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Tottenham player ratings vs Nottingham Forest - Kudus, Richarlison and Porro awful after Gray error

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Here are our Spurs player ratings after their heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

Tottenham slumped to an abysmal 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday and here are our Spurs player ratings from the game.

Thomas Frank made two changes to his Spurs team at the City ground from the one that beat Slavia Prague on Tuesday as the north London outfit reverted to the starting XI that overcame Brentford last weekend, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Randal Kolo Muani coming back in for Joao Palhinha and Wilson Odobert.

There was an early scare for the visitors which should have served as a warning when Ibrahim Sangare sent a free header against the left-hand post before Guglielmo Vicario saved Neco Williams' follow-up at full stretch.

Spurs gifted their hosts the lead on 28 minutes. Archie Gray called for the ball on the edge of his box from Vicario but instead of playing the first time ball to Cristian Romero, the teenager took a touch and no idea Sangare was closing him down. The Forest man got the ball, Vicario did well to save as he ran into the box but Callum Hudson-Odoi poked home the follow-up.

The same player then grabbed a second goal, albeit with a touch of fortune and his deep cross looped over everyone and into the far corner of the net.

Two became three in the 79th minute when Hudson-Odoi breezed past Porro and knocked the ball into the run of Sangare, who struck a superb, sliced shot from outside the box with the outside of his foot which flew in off the right-hand post.

Here are our Spurs player ratings from the defeat.

Guglielmo Vicario

Made an excellent early save from Williams after Sangare's header had hit the post. Almost bailed out Gray by denying the same Forest player for the goal but the loose ball fell to Hudson-Odoi to score. Was out of position for the same player's overhit cross which curled into the back of the net. Couldn't do much about Sangare's superb effort. Saved Hutchinson's free-kick late on. Made a few saves but was beaten from distance twice. 4

Pedro Porro

Looked flustered at times in the first half and rushed in his play. Was out of position for Forest's second goal, leaving Bentancur to deal with Hudson-Odoi. Maybe it wouldn't have mattered because his attempt to stop the winger for the third goal was pathetic. 3

Cristian Romero

Spurs' only real player with aggression in the backline but he also needs to lead them and that didn't seem to happen. 5

Micky van de Ven

His passing radar was off with short passes in both halves of the game that didn't reach their intended target. He and the backline looked all over the place. 4

Djed Spence

Looked to pick up a knock that left him struggling to run freely in the first half. He seemed to recover though in the second half and was furious when he was taken off for Davies, arguing and then throwing his jacket to the floor. He hadn't been particularly good though among a poor team display but he will say at least he could have offered something going forward. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

So inconsistent with his passing accuracy, sometimes even the most basic passes are overhit. Needs to be so much better as the experienced midfielder but wasn't giving Gray someone to look to. 4

Archie Gray

A tough day at the office. Called for the pass from Vicario only to fail to sweep it first time out to Romero as he was meant to in that position. He took a touch and got caught by Sangare. Did have a shot at goal not long after - Spurs' only one on target on the day - before picking up a yellow card for a mistimed tackle. A day he will learn from. 4

Mohammed Kudus

A performance with no end product. Constantly running into players rather than passing and had very little quality in what he did. Even forgot to get in the half-time huddle the players have started doing. It was entirely fitting with the day. 3

Xavi Simons

Couldn't really get a handle on the game like previous performances. The movement around him was horrible, which didn't help. Worked hard though and was still running back to cover late on. 5

Randal Kolo Muani

Curled in a good early cross that Richarlison headed well off target. He looked to be the only one getting any joy going forward as he constantly beat his man, although he also struggled with his end product. 6

Richarlison

Sent a header wide before the 15 minute mark and that was his highlight. Never held the ball up and it was like playing with a wall up front. 3

Subs

Lucas Bergvall

Came on and his play was mostly sloppy even if he looked energetic in doing so. 4

Joao Palhinha

Launched into a few effective challenges but he was never going to change this game. 5

Ben Davies

Came on for the unhappy Spence and didn't let much get down his flank. 5

Mathys Tel

No real joy down the left after coming on in the final 10 minutes. N/A

Brennan Johnson

Djed Spence's telling reaction as Tottenham star clashes with Thomas Frank for second time

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Djed Spence was disappointed to be substituted during the second half of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Nottingham Forest. The 22-year-old defender, who had suffered a knock earlier in the game, was replaced by Ben Davies on the hour mark, and the decision by Thomas Frank didn't go down very well.

