Football London

Tottenham were said to be eyeing highly-rated Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche during the summer transfer window

Monaco starlet Maghnes Akliouche has revealed he was "flattered" to read stories of potential transfer interest from Tottenham during the summer window.

The talented 23-year-old right-winger, who can also operate as a No.10, is understood to have featured during Spurs' internal recruitment discussions, prior to the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were also speculated to be amongst Akliouche's growing list of admirers but he eventually stayed put with the Ligue 1 outfit.

football.london asked the exciting forward how he reacted to stories regarding Tottenham's reported interest and additionally, whether he would be open to playing in the Premier League in the future.

The Frenchman responded: "I thought it was very flattering to have these kind of stories and links but I'm a Monaco player and I'm playing against Spurs tomorrow, so I will give my best.

"In terms of playing in the Premier League, why not? We will see in the future but tomorrow I will give my all."

Sadly, there will be no Tottenham reunion for Eric Dier tomorrow as the former Spurs fan-favourite, who netted a late penalty to snatch a draw against Manchester City earlier this month, has picked up a hamstring injury.

Newly-appointed boss Sebastien Pocognoli insists the English defender is "upset" - not solely because he cannot play against his former employers but because he's now sidelined through injury.

Pocognoli said: “Actually it was more general disappointment to be injured because I felt that he really wanted to start the journey with me on the weekend.

"He was really upset with the injury. For sure, he misses the game against Tottenham and it can be deeply disappointing for him, but we didn’t discuss about this [whether he was down about missing Tottenham, specifically]."

The Monaco head coach, a recent arrival from Union SG following the sacking od Adu Hutter, was also linked to Tottenham as a teenager during his time at Genk.

He can still remember that period vividly and he also has recollections of playing at White Hart Lane in a 1-0 win for West Bromwich Albion.

Pocognoli explained: “Yeah, it was a long time ago! I think at the same time Monaco was interested but I was 16 or 17 years old, so it was a really, really long time ago. From my playing time, I played once in the old stadium of Tottenham and I think the coach was Mauricio Pochettino.

"I don’t know if Eric played that game? I’m not sure. I played against my former friend and team-mate Nacer Chadli plus Mousa Dembele. It was in the old fashioned stadium, it was a nice atmosphere and I guess we won 1-0. Yeah, my only reminder of this time."

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Dan Lewindon as their new performance director

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the appointment of Dan Lewindon as the club's new performance director. He has joined the Lilywhites from City Football Group, where he is currently serving his notice period.

Lewindon will oversee the medical, sports science, nutrition, and psychology departments across the men's, women's, and academy teams. He joined City Football Group in August 2022 as director of player health and performance, working across their network of clubs, which includes Manchester City, Girona, and New York City.

Prior to this, Lewindon enjoyed a six-year stint as head of high-performance science and medicine at the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). In an official statement, Johan Lange, the co-sporting director, said: "We are delighted that Dan will be joining us as Performance Director.

"He was the standout candidate and brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of team and individual sports, working in high-performance environments with elite athletes.

"Dan also has a strong academic background, and his expertise will be hugely beneficial to us as we drive this area of the Club with innovative thinking. We look forward to Dan starting."

The arrival of Lewindon follows the return of Fabio Paratici, who was recently appointed as Tottenham's new co-sporting director. As part of a wider restructure in light of Daniel Levy's departure, the former Juventus chief works alongside Lange.

Last week, an official club statement outlined how they plan to 'deliver sustained on-pitch success'. It reads: "This is part of a new structure for our men’s football operation, designed to strengthen leadership, collaboration and long-term decision-making across all areas of the men’s and boys’ game.

"Together, they will lead our men’s football strategy and drive an ambitious new chapter for the club. This evolution forms part of the club’s continued investment in world-class men’s and women’s football structures designed to deliver sustained on-pitch success.

