London borough named one of best places in UK to grow old - did your area make the list?
London borough named one of best places in UK to grow old
Pedro Porro was forced off just after the quarter-hour mark at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to pile yet more misery on Roberto De Zerbi.
Now, however, they are short at right full-back once more, having sold Djed Spence to Inter Milan, and now with Porro set to miss another extended period.
The Spaniard has seen his involvement limited so far this term after his World Cup triumph in North America, and he was afforded more time off as a result.
That has led to him making just three starts for his club so far this season, with the third coming here against Villa, where he was returning from a minor muscular injury that had kept him out of the draw against Everton and the Carabao Cup exit at Liverpool.
He looks set for another spell on the sidelines after his latest setback on Saturday.
“Listen, Pedro, I said after the World Cup, I said the management of Pedro should be different,” De Zerbi told SpursPlay post-match.
“Because after the World Cup, [there are] many games. I don't know what the problem is. It's a hamstring, I think. Hopefully, it's not a big problem.”
Spurs are mired in the relegation zone going into the three-week international break, having not won a single league game so far.
Their chance to rectify things will come on October 10, when they visit Manchester United at Old Trafford. It remains to be seen whether Porro will be fit for that fixture.
Spurs remain winless in Premier League despite heavy summer spend
Dom Smith, Football Reporter @ MrDomSmithat the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
COMMENTS
Tottenham Edition
Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Scraping his fingernails over his teeth, Roberto De Zerbi looked dejected and downwards as Emi Buendia curled into the far corner to put Aston Villa three up and pile the misery on Tottenham.
That it eventually ended 3-2 to the visitors was merely an update in the finer details of a game Spurs lost at 3-0 and lost in spirit at 2-0, when it became increasingly routine for the visitors to maraud through their hosts’ expensive new-look midfield as though it were in need of the flash surge of investment it has only just been given.
A first league win of the season for Villa, and yet Tottenham are still to muster one. There had never before been a game at this late a stage of the Premier League season involving two teams with so few goals between them (Villa’s one) before kick-off.
Naturally, plenty of goals followed. Tottenham’s two came far too late to make any material difference.
Dejected: Roberto De Zerbi
AFP/Getty
Curse over - but Spurs still goal-shy
Tottenham finally scored a goal in a top-flight game this season, at the fifth time of asking, but even a second, 12 minutes later, could not save them from another home defeat.
The very first time half-time substitute Mohammed Kudus trusted his body enough to take on his man and go on the outside, his pull-back allowed fellow substitute Conor Gallagher to convert via a deflection. That meant Spurs entered injury time 3-1 down rather than 3-0, and with practically the last kick of the game, Jan Paul van Hecke headed in to reduce the deficit to one. It still wasn’t enough.
De Zerbi had this week declared Spurs the first team he had managed for whom scoring was the biggest problem. He wanted a solution. In scoring twice, they did officially have one, and yet Spurs will still know they have an issue with taking the many chances they make.
In the first half especially, it felt as though the ball would do anything but go in. The attacks being constructed were smart moves, yet Archie Gray and Savio, twice, were denied by Zion Suzuki. Sandro Tonali fired just wide from range in both halves, and Kudus’ score for 1-1 was struck off for offside.
Spurs fans when the referee signalled to disallow that goal must have wondered whether they would ever score in the league again. They soon did, twice, but the game was already long gone.
Major blow: Pedro Porro
PA
Injury worry for key man
It must feel as though Tottenham’s players have been on continual shift work for two years or so, when it comes to injuries. As soon as one player returns, another succumbs to a fresh problem.
On Saturday, it was the turn of one of their most important players in those 24 months, Pedro Porro, who lasted only 19 minutes before leaving the field devastated.
Porro missed the last two Tottenham matches due to injury but was always expected backfor the visit of Villa and duly started. When trying to make a tackle, though, he ended up on the turf and visibly in pain.
Read More
Spurs drop into relegation zone with Aston Villa defeat
Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest score and updates from Premier League
Millwall v West Ham: Police get special stop and search powers in bid to stop trouble
Sponsored
Rediscover your adventurous side on an exotic getaway
Rubbing his face with frustration, he lay back and was helped out by a teammate with cramp. Though eager to carry on, the world champion knew he could not, receiving a warm, anxiety-fuelled applause when trudging off. With a shake off the head in disappointment, he was consoled by De Zerbi and replaced by Archie Gray.
A three-week international break will help, but Spurs will be desperate to see positive news from his scans and a long lay-off avoided.