Spence appeared to question the Dane's decision as he walked off the pitch, gesticulating with his arms. The England international, who helped Forest secure promotion to the Premier League in 2022, then received a standing ovation from the home supporters at the City Ground.

Once seated in the dugout, Spence threw his jacket on the floor. Shortly after the 25-year-old came off, Ibrahim Sangaré extended Forest's lead to three goals, smashing the ball past Guglielmo Vicario from outside the box.

It's not the first time that Spence has clashed with Frank this season. Last month, he and Micky van de Ven publicly snubbed their manager in front of the television cameras following a humiliating defeat to Chelsea.

The Dane marched onto the field after the game to console his players, and they both ignored him. Frank downplayed the incident in his post-match press conference; he later claimed to have accepted an apology from Spence and Van de Ven.

"All the players are of course frustrated," said the Spurs boss. "They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that.

"I think it is about which is difficult to be consistent in good times and in bad times. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that."

On whether the behaviour of Spence and Van de Ven was acceptable, Frank said: "I understand why you ask the question, but I think that is one of the small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, who are doing everything they can.

"They perform very well so far this season, and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don’t think it is a big problem."

Then, speaking to reporters a couple of days later ahead of the 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, Frank cleared the air. He said: "Yes, Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday unprompted.

"They just wanted to say sorry for the situation. They didn't want it to look bad or disrespectful or all kind of perception you can get in this beautiful media world.

"That was not their intention at all towards me or the team or the club. They were just frustrated with the performance, the loss and the booing during the game."

Tottenham confirmed team vs Nottingham Forest - Two changes from Thomas Frank as Xavi starts

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Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has selected to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has made two changes to his Tottenham team to take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Spurs are looking to build on their draw at Newcastle followed by back-to-back victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Frank now takes on Sean Dyche and his Forest side, who won at Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Xavi Simons makes it three consecutive starts for the north London as does Archie Gray, who has been gaining praise from his head coach for his solid displays in a box-to-box role alongside a deeper midfielder. That was Rodrigo Bentancur against Brentford and Joao Palhinha against Slavia and the Uruguayan comes back in.

On the left, Wilson Odobert put in a mixed display against Slavia while Brennan Johnson has returned to training after the injury that has kept him out of action and both are on the bench. Randal Kolo Muani is therefore used on the flank with Richarlison through the middle to complete the same starting XI that faced Brentford last weekend.

Here's the Spurs team Frank has selected to take on Forest:

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham LIVE: Bentancur and Kolo Muani in as Xavi and Gray start again

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Tottenham are looking to make it three wins on the trot as they take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League.

Spurs' form has perked up a bit in the past fortnight with a battling point at Newcastle leading into victories against Thomas Frank's old side Brentford in the Premier League and then Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Now Tottenham travel up to Nottingham to take on the physical threat of Sean Dyche's Forest side, who had their own European victory on Thursday night in the Netherlands against Utrecht.

Frank and Dyche are friends away from the pitch but that will go out of the window as the two managers and their teams do battle on Sunday afternoon.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is at the City Ground. Scroll down for his latest updates and insight from Spurs' latest Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham predicted team vs Nottingham Forest - Two changes with Archie Gray decision made

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Here's the Tottenham team that we think Thomas Frank could select to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank appears to be getting closer to settling on his best XI ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Spurs have begun to turn around their form with a draw at Newcastle followed by back-to-back victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Now Frank will be looking to continue that run against one of his friends in the game, Sean Dyche, and his Forest side, who won at Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Xavi Simons has proved to be the key to Tottenham creating chances aplenty and the Dutchman's growing partnership with Mohammed Kudus looks like it could be a fruitful pairing for Frank going forward.

Archie Gray has also made back-to-back starts in the midfield and been named in three out of the past four line-ups. while gaining praise from his head coach for his solid displays in a box-to-box role alongside a deeper midfielder. That was Rodrigo Bentancur against Brentford and Joao Palhinha against Slavia and Frank will have to decide which of that duo starts this game at the City Ground and whether Gray makes it three on the trot or Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr comes in for the teenager.

On the left, Wilson Odobert put in a mixed display against Slavia while Brennan Johnson has returned to training after the injury that has kept him out of action. That could mean Randal Kolo Muani is used on the flank with Richarlison through the middle.

