Football FanCast

Crystal Palace have reached an agreement with Tottenham over a £35 million fee to sign Brennan Johnson, with Spurs eyeing up potential replacements ahead of January.

Palace agree Johnson deal with Tottenham forward set to decide

News broke this morning after weeks of speculation linking Johnson with a move away from north London just months after he etched himself into Lilywhites folklore.

Johnson, who ended last season as the club's top scorer and bagged their Europa League final-winning goal against Man United, has found consistent starts much more difficult to come by under Thomas Frank.

The 24-year-old has started just six Premier League games out of a possible 16 this term, having been effectively replaced in the starting line-up by in-form summer signing Mohammed Kudus.

This lack of prominence has alerted multiple rivals, including the likes of Aston Villa, who reportedly reached out to his camp recently.

Bournemouth and Everton are also named as alternative suitors for Johnson, but according to reliable media sources, Palace have moved well ahead of the pack by agreeing financial terms with Spurs.

Now, the decision is down to Johnson himself, with the Wales international poised to make an imminent transfer decision as the north Londoners weigh up potential replacements.

If the former Nottingham Forest winger does decide to leave for Selhurst Park, it'll be the third time in three years that Spurs have sold their top scorer from the previous season — which is a pretty unbelievable stat.

Nevertheless, with Palace closing in on a deal for Johnson, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel has named a potential replacement on social media.

Tottenham eye Yan Diomande to replace Brennan Johnson

According to the reporter, that man could be Bundesliga sensation Yan Diomande.

Despite only making his first ever senior appearance at club level in March, RB Leipzig have slapped an £87 million asking price on the Ivorian's head to ward off suitors.

Leipzig signed Diomande from Spanish side Leganes just last summer, with the teenager since impressing as a standout performer for Ole Werner's men.

The 19-year-old has chipped in with seven goals and four assists in 16 outings across all competitions, including a recent hat-trick in a 6-0 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Both Tottenham and Liverpool are after Diomande, according to Sky Switzerland's Sacha Tavolieri, who reported earlier this month that Spurs have held 'very advanced' talks with the forward's camp.

Mokbel now reports that Diomande is indeed still a target for Tottenham, and he's seen as a possible heir to Johnson alongside Man City winger Savinho.

Currently on AFCON duty with his native Ivory Coast, Diomande may not be able to feature at Spurs for weeks, even if they do end up pursuing and agreeing a deal for him.

Diomande's hefty rumoured price tag is also a massive roadblock, even if the African starlet has showcased himself as one of Europe's arguable most exciting talents to watch right now.

As 2025 draws to a close, Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank will be fixed on making improvements in the January transfer market.

This much is clear. It's fair to say that the Londoners have been something of a mixed bag across the annual year, failing to produce consistent results in the Premier League - and especially on home turf - but the Europa League was bagged before Ange Postecoglou bowed out, and a purple patch over the coming months would fire Spurs right into Champions League contention in the league.

Of course, with so many outfits tussling for sway in the battle, Tottenham's directors need to hit the jackpot in the January transfer window, and many fans would be in concert about the need for a new centre-forward.

Spurs targeting centre-forward

Dominic Solanke has only played two times in the Premier League this season, and both have been from the bench. Richarlison has been the No. 1 at number nine, but the wily Brazilian is only consistent in his inconsistency. Randal Kolo Muani has started to find fluidity after a tough start to his loan spell down N17.

Many would argue that midfield must be Tottenham's priority when assessing where to strengthen, but others would point toward the front of the ship when critiquing what has oftentimes been a slow and laboured attacking effort.

Adding a first-class goalcorer is necessary, should Tottenham want to progress to the next level.

And Samu Aghehowa might just be the perfect addition. According to Spanish sources, ENIC Group have made the 21-year-old Porto star their top priority heading into the January transfer window, with a formal offer expected.

Samu has been a prolific presence for the Liga Portugal giants since arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2024. His employers don't want him to leave, but a €100m (converting to about £87m) release clause is there for the paying, should Spurs' interest be strong enough.

That figure would eclipse the club's current record deal of £65m for the signing of Solanke.