"Johan and Fabio’s combined expertise will ensure that every decision, from player pathways and performance development to scouting and recruitment, is aligned and supports one overarching goal – to build a winning, world-class men’s team that endures.

"This partnership reflects a progressive approach to modern football operations - uniting two proven leaders with complementary experience, and a commitment to collaboration and innovation."

Vinai Venkatesham, who was named as the club's new chief executive officer in April 2025, also offered an insight on the roles of Paratici and Lange. He said: "This is an important evolution in how we operate.

"The remit of a sporting director today is vast, and by uniting two exceptional leaders in Johan and Fabio, we’re setting the foundations for sustained success.

"They are both outstanding football minds, with complementary expertise and strong track records. This structure reflects our ambition and our determination to compete at the very highest level to deliver for our supporters.

"Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose - building not only a competitive men’s squad, but a connected football ecosystem where every detail contributes to our shared ambition: to make our club a benchmark for excellence in world football."

Thomas Frank has a number of injury concerns to deal with ahead of Tottenham's match with Monaco

Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies did not take part in Tottenham training ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Monaco on Wednesday. Thomas Frank's side travel to France hoping to build on the victory against Villarreal and 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in Europe so far this season.

Spurs captain Romero pulled out in the warm-up of Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa with an adductor issue, while Udogie reported minor irritation in his knee after international duty. Both injuries are not thought to be serious but the pair did not take part in opening training at hotspur Way on Tuesday and look to be doubts for the trip to Stade Louis II.

Versatile defender Davies was also absent from the session and it means Spurs could be without 10 players on Wednesday night. Tottenham were already without Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke due to injuries, but Kota Takai and Mathys Tel are unavailable after not being included in the club’s Champions League squad.

Asked if Romero could be fit in time to face Monaco, Frank said at the weekend: "I don't know. He could be, he couldn't. I just don't know. Right now, if I'm honest, I had one focus I went into the changing room and then I spoke to the players and then I prepared a little bit for Anthony for the questions they're going to have. And then I worry about the players tomorrow."

Meanwhile Spurs have announced the appointment of Dan Lewindon as the club’s new performance director. He has joined the Lilywhites from City Football Group, where he is currently serving his notice period.

Lewindon will oversee the medical, sports science, nutrition, and psychology departments across the men's, women's, and academy teams. Johan Lange, the co-sporting director, said: "We are delighted that Dan will be joining us as Performance Director.

"He was the standout candidate and brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of team and individual sports, working in high-performance environments with elite athletes.

"Dan also has a strong academic background, and his expertise will be hugely beneficial to us as we drive this area of the Club with innovative thinking. We look forward to Dan starting."

Thomas Frank turns his attention to AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, but Tottenham could be without a number of their key players due to injury.

Thomas Frank could be strapped for choice when Tottenham take on AS Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

That's because the club currently have a mounting number of injury worries which are, seemingly, hampering the Lilywhites' in England and across Europe. Spurs suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on home soil on Sunday, despite the Villains being far from their best in 2025/26 so far.

Rodrigo Bentancur put the hosts a goal ahead five minutes into the clash, but Spurs couldn't hold on to their lead for long. Morgan Rogers levelled up the match ahead of half-time, before Emi Buendia ensured his side returned to Villa Park with all three points with 13 minutes remaining.

And as Spurs now turn their attention to Monaco in the Champions League, Frank may well be without a number of his key stars for the encounter. Here, football.London takes a look at Tottenham's growing injury list;

Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero was forced to withdraw from Spurs' clash with Aston Villa ahead of kick-off, after he suffered an adductor complaint during the warm up. As a result, Kevin Danso was drafted in to slot in alongside Micky van de Ven in the heart of defence.

Speaking after the clash, and when probed on whether Romero could be fit to face Monaco, Frank said: "I don't know. He could be, he couldn't. I just don't know.

"Right now, if I'm honest, I had one focus I went into the changing room and then I spoke to the players and then I prepared a little bit for Anthony for the questions they're going to have. Then I worry about the players tomorrow."

