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Ange Postecoglou decisions leave Tottenham with an unwanted question to answer before Europa League showdown

Shipping five at Liverpool is awful preparation for a European semi-final

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Liverpool were confirmed as league champions for a 20th time after thrashing sorry Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield.

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Needing just a point to wrap up the title, Arne Slot’s side never looked back after Luiz Diaz quickly cancelled out Dominic Solanke’s surprise opener against his former club.

Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool in front with the pick of the goals and Cody Gakpo added a third before the interval.

In the second half, Mohamed Salah scored his 27th top-flight goal to cap a devastating counter-attack and Destiny Udogie turned into his own net to complete the scoring.

Here are three Spurs talking points from an historic day at Anfield…

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Spurs capitulate to set up a Liverpool procession

Aside from the three relegated clubs, Liverpool could not have picked a better guest for their coronation party than this abject Tottenham side.

It would be churlish to attritube Liverpool’s thumping victory on the failings of Ange Postecoglou’s side because the Reds are plainly a magnificent team and worthy champions. But, my goodness, Spurs made it easy for them.

The visitors were sloppy and disorganised again, particularly out of possession, and undone by a series of familiar mistakes, as well as some outstanding football from the hosts.

Postecoglou made eight changes ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt and Spurs’ first XI would surely have been better able to compete.

But as it was, they capitulated, just as they have done in more or less every league game since mid-Februry, barring meetings with the bottom three.

Solanke’s early header briefly raised Spurs’ hopes they could spoil the occasion but they were extinguished within four minutes by Diaz’s slick opener – a measure both of Liverpool’s brilliance and the brittleness of the visitors.

Once Mac Allister put Liverpool in front, there seemed little doubt that they would clinch a historic title and the only question for Spurs was whether they could avoid injuries and embarrassment.

While they appeared to come through unscathed, this was another chastening league defeat – their 19th of a wretched campaign – and the latest demonstration that the gulf between them and the league’s best has dramatically widened this term.

Spurs, of course, may still finish the season with glory if they win the Europa League and, strange as it may seem, a first trophy in 17 years seems about as likely as Postecoglou’s side picking up another win in their remaining four top-flight matches.

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Ange Postecoglou must now lift the mood

The question for Spurs is now whether they can rouse themselves and raise their levels for another Europa League game.

Postecoglou’s side will be bolstered by the returns of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and possibly Heung-min Son – who sat out again with a foot injury.

Their display in the decider against Eintracht Frankfurt suggests Spurs can turn it out for one-off European matches, and are a far more competitive side with their best players.

Bodo/Glimt are a force on their plastic pitch in the Arctic Circle, so Spurs will want to travel to Norway on Thursday week with a healthy lead.

But a humbling at Anfield was grim preparation for their biggest game of the season, leaving Postecoglou needing to lift his players and the mood in the coming days.

Archie Gray’s rough afternoon

In spite of such a horrendous league season, it is still possible to be optimistic about Spurs’ future – largely because they have so many talented young players, not least Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall, who lined up together in midfield for the first time.

Many Spurs fans regard the pair as the club's future in the middle of the park but, while Bergvall did well enough, this was a rough assignment for Gray, 18, on only his second start at this level in his preferred position.

The England Under-21 international was caught flat-footed for Liverpool’s first goal, with Dominik Szoboszlai darting beyond him to square for Diaz, and had to be stronger for their second. He was easily shrugged off by Ryan Gravenberch before Mac Allister’s brilliant hit.

It was no surprise when Gray was hooked at the interval and you wondered at Postecoglou’s decision to throw him in at the deep end for this game, in front of a much-changed back four. That said, at this stage of Gray’s career, these experiences should be a benefit, provided he reacts in the right way.

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Another sorry defeat as another season-defining game approaches

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Liverpool thrashed sorry Tottenham 5-1 to clinch a 20th league title and a first an Anfield in exactly 35 years.

Dominic Solanke’s early header gave the visitors a shock lead but Luiz Diaz slid home an equaliser four minutes later and, from there, it was one-way traffic.

Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool in front with a thumping strike and Cody Gakpo added to their tally before the interval.

Mohamed Salah finished a lethal counter-attack to make it 4-1 before Destiny Udogie turned into his own net under pressure from the Egyptian.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at Anfield…

Guglielmo Vicario 5

Unlike the last two league games, he was not directly at fault for any of the goals but the Italian was flappy at crosses and his passing appears to have deteriorated recently.

Djed Spence 4

Desperately looses in possession and ran ragged by the excellent Diaz.

Kevin Danso 5

Looked rusty and was slow to push forward, scuppering Spurs’ offside trap on more than one occasion.

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Ben Davies 4

Stretched repeatedly by Liverpool’s varied attacking threats, of which he was ill-equipped to contain.

Destiny Udogie 3

Salah easily skipped round him for the fourth goal and scored a sloppy own goal.

Lucas Bergvall 6

Spurs have a fine player on their hands, no doubt. Made things happen in the first half, even in difficult circumstances.

Archie Gray 3

This was a rough assignment on only his second start in midfield. Caught out for Liverpool’s first goal and should have been stronger for their second.

James Maddison 5

His corner was headed home by Solanke for the opener but he did little else. And tone down the goal celebrations skipper – there’s a long way to go.

Brennan Johnson 5

Barring one burst down the right in the first half, he was ineffective.

Mathys Tel 5

Denied a certain goal by a brilliant challenge from Ibrahima Konate. Pressed willingly but struggled to hurt Liverpool with the ball.

Dominic Solanke 7

Stunned his former club by opening the scoring with a thumping header and caused the odd problem for Liverpool with his tireless running.

Subs

Dejan Kulusevski (Maddison 46’) 6

Immediately unlocked Liverpool’s defence with a crisp pass and tried to make things happen. Lost possession with a hopeful run ahead of Liverpool’s fourth goal.

Pape Matar Sarr (Gray 46’) 5

Anonymous as Spurs midfield was overrun in the second half. Denied Liverpool a sixth goal with a brave block to deny Harvey Elliott.

Richarlison (Solanke 67’) 5

Entered the fray to raucous boos and made little to no impact on proceedings.

Wilson Odobert (Tel 67’) 5

Tried to add a directness to Spurs’ attack but had limited opportunities to make an impact.

Not used: Kinsky, Bissouma, Romero, Porro, van der Ven.

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Sport | Football

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Reds bid to clinch Premier League title at Anfield

Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield in an important Premier League fixture

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Liverpool look to seal the Premier League title when they play Tottenham at Anfield.

The Reds will be crowned champions if they avoid defeat against Spurs, who will have one eye on the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt next Thursday.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW LIVERPOOL VS TOTTENHAM LIVE!

Liverpool moved one step closer to clinching a record-equalling 20th top-flight title after beating Leicester coupled with Arsenal’s midweek draw with Crystal Palace.

Given their superior goal difference to the Gunners - who have played a game more - Arne Slot’s side are effectively champions already. Although, they just need a point against Spurs for it to be made official.

Tottenham, meanwhile, head to Anfield on the back of successive Premier League defeats against Wolves and Nottingham Forest. Those results have raised the very serious prospect of a 17th-placed finish.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Liverpool vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 4.30pm BST kick-off on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

The match will take place at Anfield, Liverpool.

Where to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at the ground.

Liverpool vs Tottenham team news

Arne Slot has the luxury of a near fully fit squad to choose from for the visit of Tottenham. Joe Gomez is the only confirmed absentee and it remains to be seen if he will play again this season.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold is pushing for a start after making quite the impact off the bench against Leicester, whilst Andy Roberton could earn a recall at left-back after an unused substitute role at the King Power Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou’s injury concerns have eased in recent weeks. Kevin Danso is the latest name to return to action and he got 45 minutes under his belt on Monday night.

Radu Dragusin will certainly miss the trip to Anfield, but captain Heung-min Son is a doubt after missing the last three games with a foot problem.

