Police arrest five people as masked anti-asylum protesters try to storm hotel near Heathrow
Arrests as masked anti-asylum protesters try to storm London hotel
Three things we learned from Tottenham loss as reality hits for Thomas Frank and Xavi Simons importance clear
Three things we learned from Tottenham loss as reality hits for Frank
Just one Spurs player was at their usual level in the 1-0 loss at home to Bournemouth
Pedro Porro had an afternoon to forget
AFP via Getty Images
Matt Verri
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Thomas Frank suffered his first defeat as Tottenham boss as Bournemouth came away from north London with a 1-0 win.
Spurs were impressive in winning their first two Premier League matches of the season but could have no complaints here, with the hosts fortunate not to concede at least two or three more goals.
Evanilson scored after five minutes with a deflected strike and Antoine Semenyo, David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier all went close to extending the advantage.
Here’s how we rated the Spurs players after a frustrating afternoon...
Guglielmo Vicario 7
Too slow at times passing out but three great saves early in second half to keep Spurs in it.
Pedro Porro 4
Miserable afternoon against Antoine Semenyo. Caught out of position several times, poor from crossing positions and two fouls throws to cap off his worst display in a long time.
Cristian Romero 5
Unfortunate to deflect Evanilson’s shot over Vicario and into the net. Tried to rally his team-mates at times but struggled in his battle with Evanilson.
Micky van de Ven 7
Booked for late challenge early on but otherwise did his job better than anyone else in a Spurs shot. Brilliant challenge to block Tavernier’s shot and pace was important against a Bournemouth side keen to look in behind.
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Evanilson goal condemns Frank to first league defeat at Spurs boss
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Djed Spence 5
Sloppy defending played Evanilson onside for goal. Switched over to right-back in second half and was not decisive enough when getting forward.
Joao Palhinha 5
Fortunate to avoid a booking for a first-half trip. Off the pace compared to superb display last weekend at the Etihad.
Rodrigo Bentancur 4
Unusually loose on the ball and did not provide the invention Spurs need in the final third when getting forward. Weak display in midfield.
Mohammed Kudus 5
Came alive late on but until then as ineffective as he has been in a Spurs shirt. Not enough of the creative spark seen in recent weeks.
Quiet: Mohammed Kudus
AFP via Getty Images
Pape Matar Sarr 5
Energetic in an advanced midfield role but that was about it. Obvious shortcomings as a No10 in games like this where Spurs dominate the ball.
Brennan Johnson 4
Couple of nice early touches but faded badly and again his decision-making in the final third was poor. Ironic cheers when subbed off early in second-half.
Richarlison 4
Spurs needed him more than ever with Dominic Solanke injured but the Brazilian was anonymous. Unable to hold the ball up and didn’t have a sniff in front of goal.
Substitutes:
Lucas Bergvall (Palhinha 54’) 6
Brought some much-needed creative intent and drive to the midfield, without quite having the end product.
Wilson Odobert (Johnson 54’) 5
Tried to run at the defence and got back well to stop a dangerous counter. Blasted over when the ball dropped to him in the box.
Destiny Udogie (Porro 71’) 5’
Return from injury a rare positive on the day for Spurs. Flicked a header just wide in stoppage time.
Mathys Tel (Sarr 76’) 5’
Unconvincing again. Clear that the Frenchman is low on confidence but acrobatic late effort nearly snatched a point.
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Dominic Solanke has been left out of Tottenham’s squad to face Bournemouth due to an ankle issue.
Thomas Frank named an unchanged starting lineup for the Cherries’ visit to north London, but Solanke is not among the substitutes as he has been for the first two Premier League matches of the season.
Solanke missed the majority of pre-season with an ankle injury, returning to feature off the bench against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, and Richarlison’s form since then has limited his opportunities.
That same ankle issue has continued to hamper Solanke and Spurs have decided not to risk him against Bournemouth, with the striker now having the international break to try and return to full fitness.
