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Manchester United icon Gary Neville picked out two of Arsenal’s most reliable players for criticism in their 4-1 win over Tottenham. Eberechi Eze had given the visitors the lead in the first half with his first league goal since a hat-trick against Spurs in November, but they were immediately pegged back by Randal Kolo Muani’s equaliser.

The on-loan French striker picked the pocket of Declan Rice, before fending off William Saliba and rifling a shot past David Raya as the Gunners were caught napping. Neville could not believe what he had witnessed, as Mikel Arteta had been let down by two of his most important players.

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As Kolo Muani wheeled away in celebration, Neville fumed: "Declan Rice has just joined his backline in making an error, but this time in a really poor area. He tries to dribble past Kolo Muani, he might even try to nutmeg him. Does he? He can't try and nutmeg him there.”

The commentator corrected himself, adding: “No he just tries to take it round him, but Kolo Muani's still got a lot to do. Saliba...He's got to be more aggressive than that hasn't he? That's a nothing challenge.

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"You cannot believe that - Kolo Muani still has a lot to do, and Saliba has to be more aggressive than that. We have a game and these moments by Arsenal have to stop."

That game, however, was wrestled back in Arsenal's favour shortly after the whistle blew to kickstart the second half.

Viktor Gyokeres, in a much-improved performance from the Swedish striker, rifled in an effort from the edge of the box in a goal worthy of his £55million price tag.

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Eze, as he tends to do now on derby day, inflicted more pain on Spurs as he put the game effectively beyond their reach with his second, Arsenal's third, just after the hour mark.

He pounced on a loose ball and Bukayo Saka was sent in on goal, his effort was saved but Eze had followed up with a bursting run and tapped home for his fifth goal of the season in this fixture.

Then Gyokeres capped off a magnificent day for the striker, with Neville dubbing it his best in an Arsenal shirt, by holding off Archie Gray and scoring Arsenal's fourth in stoppage time.

Arsenal were able to recover from the setback caused by Rice and Saliba, in Neville's eyes, to put some more distance between themselves and second-placed Manchester City in the title race.

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The Gunners now hold a five-point advantage over Pep Guardiola's side, albeit having played an extra game, and next face another London derby when Chelsea visit the Emirates in seven days time.

Arsenal delivered a stinging blow to Manchester City in the Premier League title race by getting one over their local rivals, Tottenham, in a 4-1 away win. Eberechi Eze haunted Spurs yet again, after his November hat-trick, by opening the scoring with his first Premier League shot on target since the third of his goals that day. But Igor Tudor's side responded perfectly and equalised just 24 seconds after the restart, Randal Kolo Muani stripped Declan Rice of the ball and rifled an effort in.

Moments into a second half that was delayed by another technology issue, Viktor Gyokeres fired a stunning effort past Guglielmo Vicario, perhaps finally announcing himself to Arsenal. Eze popped up with a second after pouncing on a loose ball as the Gunners sealed three vital points in their title hunt, with Gyokeres providing the cherry on top of the cake in stoppage time. Here, Express Sport rates a dominant Arsenal team…

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Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper

David Raya - 8

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Out like a flash on numerous occasions and his starting position was superb. Little he could do to stop Kolo Muani’s powerful effort and was dominant in the air. Appeared to defy physics with the elasticity of his arm, clawing the ball off the line late on to keep Arsenal's two-goal advantage.

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Defence

Jurrien Timber - 6

Overlapped Bukayo Saka well on occasion and kept Xavi Simons quiet. Replaced after 57 minutes as he began to tire in the second half.

William Saliba - 5

Needed to be much stronger when Kolo Muani breezed past him to score.

Gabriel - 6

Not his typically dominant self in both boxes but a steady game and did little wrong. Was awarded a soft free-kick for a push by Kolo Muani before the striker thought he bagged a second.

Piero Hincapie - 7

Continued his impressive form as he keeps Riccardo Calafiori out of the team. Strong in possession and a tough defender, a very neat addition to this Arsenal squad.

Midfield

Martin Zubimendi - 6

Kept the ball moving but with little impetus. Unchallenged by the Spurs midfield in the second half.

