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Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League

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Tottenham secured a 2-2 draw away from home in the Arctic Circle against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night in matchday two of the Champions League.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt:

Spurs show fight but lack consistency

Tottenham Hotspur could not make it two victories from two in the Champions League, as they managed to snatch a 2-2 draw after staring down the barrel of defeat.

It was a poor, dismal and abysmal performance from Thomas Frank’s men in the first half, and they were lucky not to have found themselves behind at the break had Hogh scored his penalty.

One would have expected a response from Frank’s side, but it was more of the same from the Lilywhites, who quickly found themselves two goals down.

However, as we have seen in three of the last four games, Spurs under the Dane do have a way of clawing back a point from these situations, and today was very much similar.

The Lilywhites refused to be beaten even when they went two goals down, showing great fighting spirit to claw their way back.

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But every Tottenham fan would tell you they would rather a solid and consistent performance across both halves, which has been lacking in recent weeks, as we saw against Wolves, Brighton and now Glimt. Still, the positive for Frank is that his players are willing to fight until the death.

Richarlison struggles with just 10 touches for Tottenham vs Bodo/Glimt

Tottenham were poor and lacked any real invention in their attacking play tonight, and this lack of attacking intent was summed up in Richarlison’s performance.

Spurs were so ineffective that they struggled to find their number nine, with the Brazil international limited to just 10 touches of the ball all game against Bodo/Glimt.

One of those touches did lead to the equaliser, and ironically, it was a touch that the forward knew little about as Archie Gray’s cross was parried against him before the ball found its way into the back of the net.

Where are Tottenham in the Champions League table?

We are now two games down with six more to go in the league phase of the Champions League. No doubt, for Frank and his men, the ideal scenario would be to qualify automatically by finishing in the top eight, in order to avoid any extra play-off games.

At the moment, with a win and a draw, Spurs find themselves on four points and are currently sat fourth in the Champions League table, although several teams are yet to play their second game.

However, there is no need for panic yet, as last season four home wins and four away draws were enough for a top-eight place. At the moment, Spurs are on course for that, having beaten Villarreal at home and drawn at the Arctic Circle.

Spurs defence shaky as they allow 17 shots on goal

Spurs have been defensively resolute under Thomas Frank in all competitions this season, but today’s outing was anything but that, as they gave up 17 shots on their own goal.

It was a lacklustre performance that saw the Lilywhites drop off, particularly in the first half, inviting Bodo/Glimt to attack, with little pressure put on the ball.

At this level, if they continue to allow that many chances against stronger sides, fighting spirit might count for very little, as a good team could very well be out of sight before Tottenham have the chance to respond.

It is always better to defend by being on the front foot and keeping your opponent as far away from your goal as possible, but that was far from the case tonight, and it was little surprise that Tottenham found themselves two goals down.

Tottenham lack creativity as Xavi Simons left out of number ten role

Yes, it is early days, and there are injuries for Frank to deal with, but the lack of creativity is becoming increasingly glaring with each passing game.

The forwards are simply not scoring enough goals for a side that is supposed to be playing on the front foot.

It seems Tottenham’s best chance of grabbing a goal these days comes from a set piece or a wonder strike, and that is not sustainable.

Spurs need to create clearer chances if they are to score consistently. Bodo/Glimt’s 2.57 xG compared to Tottenham’s 1.46 tells you all you need to know about the type of chances Spurs are creating.

Tottenham do have a number ten in their squad and Frank needs to give Xavi Simons a chance in that role so the Dutchman can quickly acclimatise. All these brief cameos and spells on the left wing are doing little to help.

If Frank keeps reverting to Simons in the ten role when chasing a game, then why is he not starting the 22-year-old there in the first place?

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Tottenham player ratings from 2-2 draw vs Bodo/Glimt as 3/10 duo struggle in the Arctic Circle

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The full-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt in matchday two of the league phase of the Champions League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt

Guglielmo Vicario – After a few good stops in the first half, Vicario was finally beaten twice by a Bodo/Glimt side that picked up from where they left off with the constant attacking. 5.

