt avoidable and/or self-inflicted. Under Ange Postecoglou, the thinking was that the way the players were asked to play led to an increased number of critical errors, but clearly no such excuse (should) exist this time.

Newcastle is just league-average in goals and xG, but has scored 10 in its last five matches across all competitions. Harvey Barnes has four of those and is tied for the team lead in scoring with the newcomer Woltemade, who scored against Spurs back in October. Tottenham absolutely must make the home side work for its chances; giving away needless turnovers will instantly doom this outing like many before it.

Can the attack find some rhythm? On the other end, Spurs have obviously struggled to generate its own scoring, but there were some nice moves against PSG and a quality finish by Mohammed Kudus over the weekend. The chances are limited and the fluidity is mostly lacking, but the — blissfully foolish — optimist could point to some positives over the past couple matches, even in losses.

Randal Kolo Muani seems to be at least a part of this rejuvenation, with cameos from Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall, and Kudus leaving good impressions even during this steady decline. While Newcastle boasts the third-lowest xGA in the league, three of the last four fixtures have seen its opponents top the 2.0 xG mark. That sort of outing would be rare for Tottenham, having reached it just twice all season, but maybe things are finally starting to click up top.

What else can Frank do? I am not sure Frank cares too much about supporters’ opinion of him (well, he definitely cares about some aspects…), but there is no world in which he is satisfied with the performances that his players have been putting up. To his credit, he has rotated a bunch and tried out a couple different formations, though the problem has yet to be solved.

Short of a January transfer window miracle, I am not exactly sure what else can be done, but this is Frank’s chance to show his ability. Newcastle away is terrible proposition for Spurs, but that makes the upside all the greater should he be able to figure something out. Continue struggling, though, and there might not be a way to stop the criticism and discourse, which is going to lead to messy ending.

“I completely understand the frustration. If we don’t win, there will always be a frustration. So that is normal and is part of it. Also when we haven’t won as much as we want at home not only this year but the last long period. I don’t know how long that is maybe years, maybe more. Of course then the frustration can grow a little bit more, that is understandable.

“It’s my job to do what I can to make sure we are calm and look at the things in a way where we are splitting things up in terms of performance, what is the impact in how we tried to build the team. That is part of it. We would like to do.

“We are nothing without the fans. No club is anything without the fans. Tottenham Hotspur we are nothing without our fantastic fans. Nothing. We need each other. There is nothing we want more than making them happy in every way.

“My point was during matches that’s where we need each other. After, fair with the booing but during that is when I want to create a fortress. Some of you guys probably have more up to date stats in terms of how many games we have won, lost or drawn in the last couple of years but if any club wants to be successful, you need to create a fortress. If you want to create a fortress, it can only be together. Fans, team.

“My job is to make sure we do everything we can to perform but can we do that together? That’s when you create a very difficult place to play.”

“We of course have meetings yesterday and today. Yesterday, like normal debriefing the Fulham game and today looking more forward to Newcastle. There will be some meetings tomorrow. I said from the beginning we want to build something sustainable that can compete in all tournaments. We have a squad that is learning, and learned from last year playing Europa League and Premier League, going into this year where we are in the Champions League.

“I want to do well in the Premier League. Competing on both fronts that is something that takes time to learn physically and mentally. We are searching to find the right formula that will click while we have to rotate some players to keep freshness, keep the intensity high, do a little bit for injury risk and stuff like that.”

“I think if we were going into every game, I’m pretty sure every fan wants us to win and wants to support and wants to do everything. And then if not going to plan, then maybe some get more frustrated than others. Again, I think there’s always some that shout louder than others, so I don’t think fans, when you say you lose the fans, how many is that? Five per cent? 10 per cent? 15 per cent? 20 per cent? How much is it? I don’t know. We would like to get all 100 per cent on board and there’s only two things we can do. We can perform and keep connected.”

Good morning and welcome to another installment of A Look at the Month Ahead, where your hoddler-in-chief takes a look at what the next month has in store for Tottenham’s men and women squads. Let’s get to it:

Where do Spurs go after a performance like that against Fulham on Saturday? A trip to St James Park that begins an important stretch of games.