Doubtful: Heung-min Son

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Liverpool vs Tottenham prediction

A party atmosphere is expected at Anfield now that the Premier League title is within reach. Roared on by their home supporters and facing a team with one eye on a European fixture next week, the conditions couldn’t be better for Liverpool.

Expect Tottenham to lose a third straight league game as the Reds are crowned champions of England for a 20th time.

Liverpool to win 4-1

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Liverpool wins: 83

Draws: 42

Tottenham wins: 45

Liverpool vs Tottenham match odds

Liverpool to win: 1/4

Draw: 11/2

Tottenham to win: 10/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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The Reds need just a point to win the Premier League title today at Anfield and few will be backing against them getting the job done with Spurs having far bigger priorities to come in Europe next week. Liverpool have lost just once at home in the league all season, to Nottingham Forest way back in September, so will feel confident of getting their hands on the trophy.

Coming five years after their only other Premier League title win, which was clinched during a much-delayed Covid-impacted season, and saw its conclusion played out in front of no supporters, today should present Reds fans the opportunity to see their team win the Premier League in the flesh for the first time, while also being the 20th top-flight title win - drawing level with Manchester United.

Spurs should still go relatively strong with their line-up today, despite hosting Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday, but Ange Postecoglou will not want to jepodise a season-defining game for what it essentially a dead rubber. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at Anfield.

Spurs have the first leg of their Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and Postecoglou faces a difficult balancing act.

Postecoglou is likely to continue to rotate his squad but some first-team players will need minutes after sitting out against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, all of whom are likely to start for Spurs against the Norwegian side, could feature at Anfield, with Liverpool needing a point to wrap up the league title.

Postecoglou could nonetheless make wholesale changes to his backline between the games, with key centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven likely to be kept on ice.

Archie Gray could come in at right-back, giving Pedro Porro a rest, while there is little to choose between left-backs Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

If he is not fit, Mathys Tel could start in the South Korean's place again, while Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore are among Postecoglou's options from the left against Liverpool.

"We don't really have injury problems," Postecoglou said on Friday. "Obviously Sonny's the one that's kind of working, trying to work his way back, and he's improving, which is positive for us, not for Sunday.

“Apart from obviously the longer-term ones, everyone else from the last game has backed up really well, so the rest of the squad’s fit and available, and in terms of team selection we'll see. We’ve got another 48 hours to decide which way we go."

Arch-rivals could well clash again after brutal battle at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium won by Eubank Jr

No love lost: Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr finally clashed in the ring after years of rancour and controversy between the pair

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George Flood

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Saturday night’s long-awaited grudge match between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in London certainly did not disappoint.

Both men left absolutely everything in the ring during a pulsating 12-round war at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that captivated from the first bell, with round upon round of exciting action and rarely a dull moment between bitter arch-rivals in a contest that was years in the making.

While Benn’s efforts after making the significant jump up two divisions from welterweight to middleweight deserve considerable praise, in the end it was Eubank Jr’s night as he won by unanimous decision with three judges’ scores of 116-112 in his favour.

It was an evening full of emotion for Eubank Jr, who was surprisingly reunited with his father Chris Eubank Sr ahead of the high-profile fight and continuation of a long-running family rivalry that has its origins in Senior’s two massive world title fights with Conor Benn’s dad Nigel in the 1990s.

The inevitable question on everyone’s lips immediately after Eubank Jr’s entertaining victory concerned whether or not there will be a rematch.

Will there be a Eubank vs Benn rematch?

The short answer is almost certainly yes.

While Benn also discussed the possibility of going back down to welterweight to challenge American Mario Barrios for the WBC world title, he also stated his ambition to quickly avenge the first loss of his 24-fight professional career that has stalled in recent years amid his battle to clear his name following two failed voluntary drugs tests that caused his initial bout against Eubank Jr to be cancelled at short notice in October 2022.

“Oi congrats @ChrisEubankJr but this ain’t over,” Benn wrote on X after the fight.