Potential return date: TBC

Ben Davies

Ben Davies also missed Spurs' clash with Villa - as a result of an undisclosed injury sustained on international duty with Wales earlier this month, during a match against Belgium. Little is known about Davies' injury, and as to when he will return to playing.

Potential return date: TBC

Radu Dragusin

Radu Dragusin isn't expected to return until November, as a result of still recovering from surgery to his anterior cruciate ligament. Speaking about Dragusin earlier this month, Frank said: "He's progressing well. He's been on the grass for three weeks - and is progressing as well as it should.

"We all know coming back from an ACL is a long one - he's on track - but it will be a few weeks before he's able to be involved."

Potential return date: Late November

Kota Takai

While Kota Takai has returned to training with the first-team, he missed the weekend's fixture with Villa as a result of still being a little way from full fitness. Frank said of the youngster: "Kota is better and better. He has trained fully with the team for a week to 10 days."

Potential return date: TBC

Destiny Udogie

As a result of reporting "minor irritation" with regards to his knee after his international commitments with Italy, Destiny Udogie was also missing from Frank's squad against Villa. However, the full-back may be fit enough to play against Monaco dependent on if he has recovered in time.

Predicted return date: October 22 vs AS Monaco

James Maddison

James Maddison suffered an ACL rupture during Spurs' pre-season tour which has, effectively, ruled him out for the majority of the season.

Potential return date: TBC

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is currently on the road to recovery after suffering a patella injury back in May during the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Speaking about Kulusevski's potential return, Frank said: "He's a key, key player for us. Instead of putting an exact month on [his return]. I just want him back as quick as possible. I know the medical team and Dejan are working very hard on that. It's not tomorrow, hopefully not too far away."

Potential return date: January

Dominic Solanke

Elsewhere, Dominic Solanke has also been recovering after a minor procedure on his ankle. While Frank said that the club would know more with regards to his time frame for a return after the October international break, their update is yet to be given.

Potential return date: TBC

Yves Bissouma

Yves Bissouma suffered an issue with his ankle during international duty with Mali earlier this month. As a result, he should be side-lined for a number of weeks - and will miss Spurs' Champions League outing with Monaco.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was forced to pull out of the warm-up before Sunday's 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa

Thomas Frank faces a mounting defensive crisis ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's crucial Champions League clash with Monaco.

Club captain Cristian Romero was forced to withdraw during the warm-up prior to Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at home, suffering an adductor complaint. Kevin Danso was hastily drafted in as a late replacement to partner Micky van de Ven at the heart of Spurs' backline.

Tottenham were already without Ben Davies, who was withdrawn early whilst representing Wales against Belgium last week with an undisclosed problem.

Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament surgery, whilst summer signing Kota Takai is still working towards full fitness.

This left 16-year-old academy prospect Jun'ai Byfield as the only centre-half option available from the substitutes' bench during the Villa encounter.

Frank admitted uncertainty over whether Romero would be available for Wednesday's Monaco fixture, and matters worsened when Danso appeared to be struggling late on against Villa following a knock to his ankle. Should Spurs lose another central defender, midfielders Joao Palhinha or Archie Gray could be called upon to deputise.

"Minor adductor issue, nothing big," Frank said when questioned about Romero's condition. When pressed on his availability for the Monaco tie, Frank conceded: "I don't know. He could be, he couldn't. I just don't know."

Spurs were also missing left-back Destiny Udogie, who reported "minor irritation" in his knee following international commitments with Italy. Should Udogie and Romero remain unavailable, Tottenham could face a significant player shortage at Stade Louis II, with forward Mathys Tel not included in their Champions League squad for the league phase.

Dutch international Van de Ven may once again don the captain's armband and he commended his defensive partner Danso on his performance in the loss to Villa.

"Yeah, of course always a blow when 'Cuti' falls out before kick-off. In the warm-up he stepped inside and we knew already, 'OK, he is done for today,' but Kev did an unbelievable job to come in," Van de Ven shared with SpursPlay.