Mission failed: Dominic Solanke
AFP/Getty
Forward fails test again
All eyes were on Dominic Solanke, whose injury-hit 14 months have seen him lose a yard of pace, much of his goal threat, and his physical presence in the air. Tottenham fans want to believe that isn’t permanent, yet his poor performance was as ineffectual as his comeback display against Everton last weekend.
A day after being once again snubbed by England, Solanke again struggled. An untimely slip when closing down Zion Suzuki in the sixth minute was followed by a better case of pressing a few minutes later, forcing the goalkeeper to hoick the ball out of play.
That and one nice take-down with his back to goal — something De Zerbi wants and needs more of — were the extent of the Englishman’s impact up front before he was replaced on 66 minutes.
"He needs to feel better, but we need more from him, for sure,” the Italian said of his No19, who Spurs paid £55million for back in the summer of 2024.
The 29-year-old headed well over from a corner and was unable to create any chances for himself. With Richarlison exiled, he needed to make his mark and failed once more. Tottenham are at least up and running in terms of Premier League goals, but Solanke isn’t. And that first league win still eludes them. They must wait until October to put that right.
MORE ABOUT
North Londoners still without a win after £300million summer spend
Pa Sport
COMMENTS
Tottenham Edition
Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Aston Villa piled the pressure on big-spending Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi with a 3-2 away victory to claim a first win in the Premier League this season.
Both clubs had made slow starts to the new campaign after summer rebuilds and while Spurs had failed to score in four league fixtures, there had been green shoots in 0-0 draws with Nottingham Forest and Everton.
However, Tottenham’s latest strong opening was again followed by a meek collapse after Johan Manzambi broke the deadlock in first-half added-time when he tapped in Boubacar Kamara’s cross.
It occurred with Spurs captain Micky van de Ven off the pitch receiving treatment, but boss De Zerbi watched the hosts produce a disjoined second-half performance and conceded again in the 67th minute through Nicolas Jackson.
A superb long-range strike by Emi Buendia with 11 minutes left made the points safe for Unai Emery’s Villa before Conor Gallagher ended Tottenham’s league goal drought with a close-range finish after 87 minutes.
Wonderstrike: Emi Buendia
Getty
Jan Paul van Hecke headed a second late on but this latest defeat was greeted with boos, with patience starting to wear thin after a summer of lavish spending.
After a midweek Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool, De Zerbi watched as Tottenham immediately tested Villa’s new goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Good play by Sandro Tonali down the left provided an opportunity for Savio, but his first-time effort was blocked by Suzuki before a powerful follow-up was tipped over.
Spurs’ momentum was momentarily halted by Pedro Porro being forced off with an ankle injury, but replacement Archie Gray almost scored within seconds of his introduction.
A lovely pass by Savio released Gray and his low effort hit the inside of Suzuki’s legs.
Savio produced an excellent volley from the subsequent set-piece but Suzuki was equal to it with a diving save.
Read More
West Ham fight back to claim dramatic draw in heated Millwall derby
Brighton vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest score and updates from Premier League
Tottenham ratings: Summer signings flop as striker scores 3/10
Sponsored
Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events
After Villa weathered the early storm, Antonin Kinsky had to be alert to thwart Buendia’s powerful strike before Jackson dragged wide after a neat turn away from Van Hecke.
Familiar foe: Nicolas Jackson
Getty
When Tonali had a long-range effort deflected wide and penalty appeals for Dominic Solanke’s header on Manzambi were waved away, the first half looked set to end goalless.
However, Villa hit Tottenham with a sucker punch – with captain Van de Ven off the pitch after he took a whack to the face from Tyrone Mings – as Manzambi fired in from Kamara’s cross after Andy Robertson tried to prevent a corner but only kept the ball in for John McGinn.
De Zerbi sent on Mohammed Kudus for Mateus Fernandes at half-time, but it contributed towards Spurs losing the midfield battle.
After Jackson wasted two chances for Villa, one after a brave block by Kinsky, Spurs’ goal drought appeared over on the hour mark when Tonali played in Robertson and Kudus poked in his cross, but VAR ruled it was offside.
James Maddison was introduced to offer Tottenham more control and yet seconds later Villa grabbed a second.
Van Hecke failed to initially deal with the long ball before Jackson smartly turned Van de Ven and impressively found the bottom corner.
A wonderful effort by Buendia from 25 yards made the victory safe for Villa and sparked ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ chants by the away faithful.
Even though Gallagher poked in from a Kudus cross with three minutes left and Van Hecke headed a second in added time from Robertson’s free-kick, it provided no consolation for Spurs.
Tottenham have now won only three of their last 25 home matches in the Premier League and will be in the relegation zone during the upcoming international break.