Here's the Spurs team that we reckon Frank could select for the trip to Nottingham:

Thomas Frank makes Premier League statement about Ange Postecoglou

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The Tottenham Hotspur boss has been speaking about his predecessor ahead of a Premier League game which would have seen them meet

Thomas Frank has backed his Tottenham predecessor Ange Postecoglou to return to the Premier League in the future despite his disastrous spell at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs travel to the City Ground today for a clash that at one point looked set to pit Frank against Postecoglou, only for the Greek-born Australian to be sacked by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis just 39 days after joining the club, without a win in his eight matches at the helm.

Instead of Postecoglou, it will be Frank's good friend Sean Dyche in the home dugout and a very different tactical challenge will await the Dane.

"I don’t know him personally but I hope Ange comes back. He clearly loves being a coach and being in the game so I always hope good coaches come back in," said the Tottenham boss.

Postecoglou will remembered at Spurs as the man who finally ended the north London club's 17-year trophy drought and 41-year wait for a piece of European silverware as they lifted the Europa League title in Bilbao in May by overcoming Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side.

The Australian was sacked just weeks later due to Tottenham's 17th-place finish in the Premier League as he prioritised the European run with his strongest team selections and put out weaker sides in the domestic fixtures. Postecoglou had led Spurs to a fifth-placed finish in his first season despite seeing Harry Kane sold to Bayern Munich days before the campaign began.

"Ange has been in many ways a very successful Spurs manager," said Frank. "They had a very good first season here in the Premier League and they won their first trophy in don’t know how many years, and that’s definitely part of success.

"Also he had that in the past at Celtic and so on. There’s a lot of circumstances about why things are good and why things are bad. I don’t think it’s my job to go into details about that."

The Tottenham boss admitted that not coming up against his predecessor at least saves him and his players plenty of questions about what has happened before and since his exit.

"Erm, probably yes [it's easier in that respect]," admitted the 52-year-old with a grin. "The only thing I can say is Ange is a legend and always will be. He won a massive trophy, he was a big part of that and we all stand on the shoulders of others. I stand on the shoulders of Ange and now I’m trying to build on that."

Frank has a close relationship with the man he will now face this afternoon and he and Dyche often chat about their views on the game and how it should be played.

"We speak about a lot of things, we speak about styles, players, culture, teams, players, everything. That’s part of it," said the Dane. "All styles have their advantages and disadvantages. No doubt about that.

"Sean has proven to be extremely successful in the Premier League in many years. He showed great results at Burnley and did a top job at Everton. I’m convinced he will make Nottingham Forest successful, no doubt about that."

Yves Bissouma reveals £1m burglary and depression 'broke' him before latest Spurs disciplinary issue

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Yves Bissouma reveals £1m burglary and depression 'broke' him before latest Spurs disciplinary issue - Football London
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Tottenham Hotspur have launched an investigation after Yves Bissouma was allegedly filmed inhaling nitrous oxide, with the footballer opening up on how a burglary has led to 'depression and paranoia'

Yves Bissouma has opened up on allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide in the wake of a series of burglaries which saw him lose a reported £1milion this summer.

The Sun last week published footage which alleged to show the 29-year-old inhaling laughing gas - otherwise known as nitrous oxide. In response, a Spurs spokesperson told the Press Association: "We are looking into the events and it will be dealt with as an internal matter."

It's not the first time that Bissouma has faced claims of inhaling nitrous oxide, with the 29-year-old, who joined the club from Brighton in 2022, banned by the Lilywhites in 2024. On that occasion, he apologised and explained that he had displayed a "severe lack of judgement."

The possession of nitrous oxide for recreational use has been a criminal offence in the UK since 2023, and can lead to a two-year sentence behind bars. Bissouma was dropped for repeated tardiness ahead of Spurs' Super Cup clash with Paris Saint-Germain back in August, and is yet to appear under Thomas Frank as a result of respective knee and ankle injuries.

And now, Bissouma has explained how a recent break in has caused him mental health problems. He told the Sun: "I am sorry.

"This [latest break-in] broke something in me I didn't even know I could break. I apologise to the fans. The trauma added to my life - fear, panic, depression and paranoia."

Of the latest allegations, he added: "I feel really bad about it. I have to apologise. When the picture came out it affected me and everyone, especially my family.

