Spurs Web

Ryan Mason now faces a touchline ban after the former Tottenham assistant coach was sent off for his protestations to the fourth official against Portsmouth on Saturday.

The 34-year-old’s long association with Spurs came to an end in the summer when he left the North London club to take the top job at the Hawthorns.

Since then, Mason admitted that he knew it was the right time to say goodbye after Tottenham’s Europa League triumph in Bilbao, and he has certainly had a decent start to his career as manager.

The Baggies won their first two Championship fixtures against Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham, but they failed to make it three in three at home on Saturday, with the game ending controversially.

Former Tottenham coach Ryan Mason receives red card

With the game poised at 1-1, the former Tottenham assistant coach was furious when Albion were denied a penalty in the second half after Connor Ogilvie appeared to Aune Heggebo in the box.

Moments later, Pompey centre-back, Regan Poole, who had already been booked, committed a foul on Heggebo, but the referee did not deem it worthy of a booking.

This riled Mason and his coaching staff, who were furiously complaining to the fourth official, which led to the 34-year-old being shown a straight red card on 71 minutes.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Mason is waiting for the verdict on his suspension

According to The Express and Star, the West Brom boss is now expected to face a touchline ban as per FA rules. However, the outlet says that the length of the ban is yet to be finalised by English football’s governing body.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are now willing to break the bank to sign Savinho from Manchester City before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

It was reported last week that after missing out on Eberechi Eze, Spurs are willing to pull out all the stops to land Savinho.

However, a deal for the Brazilian is not expected to be straightforward, with reports indicating that one member of the Man City hierarchy is blocking Savinho’s exit.

It appears that the Lilywhites are not deterred and are now expected to push ahead with a big offer for the 21-year-old.

Tottenham are willing to spend big on Savinho

This update comes from Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that less than 24 hours after beating Manchester City, Spurs are ready to offer Pep Guardiola’s side big money for the winger.

Romano claims that the North London side are willing to bid upwards of €70m (£60.6m) for Savinho, and adds that they will ‘try until the end’ to get the deal over the line.

The journalist adds that the former Girona man is keen on the move to N17, with the deal now dependent on Man City.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Romano wrote: “Confirmed: Tottenham Hotspur want to go over €70m for Savinho and will try until the end to get the deal done. Savio, keen on Spurs move and now all depends on Manchester City.”

Why Spurs’ pursuit of Savinho may have got more complicated

It was previously revealed by some sources that Pep Guardiola does not want to lose Savinho this summer.

His resolve to hold onto the Brazilian may have just increased after Saturday’s result, Tottenham exposing the holes in the Man City side.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign with victory against Manchester City.

The lead up to the game had been dominated by Tottenham’s failed move for Eberechi Eze which had frustrated many fans on the white side of North London and a trip to the Etihad Stadium is never an easy fixture for many teams.

Tottenham, however, have enjoyed decent success at the home of the former Premier League champions in recent times.

Saturday proved to be no different when Tottenham’s 2-0 win against Man City will have certainly made plenty of people sit up and take notice of Thomas Frank’s work at his new club.

Tottenham were dominant in win over Manchester City

While City threatened early on, Tottenham settled into the match, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven keeping the likes of Erling Haaland from looking as if they were to find the back of the net.

With Destiny Udogie still not ready to return from injury, Djed Spence continued to operate at left-back and put in yet another impressive shift.

The 25-year-old, who must surely be on the radar for a call-up to the senior England squad for the World Cup qualifiers early next month, looked completely at ease against the attacking threat of the home side.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spence’s pace is one of his key assets and when the likes of Oscar Bobb tried to take him on, they found themselves struggling to get past the Spurs defender.

Djed Spence has a message for Premier League opponents

Spence took to social media shortly after the final whistle where first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and summer signing Joao Palhinha proved to be enough to secure Tottenham’s first away win in the Premier League since beating Ipswich Town in October.

The former Middlesbrough player has challenged his future opponents by posting the caption “bring me your favourite winger.”

Tottenham Hotspur claimed 10 victories in the Europa League last season, but have still suffered in the UEFA Coefficient rankings.

Tottenham Hotspur will be back in European action in less than a month, as they hope to build on an impressive Europa League triumph. It was in Europe that Spurs were able to escape last season from a dismal Premier League campaign which resulted in a 17th-place finish.

Thomas Frank will be relishing the opportunity to try something new. He has managed Brøndby before in Europa League qualifying, but this will be the first time he has led a team into the Champions League.

Tottenham are yet to discover whether they will be in pot two or three in the Champions League draw. However, this plays a smaller factor in the new format, as they will still play two teams from every pot.