Why Samu would be perfect for Spurs

Samu has yet to try his hand in the Premier League, but it's not wild to say that he has the qualities to become Tottenham's main man at the front of the ship, and his expensive arrival could spell the end for Kolo Muani, who has failed to score or assist across ten matches in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old has struggled for service, in fairness, and he bagged twice during that frantic 5-3 defeat to employers Paris Saint-Germain, but he's missed four big chances in the league and has only completed 29% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

He'll need to show more soon, especially with Samu in Spurs' sights. The Spain striker is on the fast track to superstardom, and he could become a mainstay in an exciting period for the north London club if purchased before more clubs raise their own interest.

Note that Samu is now dribbling at a frequent rate for a centre-forward, having been reserved in his movement last season. One of Kolo Muani's strongest attributes is his speed and carrying, though that's not to say he's one-dimensional, with Les Bleus teammate Kylian Mbappe even hailing him as the "complete" forward.

Samu could be his equal in that regard, and he's still growing as an elite frontman.

This isn't just a target man. Samu has that rare quality as a strong and towering talisman to contort his body with frame-belying athleticism, as evidenced by one outrageous scissor kick in the Europa League last season.

Moreover, he ranks among the top 16% of positional peers in Liga Portugal for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his attacking dynamism.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

Journalist Zach Lowy has noted that he can become "one of the best strikers in Europe", already maintaining clinical levels to rival most across the continent.

Would he be an upgrade on Kolo Muani? He certainly has more potential, and with the Frenchman ebbing and flowing in north London as a loanee, it's unlikely that ENIC Group would exercise any option to tie him down permanently without a sharp uptick in fortunes over the business months of the campaign.

Crystal Palace are closing in on a deal for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson in January, but he might not be their only signing from Spurs.

Crystal Palace closing in on January deal for Brennan Johnson

As per numerous reports, the Wales international is on Oliver Glasner's January target list as Palace desperately seek attacking cover next month.

Johnson, who ended 2024/2025 as Tottenham's top scorer in all competitions and bagged their Europa League final-winning goal in May, has found himself far more on the fringes under Thomas Frank.

The signing of Mohammed Kudus has reduced him to just six Premier League starts all season, with Johnson making the vast majority of his 16 league appearances off the bench.

He actually made an electric start to the campaign with two goals in his opening two top flight matches against Burnley and Man City, starting both games, but chances have been few and far between since then.

Now, reliable media sources report that Spurs are ready to let Johnson leave next month, and Palace are right at the front of the queue for his signature.

Indeed, David Ornstein and others now claim that the south Londoners have reached an agreement with Tottenham to sign the 24-year-old for around £35 million.

This is pending Johnson agrees to the switch, but if all goes to plan, then he will be a Palace player once the January window opens.

Interestingly, Johnson may not even be the only Spurs player who ends up at Selhurst Park in light of this.

Crystal Palace make approach for Radu Dragusin

According to Italian reporter Mirko Di Natale, via X, Palace have also spoken to Tottenham about defender Radu Dragusin and his availability.

The Romania international made his first appearance for 11 months on Sunday when Glasner's side lost 1-0 to the Lilywhites, replacing match-winner Archie Gray in the dying minutes.

Dragusin was sidelined with an ACL injury which took him nearly a year to recover from, and he now finds himself behind the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso in the pecking order.

Highly-rated young centre-back Luka Vuskovic is also due back from his loan at Hamburg at the end of the season, potentially limiting Dragusin's chances even more.

The 23-year-old is attracting Serie A interest and Italian media sources claim that Dragusin is set for crunch sit-down talks with Spurs over his future as January looms.

Now, Di Natale reports that Palace have asked for information about Dragusin as they potentially look to raid Frank's team once again.

Di Natale's suggestion they could strike a loan deal will no doubt appeal to Palace, with the club handed a chance to audition Dragusin before signing him permanently for £26 million.

However, they'll also be wary of his injury history, and Palace need to be very mindful when potentially searching for Marc Guehi's long-term heir.

Tottenham Hotspur will close the door on 2025 as the reigning Europa League champions, but that silver-laden success is tainted by the turmoil that has prevented the club from making headway on the domestic front.

While Ange Postecoglou's dismissal was understandable after Spurs slumped to a 17th-place Premier League finish last season, Thomas Frank's early reign has left much to be desired, though the weekend win at Crystal Palace has eased the pressure on the Danish tactician.

Now, it's time to spend. The Lewis family have given the manager their backing. While Micky van de Ven's contract renewal is taking precedence, the north Londoners are also in desperate need of a freshen-up in the final third.

