Spurs Web

Tottenham Hotspur fans noticed something unusual at Selhurst Park, amid reports linking their sporting director, Fabio Paratici, with an exit from the club.

It has been widely reported over the last week that Fiorentina are trying to poach Tottenham’s sporting director.

Paratici has been locked in talks with La Viola over becoming the club’s head of football, and the news has come as a shock to Tottenham, given that he only rejoined the club two months ago.

In fact, it has been reported that Paratici has already verbally agreed on a four-and-a-half-year contract with Fiorentina, with an announcement on his Tottenham future expected soon.

Fabio Paratici spotted during Tottenham’s clash at Crystal Palace

Given that Italian outlets seem to be suggesting that Paratici’s move to Florence is a done deal, many Spurs fans would have been surprised by what they saw on Sunday.

The 53-year-old was spotted in attendance at Selhurst Park, sitting next to Tottenham’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

The pair were seen deep in conversation as they watched the Lilywhites emerge with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Oliver Glasner’s men.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Is this a sign that Paratici may be staying at Spurs?

There has been no official communication from Tottenham Hotspur regarding the Italian despite the incessant rumours over the last week.

Thomas Frank refused to discuss the speculation over Paratici’s future, suggesting that it has been business as usual at Hotspur Way between him and the Spurs’ sporting director.

The fact that Paratici was spotted at Selhurst Park suggests that he is still heavily involved in the North London club, and it may give some Spurs fans hope that his exit is not imminent.

Tottenham Hotspur emerged with a hard-fought win from Selhurst Park this evening, but five Spurs players are now teetering on the edge of a one-match suspension.

Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons were both suspended for Tottenham’s clash against Crystal Palace after their red cards against Liverpool, and the Dutchman still has to sit out two more games.

Despite being without the pair and Spurs also missing seven other players due to injury and the AFCON, they got the job done in South London, emerging with a narrow 1-0 win.

However, several other Tottenham Hotspur players are now just one yellow card away from a suspension heading into the clash at Brentford on Thursday.

Five Tottenham players are now one booking away from a suspension

Kevin Danso picked up his fourth yellow card of the season at Selhurst Park, and he is now one of five Tottenham players on four yellows. The other four are Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Premier League’s rules state that players who receive five bookings in the first 19 league matches need to serve a one-match suspension.

That means that all five players have to avoid getting booked at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs will be boosted by the return of Cristian Romero

Romero will be available against Brentford, with the Tottenham captain now having served his one-match ban.

The Argentine will almost certainly come into the starting eleven in place of Danso, which means that the Lilywhites likely do not have to worry about the Austrian getting his fifth yellow.

All five of Tottenham’s players on four yellows will be off the hook for now if they can avoid the referee’s notebook on Thursday.

Following the 19th game of the season, the rules stipulate that players must avoid accumulating 10 yellow cards before the 32nd league game. If they reach double-digit bookings in that time, they will incur a two-match suspension.

Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow win over Crystal Palace may not have been pretty, but a lively cameo from the bench gave supporters something else to talk about long after the final whistle.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur got back to winning ways on Sunday evening following their hard-fought 1-0 win over London rivals Crystal Palace.

It was far from a straightforward victory, with Tottenham having to defend for most of the game as they looked to hold on to their early first-half lead.

How the victory was earned will matter little to Frank and his players, who have now moved up to 11th place and sit five points off the top five after edging closer to a relegation scrap a few weeks ago.

Tottenham fans impressed by Wilson Odobert cameo against Crystal Palace

Despite spending most of the game on the back foot defending, second-half substitute Wilson Odobert proved to be a bright spark for Tottenham.

The 20-year-old came off the bench to replace Kolo Muani, who had been deployed on the left from the start, and quickly made an impression with his direct play, creating chances and coming close to adding to Spurs’ goal with a shot that cannoned off the inside of the upright.

Spurs fans were left impressed by Odobert’s display, which has now led to calls for him to become a first-team regular.

MORE SPURS STORIES

One supporter said that he “provided some excitement when there was none.” Another added: “It’s damning how negative Frank is that he does not play more along with Tel. Great cameo today, and he has been good whenever given a chance, same with Tel. Since the Super Cup, every Tel cameo has been positive. Both should start Thursday night.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, with one fan commenting that he “looked really confident” while describing it as “the best cameo we have seen from him in a Spurs shirt.”

One Tottenham fan labelled him a “big-time spark plug off the bench”, suggesting that an impact role may suit Wilson Odobert best.