“Yeah got a minor issue with his ankle,” Frank said. “That’s been a little bit grumbling also in the pre-season.
“It’s just too much for this game and now we have international break so hopefully he can be ready after that.”
With Solanke not fit to make the squad, Manor Solomon has taken his place among the substitutes against Bournemouth.
Spurs have been open to selling the winger this summer and he has not featured under Frank, but he is back in the Spurs squad for the first time since September 2023.
Tottenham are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they welcome Bournemouth to north London. Spurs are riding a wave of momentum at the start of the season with players and supporters alike already buying into new head coach Thomas Frank.
Boosted by last weekend’s impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City away from home, the incentive for Tottenham today is a third straight league win could see them top the table heading into the first international break of the campaign. However, they will be wary of a Cherries side who despite losing some key players in the summer transfer window, do have a decent recent record in this fixture and are more than capable of springing a surprise.
New Tottenham recruit Xavi Simons, unfortunately, has not been signed in time to make his debut this afternoon but Spurs are planning to present the £51million arrival from RB Leipzig to supporters before kick-off. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
Tottenham are on the verge of completing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old has undergone a medical after a full agreement was reached between the two clubs.
Simons is set to join Spurs in a €60million (£51.9m) deal, with Leipzig also having a sell-on clause.
There are still minor details to be agreed between Simons and the Bundesliga club, but those are not significant and are viewed as a formality.
Chelsea had been in pole position to sign Simons in recent weeks and the player was keen on the move.
However, the Blues did not submit an official bid and Spurs have moved quickly this week to secure the Dutchman’s signature.
Simons is believed to have been in London on Thursday after Leipzig gave him permission to explore a move away from the club.
Talks with Spurs progressed swiftly and the player gave the green light. Simons’ arrival ends a frustrating pursuit of a No10 signing for Spurs.
The club pushed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, only for the midfielder to agree a new contract at Nottingham Forest.
Spurs then felt they had an agreement for Eberechi Eze, only for Arsenal to swoop and get the deal done instead.
It could be a busy final few days of the transfer window for Spurs, who still remain keen on adding a winger to the squad.
Some huge deals still likely before Monday night’s summer deadline
Late deals: Xavi Simons, Alexander Isak and Piero Hincapie could all move before the summer transfer deadline
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George Flood
Transfer news LIVE!
We are entering the final days of a memorable summer transfer window and Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham are all still pushing for more major signings before Monday night’s 7pm deadline. Arsenal will hold fresh talks on Friday over a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as they seek an initial loan agreement that includes an obligation for a permanent move next year.
Chelsea have agreed a £40million deal with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho are are in discussions with Barcelona over Fermin Lopez, though it seems that Spurs have won the race for Xavi Simons after settling on a £51.8m fee with RB Leipzig after the player arrived in London on Thursday and underwent a medical, with Savinho staying at Manchester City.
Liverpool are plotting a huge second swoop for Alexander Isak after Newcastle appeared to finally open the door by agreeing to sign Nick Woltemade, with Marc Guehi still also firmly in their sights. Manchester United are close to a deal for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens, though have denied Kobbie Mainoo a late loan exit from Old Trafford. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!
Latest transfer news headlines
DONE DEAL: West Ham complete Fernandes signing
West Ham have confirmed the arrival of Matheus Fernandes from Southampton.
The deal is worth in excess of £40m.
London Standard
Clubs interested in Olise
A variety of clubs are interested in signing Michael Olise from Bayern Munich this summer.
Among them are Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain, according to German outlet BILD.
However, they add that reports regarding a release clause in the player’s contract are untrue. Bayern would hope to recoup a nine-figure fee if he were to leave.
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'No intention' for Chelsea to hijack Simons move
Chelsea will not attempt to hijack Tottenham’s move for Xavi Simons.
Spurs have all but completed their deal to sign the Leipzig forward.
Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in the player and were in talks with Leipzig earlier this summer, but never submitted an official bid.
According to the Daily Telegraph, they worry that to submit a bid for Simons would do unnecessary damage to their relationship with Spurs, which they have been focused on building up in recent years.
London Standard
Simons completes Tottenham medical
Tottenham are on the verge of completing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
The 22-year-old has undergone a medical after a full agreement was reached between the two clubs.
Simons is set to join Spurs in a €60million (£51.9m) deal, with Leipzig also having a sell-on clause.
There are still minor details to be agreed between Simons and the Bundesliga club, but those are not significant and are viewed as a formality.
AFP via Getty Images
Woltemade in Newcastle
Nick Woltemade is in Newcastle today to complete his £65m move from Stuttgart.
The 6ft4in German came close to a move to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer.
He will be a club-record signing for the Magpies, who are braced for Liverpool to make a fresh bid for Alexander Isak.
Getty Images
Tottenham close in on Simons
Tottenham are fast closing in on a deal to sign Xavi Simons, according to Sky Germany.
An agreement between clubs is thought to be close, as are personal terms.
Today is set to be crucial as Tottenham look to get the player to put pen to paper, with Chelsea still in the picture. The Blues are yet to make a formal offer, though.
Getty Images
DONE DEAL: Raso leaves Spurs for Frankfurt
Tottenham’s Hayley Raso has been sold to Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Australian spent just one season in north London, making 16 appearances.
Getty Images
DONE DEAL: Vuskovic leaves Spurs on loan
Luka Vuskovic will spend this season on loan at Hamburg SV, Tottenham have confirmed.
The 18-year-old defender, signed from Hadjuk Split this summer, impressed through pre-season, but has been sent to the Bundesliga to get some more minutes in the legs.
Instagram/lukavuskovic
Chelsea hold new Fermin Lopez talks
Chelsea have held fresh talks over Fermin Lopez after agreeing a deal for Alejandro Garnacho.
The Blues are looking to end another busy transfer window on a high and GiveMeSport claimed yesterday that new discussions had taken place with Barcelona.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, the LaLiga giants have now raised Fermin’s asking price from €70m to €90m with such little time left before the deadline.
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Man Utd reject Kobbie Mainoo loan request
Kobbie Mainoo will definitely not be leaving Manchester United on loan before the deadline, it appears.
The academy graduate has become frustrated with his bit-part role at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim and it was reported this week that he had asked to leave on a temporary basis in search of more regular opportunities.
However, multiple outlets including the BBC now claim that United have rejected that request and want midfielder Mainoo to stay and fight for his place this season.
Nigel French/PA Wire
Latest updatesOlder updates
RB Leipzig have confirmed that Xavi Simons is discussing a possible summer transfer as the Chelsea target lands in London for Tottenham talks.
Simons has long been expected to join the Blues this summer - with personal terms having already been discussed - but Standard Sport understands that Spurs are interested in a possible deal following their failure to sign Eberechi Eze.
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Alejandro Garnacho and are exploring a deal for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez before Monday’s transfer deadline, which could open the door for Spurs to move for Simons.
Simons is keen to leave Leipzig this summer and a move to the Premier League is reportedly his preference.
German outlet BILD reported on Thursday morning that Simons was absent from training because he had flown to London.
And now the Bundesliga side have confirmed the Dutch star is discussing a potential transfer.
A statement to BILD read: “[Simons has been] released until further notice for future discussions.”
BILD report that Spurs are now the most likely destination for Simons as Chelsea concentrate on other targets, having reportedly lodged a first bid for Fermin.
Simons and his representatives will reportedly meet with Spurs on Thursday to discuss the personal terms.
Thomas Frank is set for his first taste of Champions League football
Thomas Frank and the Champions League trophy
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham are back in the Champions League as they return to Europe’s top competition with silverware under their arm.