Tottenham have fallen down the UEFA rankings

A Europa League win has not stopped Tottenham from dropping down the UEFA Coefficient rankings. The UEFA website shows that Spurs were 27th last season, but have dropped four places to 31st.

The clubs to have overtaken Tottenham are Sporting CP, Real Sociedad, LOSC Lille and PSV Eindhoven.

Both Sporting and Lille were knocked out of the Champions League last season at the hands of Borussia Dortmund, in the play-offs and last 16 respectively. Arsenal thrashed PSV in the last 16, while Real Sociedad were beaten by Manchester United in the Europa League.

MORE SPURS STORIES

What chance do Spurs have of winning the Champions League?

Daniel Levy said he wanted Tottenham to win the Champions League, shortly after their Europa League success last season. However, Spurs have not done well enough in the transfer market to be competing with Europe’s top teams.

The UEFA Super Cup defeat showed that while Frank knew how to set up his team, there was just a lack of depth on the bench to seal the victory.

A realistic aim for Tottenham would be to reach the quarter-finals of the competition. This would mean winning at least one knockout tie and potentially a second, depending on whether or not they finished in the top eight of the league phase.

Ange Postecoglou did not achieve cup success in his first season and no one could blame Frank for failing to win a trophy this early on. However, if he does help Spurs win another trophy, it is most likely to be the FA Cup or Carabao Cup.

For the second season in a row, Tottenham Hotspur tasted victory against Man City at the Etihad, with Thomas Frank masterminding a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola.

We resisted saying this earlier because we were unsure whether it might backfire, but now we are more confident to admit it. Yes, the ‘new manager honeymoon’ period for Tottenham has properly kicked off. This time, Spurs fans will be hoping it lasts longer than the 10 games it did under Ange Postecoglou.

It was an incredible win for Tottenham in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Etihad Stadium. Despite the stats favouring Spurs ahead of the fixture, nothing suggested it would be straightforward. Regardless, Thomas Frank outclassed Pep Guardiola in his very first away league game as Spurs boss, overseeing a second clean sheet in a row and a statement victory.

Many had expected the Dane to revert to a back five, something he often used at Brentford against stronger opposition and also deployed against PSG in the Super Cup. Instead, he went bold with a 4-2-3-1. The defence and attack remained unchanged from the 3-0 win against Burnley, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha replaced Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray in midfield.

Guardiola, meanwhile, named City’s youngest Premier League starting XI in 15 years. He made two changes from their 4-0 opening win at Wolves, with Ryan Cherki and Omar Marmoush coming in for Jeremy Doku and Bernardo Silva.

First half: Man City 0-2 Tottenham

With chants of ‘We want Levy out’ echoing from the away end, Spurs pressed with purpose from the off. Richarlison earned an early free kick, which Pedro Porro first hit the wall before firing the rebound into the side netting.

City’s first real opening came courtesy of a poor Porro header that gifted Marmoush the chance to score, only for the Egyptian to drag his effort wide.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Marmoush remained a menace, forcing two sharp saves from Guglielmo Vicario in quick succession, before later being brilliantly denied one-on-one after Erling Haaland bulldozed through three challenges to set him up.

And yet, with City looking the likelier, Spurs landed the first blow. Richarlison beat John Stones for pace down the right and squared into the middle, where Brennan Johnson tucked home. The linesman’s flag cut short celebrations, but after a VAR check, the goal was eventually awarded.

Hardly 10 minutes later, Tottenham doubled their advantage. City keeper James Trafford misplaced a short pass straight into danger, allowing Pape Sarr to pounce. The ball fell for Richarlison, and after his effort was parried, it fell to Joao Palhinha, who fired home his first goal for Tottenham from inside the box.

Erling Haaland mistimed a header in the last minute of stoppage time as his side went into the break, trailing by 2 goals.

City had an xG of 1.12 to Spurs’ 0.6, but it was Frank’s men who took advantage of their chances.

Incredibly, this was only the sixth time under Guardiola that City had trailed by two or more at half-time at home, with Spurs now responsible for half of those occasions.

Second half: Man City 0-2 Tottenham

No changes at the interval, but City came out knowing they needed a response. Their first real opening saw Nathan Ake’s powerful shot blocked by a sliding Joao Palhinha, who was everywhere in midfield.

Tottenham continued to pose a threat on the break. Porro’s delivery found Richarlison, whose header landed on the roof of the net, before Johnson wasted a promising 5v4 counter by blazing over from distance instead of playing it through to one of his teammates into the box. Thomas Frank wasn’t very happy about that.