Further comments included praise such as “impacted the game”, “showing why he should be starting”, “quality” and calls that he “needs to start LW”.

Why Odobert offers Spurs a different attacking option

Kolo Muani is not ideal on the left for Tottenham, as their attacks down that side are often too predictable, given that both Djed Spence and the forward are players who love to come inside.

Odobert, however, brings another dimension to Spurs’ play, as his ability to come inside and beat his defender on the outside makes Tottenham far more dynamic in attack.

Frank will have to rotate his squad as Spurs take to the pitch during the week, and that could see Odobert earn a start.

An Italian journalist has provided a big update on the future of Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici.

Spurs are facing the prospect of losing Paratici, just two months after he returned to the club as co-sporting director alongside Johan Lange.

According to reports, Fiorentina want Paratici to be their new head of football, and the 53-year-old has been locked in talks with the Serie A club over the past week.

Some sources have even suggested that Paratici is edging closer to leaving Spurs for Fiorentina, and there has now been a big update on his future.

Official announcement soon expected on Fabio Paratici’s Tottenham exit

A couple of days ago, Gianluca di Marzio revealed that the Tottenham director is in the final stages of talks with La Viola, who are rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table.

Di Marzio suggested that a verbal agreement had already been reached regarding a four-and-a-half-year contract, and another journalist has now stated that the deal is already done.

This latest update comes from journalist Matteo Moretto, who has now asserted that just an official announcement is missing regarding Paratici’s move to Fiorentina, with the other formalities done.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Paratici will try to take Spurs star to Florence

Over the last few days, a number of outlets have suggested that the Italian’s first order of business would be to take a Tottenham Hotspur defender to Florence.

According to sources, Paratici will look to strike a deal with Spurs for Radu Dragusin, with La Viola set to be prioritising reinforcing their backline in January.

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways at Selhurst Park with a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from the game:

Archie Gray delivers decisive moment for Tottenham Hotspur

It was a much-needed victory for Tottenham, who were already slipping rather close to the drop zone following their poor run of form in recent weeks.

But the display against Palace this evening was a complete one that was inspired by Archie Gray, who could easily have been named man of the match.

The teenager has earned four consecutive league starts for Spurs, keeping Palhinha out of the side, and he repaid his manager’s trust by grabbing the only goal of the game, his first of the season.

It was indeed a nice moment for the 19-year-old, who was then shifted up into the number ten role, completing his impressive shift.

Questions remain over Thomas Frank’s style of play at Tottenham

Spurs’ performance was much better than in previous games, but there will still be questions about Thomas Frank’s style of play.

MORE SPURS STORIES

In the first half, it was all Palace, who were creating chance after chance and could quite easily have won this match on another day.

Regardless, Tottenham stuck to their task and remained solid at the back, keeping a clean sheet, but their goal came from a set piece, and they created nothing from open play before the break.

It was a mixed performance from Frank’s side, and there remains work to be done, but this win provides a platform to build on.

Lucas Bergvall injury leaves Spurs short in the number ten role

Coming into this match, Tottenham were already short of key players following the sending off of Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons last time out against Liverpool.

Kevin Danso came in for Romero and put in a solid shift, while Lucas Bergvall replaced Simons in the starting XI, but it did not go to plan for the Swede.

Bergvall picked up a knock in the second half and was forced off, leaving Spurs with another issue in the number ten role.

Simons is set to miss two more league fixtures after his straight red card, and if Bergvall’s injury proves serious, Frank will need a makeshift solution.

Left-wing imbalance continues as Kolo Muani struggles

Tottenham looked short of ideas in the first half and barely threatened from open play, although the second forty-five minutes were different, particularly late on.

Wilson Odobert looked bright and brought a different dimension with his direct play and willingness to get to the byline and cross.

That stood in stark contrast to the first half, when Kolo Muani occupied the left-wing position.

The Frenchman is not a natural winger, and his tendency to cut inside made Tottenham’s attack from that side predictable, highlighting a clear imbalance.

Tottenham must find consistency despite closing the gap on top five

This victory not only helped Spurs halt their slump down the table, but also allowed them to look upwards again.

Frank’s side are now four points off the top five and sit one point behind Crystal Palace, who are ninth, while Spurs are in 11th place.

Consistency remains the key, and the midweek game against Brentford offers an immediate chance for Tottenham to build momentum and continue closing the gap.