"When my Dad saw it, he was panicking because he didn't feel good. I tried to make him understand that it's a hard image, but not who I am. I know it's not good for me, for my image, because I'm a professional football player."

Robbers made off with luxury designer watches and bags among other valuables in July, with footage taken by Bissouma showing empty cases lying on the floor as he said: "Look what they did. They come (sic) and robbed me."

"My watches...they robbed my watches. They robbed my jewellery. Like, it's actually crazy, like. What they did in my room is f***ing...I can't believe that. I just...Oh my god.

"Look at all of my watches. They took everything. They took my ­jewellery. They took my bags as well, like, everything."

Watches taken from Bissouma's home included a Rolex, an Audemars Piguet and a Patek Philippe - each of which can set buyers back hundreds of thousands of pounds. Elsewhere in his interview, Bissouma said: "I'm a strong person.

"I'm a mentally and physically strong African man. I've faced battles and storms before, but these incidents...they broke something in me I didn't even know could break. I've asked myself, 'Why me?', more times than I can count.

"I hate feeling like a victim, but what I lost wasn't just material. It was what the trauma added to my life - fear, panic, depression, paranoia, sleepless nights and a constant loss of trust. I don't want to talk about it [the balloon] anymore because it's over. But to the fans, I am very sorry."

Elsewhere, it was reported in November that Bissouma had more than £800,000 stolen from his VIP Coutts bank account, and that an individual had been charged. The alleged losses are said to have taken place between September 2022 and June 2024, with Bissouma sounding the alarm.

A source said of the midfielder: "This has been deeply hurtful for Yves. It's been a tough year for him on and off the pitch, and this hanging over his head will have contributed to that."

Arsenal bosses dubbed Wolves icon 'better than Harry Kane' and it proved extremely costly

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Tottenham Hotspur hero Harry Kane represented Arsenal as a youngster but wasn't deemed good enough for the Gunners

Arsenal's hierarchy let Harry Kane leave their academy as they thought a future Wolves star had what it took to make it over the Tottenham Hotspur icon.

Kane, 32, went on to score 280 goals for Spurs and became England's all-time top goalscorer. His mega £120 million move to Bayern Munich in August 2023 has seen him net an astonishing 113 goals already for the Bavarian giants.

Yet it all could've been so different had Arsenal chiefs not favoured Benik Afobe over Kane, who joined the Gunners at just eight years of age. Afobe came through the ranks at the Gunners at the same time as Kane but later went on to represent Arsenal's Premier League opponents this weekend, Wolves, on three occasions.

Afobe, now playing for Al-Arabi in the UAW at 32 years of age, scored 29 goals for the Midlands side. The DR Congo international also played for Bournemouth in the Premier League but he never came close to making the mark that Kane did on the division.

Kane was alleged to have a semblance of “puppy fat” at a young age and was deemed as not a great runner. Arsenal simply believed that Afobe was the better prospect between the two, claiming he was more athletic, more prolific and stronger in the challenge.

Arsenal perhaps can't be blamed entirely for their choice to pluck for Afobe over Kane, however. Afobe was targeted by Barcelona before signing his first pro contract such was his promising stature.

Injuries played a huge part in Afobe not reaching his potential in north London though and he left for Wolves in 2014 after several loan spells.

Kane later admitted that after being let go by Arsenal, the team he supported as a child, after just one season provided him with the desire to make it to the top of the game.

“Yeah, probably throughout my whole career, really,” said Kane in September 2024. “Starting from when I was eight years old being released from Arsenal. That might have built a bit of desire to prove to them when I was that age.”

Arsenal former academy chief Liam Brady, the club’s iconic player, admitted the “buck stops with him” over Kane, even though he did not make the decision personally.

Kane joined Spurs at 11 but he was nearly released by them as well as a teenager. He had to battle to make it at Spurs after being sent out on loan to Leyton Orient and Norwich, while there were also loans at Millwall and Leicester.

Kane was eventually handed his first Premier League start under Tim Sherwood. However, it was Mauricio Pochettino who really championed him and credits Kane’s 90th minute winner at Aston Villa in November 2014 as the goal which saved him from the sack during a tough spell.

Former Arsenal academy boss Roy Massey, a hugely respected figure, has also admitted in the past that telling Kane he was not good enough remains one of the hardest conversations he has ever had.