Speaking at his post-fight press conference, he said: “Yeah, I want the revenge man. I want my revenge.

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“I think inactivity played a big part. It’s quite hard because obviously the past two-and-a-half years, what had gone on, not fighting back here to then coming home to this, it took me back. It did take me back.

“In a good way and in a bad way. I was sitting there going ‘oh my gosh, this is unbelievable’. And then in the same breath... there were just a lot of new first times for me today, first stadium fight, first time fighting back here in three years, first fight at 160.

“I had Eubank hurt multiple times, three or four times in there noticeably. I just couldn’t get the finish. I’ll make sure for next time that the finish is there.”

Quizzed on his future plans in the ring immediately after the fight, Benn had said: “Listen, we always knew Chris is a good fighter.

“All the fighting talk is fighting talk, he’s a good fighter. I believe I can fight at 160. If we don’t do the rematch, which I’d love to avenge that loss, go back down to welterweight and win the WBC world title.

“It’s either Mario Barrios or the rematch with Eubank. Whichever happens next I’ll be content with.”

Barrios is 29-2-1 and won the vacant interim WBC title at welterweight by outpointing Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in September 2023, then retaining it against Fabian Maidana and being elevated to full champion status after former undisputed king Terence Crawford’s move up to super-welterweight.

He kept his new belt with a thrilling split-decision draw against Abel Ramos in Texas in November. There have been more rumours recently of a potential bout between Barrios and the legendary Manny Pacquiao next.

A rematch clause was known to exist in the contract between Eubank Jr and Benn, with the latter’s promoter Eddie Hearn confirming in his own press conference after the fight that the terms were already agreed, though he urged caution over his fighter again having to make the sizable jump up to middleweight.

“I think maybe Junior should come down a little bit lower, rather than Conor Benn coming up two weight classes,” Hearn said.

He later added: “I think they served you up one of the greatest fights we’ve ever seen in this country.

Disappointment: Conor Benn suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Chris Eubank Jr

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“But for me, the danger was not for Chris Eubank Jr, the danger was for Conor Benn. And that’s why we’ve got to think very carefully about the rematch, because I don’t want to see him in too many fights like that.

“It’s all very well us sitting there and going ‘wow what a fight, let’s do it again’. They are the kind of fights that will shorten a career, and he’s got such a long career ahead of him.

“The terms are already agreed for the rematch to move forward. And it’s the same as the first contract in that respect. I think we got it spot on with the numbers.”

Eubank Jr was not asked for his thoughts on a potential rematch against Benn, with his post-fight press conference cancelled after he was taken to hospital by ambulance for precautionary checks on the recommendation of the on-site doctor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Ange Postecoglou faces a difficult balancing act for Sunday's visit to Liverpool, which comes ahead of Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Postecoglou is likely to continue to rotate his squad but some first-team players will need minutes after sitting out against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, all of whom are likely to start for Spurs against the Norwegian side, could feature at Anfield, with Liverpool needing a point to wrap up the league title.

Postecoglou could nonetheless make wholesale changes to his backline between the games, with key centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven likely to be kept on ice.

Archie Gray could come in at right-back, giving Pedro Porro a rest, while there is little to choose between left-backs Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

If he is not fit, Mathys Tel could start in the South Korean's place again, while Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore are among Postecoglou's options from the left against Liverpool.

"We don't really have injury problems," Postecoglou said on Friday. "Obviously Sonny's the one that's kind of working, trying to work his way back, and he's improving, which is positive for us, not for Sunday.

“Apart from obviously the longer-term ones, everyone else from the last game has backed up really well, so the rest of the squad’s fit and available, and in terms of team selection we'll see. We’ve got another 48 hours to decide which way we go."

Postecoglou could leave with his doubters in the mud and his reputation enhanced if Spurs win the Europa League

Postecoglou looks increasingly likely to leave Spurs this summer, even if they win the Europa League

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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If Ange Postecoglou wanted a reminder that there is life after Tottenham, he need only have glanced down the touchline during Monday's defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo was derided following his forgettable four-month stint at Spurs in 2021, written off by many as a coach who was ill-suited in tactics and personality for the upper-reaches of the Premier League.

