London Evening Standard

Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola both out to end growing winless runs

Tottenham head to the south coast to face Bournemouth in the Premier League

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Arthur Ferridge

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Thomas Frank will hope to repair his relationship with Tottenham supporters as he visits Bournemouth in the Premier League.

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The Dane’s relationship with fans has grown strained amid a recent run of poor results, which have seen Spurs win just one of their last five outings.

Supporters booed him off the pitch after draws to Sunderland and Brentford in the past week, but he could win over his sceptics with a convincing showing on the south coast.

The trip to Bournemouth presents Frank a fantastic opportunity to nick a result, too. The Cherries are winless in 11 matches since October, losing six and drawing five in the interim.

Tottenham do have a knack for gifting results to struggling sides, but with the likes of Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie all expected to be back in contention at the Vitality, an important win seems within reach.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Bournemouth vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 7.30pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

The match will take place at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth.

The Vitality Stadium is the Premier League’s smallest ground

Steven Paston/PA Wire

Where to watch Bournemouth vs Tottenham

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage starting at 6pm ahead of a 7.30pm kick-off.

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 Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham team news

Injuries are mounting for Spurs, and Frank’s selection will be greatly impacted by a rash of attacking absentees.

Mohammed Kudus is expected to miss out after sustaining a thigh injury off the ball in the Sunderland draw, and Frank said he would “most likely” miss the trip to Bournemouth.

He has undergone a scan ahead of the match, though.

Mohammed Kudus’ injury is a huge blow for Tottenham

Getty Images

Lucas Bergvall returned from injury in that match, though, and Xavi Simons will also be available for selection having served a three-match suspension after being sent off against Liverpool.

Destiny Udogie could also feature as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke remain long-term absentees.

For Bournemoouth, Iraola will be unable to call upon Justin Kluivert, who is set to go under the knife to correct a recent knee injury.

Also absent is Ben Gannon-Doak, who injured his thigh on international duty in November, while Tyler Adams and Ryan Christie are both out with knee problems.

Veljko Milosavljevic is pushing to return from a knee injury of his own, which Iraola has described as “not big.” He will face a late fitness test ahead of Tottenham’s visit to the Vitality.

Bournemouth vs Tottenham prediction

Neither Tottenham nor Bournemouth have won a match for some time, and this outing will likely prove a cagey affair as both look to snatch the opportunity to snap their dire runs.

Both sides are dealing with a number of injuries, too, but Frank will be optimistic that the returns of Simons and Bergvall could be enough to kick Spurs’ attack into gear against a porous Bournemouth defence, which has shipped 14 goals in their last five.

This is as good a chance as any for Tottenham to add a new tally to the win column.

Tottenham to win, 1-0.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Tottenham have not won any of their last three meetings with Bournemouth, last pipping the Cherries on New Year’s Eve in 2023.

Bournemouth wins: 5

Tottenham wins: 10

Draws: 3

Bournemouth vs Tottenham match odds

Bournemouth to win: 1/1

Tottenham to win: 2/1

Draw: 21/10

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

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Spurs badly need to upgrade their squad in 2026 and are set to be active in January, with the club targeting new signings in some key areas.

Here, Standard Sport runs the rule over every player in the first-team squad and assesses who they should keep and who they should sell.

Vicario has showcased both the best and worst aspects of his game under Thomas Frank. A strong shot stopper and commanding character, the Italian has saved Spurs on numerous occasions this season. But he remains prone to an error. It is clear that goalkeeper is a position that Spurs can look to upgrade. SELL

It has not gone to plan for Kinsky since he burst onto the scene at the start of 2025. Vicario’s return to fitness has seen his minutes limited, but there is still a future for the 22-year-old. It remains to be seen whether Kinsky would be open to a loan move to get regular minutes. KEEP OR LOAN

One of the few players in squad with genuine world-class potential. The Dutch centre half is growing into a leader and is considered among one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Interest is building in Van de Ven and it is imperative Spurs keep hold of him. KEEP

A player whom Frank feels he can get the best out of, Spence has become a reliable option at full-back and his versatility serves Spurs well. There are few better defenders one-on-one. A player whose best days are ahead of him, which can’t be said for most of Spurs’ squad. KEEP

