Spurs Web

Behind-the-scenes footage of Thomas Frank’s stirring dressing room message before Tottenham’s derby win over Arsenal in Hong Kong has now been revealed.

Thomas Frank has secured his first derby win as Tottenham Hotspur manager, guiding his side to a gritty 1-0 victory over Arsenal in Hong Kong.

It may have only been a pre-season outing, but for the Lilywhites, beating their fiercest rivals – and doing so with a clean sheet – is never insignificant.

A sensational halfway-line strike from Pape Matar Sarr proved the difference on the day, and beyond the scoreline, Spurs impressed with their intensity, structure and collective work rate across all areas of the pitch.

What Thomas Frank told Tottenham players before Arsenal win

Behind-the-scenes footage has now been shared by Tottenham’s official channels, showing Thomas Frank addressing his players before their clash with Arsenal on Thursday.

In his pre-match team talk, Frank laid out a clear message centred on aggression, physicality and bravery, urging his players to dominate in duels and win second balls, particularly when either side went long under pressure.

“Yes, everyone in? Anyone missing? No?” Frank began, before adding: “Big thing – duels and second balls, okay? So when they go long in our high pressure and when we go long, we need to land on the second balls, okay? And make sure we win those 50-50s.

MORE SPURS STORIES

“They will be aggressive, we need to be aggressive. Make sure we are brave, okay? Play forward, trust yourself, play each other good. And play enough in behind. Enough in behind.”

He ended the pep talk with a rallying cry: “Okay boys, let us go!” – drawing applause from the Spurs squad as they headed out onto the pitch.

Early signs under Thomas Frank show defensive steel at Tottenham

The aggressive press high up the pitch was what led to Pape Matar Sarr’s goal, as several Tottenham players swarmed Myles Lewis Skelly when he looked to progress the ball, eventually dispossessing him.

Tottenham were aggressive against the Gunners and often looked to defend with discipline in a mid-block, which made it hard for Arsenal to find a way through.

The early signs so far under Frank are encouraging, as he is instilling defensive solidity in this Spurs side, one that ended on a negative goal difference in the Premier League last season.

Three clean sheets already in pre-season are a good start, and if Tottenham can manage to carry it into the new campaign, then there is every chance that they will manage to break into the top six.

Dele Alli has once again found himself in the headlines for the wrong reasons, with fresh reports out of Italy painting a bleak picture of the Tottenham icon’s time at Como under Cesc Fabregas.

Dele Alli was largely regarded as one of football’s brightest prospects after a few standout seasons at Tottenham Hotspur under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Englishman enjoyed a remarkable 2016–17 season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions and establishing himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe.

Dele also earned 37 caps for England, including appearances at the 2018 World Cup; however, injuries and off-field issues have since derailed his career.

Dele Alli falls out of favour with Cesc Fabregas at Como

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, it is now believed that the midfielder is seriously considering retirement at 29, less than four years after he left Tottenham Hotspur in January 2022.

Alli joined Como after unproductive spells at both Everton and Besiktas, signing an 18-month contract with the Serie A side, and his fortunes remain the same as he has managed just one appearance since joining the Italian side back in January.

That singular outing remains one to forget for the midfielder, who was sent off for a tackle on fellow Englishman Ruben Loftus-Cheek, which is reported to have left manager Cesc Fabregas furious.

MORE SPURS STORIES

It is now understood that Dele Alli has been training separately from the Como senior squad alongside other out-of-favour players and is considering whether it is time to walk away from the beautiful game for good.

Tottenham fans will be saddened by Dele Alli’s decline

Alli looked to have been finding his feet again after off-the-field issues and had even set a goal of featuring in the 2026 World Cup for England.

The midfielder’s chances of doing that have now taken a major hit if he is now out of favour at Como, where he was hoping to find his form once more.

It is, of course, sad to see an iconic Spurs player and footballer have to deal with such issues, as the quality and talent were very evident.

Alli has had his fair share of injuries while at Como and has had to work his way back to full fitness. It now appears as though Dele Alli’s future in the game is in serious doubt.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour of Asia continues with another all-Premier League encounter, this time against Newcastle United. Here’s how to watch the clash between Tottenham and Newcastle on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season preparations continue, and this time they will once again be taking on a Premier League rival.

Last time out, Tottenham came up against north London rivals Arsenal at the Kai Tak Stadium – a game that saw a record attendance for a north London derby clash in China.

Spurs were victors thanks to an outstanding halfway line strike from Pape Matar Sarr, who has now taken his goal tally up to three this pre-season.