Yet, on Monday night Nuno completed the double over his former club as Forest moved back into the top three, well-placed for a remarkable return to the Champions League for the first time since the Brian Clough era.

The Portuguese's counter-punching style and low-key oratory are better-suited to Forest than a so-called 'big six' club, but Nuno stands as a reminder that a succession of managers have been successful before and after their time in north London - but not at Spurs.

Postecoglou’s Spurs are 16th in the Premier League but have reached the Europa League semi-finals

Bradley Collyer/PA Wire

Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, both labelled dinosaurs during miserable spells at the club, are other recent examples.

So, as Postecoglou faces up to a likely parting of the ways in the summer, with the Australian increasingly likely to leave at the end of the season regardless of whether Spurs win the Europa League, he can take comfort that the problem may not lie with him.

The optics of Daniel Levy sacking a manager who had delivered the club's first trophy in 17 years would be enormously iffy, but then the chairman sacked Martin Jol - with news filtering out during a Uefa Cup match - dismissed Mauricio Pochettino in the midst of a fly-on-the-wall documentary and gave Mourinho the boot five days before a cup final.

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It is easy to understand why Levy may not be sheepish about canning Postecoglou following 18 defeats in 33 league games, repeated clashes with supporters and some pointed recent remarks about the lack of communication from boardroom level.

If Postecoglou is to depart in the summer, his legacy is still to be determined; he could go down as the worst-ever Spurs coach in the Premier League era (they need eight points from their remaining five games to surpass their record-low of 44 in 1997-98), yet could still finish the season as one of their best-ever managers by winning the Europa League.

In fulfilling his promise of always winning something in his second season, Postecoglou would write his name into Spurs' history and walk off into the sunset as a vindicated man, his doubters in the mud and his reputation enhanced by doing what Pochettino, Mourinho, Conte et al could not.

Levy will make the final call on Postecoglou’s future

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As Postecoglou has pointed out recently, he had three challenges on joining the club: to change the style of play, lower the age-profile of the squad and bring success.

As it stands, it is difficult to place Postecoglou in the managerial marketplace; if he left Spurs today, for example, would he ever get another chance in the Premier League? But as a European trophy winner, he would be a much more attractive proposition to a host of ambitious clubs.

All this talk, of course, is enormously tempting to fate, because first Spurs must navigate a tricky Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt and then do what they not done in the last four attempts: win a final, where Manchester United or Athletic Club de Bilbao potentially lie in wait.

Postecoglou's strange situation has drawn comparisons with Erik ten Hag, who was effectively given a stay of execution at Manchester United after unexpectedly winning last season's FA Cup.

Perhaps a better, albeit more dated, parallel for Postecoglou, though, is Keith Burkinshaw, who led Spurs to the 1984 UEFA Cup in his final game in charge, before stepping down due to a disagreement with the board.

Today, Burkinshaw is a Spurs hall-of-famer, celebrated as one of the most important figures in the club's history. Strange as it may seem amid such a wretched year, Postecoglou still has a chance to be remembered similarly.

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Kulusevski hit out at the club’s failure to assemble squad ready to compete on all fronts

Unacceptable: Dejan Kulusevski was left furious by Tottenham’s defeat to Nottingham Forest

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Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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Dejan Kulusevski has slammed Tottenham's latest league defeat to Nottingham Forest as "not good enough" and says the team must "respect" every game and perform "like it's your last".

Kulusevski was particularly frustrated as Spurs fell 2-0 down for the second weekend running after failing to deal with balls into the box and says every member of the side must "take responsibility" for dealing with crosses.

Elliot Anderson’s deflected strike gave Forest a fifth-minute lead and Chris Wood scored a header, minutes after having a goal disallowed for a tight offside.

Spurs missed a host of chances before Richarlison halved the deficit in the 87th-minute but they could not find a leveller, as Ange Postecoglou's side crashed down to earth with an 18th league defeat of the season after Thursday's impressive win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League quarter-final.