Pedro Porro – Allowed Hauge to drift inside far too easily for the opener, punished as the wide man finished superbly. Tried to make amends with a dangerous dead-ball delivery that struck the upright. Again found himself caught out defensively for the second, beaten far too simply. He did provide an assist with a cross for Van de Ven’s goal, but overall, it was a poor defensive display. 4.

Micky van de Ven – Among Tottenham’s better players before the break, reading the game well and cutting out danger. However, his line was breached twice in the second half, and he was penalised for shirt-pulling in the build-up to a disallowed goal. Redeemed himself by scoring Spurs’ first of the night. 7

Kevin Danso – Solid in the first half but less assured after the interval, with two Bodo/Glimt goals coming down his and Porro’s flank. 5.

Djed Spence – Even with Tottenham chasing the game, he was reluctant to push on and rarely offered an outlet going forward. As cautious as he had been in the first half. 5.

Rodrigo Bentancur – Reckless in conceding a first-half penalty with a lazy challenge, although Hogh spared him by missing. Thought he had equalised shortly after Spurs went behind in the second half, only for his goal to be ruled out. 4.

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Pape Matar Sarr – Struggled badly. Offered next to nothing with or without the ball, barely involved before being withdrawn for Joao Palhinha. 3.

Lucas Bergvall – Replaced on the hour as Frank turned to Simons. His first-half outside-of-the-boot cross was his most telling contribution, and he faded thereafter. 4.5.

Brennan Johnson – Culpable alongside Porro for tracking the same overlapping run that helped open up space for Hauge to cut inside. Thought he had created a goal when his shot was diverted in by Bentancur, but that was chalked off. Substituted in the second half as Frank brought on Kudus. 3.

Richarlison – Isolated for long spells, starved of service and struggled to hold the ball up effectively. Still, he delivered the key moment by grabbing Tottenham’s equaliser when Khaikin spilt Gray’s cross. 6.

Wilson Odobert – Showed flashes of intent with direct running but failed to deliver any real end product. Did not build on his first-half promise and, after a quiet second period, came closest with a diving header that rattled the crossbar. 4.

Substitutes

Xavi Simons – Introduced for Johnson to add guile, but failed to influence the contest. Gave away possession cheaply from a corner, leading to Bodo/Glimt’s second goal. 4.

Mohammed Kudus – Lively after coming on for Bergvall, carrying the ball with purpose and delivering a fine cross that led to Odobert’s header against the bar. 6.

Joao Palhinha – Sent on for Sarr to anchor midfield and add presence at set pieces. Kept things steady but no more. 5.

Destiny Udogie – Came on for Djed Spence for the final ten minutes of the clash, and looked to offer more width in attack with his overlapping runs. N/A.

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Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt as 3/10 star has a nightmare

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The half-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham Hotspur are level at the break in their Champions League tie against Bodo/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadion.

Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Bodo/Glimt

Guglielmo Vicario – Forced into an early save after Berg struck from distance, but he was equal to it, tipping over the crossbar. Went the wrong way for the penalty, but it mattered little with Hogh firing over the crossbar. 7.

Pedro Porro – Got in the way of Hogh’s effort inside the area after Bodo/Glimt cranked up the pressure. Tried to influence matters from deep with his crossing whenever the chance arose, though his impact was limited. 6.

Micky van de Ven – The Dutchman had his hands full as Bodo/Glimt enjoyed long spells of possession, but he stood up well. Made several important interceptions, shutting down danger before it could develop. 7.

Kevin Danso – Stepped in for Cristian Romero, who did not travel to Norway, and looked assured. He was a calm presence at the back and produced a vital intervention to cut out a threatening Bodo/Glimt attack. 7.

Djed Spence – Disciplined in his defensive duties and measured with his forward runs. On occasions, he was caught out of position when Bodo/Glimt looked to break after some of his attacking forays. 6.

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Rodrigo Bentancur – More defensive-minded on the night, frequently dropping into the backline to help form a three in possession. Unfortunately, he has given that possession away far too many times and conceded a penalty with a rash challenge in the box – thankfully for Tottenham, Bodo failed to punish him. 3.

Pape Matar Sarr – Restored to the starting eleven but offered little of his usual drive into the penalty area. A quiet display in midfield. 5.