Next up is Newcastle United in South Korea, as Tottenham look to wrap up their pre-season tour of Asia before returning to Europe.

When and where is the game?

The match will take place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday, 3 August 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 PM (UK time).

How to watch Tottenham vs Newcastle United in the UK

For fans in the United Kingdom, Tottenham’s clash against Newcastle United will not be broadcast live on television. However, supporters can stream the game via SpursPlay.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham and Newcastle team news

Tottenham Hotspur also have their fair share of injury concerns heading into the clash. Bryan Gil is dealing with a knee problem, while Dejan Kulusevski is nursing a more serious knee injury.

Kulusevski has, however, updated fans on his progress, revealing that he began kicking a ball again for the first time since May.

Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie and Manor Solomon are both recovering from muscle and calf issues, respectively. Radu Dragusin, who suffered a cruciate ligament injury, is also unavailable.

As for Dominic Solanke, it remains touch-and-go with the forward according to Thomas Frank, who has revealed Solanke could return against Newcastle.

Heung-min Son will start and captain the side in what could be his final match as a Tottenham player.

Newcastle United have concerns of their own. Alexander Isak is currently sidelined with a thigh injury and is expected to return in mid-August. Joseph Willock, meanwhile, is recovering from an ankle injury, with a projected return date in late August.

SpursWeb prediction for Tottenham vs Newcastle United

Spurs will be hoping to keep the spirit up after a very resilient display against Arsenal last time out, and to wrap up their tour of Asia on a good note

Thomas Frank’s men would fancy their chances against Newcastle United, who have not managed to win any of their pre-season ties so far this summer.

It would be another interesting clash that would allow Frank to assess his team once again, and we expect a victory here.

Tottenham prepare to close out their pre-season tour in style, with one final test against Newcastle United. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Newcastle on Sunday.

Thomas Frank’s men are set to face Newcastle United in their final game of Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia.

This tie is set to take place in South Korea, the hometown of club captain Heung-min Son, and Spurs will be hoping they can end their tour of Asia in style.

The Lilywhites come into the tie against Newcastle United off the back of a 1-0 win over rivals Arsenal. Meanwhile, Newcastle are enduring a patchy spell, as they are winless in all of their pre-season clashes so far this summer.

With that in mind, here is our predicted Tottenham XI to face the Magpies in Korea.

Predicted Tottenham XI vs Newcastle United

Goalkeeper – Antonin Kinsky: Thomas Frank has been rotating his goalkeepers so far in pre-season, giving both Guglielmo Vicario and Antonin Kinsky 45 minutes apiece whenever they have made the bench. That did stop last time out against Arsenal, with Vicario getting to play a full ninety minutes, which could see Kinsky return against the Magpies.

Right-back – Pedro Porro: Pedro Porro has had a strong start to life under Thomas Frank since the Dane’s appointment, and we expect the Spaniard to get another run in the squad.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Centre-back – Cristian Romero: The Argentine centre-back rinsed Kai Havertz in the clash against Arsenal, which was only the cherry on top of what was an outstanding defensive display by the Tottenham backline and the team led by Romero. The World Cup winner did not feature for the entirety of the game, coming off in the 60th minute, and we expect a return to the starting XI.

Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Micky van de Ven has had sufficient minutes under his belt and even played more than Romero did against Arsenal before coming off. We expect the Dutchman to be handed a rest on Sunday, with Kevin Danso coming in to replace him.

Left-back – Djed Spence: Destiny Udogie did not make the trip to Asia after picking up an injury before the tie against Luton Town. Ben Davies and Djed Spence are the recognised left-backs in the squad, but we think Spence will continue in the role.

Pivot-midfield – Archie Gray: Last time out, Frank opted for a Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr double pivot. We expect him to freshen things up, handing Archie Gray a chance in the middle of the park.

Pivot-midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan has been impressive in pre-season, as he not only helps in the build-up phase, but also does a lot of mopping up, often covering for Spence. He should continue in the holding role.

Centre-midfield – Pape Matar Sarr: Three goals in his last two outings, Pape Matar Sarr has been outstanding in pre-season. In the tie against Wycombe, he was given a run as a ten, and with Frank still experimenting, we could see the versatile midfielder move further up the pitch.

Right-winger – Brennan Johnson: Mohammed Kudus has had enough minutes under his belt since completing his switch to Tottenham. We expect he could be rested on Sunday, with Brennan Johnson returning to the side.

Striker – Mathys Tel: Dominic Solanke remains touch-and-go, according to Thomas Frank. Meanwhile, Richarlison led the line last time against Arsenal. Mathys Tel looks like he could be the number nine against Eddie Howe’s men.