City looked stronger after their substitutions, but Spurs’ backline stood firm. Micky van de Ven produced a sensational sliding block to deny Phil Foden, while Bernardo Silva glanced a header wide.

At the other end, Spurs’ substitutes almost combined to add a third, as Lucas Bergvall teed up Wilson Odobert, only for the Frenchman to drag his finish off target.

In stoppage time, Dominic Solanke’s low strike was parried by Trafford before Odobert’s follow-up was also saved.

FT: MANCHESTER CITY 0-2 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Spurs Web man of the match: Joao Palhinha

What’s next for the Premier League table toppers

It is a dream start to the Premier League season for Tottenham. Two games, two wins, five goals scored, none conceded, and a seat at the joint top of the table. Thomas Frank is getting the very best out of his players, and several shone at the Etihad.

Pape Sarr and Mohammed Kudus once again looked immense, and not to forget, Guglielmo Vicario made four vital saves. But the standout was undoubtedly Joao Palhinha. Not only did he open his Spurs account, but he also dominated defensively, making 3 clearances, winning all his aerial duels, completing 6 ground duels, producing 2 tackles, and even 1 incredible block – all without being dispossessed once.

After a week’s rest, Tottenham return home to face Bournemouth in week three, and the league leaders will be looking to extend their perfect start.

European football expert Andy Brassell believes that Tottenham Hotspur should turn to a Real Madrid attacker to fix their creative issues, and it is not Rodrygo.

James Maddison has already been ruled out for the majority of the upcoming season, and to make matters worse, Dejan Kulusevski is also not expected back for several months.

Reports indicate that Thomas Frank has urged Tottenham to sign two creative midfielders before the window slams shut, and one can understand why.

For the moment, the Dane is using Pape Sarr in that role, but a Real Madrid man has now been put forward as the perfect option for the North London side.

Tottenham urged to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid

Reports from Spain have indicated over recent days that Spurs have held talks with Real Madrid over a loan deal for Rodrygo.

However, Andy Brassell has now suggested that rather than pursuing the Brazilian, Frank’s men should turn their attention to Rodrigo’s teammate, Brahim Diaz.

He described the Morocco international as a game-changer and suggested that Tottenham can lure him with the offer of regular game time.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Brassell told Sky Sports: “I just wonder what Spurs’ options are now, really. If you’re looking at Europe, because there aren’t a whole lot of number 10s out there, I wonder if it’s worth a little go for Brahim Diaz.

“The latest news from Madrid is, it looks like Rodrygo is not going anywhere, Xabi Alonso would like to keep him, and the offers aren’t really out there at the moment.

“Brahim Diaz is someone who was at Manchester City, he’s won leagues in three different countries, he’s a match-changer in all the big matches that he plays, he’s 26, and he can’t get in the Real Madrid XI. To me, that looks like a bit of Spurs.”

Nico Paz is seen as Spurs’ most achievable target

Over recent days, it has emerged that Spurs are also eyeing a move for an attacking midfielder who departed the Santiago Bernabeu just last summer.

According to The Independent, Como’s Nico Paz is seen as Tottenham’s ‘most achievable transfer’ for the number ten role after the club missed out on Eberechi Eze.

Tottenham Hotspur are now stepping up a move for a Premier League centre-back, who Thomas Frank knows very well, but the Lilywhites are expected to face challenges in getting the deal over the line.

According to reports, Frank wants to add a number ten, a winger and a centre-back to his squad before the transfer window slams shut.

Most of the focus of the media has been on which attackers Tottenham will turn to after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who is now on his way to Arsenal.

However, it has now emerged that the Lilywhites are pressing for their interest in an experienced defender, whom Frank has worked with.

Tottenham want to sign Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins

This report comes from CaughtOffside, who say that Tottenham are one of three clubs that hold an interest in Brentford star Nathan Collins.

Collins, who was one of the figureheads of the Bees side under Frank over the last couple of seasons, has been made the West London club’s captain following the departure of Cristian Norgaard.

However, Spurs are now ‘stepping up their efforts’ to land the Republic of Ireland international before the window slams shut on September 1, with Frank keen on reuniting with the player.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report says that a deal for Collins will not be easy, as the defender is contracted until 2029 at the Gtech Community Stadium, and Brentford are determined to hold onto him.

Spurs hold an advantage over rivals in Collins race

CaughtOffside say that Manchester United and Liverpool are also in the mix to sign the Bees captain in a late deal.

However, the Red Devils have to sell players before they make a serious offer for Collins, while Liverpool’s priority target remains Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.

After missing out on Eberechi Eze, Tottenham Hotspur could turn their attention back to an England international midfielder, whom they explored a move earlier this summer.

