Football FanCast

Tottenham Hotspur ended their three-game losing run across all competitions last night with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Newcastle United away at St James’ Park.

The Lilywhites have often found games at St James’ Park hard to come by, as seen by their run of four losses in a row, but Thomas Frank managed to put an end to that on Tuesday night.

His men have often struggled to come back from losing positions in the Premier League in 2025/26, but they did manage to do so twice on Tyneside to secure a needed point.

It leaves the Lilywhites in 11th place ahead of the remainder of the midweek fixtures, a position lower than many expected after the Dane’s arrival during the off-season.

However, it may have been a lot worse against Eddie Howe’s men, especially if it wasn’t for the vital contributions of one of the players during the contest.

How Cristian Romero saved Frank vs Newcastle

Since Frank’s arrival before the start of the ongoing campaign, he named centre-back Cristian Romero as part of his leadership group at Spurs - with the defender often wearing the captain’s armband.

In the league so far this season, the Argentine has now featured in 11 of the 14 outings, with his display against the Magpies last night undoubtedly his best to date.

He returned to the starting eleven after suspension, subsequently managing to find the back of the net twice and securing Frank’s men an unlikely point after Anthony Gordon’s penalty.

Romero’s second goal, which was a beautiful bicycle kick, was no doubt the pick of the bunch, with such a finish, one you would expect off an elite-level attacker.

His underlying stats further showcase his impressive display, with the defender managing to win 100% of the tackles he entered, whilst also winning 50% of his aerial battles.

Other tallies, such as five clearances made and five recoveries made, showcase his impact within the defensive third - with Romero evidently having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Spurs star was saved by Romero against Newcastle

Despite Romero’s successes against Newcastle last night, not every player managed to impress, with many of Frank’s starting seven being unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.

Rodrigo Bentancur was once again selected after being benched against Fulham, but his return to the starting eleven was an unsuccessful one at St James’.

The Uruguayan international failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and was only able to register two passes into the final third - subsequently showcasing his struggles in possession.

He was also responsible for pulling down Dan Burn in the penalty area, which resulted in Gordon’s late penalty, with his rash nature once again on full show on Tyneside.

However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against the Magpies, with winger Brennan Johnson failing to take advantage after his own recall to the squad after multiple substitute appearances.

The Welshman was handed the chance to start in a somewhat unfamiliar left-wing position last night, but it certainly was a performance to forget for the attacker.

He featured for 77 minutes against Howe’s side before being withdrawn, with his substitution warranted after his lack of impact throughout his time on the pitch.

The 24-year-old only managed to complete 57% of the passes he attempted, subsequently losing possession on 12 occasions and even registering just 29 touches - a tally fewer than goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who notched 44.

Johnson also failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, whilst only completing one cross into the box - often being unable to create any chances for the Lilywhites.

He was massively dominated out of possession, as seen by his tally of five duels entered, but he only managed to come out on top in just 20% of the battles with the opposition backline.

As a result, he was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold, further reflecting his lack of quality in the draw last night.

After such a showing, Frank must surely be left with no choice but to drop the winger ahead of their return to action at the weekend, with a win desperately needed to end the barren spell.

The clash on Tyneside certainly could have been a lot worse had it not been for Romero’s brilliance at the top end of the pitch - with Johnson certainly being bailed out by his teammate.

Newcastle United were unable to make it three Premier League wins in a row last night, as Eddie Howe’s men secured a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

After a drab first half with little to shout about for both sides, Bruno Guimaraes’ second-half strike put the Magpies ahead with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Anthony Gordon’s penalty with just a handful of minutes remaining put the hosts ahead once again, but for the second time in the contest, Cristian Romero managed to find a leveller.

The point takes Howe’s men up a place to 13th in the Premier League, but it could have been a whole lot better had his side managed to hold on for all three points.

Despite numerous positive showings, a handful of the players selected to start the game failed to impress, which could lead to numerous changes ahead of the weekend.

Newcastle’s poor performers against Spurs

For the third game in a row, Joelinton was handed a start at the heart of the Newcastle side, this time partnering Lewis Miley and Sandi Tonali, with the latter coming into the starting eleven.