Newcastle is the first of six games Tottenham are slated to play this month. If you can’t stomach to watch Tottenham right now (and I’m not sure I’d blame you), then take this as an opportunity to find which days to actively avoid the club.

The holiday run of games usually feels festive, but right now I’m not sure how merry the Tottenham atmosphere is right now - and these games might not be the ones to get Spurs on track. They play a Liverpool side that could have turned the corner after a bad start to the season, plus Palace and Brentford squads that are beating expectations this year. And then, of course, a trip to Nottingham Forest.

Sandwiched between those fixtures is another Champions League game, this time against Slavia Prague. This is a big, big chance for Tottenham to solidify their place in the Top 24 and, who knows, maybe even a better chance to advance to the round of 16. But this is Tottenham, and I know that it’s wrong to think that far ahead.

Still, this feels like a crucial month for Thomas Frank’s side whose relationship with the fanbase is deteriorating.

Schedule: at Newcastle (2 Dec); Brentford (6 Dec); Slavia Prague (9 Dec, Champions League); at Nottingham Forest (14 Dec); Liverpool (20 Dec); at Palace (28 Dec)

It’s also another big month for the women’s squad who are due to face Manchester United twice, and both times away. First an away match in the Women’s Super League followed by a quarterfinal clash. I think it’ll be a great test for a squad that’s rebounded after last year and currently sitting fifth in the table.

Fitzie’s track of the day: Last Christmas, by Wham!

And now for your links:

Jack P-B ($$): “Tottenham have been awful at home for a long time – now it is putting Thomas Frank in trouble”

Alasdair Gold: “Why Porro shouted at Bergvall as Swede’s half-time actions show Tottenham problems”

Ugh. Another home loss, another lackluster performance, another match where boos are raining down at home directed at Tottenham’s players. This isn’t fun.

It’s time to rate the players.

Rate the players from 1⁄2 to 5 stars. If the player doesn’t deserve a rating due to minutes played, DO NOT RANK. I will round the stars up/down to the nearest half-star for the player ratings later this week.

If you’re on mobile or found this via AMP and the survey isn’t appearing below, here’s a direct link.

Another day, another home loss for Tottenham Hotspur. This time hosting Fulham and riding an unusual wave of cautious optimism after a weirdly compelling loss to PSG in the Champions League, Spurs found themselves down 2-0 inside five minutes after goals from Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson. Spurs managed just one shot and an xG of 0.01 in the first half.

Spurs at least made it somewhat interesting in the second 45. They put together about 30 minutes of cromulent football capped by a banger of a goal from Mohammed Kudus, but ran out of gas late in the match and couldn’t complete the comeback. The match ended as a 2-1 loss, with Spurs’ inexplicably woeful home form continuing for another match; Fulham won away from home for the first time all season.

After an impressive? is that the right word? loss midweek to PSG, Thomas Frank opted to set up his Tottenham team in a similar way. Kevin Danso slotted in for the suspended Cuti Romero, and Destiny Udogie started ahead of Djed Spence. Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall retained their spots in midfield, with Joao Palhinha replacing Rodrigo Bentancur at the base. Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison started up top, with Mohammed Kudus also in the attacking band.

Here are my match reactions to another disappointing night in North London.

Match notes:

What a dumb first goal. Chukwueze’s pass was a badly-placed one but it caught Bergvall in between moves and he couldn’t cut it out. Tete happened to be open and his shot was deflected past Vicario. Surprised Yakkity Sax wasn’t playing.

I have no idea what Vicario was thinking and why he didn’t yeet that ball into the sideline upper deck. Insane decision to try and pass his way out of that situation. Absolutely Olympic levels of head-losing.

Look, it’s bad that Spurs went down 2-0 inside five minutes to a team that hadn’t won away from home all season, but at least the football was also hot garbage.

Neither of those opening two goals were on Thomas Frank, but what IS on Thomas Frank is the complete and utter lack of a tactical plan when Spurs have the ball. It was incredibly clear that Spurs had no idea what to do going forward, and how do you not have something you’re working towards at this stage of the season? Plenty of blame to go around for this Tottenham team, but as head coach you have to give us something to hang our hats on and right now there’s just NOTHING.