Spurs planning to sign a new forward

Tottenham's number nines have left something to be desired this season. Richarlison can't stay consistent. Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to adapt. Dominic Solanke can't stay fit. Reinforcements are needed.

Football.london's Alasdair Gold has acknowledged Tottenham need to sign a left-back, following Destiny Udogie's latest injury, and a left winger, following Heung-min Son's summer sale to LAFC, but there is also a desire to land a top-class centre-forward.

And according to the well-connected correspondent, Porto striker Samu Aghehowa remains high in Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici's reckoning.

Valued at £70m, the 21-year-old has been on Spurs' radar for a while, and it's beginning to look like a formal move could be in the pipeline.

Why Samu would be a Solanke upgrade

Chelsea tried to sign Samu in 2024 before he completed a cut-price move from Atletico Madrid to Porto, but this spell in Portugal may have bore dividends for the young striker.

Now, he's ready for the Premier League, and he has the skills to become Spurs' main man, even if Solanke, who completed a £55m move from Bournemouth last year, recovers his fitness levels. Indeed, Solanke, 28, has only played twice in the top flight this term.

He's not there yet, but Samu has the potential to be "one of the best strikers in Europe", according to journalist Zach Lowy, and his prolific performances in Portugal have underlined that potential.

Moreover, he's got an eye for the continental stage, with nine goals from 14 Europa League appearances. This consistency across different spheres bodes well, and suggests that Samu could quickly leapfrog the struggling Solanke if added to Frank's squad.

Not only a deadly goalscorer, Samu ranks among the top 16% of Liga Portugal forwards for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising his creativity and pace.

Shot-creating actions are pieces of play that lead to a shot. These include moments such as a pass, take-on or foul being drawn.

This presence as a large, imposing striker with an eye for link-up play could indeed see Samu prove the perfect upgrade on Solanke, who created six big chances and won 4.3 duels on average in the Premier League last season, as per Sofascore, as well as scoring nine goals and supplying three assists.

It's clear that Tottenham had a vision when they paid a hefty sum for Bournemouth's talisman, but injuries have not been kind to the Three Lions man. Perhaps it's time for a new, hungry, younger striker.

Tottenham Hotspur have wrapped 2025 up with a win. Victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has rekindled hopes of securing a place in next season's Champions League, but there is a very long way still to go.

Thomas Frank was delighted with a spirited and resilient performance, but he will, of course, know that improvements are needed.

The Lewis family need to welcome investment in the January transfer window, adding fresh technical quality to Frank's central midfield.

Spurs' plan to sign a midfielder

Last season's winter transfer market was a busy one, and that trend is likely to continue next month. Tottenham have to ensure they are in amongst the big spenders, with tactical imbalances and less-than-impressive players hindering Frank's project.

It's worth issuing a reminder that both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are expected back in the New Year after battling through long-term issues. Neither has featured under Frank's management.

Tottenham need more control, though. An anchor in a deeper berth. Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have flattered to deceive in the middle of the park.

Adam Wharton would be a significant upgrade, with TEAMtalk insider Dean Jones claiming that the north Londoners are ready to step up their long-standing interest in the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Palace value Wharton, 21, as high as £100m, but with a host of elite suitors circling, Tottenham might be wise to pay the figure in 2026. It would enhance Frank's system and then some.

Why Wharton would be an upgrade on Bentancur

In Bentancur's defence, he has spent a lot of his time in Tottenham battling against injury. But Bentancur's defence is shaping up to be is only positive attribute this season, leaving much to be desired on the ball, layering his team's attacking efforts.

Analyst Raj Chohan has even gone as far as to claim that the 28-year-old is a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”. Wharton, on the fast track at Selhurst Park, would add youth and energy to a midfield that desperately needs all of the above.

Bentancur is an established and technically gifted international. He has a wealth of experience at the highest level. It is not too much to ask that he pass the ball forward every once in a while.

Wharton trumps him in that regard. The "passing machine", as he has been described by prominent journalist Henry Winter, has been instrumental in Oliver Glasner's title-winning success across the past year, so composed and collected from the heart of the Eagles system.

Wharton, moreover, is an able defender. Sofascore show that he has won 56% of his ground battles in the Premier League this season, averaging 1.9 tackles per game.

And he's only getting better. The England international has much more to his game than Bentancur, who has become stodgy and uninspiring beside a partner in Palhinha whose defining attribute is his tough-tackling combativeness.