However, the Brazilian was unable to repay the faith shown in him by the manager, with such a showing one to forget for the Magpies’ number seven on Tyneside.

He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to come out on top in just 27% of the duels he entered, whilst being dribbled past on three occasions.

Joelinton wasn’t alone in struggling to deliver at St James’, with winger Jacob Murphy also struggling to provide his usual impact off the right-hand side of the attack.

The Englishman was largely unable to deliver in the final third, as seen by his measly tally of just three crosses completed, doing so at an accuracy rate of just 30%.

He also only managed to complete 50% of his attempted dribbles and completed just 16 passes before being substituted for Anthony Elanga with just over 20 minutes remaining.

The Newcastle star who needs to be dropped after Spurs

Home games against Spurs have often been a formality for Newcastle, as seen by the club’s recent record against the Lilywhites over the past couple of seasons.

Howe’s men had won four in a row against the North London outfit at St James’, but his men were unable to add to such a record during their lacklustre showing last night.

The inability to secure all three points was no doubt down to the disappointing showings from numerous players, with the aforementioned duo just two of the stars who failed to deliver.

However, they weren’t alone in struggling to match the expectations of the supporters, with winger Harvey Barnes unable to replicate his recent showings in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has now started four league games in a row, with his two-goal game against Manchester City undoubtedly keeping his place in the starting eleven.

He’s now failed to score in each of the last two outings, including against Spurs, with winger Gordon now deserving of a start after his goal off the bench.

However, Barnes’ performance before his teammate’s arrival onto the pitch was certainly below par, which will no doubt contribute to the manager’s thinking.

The winger featured for 66 minutes on Tyneside last night, but could only muster 30 touches of the ball and made just ten passes, six fewer than Aaron Ramsdale, as he struggled to make the desired impact on proceedings.

He also only managed to complete one of his attempted dribbles and one of his crosses, which further highlights his struggles within the final third of the pitch.

Barnes massively struggled to find any of his teammates during the draw, as seen by his tally of 12 times possession lost - ultimately being wasteful when in possession.

The attacker was just as poor without the ball, often being dominated by the opposition, subsequently losing 75% of the ground duels he entered against Thomas Frank’s side.

As a result of his performance, Barnes was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by The Express journalist Lee Ryder - further showcasing his struggles against Spurs.

After such a showing, Howe will no doubt want to shuffle his pack on Saturday against Burnley to attempt to get their recent winning run in the Premier League back on track.

Gordon will no doubt be chomping at the bit after his goal, which could result in his compatriot being dropped after his recent flurry of starts in the North East.

Tottenham Hotspur responded in stoppage time to cancel out Newcastle United's controversial late penalty at St. James' Park and arrest their losing run.

It was more of the same in the first half, with Spurs unable to test the goalkeeper for the fourth successive game before the break. But as in Paris last week, Thomas Frank's side showed fight after the break, and this was typified by Cristian Romero as he scored twice to secure a point.

Bruno Guimaraes opened the scoring, but Anthony Gordon's spot kick was a contentious call, and Arsenal correspondent Charles Watt even commented on the "madness" in seeing it given.

But the captain's contribution also saw Tottenham end a run of four losses to the Magpies, and it gives Frank a foundation to build on throughout December.

Cristian Romero leads the Spurs' fightback

Romero is among the most aggressive and tenacious players in the Premier League. He led by example on Tyneside, scoring both goals with a brave header and dramatic bicycle kick in the dying embers.

On his return from suspension, Romero reminded the fans of the dimension he adds when on the field and wearing the armband.

Defensively, the Argentina international was something of a mixed bag, though, only winning six of 13 contested duels across the evening and being skinned by Harvey Barnes for the winger's chance.

However, the 27-year-old made five ball recoveries and five clearances, also blocking two shots. He led by example.

Romero's heroics will secure the headlines this morning, but there was arguably a Spurs man in front of him who played an even more impressive game, point-sealing strikes aside.

Frank has found Spurs' new Mousa Dembele

In testing times this season, 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has stepped up and looked like one of Tottenham's most promising players, purposeful on the ball and combative in the challenge.