The whistle has blown for full-time at Selhurst Park, and it’s time for our Tottenham player ratings vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Tottenham full-time player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Guglielmo Vicario –Tottenham saw out the first-half lead, and Palace barely threatened Vicario in the Spurs goal. 6.

Pedro Porro – Spurs looked to protect their one-goal lead for most of the second half, limiting Porro’s attacking forays. Defensively, though, he stuck to his task brilliantly. 7.

Micky Van de Ven – It was a defensive showing for Spurs, who barely threatened in the second half. Van de Ven was key to that, making crucial interceptions and blocks. 7.

Kevin Danso – Slotted perfectly into the backline after replacing the suspended Tottenham captain and put in a proper showing against Mateta and co. 7.5.

Djed Spence – Just like his full-back counterpart, the Englishman spent most of his time deep as Tottenham defended in a low block to see the game out. 6.

Rodrigo Bentancur – The Uruguayan stuck to his defensive duties expertly and helped Tottenham shield their backline as Palace looked to find an equaliser. 6.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Archie Gray – Started in the pivot role alongside Bentancur, but his standout moment came in the opposition box, where he headed in from point-blank range to give Spurs the lead from a corner. He later finished the game in the number ten position following Bergvall’s substitution. 8.

Lucas Bergvall – The Swede was tasked with the creative burden of replacing Simons in the number ten role. However, it did little to solve Spurs’ creative problems, as their only goal came from a set-piece. He also picked up a knock and was replaced by Joao Palhinha. 5.

Mohammed Kudus – The Ghana international had little to contribute in the final third, as he was often required to assist Porro defensively. He did put in a beautiful cross with the outside of his boot that was met by Richarlison, although the goal was later disallowed. 5.

Richarlison – The Brazilian saw his first-half goal disallowed for offside, but later turned creator as his flick-on led to Gray’s opening goal. In the second half, he spent much of the game helping out defensively and then found the back of the net again, but it was once more disallowed. 7.

Randal Kolo Muani – A quiet outing for the Frenchman, who played out wide in this fixture and barely had a sight of goal. He was taken off for Odobert around the hour mark. 5.

Substitutes:

Wilson Odobert – Came on for Muani in the second half and went straight in at left wing and was very direct whenever he got the ball. He could have doubled Tottenham’s lead late on, but his strike hit the inside of the post. 7

Joao Palhinha – Replaced Bergvall, who limped off, and slotted into the pivot role as Spurs looked to see the game out. 6

Radu Dragusin – The Romanian finally made his return to first-team action in the 85th minute, replacing Archie Gray, and almost found the net with his first touch since January, but his header was high. N/A

The whistle has blown for half-time at Selhurst Park Stadium, and it’s time for our Spurs player ratings vs Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Tottenham lead 1-0 at the break courtesy of Archie Gray’s goal.

Tottenham first-half player ratings vs Crystal Palace

Guglielmo Vicario – Palace have had a few sniffs at goal, but none of their attempts have really threatened the Italian. He has kept things simple with his distribution, though. 6.

Pedro Porro – The Spaniard was involved in Spurs’ disallowed goal, as it was his whipped low cross that found Richarlison before it was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. 6.

Micky Van de Ven – The Dutchman has done his very best to stay tight with Mateta in the Palace attack and has also made a couple of crucial interceptions when the Spurs backline has looked threatened. 7.

Kevin Danso – The Austrian replaced Romero in the starting XI this evening after the Argentine’s sending off last weekend against Liverpool. He looked a bit nervous in the early exchanges but grew into the game and almost played Richarlison in with a long ball from deep. 6.5.

Djed Spence – The full-back has barely gone beyond Muani in the match, often staying right behind him during attacks. His passing has been misplaced at times when he has looked to progress it. 5.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Rodrigo Bentacur – Has stuck to his defensive duties in this match-up, shielding the back four and making a few interceptions on the edge of the box. 6.

Archie Gray – The youngster is sitting right alongside Bentancur at the base of Spurs’ midfield but has not been shy to make runs beyond his midfield partner, offering extra bodies in attack for Tottenham. He eventually gave Tottenham the opening goal of the match by heading home Richarlison’s flick-on from a corner. 7.

Lucas Bergvall – A performance full of running from the Swede, who has come in for Xavi Simons; however, he has offered little in terms of creativity for Spurs, with his final pass often not finding its target. 5.

Mohammed Kudus – Remains an out-ball for Tottenham and has often carried them up the pitch with his direct running, but Spurs have still barely created anything from open play. 5.