Lucas Bergvall – Full of energy and once again entrusted with the number ten role. Nearly provided the opener with a sublime outside-of-the-boot cross for Richarlison, who could not finish. Always willing to probe, but struggled to hold on to the ball. 5.5.

Brennan Johnson – Picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box after a corner but blazed over. Has offered very little on the ball and hasn’t got Spurs up the pitch enough. 4.

Richarlison – Should have put Tottenham ahead when Bergvall picked him out brilliantly, but his touch let him down at the key moment. 4.

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Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham Hotspur confirmed Champions League team news – Another new Spurs captain

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Thomas Frank has selected his Tottenham Hotspur team for the Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt.

Tottenham are looking to maintain their unbeaten start to their European campaign, having beaten Villarreal 1-0 in North London earlier this month.

Thomas Frank will be looking for a substantially better performance from his side from the one which saw Spurs draw 1-1 with Wolves at the weekend, with Joao Palhinha’s injury-time equaliser saving their blushes.

Bodo/Glimt have enjoyed a good season domestically, with 22 games already being played and currently sit in second place in the Eliteserien table.

What is the Tottenham team vs Bodo/Glimt?

Thomas Frank confirmed at Monday’s press conference that Dominic Solanke will have minor surgery on an ankle issue that has been bothering him in recent weeks.

Fellow striker Randal Kolo Muani remains out with a dead leg which has sidelined the loanee for the previous three fixtures, while club captain Cristian Romero has remained back in London as a precautionary measure.

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Yves Bissouma is back in training, but was not registered for the Champions League squad along with Mathys Tel. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin remain sidelined.

This is the Tottenham team which takes to the field in the Arctic Circle this evening:

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Danso, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Johnson, Richarlison, Odobert

Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Palhinha, Simons, Udogie, Gray, Kudus, Davies, Scarlett, Olusesi, Hardy

Tottenham need to use their previous experience to their advantage

The two clubs last faced off just 145 days ago in the Europa League semi-finals, where Spurs secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in Norway under Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham have won three of their last four away games in major European competitions and Frank needs to ensure that he gets his team set up correctly after there were obvious issues aganst Wolves.

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How Brentford have reacted to Tottenham Hotspur interest in Nathan Collins

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Tottenham Hotspur are keen to add Nathan Collins to their squad in January and Brentford have now given the North London club a clear response.

According to reports, Tottenham explored a move for Nathan Collins in the summer, but the Republic of Ireland international stayed put at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The 24-year-old has been handed the armband by Keith Andrews following the departure of Christian Norgaard to Arsenal in the summer.

However, over recent days, it has emerged that Spurs are expected to try again to land Collins in January, with Frank keen to reunite with the centre-back at N17.

Brentford’s stance on Tottenham target Nathan Collins revealed

TEAMtalk have now said that the Bees have given a strong ‘hands-off’ message to Tottenham Hotspur about their captain.

The West London club have made it clear to Spurs that they will not entertain any offers for Collins in January.

Having already lost Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the summer, Brentford are keen to ensure that no other key player leaves the club mid-season.

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The report says that Brentford’s hardline stance may force Tottenham to look at other options to strengthen their defence in January.

What Brentford have told Keith Andrews about Collins

In fact, TEAMtalk allege that in light of Tottenham’s interest, the Bees have already assured Andrews that the Irish defender will not be leaving the club in January.

The 45-year-old manager has the backing of the Brentford top brass as he hopes to build on last weekend’s win over Man United and steer the club clear of the relegation spots.

The outlet adds that the Gtech Community Stadium hierarchy see Collins as being vital to their chances of retaining their top-flight status.

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Tottenham may have just been used to try and secure new contract for midfield target

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on landing an experienced German attacking midfielder, but the player has made an interesting move after the Lilywhites expressed interest.

The number ten role has been a worry for Spurs at the start of the season, given that James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined.

Thomas Frank has been hesitant to use Xavi Simons centrally, preferring to use the Dutchman on the left so far, a position where the 22-year-old has not clicked.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Tottenham are plotting to raid Borussia Dortmund for Julian Brandt in January, with the Lilywhites seeing the 29-year-old as someone who can fill the void left by Maddison’s injury.