He's still so young, but the teenager's maturity and natural technical flair indicate a certain likeness to former Lilywhites star Mousa Dembele.

His heart and passion are clear to see, and as he polishes his natural skillset, he could emulate Dembele's all-controlling role in Mauricio Pochettino's midfield, earning him so many plaudits.

Newcastle were on the front foot for much of the game, but Bergvall helped repel the hosts throughout.

One Spurs podcast host even remarked that the Swedish talent was "a class above the rest in the first half", effortless on the ball and tenacious in a way which hasn't been matched by his teammates (barring Romero).

How often was this the case with Dembele? his elegance and physicality made him a unique midfielder, and it was his effortless dribbling that led Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne to call him "the best in the world" during his heyday.

Bergvall isn't there yet, but he's shining in a Tottenham team which, at times, appears allergic to positive attacking play, inviting pressure on themselves with poor passing.

However, the club's never-say-die attitude was embodied by players like the skipper and Bergvall, with the Scandinavian star showing off both sides of his game by winning his tackle and succeeding with both attempts to carry the ball forward.

Football.london gave him a 7/10 post-match rating and acknowledged Bergvall's intensity in pressing against the Newcastle engine room and providing plenty of energy to keep the spirited fightback focused.

Bergvall has some way to go before he could say he is on a level with Dembele at his Tottenham best, but this is the kind of profile and the kind of performance that Frank needs from his team to start playing with an exciting identity.

Winter is here, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank knows he is staring down the barrel of a gun as he looks to find form and consistency after a tough start to his tenure.

That may be an understatement. Spurs have lost three on the trot, and Saturday's home defeat against Fulham in the Premier League means the 3-0 victory over Burnley in August remains an outlier in regard to three points down N17 this season.

The fans are frustrated, no doubt about that. And they have a right to be. Tottenham have lacked sparkle in their attacking play this season, though Frank will feel that injuries to Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski have put him on the back foot.

Much has been made of the Londoners' creativity (or lack thereof), but it's also clear that the Lewis Family need to authorise the signing of a centre-forward.

Why Spurs need a striker

Harry Kane and Heung-min Son have both left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in recent years, and the superstars have not really been replaced with elite options.

Mathys Tel is young and talented, but he is also raw. Solanke is a proven Premier League star, but his entire stint in north London has been blighted by setbacks. Richarlison is in fine form, but probably not the long-term solution at number nine.

What Frank and the fanbase need is an up-and-coming superstar to spearhead this next era at the club.

That's why Samu Agwehowa has been earmarked. According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have joined the race for the 21-year-old Porto striker after his convincing performances in Portugal.

The Spanish international has a €100m (about £88m) release clause in his contract, though Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange would be certain to lodge an offer far south of that daunting figure.

What Samu would bring to north London

Richarlison is a curious striker. He is capable of so much, and yet he performs to his full capacity with consistent inconsistency.

Injuries have not helped the Brazil international, but it's clear that he is not Kane. That said, Richarlison has been in moderately good form this season, essential in providing an outlet as Solanke founders in the infirmary.

But in Samu, Frank would land a goalscorer who has the potential to be "one of the best strikers in Europe", according to journalist Zach Lowy, so powerful and potent in the final third.

Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid in 2024, Samu has chalked up 37 goals and four assists across just 62 appearances, including ten from 17 outings in all competitions this season.

He ranks among the top 8% of forwards in the Primeira Liga for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons, emphasising not only his pace but his control and force when on the ball and driving forward.

A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.

His athleticism and natural poaching instinct earn him a certain likeness to Richarlison, but given his age and the consistency of goalscoring, Samu might actually prove an upgrade on the South American.

Take, for example, his Europa League performances this year, winning 57% of his duels and averaging a tackle per game, as per Sofascore.

Combativeness forms a key part of Richarlison's toolbox, and if Spurs are to upgrade on the 28-year-old, who has actually been linked with a move away from the club of late, they will want to sign someone who can emulate him while building up a skillset that transcends what Spurs have hosted in recent years.

Samu is all that and more, and he would be a fantastic signing for a Tottenham team in need of a new talisman.