Joao Palhinha looks set to become the latest arrival in a busy Tottenham summer window, and while fans await official confirmation, attention is already turning to which squad number the midfielder could wear in north London.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich man Joao Palhinha in what would be Thomas Frank’s fourth signing of the summer window.

The Portuguese international is set to join Tottenham on a season-long loan, while Spurs are reported to have also agreed on a £25.4 million option to buy Palhinha after his loan spell.

Palhinha is said to have completed his medical ahead of a move to Tottenham, with just a formal club announcement expected, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Shirt number history of Tottenham target Joao Palhinha

Joao Palhinha comes in as a traditional holding midfielder, a profile Tottenham have long lacked, which makes his addition particularly exciting.

Throughout his career, the 30-year-old has consistently worn shirt numbers that feature the number six. Early in his career, during three seasons with Sporting B, Palhinha wore shirt numbers 86 and 66.

He moved on to CF Os Belenenses and Moreirense FC, where the trend continued as he wore 66 and 60, respectively. The number 60 also featured again during his spell at Braga, while the number 66 returned upon his move back to Sporting CP.

MORE SPURS STORIES

As he matured, his shirt numbers became more traditional. He wore number 6 in the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons at Sporting, followed by number 26 during two campaigns at Fulham, before opting for number 16 during his brief stint at Bayern Munich.

Spurs squad numbers Palhinha could take

With a move to Tottenham now in its advanced stages, Joao Palhinha has a handful of shirt numbers to consider. The number 6, which he has worn before, is currently taken by Radu Dragusin, so a change there would be required if Palhinha is to reclaim it.

The number 26 shirt, worn by the 30-year-old during his time at Fulham, is technically available but has remained untouched since club legend Ledley King retired in 2012. While not officially retired, it is considered sacred at the club.

Number 16 is unoccupied, along with numbers 60 and 66, both of which Palhinha has previously worn during earlier stages of his career.

A young Tottenham midfielder is attracting interest from a whole host of clubs, and Spurs will soon decide on the youngster’s future.

Tottenham have already allowed several of their young starlets to leave on loan this summer, with Ashley Phillips rejoining Stoke City on loan, while highly-rated attacker Mikey Moore has completed a temporary move to Rangers.

According to some sources, midfielder Jamie Donley may be the next player to head out on loan to the Championship after impressing in League One for Leyton Orient last season.

It has now been claimed that another academy midfielder is attracting plenty of interest across the EFL.

Tottenham will soon make a decision on Tyrese Hall

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the teenager may soon get his first taste of senior football as a whole host of clubs across different tiers of the EFL are now keen to land him on loan.

O’Rourke revealed that Tottenham Hotspur will make a final decision on the young midfielder’s future within the next 24 hours.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Spurs legend expects big things from Tyrese Hall

Under Ange Postecoglou, we saw several Spurs academy youngsters get their opportunity in the Europa League last season, but Hall was not one of them.

Jermain Defoe has admitted that he is surprised Hall has not made his senior debut yet, with the 42-year-old describing the youngster as an ‘unbelievable’ player.

The England Under-19 international may soon get an opportunity to prove himself in men’s football as we await a decision from Tottenham on his next move.

Erik Lamela may have left Tottenham years ago, but the Argentine winger has now reminded fans exactly where his heart still lies.

Of course, the north London derby is one of the biggest games of the season for both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as it sees two fierce rivals locking horns and battling it out for the bragging rights over north London.

In the past few years, some great goals have been scored. Harry Kane’s curler of a strike from near the corner flank back in 2016 and Erik Lamela’s rabona goal of the season back in 2021 stand out as some of the most iconic goals in recent years.

Pape Matar Sarr also added to the growing catalogue, with his recent strike in the friendly clash at the Tai Ka Stadium in China, where he scored an outrageous goal from the halfway line.

Erik Lamela sends heartfelt Tottenham message after derby post

In the spirit of the derby match, the official Tottenham Hotspur account took to social media to post Erik Lamela’s iconic rabona derby goal against Arsenal in 2021, which was also nominated for the Puskas award that year.

The Argentine, who still keeps tabs on Tottenham, was quick to leave a heartfelt comment that shows he remains a Spurs fan through and through. Under the post, Lamela simply commented: “Tottenham Hotspur, I miss you”.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Argentine spent eight seasons at Tottenham, scored 37 goals and registered 46 assists before being moved on to Sevilla.