Some feel Romero is the only world-class player in the Spurs squad. Other say he lets the team down too often. If, as the Lewis Family have asserted, a new era beckons then they need to move on. SELL

Having only just returned from a long injury lay-off, Dragusin could leave this month. It remains to be seen whether that will be on loan or permanently, with Frank reluctant to clarify if he has a future at the club. SELL

A dependable option in the backline, Danso provides important cover at centre-back. Frank is looking to trim his squad but Danso is a good option to call upon when needed. KEEP

Porro’s quality in attack has made him a target for some big six clubs. His crossing ability is matched by few in the Premier League. But his defensive frailties continue to cost Spurs and they would be wise to try and move on from him. SELL

Has struggled with injuries but has the potential to develop into a top-level full-back. Tied down until 2030, he is part of the core of young players who could help build the spine of the team going forward. KEEP

Has had an injury-disrupted start to life at Spurs but has a fearsome reputation from his time in Japan. At just 21, Takai is another one for the future. KEEP

Palhinha has been a solid addition to the Spurs midfield since his loan move from Bayern Munich in the summer. Spurs have an option to buy him at the end of the season, and they would be wise to use it. The 30-year-old adds experience and aggression to a relatively young midfield. KEEP

Frank trusts Gray implicitly and has referenced him as the future of Spurs’ midfield. The 19-year-old is now getting regular starts in his preferred position. Spurs have made a number of smart young signings in the last couple of seasons, with Gray arguably the pick of the bunch. KEEP

Bergvall’s ability to stretch the pitch and attack space makes him a valuable player for Spurs. The Swedish midfielder, like Gray, has earned the trust of Frank and is viewed as a crucial part of the future. Keeping Bergvall and Gray at the club is of paramount importance. KEEP

Another young midfielder with plenty of potential, Spurs need to champion Gray, Bergvall and Sarr if they want to carve out an identity under Frank. Now in his fourth season as a Spurs player, now needs to push on and become a regular starter. KEEP

Bentancur is a player with limitations, but at his best he provides a useful bridge between defence and attack that Spurs lack. With little resale value, it would be smarter for Spurs to keep hold of him, even if just to provide experience as Bergvall, Gray and Sarr take up more prominent roles. KEEP

Simons has not started brilliantly at Spurs as he struggles to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League. But he is clearly talented and has shown enough to suggest that, in time, he can be the creative hub of the team. KEEP

Remains sidelined through injury but is probably the most talented player in the Spurs squad. His return to fitness will provide a major boost for Frank, whose side have looked bereft of creativity from open play. Has been linked with Manchester City in the past but is a key player. KEEP

An anterior cruciate ligament injury on the eve of this season came at the worst possible time for Maddison. There had already been talk of whether Spurs needed to move on from Maddison and, through no fault of his own, he has not had a chance to prove his worth. It feels wrong to be talking about his future when he is out injured for such a long period. KEEP FOR NOW

Frank has been suitably unimpressed by his options out wide, but Odobert is one player he seems to like. The 21-year-old provides pace in behind and has increasingly been given opportunities. Frank wants to add reinforcements in attack in January, but Odobert’s place in the side appears to be secure. KEEP

Kudus has been one of Spurs’ best players this season and has nailed down a starting berth on the right. He needs to become more consistent if he is to be considered among the best wingers in the Premier League, but he has shown enough to suggest he is capable of making that step. KEEP

Solanke’s ankle injury has been a nightmare for Spurs, who have lacked a reliable presence up front in his absence this season. The striker enjoyed a promising debut season last year and will come straight back into the team when he is fit. There is potentially a conversation to be had further down the line about whether he has the ability to make Spurs a top team. KEEP FOR NOW

A talented player with age on his side, he is not quite a striker and not quite a winger, which makes him a difficult player for Frank to fit in his team. At 20 and having only just joined on a permanent deal, there is plenty of time for Tel to prove his worth. But at the moment he does not make Spurs better. KEEP

Richarlison has scored seven goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season but he is not the answer up front, having consistently struggled for form and fitness during his time at Spurs. The club will surely assess their striking options at the end of the season, which could spell the end for Richarlison. SELL

Everyone at Spurs has been willing Scarlett to make the breakthrough into the first team. Now 21, the fear is his opportunity has passed. Another loan move could be an option, but Scarlett really needs regular football to try to forge out a career. SELL OR LOAN

Mohammed Kudus is likely to be unavailable for Tottenham’s trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday after undergoing a scan on a thigh injury sustained against Sunderland.