Tottenham Hotspur could be back on the hunt for another head coach a lot sooner than they would've wanted, and one candidate to replace Thomas Frank may find the job too good to turn down.

Pressure piles on Thomas Frank amid Tottenham slide

Frank's tenure has reached boiling point following three consecutive defeats that have exposed major frailties and escalating supporter unrest.

After humiliating losses against Arsenal (4-1), PSG (5-3) and most recently Fulham (2-1), with just one victory to show from their last seven in all competitions, Spurs currently languish 12th in the Premier League table, boasting just one win at home all season.

Tottenham have suffered ten league defeats on their own turf in 2025, equaling their worst-ever calendar year record. With challenging fixtures against Newcastle, Liverpool and Crystal Palace due this month, starting against the Magpies this evening, things don't get any easier for Frank.

Media sources also suggest that players have grown increasingly bewildered by Frank's constant tactical alterations, with strategies frequently changed moments before kickoff or abandoned entirely during matches.

Saturday's Fulham capitulation — conceding twice within six minutes before Mohammed Kudus' consolation ultimately proved futile — exposed defensive fragility that has seen Spurs ship eleven goals across their last three encounters.

Relationships between supporters and players have also deteriorated dramatically, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario subject to constant booing against Fulham following his catastrophic error which gifted Harry Wilson their second goal of the game.

Frank criticised fans in the aftermath, calling the behaviour 'unacceptable', and this has only heightened tension between Spurs and Lilywhites loyalists in the stand.

The tactician elaborated on this in his pre-Newcastle press conference, attempting to reassure supporters that their feelings matter but the north Londoners need to create a 'fortress' at home.

"We are nothing without our fantastic fans, nothing. So, we need each other," Frank said.

"There's nothing we want more than making them happy in every way. My point was that during matches, that's where we need each other. After, fair with the booing, but during that's where I want to create a fortress."

Reports are now emerging that Tottenham are beginning to make contingency plans in the event they decide to sack Frank, so nothing but a victory will do against Newcastle as the Dane looks to relieve the humongous pressure on his shoulders.

Tottenham could prove 'irresistible' to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner

If Frank is shown his P45, one manager who's very much in contention to replace him is Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

Former Palace chairman and talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan admitted back in September that he urged ex-Spurs chair Daniel Levy to consider appointing Glasner, and it isn't hard to see why.

The Austrian, who guided Palace to their first ever major trophy after an historic FA Cup final win over Man City in May, also led the south Londoners to an unprecedented 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions this year — before it was ended by Everton at the Hill Dickinson.

This run was made all the more impressive given his very limited resources and the constant threat of losing star players, with Spurs believed to be real admirers of Glasner's work.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that, while Frank is safe for now, Tottenham could make a move for Glasner and accelerate new manager plans if this slide continues.

They also state that Tottenham could prove 'irresistible' to Glasner as a managerial opportunity, with the 51-year-old's future far from certain as his contract is due to expire at the end of June.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss, who won the Europa League with them in 2022, is a fine candidate to succeed Frank and his looming free agent status makes the prospect of a move all the more appealing.

Tottenham Hotspur have not been good enough this season, and it's clear that Thomas Frank needs to find a solution both in regard to results and the excitement factor that has been lacking.

Having lost each of their past three matches in all competitions, including the miserable home loss against Fulham on Saturday evening in the Premier League, a response is sorely needed, but Newcastle United at St. James' Park has hardly been a happy hunting ground for the Lilywhites in recent years.

Frank's tactics have yet to click together, but the players also need to take responsibility for their shoddy showings, with Pedro Porro among the guilty members to have flattered to deceive all term.

Pedro Porro's Spurs form this season

Porro, 26, is one of the most talented right-backs in Europe. He has played 126 matches for Tottenham, scoring 11 goals and supplying 23 assists.

The Spaniard's gloomy, incensed demeanour at full-time on Saturday was indicative of the wider malaise at the club, but he surely must hold his hands up and acknowledge that he wasn't good enough, with Sofascore recording that he found the mark with only three of 16 attempted crosses, losing eight of 11 duels and being caught out numerous times.