Spurs nostalgia and the Thomas Frank era

That is the beauty of football. It so often brings people together and allows many to become a part of a new family. Lamela found a home at Tottenham and will always be welcomed back to Hotspur Way.

Spurs will now look to create more derby day memories with new boss Thomas Frank at the helm. The manager has made a perfect start, beating Arsenal 1-0, albeit in a friendly match.

Heung-min Son finally released what was a pretty open secret in the early hours of Saturday morning; he will be leaving his beloved Tottenham Hotspur after a decade of service in North London.

Son revealed his exit plans in a Tottenham press conference in South Korea: “I just want to share information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision.

“It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is that I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.

“I came to North London as a kid. A boy came to London who couldn’t speak English. I leave this club as a man. Thanks to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love.”

What better way to celebrate Sonny’s time in the Lilywhite shirt than to look back on his ten greatest moments with Spurs?

Let’s start by casting our minds all the way back to 2015. The day was August 28, and Tottenham had just announced the signing of South Korean forward Heung-min Son from Bayer Leverkusen on a £22 million deal. Sonny made history from his very first day in N17, becoming the most expensive Asian player in football history. Little did Tottenham know, they had also just signed their future captain and one of the greatest modern-day club legends in Spurs history.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Sonny in North London, though. The former Bundesliga goalscorer started just 13 games in his first campaign with Spurs, finding the back of the net on four occasions. In fact, Son admitted in a 2019 interview that he asked Mauricio Pochettino to transfer him back to Germany.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He said: “I came close to leaving. I went to the gaffer’s office and told him I didn’t feel comfortable and wanted to leave for Germany.”

Fortunately, Pochettino convinced him to stay, and Son followed up on his tricky start to Premier League life with 14 goals and seven assists in the 2016/17 season. The rest, as they say, is history.

‘A touch isolated here, Tottenham’s number seven…’

One of Heung-min Son’s most iconic goals came back in a rare 3-1 win over Chelsea in November 2018, with the South Korean star netting his 50th strike for the Lilywhites in supreme fashion. After blistering past Jorginho on the wing, then cutting past David Luiz like he wasn’t there, Sonny danced his way into the Chelsea box and slotted home to send Wembley into pandemonium.

To make matters even sweeter – as if skinning two Chelsea stars who would also go on to play for Arsenal wasn’t enough – Son had just returned from Asian Cup duties where he lifted the trophy to avoid two years of military service. Who knows what would have happened to his Spurs career had he not tasted victory with his country.

On the subject of solo Son goals, we have to mention the Puskas winner from 2020! Heung-min Son picked the ball up on the edge of his own box before motoring the full length of the pitch to score what was deemed the most iconic goal of the year. But what about that Jan Vertonghen assist?!

When Bruno Fernandes scored a second-minute penalty in an empty Old Trafford during lockdown, Tottenham Hotspur fans would have been fearing the worst. Two minutes later, Tanguy Ndombele equalised to a chorus of fake TV cheers. Three minutes more, and Sonny put Spurs ahead.

Talking of that Kane and Son telepathy, Tottenham’s dynamic duo made history in February 2022 when the former set the latter in behind Leeds’ back line to make it 4-0. The goal itself was insignificant to the result, but it marked the 37th time that Kane and Son has assisted each other in the Premier League – a new all-time record for the competition.

The England and South Korea captains went on to increase that total to a whopping 47, with Kane scoring 23 and Son scoring 24. The previous record was held by Chelsea legends Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba at 36 combinations. It seems unlikely that Kane and Son’s record will be broken for a long, long time.

While Heung-min Son has always been deadly in front of goal for Tottenham, he always played second fiddle to Harry Kane when it came to the end-of-season tallies. However, in the 2021/22 Premier League season, Kane netted just 17 times in his 37 appearances, leaving him fourth in the overall standings. Heung-min Son shared the eventual award with Liverpool’s Mo Salah, with both wingers netting 23 times that season. It was a nervy climax to the race though, as Sonny needed a final-day brace against Norwich City to even match the Egyptian king.

After Pep Guardiola referred to Tottenham as ‘the Harry Kane team’ in the build-up to the iconic 2019 Champions League quarter-final between Spurs and Man City, Heung-min Son took offence. The Spaniard’s words came back to haunt him when Sonny scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win at the newly-opened Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kane himself could only watch on from the stands after leaving the game early due to injury.

Amidst a passionate celebration with his teammates, Son went up to the cameras and screamed down the lens: ‘Do you know who I am?’ in what has become one of his most iconic moments. It’s fair to say that Pep Guardiola never called Tottenham ‘the Harry Kane team’ again.