Kudus went down off the ball, clutching his left thigh, and received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Randal Kolo Muani in the 19th minute.

Thomas Frank confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the 25-year-old had undergone a scan to determine the severity of the issue and said he was unlikely to travel with the squad to the Vitality Stadium.

“He's going for a scan here, 1 o'clock, to clarify the issue. So unfortunately, I don't have a big update on it,” the Tottenham boss said.

In Kudus’ absence, Spurs will travel to Bournemouth without a natural right winger, and after an impressive cameo against Sunderland, Kolo Muani again looks set to deputise for the Ghanaian.

Mathys Tel also impressed on the left wing, and he could be in line to make just his fifth Premier League start of the season on the south coast.

There are decisions to be made in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall returning from injury against Sunderland.

Frank likes Bergvall, particularly for his ability to stretch the play in behind.

However, with Xavi Simons back from suspension after serving a three-game ban following his sending off against Liverpool, the Swede will likely remain on the bench.

Dominic Solanke remains unavailable despite returning to training last week, but Destiny Udogie might make the matchday squad as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury.

“He [Udogie] is training and he's looking better, so that's positive,” Frank said. “No [Solanke won't be involved against Bournemouth]. Positive, going forward."

The England striker will not be available for Wednesday’s trip to Bournemouth, and Spurs boss Frank has urged caution ahead of Solanke’s comeback, insisting that he is still adapting.

“Today you could see in training that he's nice and composed on the ball, good decisions, good touches, and then when we’re a little bit more competitive in the small-sided [games], he is of course lacking [sharpness], and he looked a little rusty, which is completely normal,” Frank said at his pre-match press conference.

“Now he's unfortunately been out for at least six months, right? Yeah, six months, a little bit more than that, so, of course, it will take a little bit of time.

“So, even if he's ready for whatever time in the near future, hopefully [soon], then I think you will be surprised to just see him hit the ground running. Very few players do that.”

Solanke, who provided 16 goals and eight assists across all competitions last season, has played just 49 minutes so far this term, with Spurs lacking a consistent focal point up front in his absence.

The 28-year-old won’t play against former club Bournemouth and Frank is wary of the threat that the Cherries’ front four, which includes one-time Tottenham transfer target Antoine Semenyo, will cause his team.

“I think [Andoni] Iraola has done a top job down there,” Frank said. “First and foremost being part of creating an interesting team, with interesting players that have done well and developed them, so they've also gone to on paper play for big clubs.

“They play a very aggressive pressing game, one of the best pressing teams in the league, if not the best. They play with incredible intensity.

“They also play fairly direct, so if you press, boom there's a ball behind, so you need to deal with that. They have a very lively front four, no matter who plays, so that's where we need to be good and compete, but also be smart.”

Spurs, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, had always planned to be busy in the January window after a difficult start to the season.

But Kudus’ injury, with the 25-year-old undergoing a scan on Monday to discover the severity of the issue, and the departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace mean Frank is now short of options in attack, with Tottenham set to travel to Bournemouth on Wednesday without an out-and-out right winger.

As well as adding attacking depth, Spurs are also in the market for cover at left-back.

The Athletic reported on Sunday that Tottenham had seen an £8million bid rejected for Santos starlet Souza. While it is unclear if they will table a second offer, they remain on the lookout for someone to deputise for Destiny Udogie.

On Spurs’ transfer plans, Frank admitted his side did not have enough options in attack as he ruled out sending Mathys Tel on loan in search of more minutes.

Tel has started just four matches in the league this season, but impressed off the left wing against Sunderland to further his case for more game time.

“I think it's pretty fair to say that we are maybe a little bit short on offensive options,” Frank said in his press conference before the trip to Bournemouth.