There isn't enough variation and nuance.

To give rise to Tottenham's sleeping sparkle, Wharton must be signed. Though Palace would play hardball over a winter signing, Spurs might be richly rewarded for biding their time and striking during the summer, perhaps having addressed a number of different positions in January.

Tottenham's new hierarchy must showcase their ambition by adding quality to Frank's squad next month. Bentancur is limited in what he can do, and placing Wharton as the nucleus would only reinforce the bench, tidy up the centre and add new dimensions to Spurs' creative efforts.

Tottenham are eyeing a complicated deal as they plot a move for a rising star who is set to join another club before he is available for transfer elsewhere.

Frank lauds Spurs mentality after win over Crystal Palace

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank hailed his players for a “huge mentality effort” after a gritty 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Spurs fans had started to turn on Frank after a run of five defeats in eight left them 14th in the Premier League on Christmas Day.

While there had been no suggestions internally that Frank’s job was under immediate threat, Tottenham needed to return to winning ways and Gray’s 42nd-minute header settled the contest between the current FA Cup and Europa League holders.

“I really liked the desire, details, mentality in the team and the character and resilience of the team is something I spoke about a lot,” Frank reflected.

“That is so important that we have that resilience in the team, because in a long Premier League season, you need to go to a very difficult away ground here and fight and show character. To get a clean sheet, win 1-0, that was a massive win in many ways.

“Was it a top performance? No. Are there things we can improve? Yes. But to go here, with the season having been a little bit up and down, I think it’s a huge mentality effort from the players.”

Sporting director Johan Lange is expected to be active in finding reinforcements for the manager in January, but their first signing of the month may not arrive until the summer.

Spurs eyeing complicated deal for Aleksandar Stankovic

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Inter are set to activate their €23m (£20m) buyback option on Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, son of legendary midfielder Dejan, who won five Serie A titles and one Champions League title in Milan.

However, the Itallian club are not planning for a future with the 20 year-old defensive midfielder, but instead hope to immediately shift him on for profit.

Tottenham are waiting in the wings and are 'ready' to make an offer worth €40m (£35m), having already made contact over a move, but the Nerazzurri are expected to ask for more.

Stankovic can play at the base of midfield or as a centre-back, and has played in 19 of Brugge's 20 league fixtures this season, scoring twice.

The youngster has also started all six of their Champions League games, having been praised for his strength, aerial ability and long passing.

With four Serbia caps to his name already, Stankovic is showing plenty of signs he could follow in his father's footsteps.

The 2025/26 campaign has been testing, to say the least, for Tottenham Hotspur.

After winning the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, then relieving the Australian coach of his duties, fans were hopeful that a page had been turned, but on the edge of the Premier League season's midpoint, Thomas Frank's side are 11th, seven points off the top four.

Still, Crystal Palace were defeated at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon and that represented the turning of a corner. Spurs have more work to complete, but Frank was pleased with his side's spirit and togetherness and initiative.

However, support is needed ahead of the January transfer window, with Frank's midfield in particular need of investment.

Spurs' plans to sign a midfielder

Yves Bissouma has not played for Tottenham this season. Disciplinary reasons are behind it. The Malian is likely to leave in 2026, and a replacement must be found, with the partnership of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur leaving much to be desired.

It was Archie Gray who flicked home with his head to score his first senior goal, securing three points at Palace and continuing Tottenham's impressive form on the road. Given that Spurs ranked 17th for away form in 2024/25, this is impressive, with more control and mettle on show.

But Gray is young, and Sofascore statistics reveal he has won only 28% of his duels in the Premier League this year. More experience and robustness is needed in the middle of the park.

And according to TEAMtalk's Dean Jones, Tottenham have held talks with intermediaries over the potential signing of Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka, who is anticipated to leave the Allianz Arena in 2026.

The German, 30, is keen on a move to England after a career in his homeland, and his progressiveness on the ball could be perfect for a Lilywhites outfit who have struggled to create clear-cut chances with enough consistency.

Manchester United sniffed around last summer, and Bayern retorted with £34m transfer demands. Tottenham will be eyeing a lesser fee than that.

Why Goretzka is a Gray upgrade

Gray is a top talent, and Tottenham felt a rush of excitement when they hijacked Brentford's bid for the Leeds United prospect and signed him for about £30m in 2024.

He has already featured 59 times for the seniors, and is touted as a future Three Lions mainstay. But Gray's not there yet, and Goretzka would provide Tottenham with the elite experience they need.