Kulusevski says Spurs were not prepared to compete on multiple fronts this season, underlined by their winter injury pile-up.

"[The top clubs have] been doing it many years," Kulusevski said, when asked why Spurs were struggling for consistency.

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"They know exactly what they're doing. They're bringing in a lot of players that are ready to play both competitions. And they are prepared for it.

Tottenham’s defeat to Nottingham Forest was their 18th in the Premier League this season

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"This year we cannot say that we're prepared for it because we had so many injuries and we did a lot of things wrong from the beginning of the season and we're paying for it right now.

"After big nights like Thursday, you always go down. That's why teams who are in more competitions are paying [a price]. We're not handling it right, we're not handling it well. Because after 16 minutes we'd conceded three goals, with the offside goal.

"Then it's hard to win football games. It's not good enough. Then we played some good football but if you're not doing everything right, you will not win games.

"I can't speak for everyone, I'm talking about me. I know that after a big night like that, you come back at five in the morning and you're going to feel disastrous.

"So you've got to find things to do to pick yourself up. It [comes] with experience. I felt great today and that's good.

"The manager said the first 15 minutes cost us the game with the corners and free-kicks.

"[It's] not good enough. We've got to improve. We've got to improve from crosses. I know we defended good on Thursday but we concede too many crosses and everybody must take responsibility and ask themselves why we concede so many crosses."

Asked what he meant when he said Spurs "did a lot of things wrong" early in the season, Kulusevski said: "We had a lot of injuries. Injuries don't happen for a [sic] reason. That's what we did wrong."

Tottenham’s season will once again be on the line when they face Bodo/Glimt

AP

Spurs face a daunting visit to champions-elect Liverpool on Sunday, when the Reds can clinch the title, before the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt.

"[The semi-final] is very important," continued Kulusevski. "I can't say nothing about it. But like I said, you've got to respect the game, you've got to play every game like it's your last game.

"And that's what we've got to do. We've got to play against Liverpool, do our best, and then the Europa League, like I've always said from the start of the season, we have to win it.

"We have the quality to do it. Like you saw on Thursday, when we play in the Europa League, the build up to the game is real."

Kulusevski's return to the XI for the first time since February 22 was a positive for Spurs, with the Swede now recovered from a niggling foot injury.

"I felt great honestly," he said. "I'm so angry about the result but I've got to see the bigger picture: I'm back, I'm healthy and we've got important games coming up, so I've got to stay focussed.

"I took [my time out] so well because I had to accept it and I had more time to be with my daughter and wife, and do other things in life. I still worked extremely hard because I know that when you come back, it can be hard. But I did all the work necessary to feel good right now. I did everything right."

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Nuno Espirito Santo insisted that he does not hold a grudge against Tottenham after his rocky spell as the club’s manager.

The Portuguese spent four months as Spurs head coach in 2021, and was sacked after starting the season with a run of eight wins in 17 matches. He was replaced by Antonio Conte, who led the club back to a fourth-place finish.

Four years down the line, though, Nuno led Nottingham Forest to a 1-2 victory at Hotspur Stadium thanks to goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood. The win saw Forest move third in the Premier League table, 23 points ahead of the Lilywhites, also confirming their league double over the North London club.

Asked whether he was pleased to have proved Spurs wrong, he said: “I am not that kind of person.”

He said he was grateful for the opportunity to manage Tottenham despite the difficulties of his tenure: “I was honoured to be managing Tottenham. A huge, big club.

He admitted Forest were lucky to come away with the win on Monday, though, as Spurs were the better side for much of the match.

“Tottenham put us against the ropes, so it is about defending and holding on to the result.

“Credit to Tottenham. They created so many chances against us, and we were fortunate to get away with the result.”

But he is relishing the dogfight that is the European qualification race, not to mention a looming FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

“We have a big desire to compete and the players enjoy. We are in the mix against big teams and that can only make us proud.