“I think also it's fair, there's no one who's really grabbed that shirt on the left-hand side. So I think that's definitely up for grabs.

“I think it was a positive performance from Mathys [against Sunderland]. I think he did some positive things and got into good situations.

“He had actually one [shot] where he bent it to the far corner, where I think he's probably the best finisher from that position. I think he is a little bit disappointed in himself.

“It's fair, he's young. It's not like he played five games in a row. I hoped of course for him and for us that he could do it and we've seen it. So that was good.

“I think he was also taking more care of the ball. I think it's a big thing. We spoke about that against Brentford and Crystal Palace.

“We lost the ball maybe 20-25 times. You should never lose the ball. That's also part of it. You can't break through.

Thomas Frank has revealed that Mohammed Kudus has been sent for a scan on the injury he sustained against Sunderland and is set to miss Tottenham’s clash with Bournemouth.

Kudus was withdrawn after 19 minutes in Spurs’ 1-1 home Premier League draw on Sunday after going down off the ball, clutching his left thigh.

The 25-year-old received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Randal Kolo Muani and heading straight down the tunnel.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Bournemouth, Frank was unable to confirm the severity of Kudus’ injury as Spurs await the results of a scan.

“He's going for a scan here, 1 o'clock, to clarify the issue. So, unfortunately, I don't have, how can I say, a big update on it,” the Tottenham boss said.

Kudus has settled well at Tottenham since his £55million arrival from rivals West Ham in the summer, providing three goals and six assists across all competitions.

His injury came just days after Spurs sanctioned the departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for a fee in the region of £35m.

Kolo Muani impressed in Kudus’ absence against Sunderland, but the French forward is not an out-and-out winger, meaning Spurs will be without a natural right-sided player as they head to the Vitality Stadium.

Frank, who was subjected to more boos from frustrated fans as Spurs were pegged back by Sunderland, also said that striker Dominic Solanke - who has not played since August - was not yet ready to return to action against former club Bournemouth after recently resuming training following ankle surgery.

However, left-back Destiny Udogie is making good progress as he also builds up his fitness at Hotspur Way following a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for more than a month.

“He [Udogie] is training and he's looking better, so that's positive,” Frank said. “No [Solanke won't be involved against Bournemouth]. Positive, going forward."

Long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain out for Spurs, while Wilson Odobert suffered a knock to the head before being substituted against Sunderland.

Midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are both still away at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, though Xavi Simons is back in contention after serving a three-game suspension following his red card against Liverpool last month.

Cristian Romero is also available as the Spurs captain awaits the outcome of a Football Association (FA) charge that followed his own sending off in the defeat by Liverpool.

Spurs, though, are keen to bring in a left-back to compete for minutes with Destiny Udogie, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

In Udogie’s absence, the versatile Djed Spence has stepped in ably as cover, but with Thomas Frank viewing him as a right-back, the Dane is keen to bring in a more natural deputy on the left.

Souza is a Brazilian youth international, regarded as one of the brightest talents to come out of Santos’ famed academy in recent years.

With quick feet and a burst of pace, Souza likes to drive centrally with the ball to open up space for his team-mates.

His style of play draws some similarities to the role Spence plays in possession for Spurs, while his ability to cross early and decisively makes him an unpredictable presence in the final third.

Souza, who Santos are adamant they want to keep in January, would undoubtedly need time to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League.

Frank has said that Spurs are assessing both short and long-term options in January, and Souza would be unlikely to come straight into the fold, especially with Udogie expected back before the end of the month.

It is unclear whether Spurs will return with a second bid for Souza after reports of their opening offer from The Athletic, but they remain in the market for a left-back and are expected to be busy in the January transfer window.

Spurs badly needed to strengthen their attack even before losing Kudus

Spurs lost Mohammed Kudus to injury against Sunderland

Getty Images

Sam Tabuteau

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The groans of dissent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were far less vociferous than they had been at Brentford as Spurs trudged off the pitch following their 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

This was a performance with notes of promise as Thomas Frank’s new-look attack provided the early incentive, taking a 30th-minute lead through Ben Davies.