The report claimed that Dortmund may decide to cash in Brandt, given that his contract runs out next summer, but the German international has now made a big move amidst Spurs’ interest.

Julian Brandt is using Tottenham’s interest to get a new Borussia Dortmund contract

A new update from Bild has now confirmed that Brandt is indeed on Tottenham’s radar.

The report says that not only Spurs, but also Newcastle and Aston Villa have expressed an interest in signing the attacking midfielder in January.

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However, it is claimed that Dortmund boss Niko Kovac is a fan of Brandt, and the player has ‘legitimate hopes of staying’ at Signal Iduna Park beyond next summer.

Bild allege that the former Bayer Leverkusen man has ‘improved his negotiating position’ due to the interest from the Premier League trio. In fact, the outlet says that the veteran midfielder has himself initiated talks over a new deal with Dortmund.

The Brandt to Tottenham rumours have likely been leaked by his agent

The idea that Tottenham will sign another number ten in January does not pass the sniff test, considering that Dejan Kulusevski is expected to return within the next few months.

Additionally, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr have shown themselves capable of playing that role, while one would think that it is only a matter of time before Xavi Simons is trusted in that position.

It thus appears that the speculation linking Brandt to Tottenham has been fed to the press by the German international’s agent in an effort to strengthen their negotiating position ahead of contract talks with Dortmund.

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Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic breaks crazy five-year record across Europe’s top five leagues

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Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic is already breaking records at Hamburg, and his latest performance has seen him earn a special nickname from the German media.

Vuskovic admitted that he insisted on leaving on loan even though Tottenham were happy to keep him, and the 18-year-old will be over the moon with his decision so far.

The Tottenham youngster scored his first Bundesliga goal in his second league outing last week, as Hamburg overcame Heidenheim 2-1.

He has now followed that up with another solid defensive display as HSV grabbed a point away at Union Berlin.

Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic breaks record in Hamburg’s 0-0 draw

Hamburg dominated proceedings at Union Berlin, but the home side were constantly playing crosses and long balls into the HSV box.

Merlin Polzin’s men had Vuskovic to thank for keeping a clean sheet, with the Tottenham Hotspur youngster proving extremely dominant in aerial duals, winning almost every cross that came into the box.

In fact, the teenager has broken a record, with SofaScore revealing that Vuskovic won more aerial duels in a single match than any player has across Europe’s top five leagues over the last five campaigns. Vuskovic won 18 aerial duels in that game alone!

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Vuskovic earns a cool nickname due to his aerial dominance

The local media in Hamburg have been extremely impressed with the teenager’s ability to dominate balls into the box.

In fact, Hamburger Abendblatt has nicknamed the youngster ‘Air Vuskovic’ on the back of his performance on Sunday.

The German outlet said about the Tottenham man’s performance: “The Alte Forsterei urgently needs to be expanded if the Croatian is to compete there again.

“Vuskovic occasionally jumped all the way to the stadium roof. It’s astonishing how effortlessly he wins every header. He won 19 of his 23 duels.”

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Tottenham’s Mikey Moore comes under fire from Rangers fans for being ‘timid’ and ‘poor’

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Rangers supporters have voiced their frustration with Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore, branding his latest cameo as “very poor” after another underwhelming display in Scotland.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore is currently out on loan at Rangers as the 18-year-old searches for regular minutes away from north London.

The teenager is highly regarded at Spurs, with new head coach Thomas Frank a strong admirer of Moore’s potential, and James Maddison even likening Moore to Neymar after a top performance in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar.

However, life in the Scottish Premiership has not been straightforward for the winger, who has found it difficult to stamp his authority on matches.

Tottenham’s Mikey Moore criticised by Rangers fans

Moore featured in Rangers’ recent clash with Livingston, although he was introduced late on from the bench.

The Tottenham youngster was given just eight minutes on the pitch, but even that short spell was enough for Rangers fans to share their disappointment.

In that brief cameo, the teenager managed 14 touches, had 5/7 accurate passes, managed one accurate cross and won three out of six duels.

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Taking to social media after the game, one Rangers supporter said: “Timid Mikey Moore and Bajrami getting game time ahead of Findlay Curtis is criminal from Russell Martin.”