While they're currently riding high in the league, Arsenal will no doubt look back on their error with Kane that proved massively costly, not only in goals, but for their future finances.

Highly-rated Tottenham coach in talks to leave Thomas Frank's staff and take on tough new role

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One of Thomas Frank's staff looks set to depart the clubs if talks reach a successful conclusion to enter his first managerial role

Tottenham assistant coach Matt Wells is in talks with MLS side Colorado Rapids about taking on his first managerial role.

The 37-year-old, the grandson of Tottenham's double-winning legend Cliff Jones, has emerged as a frontrunner to lead the franchise who missed out on the play-offs this season and duly parted company with Chris Armas. Wells has racked up first team coaching experience in the Premier League and in Europe in recent years as an assistant to Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou before him.

Prior to that, the highly-rated coach had followed Scott Parker on his staff from Tottenham's U18s side to Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge. He was part of Postecoglou's coaching staff that won the Europa League in May this year in Bilbao. If Wells does land the job in the USA then among his squad will be former Arsenal defender Rob Holding.

Wells has drawn plenty of praise during his coaching career and Spurs centre-back Kevin Danso said of the young coach this year: "[He’s helped] in the way we want to defend in and around the box. It’s very interesting. I love playing, learning and adding to my game and he’s certainly added to my game since I’ve been here."

Parker previously said of Wells: "He’s massive. Without him I would be half of the person I am. That’s part and parcel of having teams and I am fortunate enough that I have an amazing support network around me and my staff.

"Matt is one of them and I have built up a very good relationship professionally, first and foremost, when we first met at Spurs under-18s. Professionally there is a very good working relationship and then outside of that of course, I think we both compliment each other really well.

"He’s a massive driver for what we do, what we have done together – a long with the other guys as well to be honest with you. You asked me the question solely about Matt, so I’ll answer that. He is the main reason why I am able to do what I can do – we work with each other very well."

Now if Wells, the Rapids and Tottenham can all agree on the terms then he will take his first steps into management after success as a coach.

Thomas Frank makes Tottenham transfer vow about January window

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The Tottenham Hotspur boss has been speaking about the upcoming transfer window and whether the north London club will be busy or not

Thomas Frank has made it clear Tottenham will be active in the January transfer window and wants new signings as soon as possible.

Spurs have been promised further financial backing from owners, the Lewis family, to compete against the Premier League's big boys and Frank is expected to look at new arrivals in at least a couple of positions in his team. The Dane must bolster his squad for a schedule that will include the Premier League, FA Cup and a likely spot in the Champions League knockout rounds if they can get one more point from their remaining two league phase games.

"We will definitely be in the market. No doubt about that. We want them as early as possible....like every other time and let’s see if we can have them before January 31," said the 52-year-old with a grin.

Frank had a couple of days off this week but admitted he could not help but spend some time thinking about the upcoming transfer window as he plots Spurs' plan with sporting directors Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici.

"More or less after the window shut in September we had the first formal meeting and it's an ongoing process that I also get to know the squad and players. One thing is the daily interaction and I have seen a lot of games live, watched them back and you see all the small good habits and bad habits from the players," he said. "So, that knowledge gets us closer and closer to knowing what we want."

Spurs travel to Nottingham Forest on Sunday and will come up against Morgan Gibbs-White, who Frank has wanted since the midfielder's Wolves days. Tottenham looked to have secured his signing in the summer only for Forest to scupper the deal after complaints to the Premier League about a confidential release clause the north London side believed they had activated.

With a further higher bid rebuffed, the England international inked a new contract with Forest and Tottenham would eventually sign Xavi Simons in a £52million deal from RB Leipzig.

"Not about that specific situation, just in general every position we have, we have more players on the [transfer] list for right-back, centre-back, number six, goalkeeper, right winger, whatever and it is never straight forward in terms of signing players. That is the one thing for sure," said Frank.

Tottenham's striker problems look to be easing with Dominic Solanke back on the grass following an ankle problem that has dogged him since the summer, despite Frank originally labelling it as minor four months ago.

"Sometimes its not so easy and straight forward, maybe it’s a minor setback, maybe it’s been a little bit slower," said Frank. "It’s more positive now and I’m looking forward to him on the training pitch and involved in the squad.

"I would love to have Dom out there. To have a quality player like him in the squad, that would just help even more for competition, rotation, everything in the team. The good thing is I’m in no doubt he’ll be out there."