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Declan Rice - 4

An uncharacteristic mistake on the edge of his own penalty box allowed Kolo Muani to score. For some reason, Rice tried to dribble around the striker, only to get his pocket pinched and then he was punished. Had his blushes spared again by David Raya as the goalkeeper prevented another goal from a Rice error.

Eberechi Eze - 9

Handed a chance to replicate his hat-trick hero efforts against Spurs earlier in the season, with Martin Odegaard only fit enough for the bench, and duly took it. He loves playing in this derby, against the team he nearly joined this summer, and took his first goal well after the ball flew up in the air and he rifled past Vicario. One of his better games in an Arsenal shirt, popping up left and right to cause all kinds of problems and he was in the right position once again, following up Saka's effort to tap into an empty net.

Attack

Bukayo Saka - 7

Persistent while back on the right flank, though came up against Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven in impressive form. Did well to find Eze for an assist after a bit of luck to poke the ball past Pape Matar Sarr. Worryingly hobbled off the pitch late on.

Viktor Gyokeres - 9

His best performance in an Arsenal shirt, even without the brace. A very lively start and found the left channel before cutting inside and firing just wide, though it was an attempt at a goal he scored regularly in Sporting, but not at Arsenal. However, the effort he tucked away was done with such aplomb that it's a wonder how Gyokeres has not scored more regularly this season. He hit that channel once more in stoppage time and outmuscled Archie Gray to bag a second. Perhaps this could get his Arsenal career properly underway.

Leandro Trossard - 5

Quieter game than usual and more was needed from the Belgian. Disappointing from a usually reliable star.

Substitutes

Cristhian Mosquera (57') - 7

Very capable at right-back as Jurrien Timber was given a breather, with the conveyor belt of versatile defenders at Arsenal only more impressive every week.

Martin Odegaard (77') - 7

Helped steady the ship and see out the win. A late assist for Gyokeres.

Gabriel Martinelli (77') - 6

Did more defending than attacking but tracked back well.

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Noni Madueke (90') - N/A

Peter Bankes will take charge of one of the most fiercely contested and hotly anticipated encounters of the campaign this Sunday afternoon when Tottenham host Arsenal in the north London derby. The Lancashire-born official boasts extensive experience and represents an ideal selection for such a crucial fixture, though the 43-year-old has never refereed matches featuring two specific Premier League sides.

Bankes, who has held FIFA-listed status since 2021, will be supported by Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Sam Barrott has been confirmed as fourth official, with Darren England and assistant Tim Wood overseeing VAR duties.

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Originally from Merseyside, Bankes' County FA is the Liverpool Football Association. It is precisely for this reason that he has never presided over a fixture involving either Liverpool or Everton.

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Premier League officials must disclose which football club they support and are prohibited from refereeing matches involving that team or fixtures that directly affect them. They are also typically excluded from overseeing clubs in their immediate vicinity, even if they do not support them, as well as teams affiliated with their County FA.

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Bankes has overseen 18 league fixtures this season and issued 72 yellow cards, averaging four per match. He has also shown three red cards, including one for two bookable offences, whilst awarding five penalties.

Some Arsenal supporters may be heartened by his selection for the derby, considering Mikel Arteta's side have secured nine victories, drawn one and suffered three defeats from their 13 matches with Bankes as referee. Two of those setbacks came against Southampton, one in the FA Cup and one in the league.

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His latest fixture involving Arsenal was their 1-0 triumph over Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Prior to that, he officiated their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in December and their 5-1 thrashing of Manchester City back in February 2025.

He has also only issued 12 yellow cards to Arsenal players and has yet to dismiss a Gunners player. Meanwhile, Spurs supporters may be less pleased to see Bankes on Sunday.

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The official has managed to infuriate several Tottenham managers over the years, including Jose Mourinho in September 2020. Mourinho was left fuming with Bankes during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle over a handball decision against Eric Dier.

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In August 2022, Bankes was on the receiving end of some strong criticism, this time from Antonio Conte, following a match against West Ham. The Italian was displeased with how Bankes handled a penalty incident when he overturned an on-field decision against Aaron Cresswell, denying Spurs a penalty.

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More recently, Ange Postecoglou was left incandescent that two spot-kicks weren't given to James Maddison during a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.