I don’t like it when fans boo their own team but it’s pretty easy to understand why the fans were doing it at halftime. Spurs managed one shot, that sailed 30 yards wide of the post, in 45 minutes. At home. Against FULHAM. While letting in two goals in the first five minutes.

The second half was quite a contrast from the first half — exciting play, quick movement, and chances created. I need to acknowledge that Spurs played decently well in the second 45 even if I had a hard time enjoying it after how poorly they were in the first half. The problem, of course, was that Spurs dug themselves such a hole in the first five minutes that getting out of it needed a herculean effort, and they didn’t do enough.

A silver lining: that Kudus goal was a banger. The 15 minutes or so that included the goal was probably some of the best he’s had in a Spurs shirt.

Another silver lining: RKM is as good as advertised. He had a rough start due to injury, but he’s rounding back into form now and is looking really sharp.

I don’t know if they’ll ever be world-beaters, but it’s nice to see that young players like Odobert, Gray, and Bergvall are turning out to be serviceable players that occasionally do nice stuff. Whatever else you want to say about them, they’re useful players, and Spurs need useful players right now.

I could spend a lot of time criticizing individual players, but I’ll single out Pedro Porro, Guglielmo Vicario, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Xavi Simons as anti-exemplars. Porro had a shocker on both sides of the ball, Vicario was inexplicably poor on both goals (especially the second), and neither Bentancur nor Simons did much in their substitute appearances to impact the match.

I don’t know whether Frank’s job is actually in jeopardy, precisely because who would take the job at the moment? But I do think Spurs need to clean house next summer, including finding a real Director of Football and a coach who can actually do something with this collection of misfit toys. Because this right here is just not fun, and I don’t see it getting any better.

Spurs’ next match is away to Newcastle, and St. James’ Park hasn’t exactly been a fun place for Spurs to visit in recent seasons.

We’ve had one London derby, yes. But what about second London derby?

That’s right, Tottenham Hotspur take on an opponent from the UK’s capital for the second week running, as Fulham head to N17 in hopes of forcing a similar result to that which Arsenal achieved last Sunday. Fulham aren’t quite the same proposition as the league leaders, though: languishing in 15th on the table and keen to make a statement.

We’re all aware though of Spurs’ home form. Sides worse than the Cottagers have come to Tottenham Hotspur and secured points this season (and last), and though Thomas Frank will have been encouraged by some positive signs from his side in midweek, it’s still hard to feel too excited when this iteration of Spurs lines up on the pitch. Will it be another dour struggle, or will we see something resembling some of the movement and fluidity of which we saw only glimpses against PSG?

I sure hope it’s the latter.

COYS!

Lineups

Lineups will be posted closer to kick-off.

Live Blog

How to Watch

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Fulham

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Time: 3:00 p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. UK

TV: USA Network, Sky Sports Premier League (UK). Check international listings at livesoccertv.com

Streaming: nbcsports.com

Match thread rules

The match thread rules are the same as always. To any visitors coming here for the first time, welcome! We’re glad you’re here! Wipe your feet, mind the gap, and be sure to check out the other pages at this outstanding site. While you’re here, though, we have a few rules and regulations:

Absolutely no links to illegal streams. They’re bad and they get us in trouble. Violators will be warned or banned.

We have rules against “relentless negativity.” Nobody likes a Negative Nancy. Don’t knee-jerk and post outlandish or hurtful things just because you’re frustrated.

Along those lines, outright abuse of players or match officials is also not allowed. It’s fine to say “wow, that was a really bad call,” but it’s NOT okay to direct copious amounts of abuse in the direction of said official over a call you did not like.

Treat other people in the match thread the way you would want someone else to treat your grandmother. Be nice. This is a community of fans, not an un-moderated message board.

NO SPIDERS!

Finally, while we don’t have a rule against profanity, please try and keep the naughty words in check. Also, language that is sexist, racist, transphobic, or homophobic in nature will be swiftly deleted and you will be immediately banned. This is an open, supportive community.

Have fun, and COYS!