"It's really difficult to come in the warm-up when you never know if you're going to play, but I think he did unbelievable when he came in.

"Of course it's difficult (last-minute), but I know the qualities of Kevin. I've played with Kev a couple of times and I know what I can expect from him and he knows what to expect from me."

Villa's triumph in London marked their fifth consecutive win in all competitions, and Unai Emery lavished praise on Morgan Rogers after he netted his first club goal in 20 matches.

Rogers had been impressive while representing England, but hadn't found the back of the net for Villa since April until his stunning strike.

Emery commented: "Always he is doing his task because he is a hard worker and through it is coming the performance individually. Like today with (Ollie) Watkins, he played a fantastic 30 mins, he didn't score but he was fantastic.

"For Morgan especially, he did the same progression because he was working and working and working.

"Always you have to work and Morgan is playing and scoring because he is helping the team for 90 minutes. He is very important, very important."

Tottenham's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday means that Spurs have only managed three victories in their last 18 home league matches

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has defended his players following their latest home defeat in the Premier League, a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Spurs took an early lead with Rodrigo Bentancur scoring just five minutes into the game, but they failed to capitalise on this strong start. Morgan Rogers managed to equalise for Villa in the 37th minute, marking his first goal in 20 matches.

The second half saw few opportunities until Emiliano Buendia, a substitute for Villa, scored in the 77th minute, adding to Spurs' home ground woes.

Frank, the new manager, has already experienced two defeats in his first four home league games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, contributing to a disappointing overall record over the past year. This defeat means that Spurs have only managed three victories in their last 18 home league matches.

When questioned about this form, Frank responded: "I hope I can! Maybe it is not that simple. (This) is a game that is a draw. A clear draw and we could have easily won it instead of Villa and then it is a different narrative. So, I look at the performance on the pitch – we did well and I'll look at the bits we need to improve."

Adding to Spurs' troubles, captain Cristian Romero was forced to withdraw from the warm-up due to an adductor issue. Despite this setback, Spurs started strongly with Bentancur scoring from eight yards out after Joao Palhinha headed down Mohammed Kudus' excellent cross.

Kudus found the back of the net just two minutes afterwards but saw his effort chalked off for offside, whilst Wilson Odobert troubled Emi Martinez before Villa drew level through Rogers, who danced past Xavi Simons and unleashed a curling effort from 20 yards that dipped beautifully into the net.

Mathys Tel wasted a golden opportunity before the break ended, with Odobert then seeing his attempt blocked on the goal-line by Ezri Konsa.

Villa manager Unai Emery responded by introducing Buendia and Ollie Watkins from the bench, and whilst Frank had Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani poised for nearly five minutes on the sideline, Spurs were made to pay.

Matty Cash's exquisite crossfield half-volley was gathered brilliantly by Lucas Digne, who set up Buendia to bend his strike into the bottom corner and seal a fifth straight triumph for the away side.

"I think we performed quite well. Maybe not through the roof," Frank added. "We gave away what eight shots? Not even a cross more or less. Very, very low XG (expected goals) and (Guglielmo) Vicario didn't have a save.

"If you said to me before the game 'they will shoot from there, Rogers and Buendia', from that situation, I would say, 'of course, it's not dangerous', but fantastic quality shot from Rogers. In those very little moments, they had more quality in the end."

Villa began the season with a sequence of five league matches without victory, yet Emery continued to demand higher standards from his players despite this emphatic triumph at Tottenham. Emery stated: "Still more to do and still players to increase their level because they are coming after being injured and we have some injured.

"We learn last year, the second half of the season we were performing fantastic and we were with a lot of players in different positions ready to play and helping to play 30 minutes.

"Today is the example. The 30 minutes of Watkins and Buendia, they do a fantastic job. We compete today fantastic and through the quality of the players adding it, we won."