It was, frankly, a pitiful first-half performance, with Porro utterly toothless in his creative role and more than susceptible against the rampant Samuel Chukwueze and beaten far too easily in the build-up to Kenny Tete's opening goal after just a few minutes.

He was hardly the only one to hang his head in shame, though, with his counterpart on the left serving up an equally frustrating performance.

Spurs defender is now becoming a liability

At his best, Destiny Udogie is a machine. Ferociously athletic, fleet-footed on the ball and attuned in crucial defence phases, he took the Lilywhites faithful's breath away when he charged the left side of Postecoglou's system during the halycon days of 2023/24, before things went wrong.

Indeed, when he burst onto the scene as a teenager under Postecoglou's wing, journalist Hunter Godson remarked that he was "sickeningly good" and would get into "nearly every team in the world already".

Such was his power and pace and balance down the left lane that he was considered by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport to be "the best left-back" in the country during that first foray into English football.

But it might be fair to say that Udogie has yet to raise his game in the Premier League. Sure, he's been unfortunate with injuries, but this is now his third season in English football and he is no longer an up-and-coming prospect but a talented member of the first team who is expected to provide an outlet while protecting his box.

It may take a moment to look at the various elements of Udogie's game, but it's worth a closer inspection, with Udogie yet to raise his creative levels and indeed provide greater security at the back.

In fact, as per Sofascore, he has only completed 30% of his dribbles and won half of his duels in the Premier League this year.

This remains a talented full-back with the capacity to perform as one of the best in the division, but Udogie is not pulling his weight right now, and it's clear to see that Frank's system is being hindered by the lackadaisical performances of Udogie and Porro, two wide players who are considered among the most talented in the country, if not the continent.

Since the start of last season, Tottenham Hotspur have only won six home games in the Premier League.

A big response was needed ahead of Saturday's clash against Fulham, but the relegation-threatened Cottagers swept into a two-goal advantage after six minutes, and the damage was done.

This, sadly, is no uncharted territory, with Ange Postecoglou's incredible Europa League triumph unable to save him from the axe as the Lilywhites limped to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank was snapped up, the former Brentford boss having done so well in west London.

But things have hardly gone swimmingly several months into the Danish tactician's stewardship.

Spurs could consider summer target

Frank still believes he can turn things around at Tottenham, but he's running out of time. The fans are fed up, and there is a widening chasm in regard to the connection between manager and supporter.

To dare is to do, but Spurs daren't spread their wings and showcase their attacking quality, it seems. Frank might employ a grittier, more pragmatic defensive and build-up structure than his predecessor, but he will fall by the wayside without taking off the fetters.

And with Oliver Glasner likely still on ENIC Group's radar after summer interest, a solution may be right there for the taking.

In June, Tottenham chiefs held talks with the trophy-winning Crystal Palace manager before opting instead to push ahead with Frank, though the Austrian said he was committed to the Eagles cause after his stunning FA Cup win.

However, rumours of Glasner's departure from Selhurst Park have since persisted, and the fan view from south London is that the 51-year-old will leave the club by the end of the season.

Why Spurs should appoint Glasner

Glasner has worked wonders since replacing Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, claiming the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025, but also fashioning this side into a genuine contender at the front end of the Premier League. They are currently competing in the Conference League.

Described as a "top-five manager in the world" by one Premier League content creator, Bayern Munich wanted Glasner's signature before pushing ahead with Vincent Kompany, and competition is sure to be thick if he remains the Eagles boss next summer.

Typically employing a three-man backline, Glasner would find players in north London who have already established a measure of understanding in a similar system.

His aggressive duelling style and fluidity in set-up could actually play into Xavi Simons' hands, the Netherlands midfielder having struggled since signing from RB Leipzig this summer.

Simons, 22, has lacked sharpness and physicality in the final third for the Lilywhites, but there's no question that he is a top talent and that his numbers in the Bundesliga, both in regard to output and athleticism, suggest he has what it takes to cut the mustard.