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The Europa League winners are back at the table after two and a half seasons away, and face the new League Ph ase for the first time.
Spurs discovered their pot following the conclusion of the play-off ties that were played across Tuesday and Wednesday and now know that plenty of tricky ties await.
The draw takes place today, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 5pm BST and much of it will be automated due to the sheer number of fixtures to be organised.
New Spurs boss Thomas Frank may have enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure in the Premier League, but is braced for a first exposure to Champions League football.
Which pot are Tottenham in for the Champions League draw?
Tottenham will be placed in Pot 3, as their current coefficient has them sat 31st in UEFA’s rankings for European teams.
Who can Tottenham face in the Champions League draw?
The ceremony will produce eight opponents for every team, two from each pot. That means Tottenham will play two of the top-ranked clubs.
They cannot play a team from their own country (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle or Manchester City) at this stage and can only play a maximum of two teams from a different association.
Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona
Pot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge
Pot 3: PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille
Pot 4: Copenhagen, Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabag, Athletic Club, Pafos, Kairat
Dream scenario for Tottenham
Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Frankfurt, PSV, Slavia Prague, Copenhagen, Pafos
Nightmare scenario for Tottenham
PSG, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Napoli, Marseille, Galatasaray, Kairat
Champions League group-stage matchdays
The exact make-up of each week in terms of kick-off times and match dates will be provided by UEFA.
Matchday 1: September 16-17, 2025
Matchday 2: September 30-October 1, 2025
Matchday 3: October 21-22, 2025
Matchday 4: November 4-5, 2025
Matchday 5: November 25-26, 2025
Matchday 6: December 9-10, 2025
Matchday 7: January 20-21, 2026
Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
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Thomas Frank is set for his first taste of Champions League football
Thomas Frank and the Champions League trophy
London Standard
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham are back in the Champions League as they return to Europe’s top competition with silverware under their arm.
The Europa League winners are back at the table after two and a half seasons away, and face the new League Ph ase for the first time.
Spurs do not yet know in which pot they will be placed for Thursday’s draw was the sit on the threshold between Pot 2 and Pot 3, but plenty of tricky ties await in any scenario.
The draw takes place on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 5pm BST and much of it will be automated due to the sheer number of fixtures to be organised.
New Spurs boss Thomas Frank may have enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure in the Premier League, but is braced for a first exposure to Champions League football.
Which pot are Tottenham in for the Champions League draw?
Tottenham will be placed in Pot 2 or Pot 3, with their final placing to be confirmed following the conclusion of the play-off round on Wednesday evening.
Who can Tottenham face in the Champions League draw?
The ceremony will produce eight opponents for every team, two from each pot. That means Tottenham will play two of the top-ranked clubs.
Read More
Liverpool dream and nightmare Champions League draw revealed
Tottenham could explore defender signing as Vuskovic leaves on loan
Chelsea dream and nightmare Champions League draw revealed
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They cannot play a team from their own country (Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle or Manchester City) at this stage and can only play a maximum of two teams from a different association.
Pot 1: PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona
Pot 2: Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt
Pot 3: PSV, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille
Pot 4: Monaco, Galatasaray, Union Saint-Gilloise, Athletic Club, Pafos, Kairat
Dream scenario for Tottenham
Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal, Frankfurt, PSV, Slavia Prague, Pafos, Kairat
Nightmare scenario for Tottenham
PSG, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Napoli, Marseille, Monaco, Galatasaray
Champions League group-stage matchdays
The exact make-up of each week in terms of kick-off times and match dates will be provided by UEFA.
Matchday 1: September 16-17, 2025
Matchday 2: September 30-October 1, 2025
Matchday 3: October 21-22, 2025
Matchday 4: November 4-5, 2025
Matchday 5: November 25-26, 2025
Matchday 6: December 9-10, 2025
Matchday 7: January 20-21, 2026
Matchday 8: January 28, 2026
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