Tottenham surrendered an early lead on Sunday as they shipped three points against Aston Villa - Football.Londonbrings you five talking points, including moments missed, from the frustrating 2-1 Premier League defeat

It's a new week for Tottenham and they must quickly dust themselves down as they prepare to head to Monaco for their latest Champions League group phase fixture.

The mood is likely to be dull following the agonising home collapse against Aston Villa but they remain unbeaten in Europe and will be keen to protect that record. Losing captain marvel Cuti Romero to injury was a major blow but there's cautious optimism he could yet return to action in time for the crunch meeting at Stade Louis II. Frank will have to select his starting XI carefully with his staff as a number of players turned in underwhelming displays on Sunday. But it's not the time to get too down about the defeat as the unforgiving schedule is relentless and the games only get tougher from here on in before next month's international break. Here are five points of discussion post-Villa and a few issues Frank must solve to get Spurs back to winning ways.

Tottenham's striker problem At the start of the campaign, Richarlison was a man reborn following his all-action Super Cup showing in Udine against Paris Saint-Germain.

But since then, he's failed to nail down a starting berth even though Dominic Solanke remains sidelined following minor ankle surgery. Frank is evidently a big admirer of Richarlison but he also believes in the potential of Mathys Tel - despite omitting him from his Champions League squad. The Frenchman was not at the races against Villa after netting at Leeds - missing a tap-in at the far post following a teasing Mohammed Kudus cross. Richarlison's brilliant Burnley brace was another reminder of the Brazilian's quality but if he can't keep his spot in the absence of Solanke, that is a concern because Tottenham do require attacking firepower if they're to achieve their collective targets this term. The fact it's difficult to pinpoint who is Spurs' main man through the middle 12 games into the domestic season is a slight worry and that's without even considering the early struggles of Randal Kolo Muani. The France international started his six-month loan spell at Juventus last season in blistering form but Frank desperately needs to get his attackers firing pronto as Spurs look blunt at times and are currently lacking a consistent source of goals.

Triple fitness worry You could argue that in some way it's vintage Tottenham that within the space of 48 hours, they’ve accumulated three injury worries. On Friday at Hotspur Way, Frank did not acknowledge that Destiny Udogie had picked up a problem with his knee. Perhaps he did know about it at the time or alternatively, he wanted to keep it under wraps while medical checks took place. The concerning factor with Udogie is that he missed the first three games of the season with a knee injury and it was a minor knee issue that kept him out of Sunday's defeat. He will be assessed this week but he's not the only player on the treatment table as captain Romero is also nursing an adductor issue. Frank does not believe Romero's problem is serious but Spurs really missed the World Cup winner's leadership, organisation and character at the back against Villa. Furthermore, Tel was also seen with a large ice pack on his calf/shin after being subbed for Richarlison on the hour mark. Tel struggled against Villa but he's still been in credible form of late for both club and country (France U21s) and Spurs need to utilise the depth of their squad with the games coming thick and fast. We'll hear more from Frank ahead of Monaco on Tuesday when he addresses the media ahead of the club's third Champions League group fixture in midweek.

Gory injury leads to bench meltdown You will have seen the second-half incident involving Kevin Danso and Lucas Digne. The Austrian defender cleared the ball and innocuously followed through, catching Digne's ankle with his studs. There was no intent there but the Frenchman received lengthy treatment and has now taken to Instagram to showcase the extent of the damage. The gash certainly isn't for the faint-hearted and will likely require a significant amount of stitches. “No pain, no gain," wrote Digne and the blow was eventually worth it as Villa trudged onto victory. But after he'd been replaced by Ian Maatsen on 82 minutes, he lost his head on the bench and ran up to the fourth official Anthony Taylor to show off his injury. He appeared to be angered by the fact Danso wasn't shown a red following the challenge and a clip of Digne's passionate remonstrations, taken from behind the dugout, has now gone viral on social media.