And if you hark back to that xG-related table, you will observe that Palace sit third in the standings there. Frank will feel hard done by, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski still recovering from injuries picked up last season, but there can be no excuse for the manner of Spurs' performances. More should be given from the players on the pitch.

You need only look at Simons' prolific campaigns in Germany to understand that this is a special player, varied in his attacking approach, creative, combative, crafty when on the ball.

The young Dutchman is a "game-changer", as said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he has the capacity to become a superstar in the Premier League.

Tottenham haven't exactly provided him with arable land to root in his skills and grow into a leading man down N17. Frank proved at Brentford that he is a good manager, but maybe he just isn't right for this Spurs project.

Glasner, however, would be a jackpot appointment, and his previous success in shaping Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise into elite creators on the biggest stage suggests that he would be the manager to revive Simons' potential.

Under Glasner's wing, Olise posted seven goal involvements from the eight games he was involved, injured for much of his early time at the helm. Eze scored 20 goals and assisted 14 more across 56 outings before completing a big-money move to Arsenal.

The security and balance of Glasner's tactical set-up would free Simons' playmaking quality up, and if Frank is dismissed, this would be the coach to go for.

Gabriel Agbonlahor has criticised Thomas Frank and a Tottenham Hotspur star in the wake of the 2-1 defeat against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Frank under major pressure after Fulham defeat

Spurs remain without a Premier League win on home soil since defeating Burnley 3-0 on the opening day of the season, following the 2-1 loss against the Cottagers at the weekend, which saw Frank's fall down to 12th place, having now lost as many games as they've won.

The Dane is under major pressure after the latest setback, with it being revealed that former Barcelona manager Xavi is now under serious consideration as a replacement, and a move could be made if there is not an improvement in results by the end of this month.

That said, some of the blame has to lie with the players, according to Agbonlahor, who recently said live on talkSPORT that Frank's men need to start stepping up to the plate, and the pundit was particularly unimpressed with the start Xavi Simons has made to life in north London.

The former Aston Villa striker said: "A lot's got to change, Jeff. Players have got to start turning up. Xavi Simons has got to come to the table and start performing.

"You never know what Spurs' starting team is going to be. Looks very confused doesn't he? Sometimes it's five-at-the-back, then it looks like it's a diamond, then now it's Bergvall off the left."

Simons needs to step up sooner rather than later

Of course, any player in their debut Premier League season should be given time to adapt, but Simons needs to start showing signs of improvement very soon, given that he is yet to score for Tottenham, and has registered just two assists in 15 matches in all competitions.

The Dutchman was benched against Fulham, but didn't make much of an impact after replacing Richarlison on the hour mark, failing to register a single key pass or create a big chance.

Some Spurs players are also already starting to have doubts about Frank, as they believe the 52-year-old makes too many changes to his attack and focuses on the opposition too much, and the manager will need to start improving results quickly before he loses the dressing room entirely.

Tottenham Hotspur are now preparing a January move to sign a £53m "monster" who plays in the Champions League, having identified him as their top target in defence.

Spurs looking to sign new centre-back amid defensive struggles

Thomas Frank is well-known for being more of a pragmatic manager than predecessor Ange Postecoglou, but Tottenham have been very poor from a defensive point of view over the past few weeks, conceding 13 goals in their last four matches in all competitions.

Most recently, Spurs came unstuck against Fulham at home, with Kenny Tete and Harry Wilson finding the back of the net within just six minutes, and the Cottagers ultimately held out for a 2-1 victory, despite Mohammed Kudus pulling one back just before the hour mark.

Following a run of one win, one draw and five defeats in the last seven outings, Frank is now under real pressure, with it recently being revealed that Xavi could be brought in if results don't improve by the end of December.

It remains to be seen whether the Dane makes it to the January transfer window, with a tough trip to Newcastle United up next, but plans are already being formulated, and ENIC are particularly keen to strengthen in defence.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Tottenham are now preparing a €60m (£53m) move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, who has now risen to the top of the north Londoners' shortlist of defensive targets.

It could be difficult to get a deal done, given that Bremer is regarded as one of the Italian club's prized assets, but they may be tempted to cash-in if they receive a bid that is simply too good to turn down.