After 10 years of Heung-min Son at Tottenham, after 17 years of Spurs fans waiting for a trophy, and after 41 years of waiting for more European glory, it finally happened on May 21, 2025, in Bilbao. After Brennan Johnson bundled home the only goal of the game, Spurs engraved their own name on the Europa League trophy for the third time in the club’s history. Heung-min Son did something that no one had done since Ledley King in 2008 – lift a major piece of silverware as captain of Tottenham Hotspur. Players come and go, but legends stay around forever… which brings us onto our final point.

Heung-min Son was famously reluctant to call himself a Tottenham legend in the build-up to the Europa League final. While the South Korean star had gifted so many moments of joy to Spurs fans and scored so many iconic goals, he was well aware of his lack of silverware in a Lilywhite shirt. When asked whether he was now a Tottenham legend after lifting the Europa League, Son paused for a moment and said: “Let’s say I am a legend.” Yes, Sonny… yes, you are.

A legend not only for his achievements at the football club, and a legend not only for lifting the Europa League trophy, but a legend for everything that he stands for. Fiercely loyal, strikingly humble, and a role model for every young footballer in the game. There is a reason you have to search far and wide to find a pro footballer without a heartwarming Sonny story, let alone a bad thing to say about him.

Every legend has a perfect ending, and Son has written his own. Not only does he sign off as a Europa League winner, leaving N17 on a high, but he does so with full respect for his manager, teammates, and fans. That is a rare legacy that cannot be tarnished, and we wish Sonny all the best for the future. He may not have come through the academy, but Heung-min Son is one of our own.

Nice one, Sonny.

It is only a matter of time before Joao Palhinha completes a switch to Tottenham Hotspur, and a new report has shed light on why the North London club’s decision-makers are excited about the Bayern Munich man’s arrival.

Palhinha is expected to be Tottenham’s fourth signing of the summer, with the Portuguese international set to join on a loan deal with an option to buy for €30m (£26m).

The 30-year-old returns to London just a year after his high-profile switch from Fulham to Bayern Munich.

Some sources have claimed over the last 24 hours that Thomas Frank is delighted to have Palhinha on board, and a new update has now shed light on what is expected of the experienced midfielder this season.

Tottenham expect big things from Joao Palhinha

It has now been revealed by TBR Football that the Bayern man’s switch to Spurs is expected to be announced in a matter of hours, with the formalities of the deal now done.

The outlet confirms that Yves Bissouma is the one who is expected to make way for the former Fulham man, whose entire salary will be covered by Tottenham.

It is revealed that the expectation at Spurs is that Palhinha will make an instant impact since he arrives with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Even though the midfielder is a loan signing, the outlet asserts that the Lilywhites expect the player to be a regular in the starting lineup and become a key part of Thomas Frank’s set-up.

Frank convinced Palhinha to join Spurs

It was reported previously by some sources that Palhinha would prefer to remain at Allianz Arena and fight for his place.

However, the 30-year-old has now had a change of heart and journalist Greame Bailey has revealed that it is down to his conversation with Frank, who convinced him about the project in N17.

Bailey told TBR Football: “Spurs are really happy to get Palhinha – they loved him at Fulham and to get him now, just 12 months on, is huge for them.

“Palhinha was won over by Thomas Frank as soon as they talked, am told they are delighted to be working together. There are real high hopes that Palhinha comes in and becomes a key cog in Frank’s team – and they think he will.”

Tottenham insider, Paul O’Keefe, has ruled out the possibility of Tottenham pursuing an English midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a move to N17 all summer.

Tottenham have been backed to turn to other options after being snubbed by Gibbs-White, who has signed a new three-year contract at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs fans are understandably getting impatient and want to see new faces arrive through the door, now that we are just over two weeks away from the UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG.

However, a Spurs insider has now ruled out the possibility of Tottenham turning to an Aston Villa star as a potential alternative to Gibbs-White.

Tottenham will not be signing Jacob Ramsey this summer

A recent report in TBR Football revealed that Harvey Elliott, Jacob Ramsey and James McAtee are on Spurs’ radar after Gibbs-White turned down a move to N17.

However, Paul O’Keefe has now revealed on social media that Tottenham Hotspur will not be making a move for Ramsey this summer.

He claimed that the decision makers at the North London club are “decidedly against” signing the Villa star.

MORE SPURS STORIES

How much would Tottenham have to pay for Harvey Elliott?

Over the last few days, Elliott has become the attacking midfielder most heavily linked with a move to Tottenham.

It has been asserted that Thomas Frank is ready to promise Elliott the number ten role to convince him to come to N17.