Richarlison – Thought he had given Tottenham the lead before the halfway point of the first half after his cool finish found the back of the net from a Porro cross, but it was ruled out for offside. The Brazilian eventually provided an assist after Gray headed home his flick-on from a corner. 6.

The Tottenham Hotspur starting line-up for the Premier League match against Crystal Palace has been announced.

Following their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, where they were reduced to nine men, Tottenham Hotspur will be taking to the pitch this afternoon as they search for a response against London rivals Crystal Palace.

Thomas Frank’s side have had a week to prepare for today’s outing, given their lack of involvement in the Carabao Cup prior to Christmas and should be well rested for this clash.

Palace, on the other hand, come into this game off the back of a Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal that went all the way to penalties.

Spurs are missing key players due to injury and suspension

The Spurs boss has been forced to make a few changes to his starting XI following Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons’ respective red cards against Liverpool.

Romero is ruled out after picking up two yellow cards last weekend, while Xavi Simons also sits out the trip to Selhurst Park following a direct red card for his challenge on Virgil Van Dijk.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke James Maddison and Destiny Udogie all remain sidelined due to injury, while Radu Dragusin did make a return to the bench last weekend against the Reds.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away on Africa Cup of Nations duty for Senegal and Mali respectively.

Kota Takai is named among the substitutes and will make his debut if called upon.

This is the Tottenham team which takes to the field in south London this afternoon:

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guéhi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Yeremy Pino, Devenny; Mateta

Tottenham: Vicario; Pedro Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Crystal Palace find themselves in ninth place and are in much better form than Spurs coming into the fixture, having picked up six points from their last five league outings.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have managed just four points from their last five, a run of form that has them down in 14th place in the league table and running the risk of being dragged into a relegation scrap.

Spurs fans have been left frustrated by the poor run of form from their side, with many calling for Frank to be sacked following the toothless displays on the pitch, making a victory here very important.

Inter Milan have now made contact with Tottenham Hotspur over a January deal for a much-criticised Spurs star.

Many of Tottenham’s senior players have failed to reach the level expected of them so far this season, and one player in particular has received considerable criticism.

Guglielmo Vicario has been singled out as a liability for Spurs in light of the poor errors that the Italian has made over recent months.

There have been reports that the Spurs shot-stopper is wanted by Inter Milan, and it turns out that the Nerazzurri have now pushed forward with a move.

According to a report from Sky Italia (as relayed by GFNI), the Serie A club have now made initial contact regarding a January deal for the Tottenham number one.

Inter are said to be keen on finding a long-term replacement for the ageing Yan Sommer and have identified Vicario as their ‘ideal profile’.

It is suggested that the goalkeeper would be extremely keen to return to Italy and would view a move to the San Siro as a significant step forward in his career, as it would give him the chance to compete for major honours.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Inter expected negotiations with Spurs to be difficult

Sjy Italia say that while getting Vicario’s greenlight may not be an issue, negotiations with Tottenham are expected to be anything but easy.

It is pointed out that the Premier League side are one of the toughest negotiators in world football and may not be willing to offer a discount on the goalkeeper.

While some groundwork has been done with the first contacts, the deal would require ‘a significant financial effort and a complex diplomatic approach’ from the Inter hierarchy.

Tottenham Hotspur potentially face the prospect of competition from London rivals for three of their winger targets in January.

According to reports, Spurs have now given up on Antoine Semenyo after it became clear that the Bournemouth winger prefers moving to Manchester City or Liverpool.

Over the past week, a number of exciting young wingers have been put forward as Semenyo alternatives for Tottenham.

However, the Lilywhites have now learned that one of their fiercest rivals have a very similar January shopping list.

Chelsea are big fans of £87m-rated Tottenham target

Over recent weeks, plenty of outlets have claimed that Spurs have held advanced talks over Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has been dominating defences in the Bundesliga this term.

CaughtOffside now report that Chelsea’s scouts have been tracking Diomande for a long time, even prior to his move to Leipzig.

However, it is pointed out that the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£87m) asking price for the 19-year-old poses a big problem for the Blues, who do not want to overspend in January.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Chelsea eyeing two more Spurs targets

CaughtOffside claim that the Blues’ priority is to sign an elite right-footed forward in January, and two of their other targets are also names who are on Tottenham’s wishlist.

Enzo Maresca’s men are said to be keeping a close eye on Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who has been described as a ‘dream signing’ for Tottenham.