Another added: “Chasing a goal at 1-1 vs Livingston and we turn to Mikey Moore, who has been poor.”

There was more criticism aimed his way, with another fan commenting: “Martin’s substitutions prove just how poor he is. He moves Gassama to the right to play Mikey Moore on the left.”

One frustrated supporter also claimed: “Tottenham must be absolutely fuming where we are playing Mikey Moore right now.”

Moore’s struggles show wider issues for Rangers

So far, Mikey Moore has featured four times in the league for Rangers, starting twice, but he has yet to record a single goal contribution.

The 18-year-old, however, has shown glimpses of ability, but his inability to truly influence matches is not entirely down to him, as he is playing in a Rangers team that is collectively underperforming.

Moore is reportedly unhappy with his role at Rangers, with Russell Martin asking him to tuck in rather than stay out wide. Tottenham are even said to be considering a January recall for the starlet.

Rangers currently sit eighth in the table, with only one win from their opening six league matches, leaving them nine points adrift of the top. In such a difficult environment, it is proving to be a testing introduction to senior football for Moore.

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Tottenham star is close to signing new contract after eight appearances already this season

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Tottenham Hotspur are looking to tie their biggest stars down to new contracts, and it appears a 28-year-old midfielder could be next on the list.

Tottenham have already tied club captain Cristian Romero to a new contract, as well as full-back Djed Spence. Spurs are said to want to agree on new terms with Micky Van de Ven soon, too.

Since arriving from Juventus in 2022, Rodrigo Bentancur has been a key player for every manager he has had at Tottenham.

It was always clear from day one that it would be the same under the new regime, with Frank naming Bentancur as one of the players he is most looking forward to working with in his first interview as Spurs boss back in the summer.

However, his current deal runs out next summer, and it has been widely reported over recent months that Spurs want to tie Bentancur down to a new contract.

Big development over Rodrigo Bentancur’s future at Tottenham

Football.London’s Alasdair Gold has now confirmed that Spurs have made progress in their efforts to tie the midfielder to a new deal.

In fact, the journalist asserts that Bentancur is now close to putting pen to paper on a contract at the North London club.

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The midfielder has featured in all but one match under Frank so far this season, and he is now set to commit his future to a contract that will keep him at N17 for the foreseeable future.

Bentancur’s Spurs performances have been under the scanner of late

Thomas Frank has said that he is very happy with Bentancur, describing the former Juventus man as “a top professional in every aspect”.

However, the experienced Spurs star was blasted by pundits for his performance against Wolves on Saturday as the Lilywhites were held to a 1-1 draw.

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Tottenham fans receive concrete proof that Fabio Paratici is still working with the club

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Tottenham Hotspur are not done with Fabio Paratici despite his recent suspended jail sentence, and proof of that has seemingly emerged online.

It was previously reported that Paratici is unlikely to return to Tottenham in an official role following Daniel Levy’s exit.

However, over the last few weeks, several outlets have claimed that the Italian director remains intent on taking up a full-time role at Spurs despite the change in leadership structure.

Paratici recently accepted an 18-month suspended jail sentence due to his alleged involvement in the Juventus capital gains scandal.

However, it has been suggested that Paratici’s suspended jail sentence allows him to work without a legal case lingering over him, with the former Juventus director not making any admission of guilt.

Fabio Paratici spotted travelling to Bodo/Glimt ahead of Tottenham clash

A Spurs fan has now spotted Paratici on his flight to Bodo, which serves as confirmation that he will be in attendance for Tottenham’s Champions League game this evening.

At the very least, that suggests that the Italian is still working with Spurs and his association with the club has not ended following the exit of Levy.

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Last week, Thomas Frank admitted that he shares a good relationship with Paratici, confessing that he worked closely with him during the transfer window.

What Vinai Venkatesham is thinking about Fabio Paratici

According to a recent report in TBR Football, Paratici has held talks with Vinai Venkatesham over returning to Spurs in a full-time role.

The report claimed that the Tottenham CEO has been impressed with the Italian director and is prepared to offer him a permanent role at the club.

The outlet added that Venkatesham shares a good relationship with Paratici and is currently pushing the Lewis family to appoint him as the club’s head of recruitment.

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