A whole host of Europe's top clubs could also be set to rival Spurs for the Brazilian's signature, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich being named as potential suitors.

"Monster" Bremer could be ideal addition for Spurs

It is clear that Tottenham could do with some fresh options in defence, given the sheer number of goals they have conceded recently, and the Juventus star could be the ideal addition to the backline.

Lauded as a "monster" by scout Ben Mattinson, the five-time Brazil international, who is under the same agency as James Maddison and Pedro Porro, has put in some solid performances this season, most notably in Juventus' 2-0 Serie A victory against Parma.

Not only that, but the 28-year-old is also very impressive on the front foot for a defender, having picked up eight goals and four assists in 96 outings for Juventus, setting up two goals in his side's 4-3 victory against Inter Milan earlier this season.

Bremer has spent the majority of the current campaign out injured, and missed 45 games last season due to an ACL injury, so there may be some concerns about his fitness, but the centre-back has proven himself as a top defender on his day.

The start of this season couldn't have gone much better for Tottenham Hotspur, with convincing wins over Burnley and Manchester City.

However, in the months since, things have really gone off the rails for Thomas Frank and his side.

They currently sit 16th in the Champions League and, following their dismal defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday night, 11th in the Premier League.

Frank looked bereft of ideas against the West Londoners, and his team appeared all at sea, including one player who could be in danger of becoming their new Serge Aurier.

Spurs' worst players against Fulham

Aside from maybe Micky Van de Ven for his goalsaving tackle and Randal Kolo Muani for his general play, there were dismal displays across the entire Spurs starting lineup.

The player who has received the most stick during and after the game is undoubtedly Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian goalkeeper was the main culprit for the visitors' second goal, with him rushing out to intercept a long ball, kicking it into danger and then being way out of the penalty area when Harry Wilson curled the ball into the net.

Such a costly blunder, and the fact that the team were 2-0 down in just the sixth minute, led to sections of the home support booing the former Emploi man at every touch.

While not responsible for conceding a goal, Richarlison was another Lilywhites ace who was practically useless on the night.

In his 60 minutes of action, he offered no threat at all, producing an expected goals figure of 0.00 and completing just six of his nine passes.

Moreover, while he took 21 touches, he ended up losing possession nine times, which helps to justify the 3/10 match rating he received from the Standard's Matt Verri.

It was also a poor showing for Kevin Danso, who was second best to Raul Jimenez throughout the game, and it was his headed clearance that led to the opening goal.

Unfortunately for Frank and the fans, another starter put in a horror display against the Cottagers and could end up becoming the Spurs' next Aurier if he's not careful.

Spurs' new Serge Aurier

It was clear that Aurier was a talented player during his stint with Spurs, but what was also clear was that he was error-prone and became something of a scapegoat.

After all, he got sent off on his Premier League debut, and it was his foul that led to Manchester City's winning free-kick in the 2021 League Cup final.

After that mistake, Jamie Carragher described him as "one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football."

The Ivorian left the club that summer, and unfortunately, it feels like Pedro Porro could be becoming the new version of him.

Now, to be clear, the Spanish full-back, originally signed on loan by Antonio Conte, is a hugely talented footballer and someone who is capable of delivering a brilliant cross at times.

However, he has become a growing concern for North Londoners over the last season or so, both offensively and defensively, with the game against Fulham a perfect example.

In his 94 minutes on the pitch, he lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost five of eight ground duels, was dribbled past three times, was accurate in just three of 16 crosses, failed in 100% of his dribbles and completed only 62% of his long balls.

In short, it was a poor attacking display and a truly horrendous defensive one, which more than justifies Verri's match rating of 4/10 and description of him looking a 'nervous wreck at the back.'

As if that wasn't enough, he then proceeded to throw his shirt to the floor and storm off the pitch when the full-time whistle went, in what journalist Mitch Fretton described as "absolute embarrassment."

It's this combination of yet another poor performance and the petulance afterward that makes it hard not to think of the former Ivorian international.

Ultimately, Porro is still a talented player and could turn things around, but it's been some time since fans have seen him at his best, and that display against Fulham was more than worrying.