Goretzka is into his third decade, but he's still a force to be reckoned with, a crisp and intelligent distributor with a tenacity that underpins his technical quality.

Quite simply, Frank would open up new midfield dimensions with Goretzka added to the pack. Just look at how he compares with Gray, whose efforts over the past 12 months have left something to be desired in regard to forward passing metrics.

Gray's statistics will have been somewhat skewed by his regular trips to defence last season, such was the severity of Spurs' injury crisis, but it still emphasises his inferiority.

He is understandably weaker than the £218k-per-week Goretzka, who has been dubbed a midfield "machine" by Die Roten teammate Aleksandar Pavlović, and it is for this reason that Tottenham should leap at the chance to sign him.

This is a German international whose career has been replete with silverware, including the Champions League in 2019/20 and no less than six separate Bundesliga titles.

His versatility as a central midfielder allows him to play in more advanced roles or as an anchor in front of the backline. Both duties require skill on the ball, athleticism and dynamism, and he has all of that and more.

Gray's time will come, and it's not as if he isn't being put to work by his north London employers. But Tottenham clearly need more in midfield if they are to hit their targets across Frank's first year, and with Goretzka preparing to leave Bayern Munich after so many years, ENIC might want to pounce nice and early, bringing him over for the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race to sign a "ridiculous" midfielder, who has been shining in the Champions League this season.

Spurs keen to strengthen in the engine room

Tottenham have set out to do business in the January transfer window, which commences in just three days' time, and they have set out to strengthen their forward line, given that Brennan Johnson has found game time hard to come by under Thomas Frank.

However, it may also be wise to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Yves Bissouma's contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, and the Mali international has also struggled to force his way into Frank's plans.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Spurs are well-placed to sign Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka, given that the German has fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany, but he is not the only option on the shortlist.

According to a report from Spain, Tottenham have now joined the race to sign Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, but there could be competition for the Scot's signature, with Newcastle United and former club Manchester United also named as potential suitors.

Indeed, a return to Old Trafford is now on the cards, given McTominay's fantastic performances since arriving in the Serie A, which have earned him a number of accolades.

It is unclear whether Napoli would be willing to sell the central midfielder, as they are said to value him highly, but the report claims there has been some tension off the pitch, which means a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.

McTominay has taken major strides since joining Napoli

The 29-year-old enjoyed a dream debut campaign in Italy, contributing 12 goals and six assists in the Serie A, which played a major role in Napoli winning the title.

Since then, the former United man has continued to impress, scoring three goals in the Champions League this season, while he has also received praise as a result of his performances for Scotland.

Indeed, Sky Sports producer Andrew Dickson waxed lyrical about the 67-time Scotland international after scoring a remarkable goal against Denmark last month, which helped secure qualification for the World Cup.

As such, it would be exciting if Tottenham were to pursue a move for McTominay, but Napoli are in a strong negotiating position, as he remains under contract until 2028.

The January transfer window will officially be open for business by the time that Tottenham Hotspur play their next match in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank's side claimed a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday in their last game of 2025, thanks to a header from Archie Gray.

It will be interesting to see what the Lilywhites do when the transfer window opens because attacking reinforcements should be a priority, with Antoine Semenyo one name that has already been linked with a move to North London.

Premier League side in talks to sign Antoine Semenyo

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that a Premier League side are in talks with Bournemouth to complete a deal for the Ghana international next month, but it is Manchester City.

The reporter added that Liverpool and Arsenal would only consider moves for the former Bristol City man at the end of the season, which has left City in the driving seat.

This update comes a matter of days after David Ornstein reported that Spurs proposed an attractive wage offer to the Bournemouth superstar, only for the 25-year-old attacker to 'politely' turn down their advances.

This suggests that the Cherries left winger, who has produced nine goals and three assists in the Premier League this season (Sofascore), is not interested in signing for the Lilywhites at this moment in time.

Unfortunately, shortly after that frustrating transfer update, a current Spurs player has shown exactly why the club needed to sign a player like Semenyo to bolster their attack.

Why Spurs need to sign a player like Antoine Semenyo

Despite beating Palace 1-0, Frank's side failed to impress at Selhurst Park on Sunday, as they only created one 'big chance' and 0.84 xG in 90 minutes, per Sofascore.