It remains to be seen how Spurs will respond after seeing their move for Eze being hijacked by their North London rivals.

Some outlets have claimed over the last 24 hours that Tottenham are setting their sights on audacious signings such as Morgan Rogers, but a new report has suggested another young English midfielder is also on the Lilywhites’ sights.

Earlier this summer, Spurs were credited with an interest in Man United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, and it has now been alleged that a deal for the 20-year-old will be within the North London club’s reach.

Tottenham prepared to make a late move for Kobbie Mainoo

According to GiveMeSport, Kobbie Mainoo will be sacrificed by Man United this summer to offset their huge summer outlay, and Tottenham are interested.

The Red Devils have spent around £200m on revamping their frontline, securing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko, and they are thus ready to cash in on Mainoo for £60m.

The outlet claims that Spurs are waiting to take the bait, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium emerging as a potential late destination for the United academy graduate.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is explained that Mainoo fits the brief of a young, dynamic midfielder wanted by Thomas Frank, and the fact that he is homegrown is another point of attraction for Spurs, who need more homegrown options for their Champions League squad.

Will Kobbie Mainoo solve Spurs’ creativity issues?

With James Maddison out with an ACL injury and with Dejan Kulusevski not close to a return, Spurs are in desperate need of creativity.

While Mainoo can play as a number eight/ten, he is a midfielder more in the mould of Pape Sarr than a Maddison or a Kulusevski. His arrival will certainly not solve Tottenham’s issues in the middle of the park.

The club’s attempts to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze are an indication that Frank wants a player who can create some magic on the ball, which is not something the United youngster can provide.

—

Manchester United are hoping that Tottenham Hotspur re-enter the race to sign one of their attackers after the North London club missed out on Eberechi Eze.

Since missing out on Eze in an embarrassing fashion, it has been reported that Spurs have made advances towards several attackers across Europe.

The Lilywhites are in a race against time, particularly amidst reports that Thomas Frank wants two offensive players through the door before the transfer deadline.

It has now been revealed that the hope at Old Trafford is that the London side will come back in for one of their players.

Man United want Tottenham to bid for Alejandro Garnacho

Some sources previously revealed that Spurs decided against making a move for Alejandro Garnacho despite conducting checks on the winger this summer.

According to a report in GiveMeSport, Man United are hoping Spurs will now re-enter the race for the Argentina international and offer competition to their London rivals, Chelsea.

The Red Devils have already given the green light for Tottenham to bid for Garnacho, with the Manchester club eager for Thomas Frank’s men to get involved.

MORE SPURS STORIES

This is because there are fears at Man United that if Tottenham do not enter the race for the versatile attacker, Chelsea will have the upper hand in the negotiations.

Alejoando Garnacho could be signed for a cut-price fee

Earlier this summer, it was reported that Man United were demanding £70m for Garnacho, but according to this latest update from GiveMeSport, Chelsea want to sign him for less than half that fee.

The publication claims that the Blues believe a deal can be done for just £30m, given that the winger has already been frozen out by Ruben Amorim and has no way back at Man United.

Additionally, the West London club know that no other club has put cash on the table for Garnacho and that the player wants to complete a move to Stamford Bridge.

A transfer battle is expected to erupt between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce over an experienced Tottenham man in the final days of the transfer window.

With just 10 days left until the window slams shut, Spurs have plenty of work to do, with reports indicating that the Lilywhites want to add three new signings to their squad.

There is also work to be done in offloading players to make space for potential new signings, and one of those who is expected to leave is Yves Bissouma.

It has emerged over recent days that Bissouma would prefer to stay in the Premier League if he is forced out the door by Spurs, but the midfielder is seemingly generating plenty of interest from Turkey.

Turkish giants want to sign Yves Bissouma from Tottenham

It has now been reported by Takvim that Galatasaray have entered the race to sign the Mali international.

The Super Lig side are keen to bolster their options in the middle of the park and are expected to make initial contact over a deal for the Tottenham man soon.

Gala, who also have CSKA Moscow’s Matvey Kislyak on their wishlist, expect their local rivals Fenerbahce to challenge them in the race for Bissouma.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The report claims that Tottenham Hotspur are looking for offers in the region of €25m (£21.6m) for the 28-year-old, even though he has just a year left on his contract.

Bissouma is also on the radar of European giants

It has also been reported that Bissouma is on the wishlist of Juventus, who want to add a new number six to their squad.

However, some sources have suggested that the Bianconeri may be discouraged from signing Bissouma as he would take up a non-EU spot in their squad.