The Postecoglou problem still haunting Spurs Spurs have now dropped points in each of their past three top-flight home matches and since the start of last season, they have also surrendered more points from winning positions at home (19) than any other Premier League outfit. Last term, it was a hallmark of Ange Postecoglou's Europa League winners where domestic football was concerned but at the start of the season, Frank's Spurs appeared capable of changing that narrative. There was more steel and grit about their performances and although they threw away a late 2-0 lead against PSG in the Super Cup, there have been clear signals that this group has learned from the mistakes of the past. But Tottenham's home form, in particular, has raised further questions about their ability to control and see out matches. Rodrigo Bentancur's fifth-minute opener appeared to be the perfect platform to build upon but once Rogers levelled the scores, the anxiety crept in. Spurs were pushing hard to win the match but there was an anxious feeling within the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium whenever Villa launched second-half attacks. That is likely because supporters have seen the team crack on too many occasions when they are forced to endure a spell of pressure. However, there has to come a time when Spurs ride the storm and go onto win the game. They showed huge character at Brighton to wrestle back a draw but the sloppy points they've dropped on home soil could come back to bite them come the end of the season if this trend remains frequent.

Tottenham suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, with Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia scoring for the visitors after Rodrigo Bentancur had given Spurs the lead

Micky van de Ven has criticised his Tottenham teammates and believes that the attacking players should have created more chances during Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.

Thomas Frank's side made the perfect start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however. Rodrigo Bentancur put Spurs ahead in the fifth minute, slotting the ball home after Joao Palhinha headed across the box.

Although Tottenham created chances to double their lead, Villa equalised eight minutes before the break. Morgan Rogers was the man that scored it, as he fired the ball beyond Guglielmo Vicario from the edge of the area.

Villa went on to win it in the second half, with substitute Emiliano Buendia coming on and scoring in the 77th minute. The Argentine dribbled inside before curling an inch-perfect shot past Vicario and into the corner.

Spurs may have had more shots, shots on target and clear-cut chances, but Van de Ven felt his side could have done much more to get at least a point - if not three - from the game.

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Van de Ven said: "I don't think we did enough. If we'd done enough we wouldn't have lost this game. I don't think we gave too much away, they scored two goals from outside the box. But I think we can also create more for ourselves.

"We always give 100% to the fans and the club and everyone."

Tottenham suffered a major injury blow moments before the game as Cristian Romero pulled up in the warm up and was forced to withdraw from the XI, with Kevin Danso taking his place.

"We knew he was a doubt during the week already," Van de Ven said on Romero. "But of course it's always bad when he pulls out in the warm-up. But I think Kevin [Danso] came in and did really well."

Adding on Romero's condition, Frank said in his post-match press conference: "Minor abductor injury. He felt a little bit the past few days. We expected him to be fine but he wasn't. I don't think it is too big."

"There were two big teams on the pitch," he added, reflecting on the result. "We started very well. Villa produced two goals out of nothing and we had four or five moments where we couldn't produce. If you told me before the game that these players will be shooting from these positions I'd have said 'happy days'."

Here are our Tottenham player ratings after they suffered a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon

Aston Villa fought back from a goal behind to snatch all three points from Tottenham on a rainy afternoon in north London.

Rodrigo Bentancur had blasted Thomas Frank's side ahead after just five minutes when he raced onto Joao Palhinha's headed knock-back before applying a confident finish.

Spurs thought they had grabbed a second goal when Mohammed Kudus burst in behind the Aston Villa backline before driving the ball under Emiliano Martinez but the strike was chalked off correctly, due to offside.

The visitors then drew themselves level when Rogers, who was linked with a big-money transfer to Spurs in August, collected the ball and looped a dipping long-range strike that flew past Guglielmo Vicario.

Substitute Emi Buendia then won the game for Villa with a curling strike that left Vicario rooted to the spot.

Football.London is on hand to provide you with player ratings as Tottenham dropped points for the third consecutive Premier League home match.