Randal Kolo Muani was selected to start on the left flank ahead of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, but failed to reward the manager's faith in him with a positive performance.

The £150k-per-week loanee from Paris Saint-Germain, to his credit, did win the first of two flick-ons before Gray's close-range winner, but his general play was largely poor.

Per Sofascore, the France international did not register a single cross or shot on goal and failed in all four of his attempted dribbles, whilst he did not create a single 'big chance' for the side.

Kolo Muani, who lost five of his six ground duels (Sofascore) in the game, was incredibly ineffective on the left wing, as he failed to create anything for the team or for himself from open play.

Unfortunately, as you can see in the table above, Kolo Muani's lack of threat at the top end of the pitch has been a theme throughout his performances in the Premier League this season.

The French flop has been thoroughly outperformed by Spurs target Antoine Semenyo, as the PSG loanee has not delivered a single goal contribution in 11 appearances and nine starts in the top-flight this season.

That is why Tottenham needed to sign the Ghana international, who has now rejected them, and why they need to go out and find an alternative to him in the January transfer window.

Kolo Muani, whose only two goals for Spurs in 17 games came against his parent club, has not offered enough in the final third to justify a continued inclusion in the starting line-up.

The fact that the French flop has started nine of his 11 Premier League appearances, despite failing to provide any goal contributions, illustrates how dire the club's attacking options are at this moment in time.

Therefore, Frank must push the club to bring in a new option on the left wing to replace Kolo Muani before the January transfer window closes.

Tottenham Hotspur will head into 2026 off the back of a victory after they beat Crystal Palace in a tense game at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday.

One goal was all the difference between the two sides in London, as Archie Gray's first-half header proved to be the winning goal for Thomas Frank's men.

The England U21 international scored the first goal of his senior career by nodding the ball into the far corner after Richarlison flicked the ball on in the middle of the six-yard box.

Where Gray ranks among Tottenham's best performers vs Palace

Whilst Gray scored the winning goal in the match and deserves the plaudits for that, he was not the standout performer on the night for the Lilywhites.

It was Kevin Danso, with an imperious central defensive display, who was the team's top performer. Per Sofascore, he won ten duels, seven more than Micky van de Ven, and kept Jean-Philippe Mateta incredibly quiet with his efficient defensive work.

The Austria international may not be the silkiest ball-playing defender, completing 63% of his attempted passes, but his gritty defensive work was needed to keep the clean sheet intact on Sunday.

As you can see in the table above, we have placed Richarlison in the top five performers for Spurs, despite the fact that he was found offside for two goals.

The Brazilian striker assisted the winner from Gray and won nine duels, including six aerial battles, per Sofascore, which shows that he was a useful outlet, despite the poor timing of his runs for the two disallowed goals.

Whilst there were several impressive performers, there were also some Spurs players who were saved by Gray's winning goal, as it possibly saved them from harsher criticism.

The Spurs flop who must finally be dropped

Despite the win, though, Frank must still ruthlessly drop right-back Pedro Porro from the starting XI after another wasteful display against Palace at Selhurst Park.

The Spain international did whip in the corner that was then flicked on by Kolo Muani and Richarlison to find Gray, but that was a rare bright spark in an otherwise dull performance.

Spurs podcaster Seb Martin noted during the game that Porro is "having a disaster of a season", and it is hard to disagree with that assessment when you look at the numbers behind his campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the former Sporting star lost possession a staggering 25 times without creating a single 'big chance' for the team with his attempted crosses.

He also struggled defensively, being dribbled past twice without making a single tackle, and these statistics show that he was a liability to the team in and out of possession.

Unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence for Porro. Per Sofascore, the full-back is losing possession 19.1 times per game on average in the Premier League this season, more than the 17.5 times per match he did last term.

The 26-year-old flop's cross accuracy has also dropped from 31% to 19% from last season, per Sofascore, whilst he has also gone from 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game to 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match.

Porro scored two goals and provided six assists in the Premier League last term for the Lilywhites. So far this season, though, the defender has mustered up no goals and one assist by the halfway point of the campaign.

These statistics illustrate how far the Spain international has fallen away from his best in North London, and the disappointing showing against Palace was the latest in a long line, as Seb Martin stated.

With that in mind, Frank must finally ditch the former Manchester City man from the starting line-up for the clash with Brentford on New Year's Day, possibly bringing in Ben Davies at left-back to move Djed Spence over to right-back.