As with Spurs, though, one step forward was followed by two steps back as Brian Brobbey’s 80th-minute equaliser compounded a tiring display in which they had already lost Mohammed Kudus to injury.

Kudus, who has been one of the few bright spots for Spurs this season, was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani inside 20 minutes after going down off the ball clutching his left leg.

Kudus was forced off in the first half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland

AFP via Getty Images

Frank could hardly believe his luck. Just two days after sanctioning the departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, Spurs had lost the one man keeping him out of the side.

Frank defended the decision to let Johnson leave, stating that there was a short window in which to execute the deal.

“Decisions are made, and decisions I'm backing in every aspect,” said Frank after the game.

“There's always more bigger picture stuff to some of those decisions, and sometimes they can look like perfect timing, sometimes they look like not so perfect timing.”

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Spurs will be active in the market, as Frank has reiterated over the last few weeks.

But, with Kudus potentially facing a period on the sidelines, they need to act quickly to add reinforcements to their rapidly depleting set of attacking options.

Kolo Muani impressed after coming on against Sunderland, but he is not a natural winger.

The same is also true on the left, where Mathys Tel added energy and directness but has failed to nail down a regular starting spot under Frank.

Wilson Odobert is the only natural wide man Spurs have available right now, yet his best moments against Sunderland came through the middle, as he burst past challenges before looking to spread the play wide.

It is clear Spurs are missing the creative talents of Xavi Simons, who will return from suspension against Bournemouth on Wednesday, and the injured Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Ultimately, though, with no specific return date in place for Kulusevski and Simons struggling to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, Spurs must act decisively in the transfer window.

During Frank’s time at Brentford, they did not make wholesale changes in January with deals often lined up for the summer. At Spurs, there is immediate pressure for results to improve.

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In charge: Thomas Frank

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri

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Tottenham’s struggles at home continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Ben Davies made Spurs’ early dominance count as he scored his first goal since December 2023 to give the hosts the lead after 30 minutes.

Spurs, though, drifted after the break and were pegged back when Brian Brobbey found space in the box to fire home with 10 minutes left to play.

Here are three things Sam Tabuteau learned from Spurs’ frustrating draw...

Mohammed Kudus was forced off after 18 minutes

AFP via Getty Images

Kudus injury increases need for new faces

Brennan Johnson’s departure for Crystal Palace this week raised a few eyebrows, with Spurs looking short of options in attack in his absence against Brentford.

Johnson had struggled for minutes, with Mohammed Kudus being Frank’s first choice option at right wing, but with the Ghanaian coming off injured inside 20 minutes against Sunderland, Spurs have potentially been left to rue the decision to let Johnson leave so early in the transfer window.

With Johnson completing his £35million move to Crystal Palace on Friday, there is a real lack of attacking options in reserve for Spurs, and they are now without a natural right winger following Kudus’ withdrawal.

Randal Kolo Muani looked lively after he came on for Kudus, but it is clear that he is not an out-and-out winger. A similar problem exists on the left wing, where Tel, despite impressing, is more of a hybrid option on the flanks.

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Spurs will be active in the transfer window, seeking both short-term and long-term signings, but they may now be forced to act sooner than they had anticipated.

Frank has typically not made sweeping changes to his team in January, but with Kudus out, they simply have to add attacking reinforcements.

Mathys Tel was a standout performer

REUTERS

Spurs’ new look attack impresses

Tottenham were nothing short of an embarrassment in attack against Brentford.

They took just two shots on target and never looked like getting anywhere close to breaching the Bees’ backline.

Frank had to change something, and in remodelling his frontline - deploying Wilson Odobert in the hole with Mohammed Kudus on the right and Mathys Tel on the left - Spurs looked far more dangerous.

It took the hosts just over a minute to have their first shot on target, as Tel stung the palms of Robin Roefs in the Sunderland net, and they had matched the total they managed against Brentford inside 10 minutes.

Spurs dominated the opening 45 and deservedly took the lead when Ben Davies finished from close range after good work from Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to keep the ball alive from a corner.

There was purpose and intent to Spurs’ play, with Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray driving through the middle and Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani providing the width.