MORE ABOUT
Spurs remain winless despite £300million transfer spend
Dom Smith, Football Reporter @ MrDomSmithat Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
COMMENTS
Tottenham Edition
Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham dropped into the relegation zone as they were beaten 3-2 at home by Aston Villa.
Despite dominating the first half, they trailed to Johan Manzambi’s close-range goal.
In the second half, they thought they were level but Mohammed Kudus saw his equaliser disallowed for offside, and then Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia both found the net to pile more misery on Roberto De Zerbi and the team now 18th in the Premier League.
Late goal from Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke reduced the scoreline but it was not enough for Spurs, who fell to another defeat.
Dom Smith was at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players’ performances…
Antonin Kinsky 5
Buendia’s effort in the first half produced a fine stop from the Czech, and he made a brave save to deny Nicolas Jackson after the interval. Beaten three times.
Pedro Porro N/A
Was forced off with an injury in the 19th minute after going down and feeling pain. Would be a huge loss to Spurs if the injury is serious, though a three-week international break could help.
Jan Paul van Hecke 5
Booked for a late foul. While he made a couple of decent interceptions, he was too easily bypassed by Villa attackers, including Jackson, bombing forward. Very poor for the second goal and Tottenham’s worst defender, though he did score late on.
Micky van de Ven 5
Better than his centre-back partner, but not a lot better. Also beaten hands down for Jackson’s goal. Nearly scored a late header.
Dejected: Sandro Tonali and Micky van de Ven
PA
Andy Robertson 4
Was caught offside once or twice and didn’t contribute much from left-back.
Sandro Tonali 5
Started well but dropped off massively and contributed to Spurs being hugely overrun in midfield.
Rodrigo Bentancur 7
One of Tottenham’s best players. Other than one poor pass where he passed into touch, the Uruguayan was busy in midfield. Needed more help late on when Villa began to find it easier to play through the middle.
Mateus Fernandes 5
Some decent passes in the first half but then taken off, surprisingly, at half time.
Savio 5
Tried to make things happen and had a couple of shots saved.
Frustrated: Omar Marmoush
AFP/Getty
Omar Marmoush 4
It just didn’t happen for the Egyptian, who was sharp but had very little impact.
Dominic Solanke 3
Is not looking sharp. Couldn’t make it stick, and lasted only 66 minutes.
Subs:
Archie Gray (Porro, 19’) 6
As hard-working as anyone, and came close to scoring very soon after replacing the injured Porro.
Mohammed Kudus (Fernandes, 46’) 6
Converted from close range but the goal was disallowed for offside. Didn’t take many risks to run forward, but when he did, helped produce the late Spurs goal.
James Maddison (Solanke, 66’) 5
Some smart passes but struggled to wrestle control for Tottenham when he came on.
Conor Gallagher (Tonali, 85’) N/A
Lucas Bergvall (Bentancur, 85’) N/A
Not used: Dubravka, Adarabioyo, Senesi, Udogie
MORE ABOUT
Allow Google Search
To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information.
Why do West Ham and Millwall fans hate each other? A history of the 'Dockers Derby' as rivalry explained
Why do West Ham and Millwall fans hate each other? Rivalry explained
We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies.
Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
Why do West Ham and Millwall fans hate each other? A history of the 'Dockers Derby' as rivalry explained
Why do West Ham and Millwall fans hate each other? Rivalry explained
The winger, who started the season as Spurs’ first-choice right winger, has now been shipped temporarily to Germany, where he hopes to earn more regular first-team minutes.
He scored twice in a star showing in Spurs’ victory over Hoffenheim at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before he started in the 3-0 defeat at Brentford and the 5-1 League Cup win against Charlton.
The 19-year-old netted the north Londoners’ opener in that fixture, and his goalscoring knack could be what his parent side are missing, as Roberto De Zerbi’s men are still without a goal in the top flight this term.
“My goal is to play at the highest possible level. If I were to break into the first team at Spurs in the future, I’d certainly be very happy about that.”
The forward’s move to the Bundesliga has been down to his falling below Mohammed Kudus and Savio for a starting berth on the right flank in De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1.
Dejan Kulusevski is still to come back from his kneecap problem and can also operate off the right.
“I was really happy when I got the green light for the loan. I was eager to get started right away,” Moore continued.
“Right from the first conversation, the manager [Rene Wagner] had a clear idea of how and where I should play. I really liked the fact that he plans to use me in an attacking role and expects me to help the team by scoring goals.
“I’m looking forward to joining a team where a lot is expected of me. I want to take on responsibility here.”
Moore made his Koln debut off the bench as a half-time substitute in a 4-1 defeat by Stuttgart, before he started the 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen, operating as the No10 behind experienced centre-forward Thijs Dallinga.