Guglielmo Vicario

Got nowhere near Morgan Rogers' long-range strike or Emi Buendia's goal. Perhaps that's harsh but did not looking convincing for either of Villa's goals. 5

Pedro Porro

Quiet afternoon by his standards, got caught a couple of times in possession. Poor second half, skewed a promising late attack with dismal pass. 6

Kevin Danso

Late replacement for Cuti Romero, who picked up an issue during the warm-up. Caught Lucas Digne following a follow through in the second half but wasn't punished. Would have been harsh but was booked later in the game anyway. 5

Micky van de Ven

Booked for a crunching tackle on Morgan Rogers. Passing was really good but he missed the presence of Cristian Romero. Made excellent late block to deny Ollie Watkins. 6

Djed Spence

Had a good, old-fashioned battle with Evann Guessand. Should have pressed the ball for Villa's second but hard to be too critical as he was otherwise solid. 6

Joao Palhinha

Did well for the opener, heading Mohammed Kudus' cross to Rodrigo Bentancur. One of Spurs' better players today. 7

Rodrigo Bentancur

Struck the first goal of the game inside the opening five minutes. Physically strong, made his presence known in the middle of the park and was a threat when arriving in the box. 6

Mohammed Kudus

Lively from the get-go. Had a goal ruled out after Rodrigo Bentancur's opener. Asked plenty of questions of Lucas Digne and was involved in the opener. Crossing was dangerous. 7

Xavi Simons

Sloppy but did some of the ugly defensive work. His energy and work rate will please Thomas Frank but Spurs need more from their big-money addition. 5

Wilson Odobert

Looked very sharp. argubaly Spurs' brightest attacker. Dribbling was dangerous, had a penalty shout rebuffed after going down under the challenge of Amadou Onana, then had shot cleared off line by Ezri Konsa. 7

Mathys Tel

Missed a tap in at the back post after a great cross from Kudus. Subbed off on the hour mark with an injury worry. 5

Subs

Richarlison

Didn't impact the game in the way he would have liked. Looked sluggish. 5

Randal Kolo Muani

Late sub but missed a late sitter. Work rate was lethargic. 5

Lucas Bergvall

Made a late interception as Villa pressed for a third. 6

Pape Matar Sarr

Didn't play long enough to impact the game. N/A

Brennan Johnson

Tottenham have confirmed that Cristian Romero will miss this afternoon's game against Aston Villa after suffering an injury during the warm-up.

Romero, 27, hadn't missed a single minute for Spurs in the Premier League this season, but his streak will come to an end, as he won't face Villa.

He went to warm up with the rest of his Tottenham teammates but is said to have felt some discomfort and headed straight down the tunnel.

Kevin Danso will replace the Argentina international in the starting line-up and partner Micky van de Ven, who will captain the side, in central defence.

As for the rest of the XI, Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal, while Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are the two full-backs with Destiny Udogie out injured.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha make up the defensive midfield duo, with Xavi Simons ahead of them both in the No.10 position.

Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus are out wide while Mathys Tel is the No.9 with Dominic Solanke still unavailable and Richarlison on the bench.

Romero was later spotted in the tunnel alongside Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez before the two teams walked out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He then took his place on the bench as he prepared to watch his side in action, looking to record a second straight win after a 2-1 win at Leeds United before the international break.

Tottenham's clash against Villa is the first of seven in 22 days during a hectic period for Frank and his side. Speaking about that pre-match, the Spurs head coach said: "We love to play games.

"Every footballer loves to play a game instead of training. Coaches, we like to train a little bit more sometimes, but in general, we love to play the games. We have a fantastic run of games ahead of us, starting with Villa on Sunday – a top team, top manager, Unai, I respect him a lot. I think what he's done in his career is amazing.

"What he created at Villa is fantastic in so many areas. I think they did well in the Champions League last season and almost qualified for the Champions League again, which is very impressive and I think they have a very strong team. So, yeah, looking forward to it."