Tel, in particular, shone off the left wing, coming close with a couple of good efforts in the first half.

Spurs were fluid and full of energy, their movement causing issues, and although they were unable to find the crucial second goal, this was a much-improved performance.

Under Frank, Spurs have looked languid, unable to break teams down and struggling to exploit space on the counter. This was a rare and much-needed glimpse of their attacking potential.

Brian Brobbey equalised in the 80th minute

Getty Images

New year, but same old problems at home

Spurs won just four games at home in the Premier League last year, so Sunderland’s equaliser with 10 minutes to play felt somewhat inevitable.

For all their good work in establishing a lead and setting the tempo throughout, Spurs’ soft centre was once again exposed as they failed to hold on for a vital three points.

Spurs let the game drift from their grasp in the second half, and while Sunderland’s goal was only their second effort on target, they had begun to sense an opportunity.

The atmosphere inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was edgy, but so long as Spurs attacked, they felt in control.

Inevitably, though, their missed chances caught up with them as players tired and nervousness set in.

Frank said he was determined to make the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium a fortress, but in letting the game drift, the Dane was left frustrated on the touchline. It feels like he, and Spurs’ weary supporters, have seen this all before.

There were positives to take overall, but those will feel like small consequences at the minute, and the boos at full-time, while arguably not justified, will have filtered through to the players.

This should have been an afternoon where Spurs took a deserved leap forward, but instead Frank is left to wrangle with yet another disappointing result on home soil.

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Action Images via Reuters

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

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.

Brian Brobbey netted an 80th-minute equaliser as Tottenham were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham took the game to Sunderland early on and opened the scoring after half an hour as Ben Davies scored his first goal since December 2023.

Sunderland, though, grew into the game after the break and equalised late on as Brobbey fired home from inside the area.

Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Had one difficult moment under the high ball, but there was nothing he could do about Brobbey’s equaliser. Was not particularly busy, but remained alert when called into action late in the second half.

Pedro Porro 7

One of the few players who came away from the Brentford game with any credit. He sent some inviting deliveries into the box and got forward well in support of Spurs’ attack. Made some important defensive contributions.

Cristian Romero 4

Did well to keep the ball alive for Spurs’ opener, but nearly gifted Sunderland a goal with a wayward backpass in the second half and lost Brobbey for the equaliser. Another shaky performance from the Spurs captain.

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Micky Van de Ven 6

Aggressive in the tackle, it was his shot that Davies followed in. Marshalled the backline well until Sunderland’s equaliser.

Ben Davies 8

Marked his first start of the season with his first goal since December 2023 before producing an excellent clearance to deny Sunderland early in the second half.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

One of Spurs’ better players. He was integral to keeping the pressure on Sunderland, especially in the first half. No player made more defensive contributions.

Archie Gray 7

Integral to the press, he looked a lot more composed on the ball than he did against Brentford and was a nuisance out of possession. Much improved.

Wilson Odobert 7

Given another opportunity after a disappointing display against Brentford, he was a constant threat and looked comfortable playing through the middle.

Mohammed Kudus 6

Involved early on before having to come off injured in the 18th minute. An injury to the Ghanaian is the last thing Frank will have wanted.

Mathys Tel 8

Handed his first start since October, he impressed off the left wing with a couple of testing efforts in the first half. Spurs’ most prominent attacking threat, his movement caused all sorts of issues.

Richarlison 6

Put himself about, getting on the end of crosses and dropping deep to draw fouls. Needed to show more poise in the final third as Spurs squandered the opportunity to extend their lead.

Subs

Kolo-Muani 7

On in place of Kudus, he quickly got to grips with the tempo of the game as Spurs’ attack looked sharp.

Lucas Bergvall 5

A foul throw in stoppage time just about summed up his contribution. Struggled to get into the game as Sunderland grew in confidence.

Joao Palhinha 6

Made some important interventions. Missed a good chance to head home from Porro’s cross in stoppage time.

Dane Scarlett N/A

Took just three touches as he struggled to assert himself on a rare opportunity off the bench.

Djed Spence N/A

Provided fresh legs for Davies late on, but was unable to make any real impact.

Unsued subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Williams-Barnet

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