Need to know

Is Tottenham vs Arsenal on TV? How to watch all-important north London derby

Tottenham and Arsenal will clash in a crucial north London derby on Sunday afternoon.

Everything you need to know about the north London derby

When and where: This crucial north London derby will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 4.30pm UK time.

Is it on TV?: Yes, Tottenham vs Arsenal will be shown on television. The fixture has gained additional significance for the Gunners following their 2-2 draw with Wolves on Wednesday night.

UK TV broadcast: Within the UK, the fixture will be shown solely on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Programming is scheduled to begin at approximately 4pm, and you can register for Sky Sports below.

Live streaming options: Subscribers can watch the match via the Sky Go app on mobile devices, tablets, or laptops. Those without subscriptions can view by obtaining a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership, enabling streaming on smart televisions, consoles, and mobile devices.

Radio coverage: If you prefer live commentary, audio options are available. BBC Radio 5 Live will offer commentary, which is accessible via BBC Sounds.

Tottenham team news: This marks Igor Tudor's debut match as Spurs manager as he seeks to steer clear of a relegation battle. James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, and Dejan Kulusevski are still sidelined, Pedro Porro is a doubt with a calf problem and Cristian Romero is serving a ban.

Arsenal team news: The Gunners possess a largely full-strength squad but will be assessing minor injuries sustained during their midweek encounter. Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are anticipated to feature.

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Sam Allardyce has criticised Cristian Romero and urged new Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor to strip him of the captaincy. The defender will miss Sunday's north London derby as he is serving a four-match suspension.

The 27-year-old saw red during Spurs' loss to Manchester United earlier this month. As it marked his second dismissal of the season, the Argentina international received an extended ban, sidelining him for Tudor's crucial first match in charge against Arsenal. Romero has proven to be a vital figure for Tottenham since his move from Atalanta in 2021. The centre-half was handed the club's captaincy at the beginning of the season. However, former Premier League manager Allardyce has argued that the defender should no longer have the armband due to his troublesome disciplinary record.

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"He's a typical player that doesn't learn," Allardyce said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. "There's so much talent but he has got so many flaws and he's not eradicating the flaws. He is still doing the same things [from] when he first went to Tottenham. He's still doing them now.

"So, one, you should strip him of the captaincy. And two, you say, 'I want you to stay on your feet, I don't want you to go to the ground and tackle anymore so stop it. I'm telling you now so do it and if you don't do it, I might as well take you out of the side because you're harming the results.'

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"He's giving the manager a bad reputation for not being able to control him. So, Thomas Frank should have nailed him, which I thought he would but he didn't."

Romero's dismissal against United occurred during former manager Thomas Frank's penultimate match in charge. In 21 league games this term, the defender has accumulated eight yellow cards and been shown red twice.

Romero came under increased scrutiny after once again publicly criticising the club before his most recent sending off. Following Spurs' draw with Manchester City in early February, Romero, who had been replaced due to illness, argued the team had been left to cope with a shortage of players.

Taking to Instagram, he said: "Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were incredible. I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available - unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

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"We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans."

New Spurs manager Tudor will be hoping to have Romero at his disposal for every remaining fixture this season once his suspension is served. Meanwhile, the club captain will be forced to watch from the sidelines as his teammates battle for victory against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mikel Arteta might surprise supporters with his North London Derby team selection. The Arsenal manager will be eager to re-establish his side's advantage at the top of the Premier League table when he faces Igor Tudor at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners missed the opportunity to widen their lead in the title contest on Wednesday evening, shipping a late equaliser to Wolves at Molineux. Arsenal could have opened up a seven-point gap, but instead handed Manchester City the opportunity to reduce their cushion to just two points.

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While Arsenal remain in Pep Guardiola's sights, they are unable to overtake the Gunners this weekend. Arsenal will back themselves against Spurs, who have endured a calamitous season so far.

Nevertheless, Tudor has won in his opening fixture in each of his previous five appointments, beginning with his second stint at Hajduk Split in February 2020, followed by Verona, Marseille, Lazio and Juventus.

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The Croatian had been unemployed since March 2025 before accepting the interim Tottenham role. With that in mind, we have picked our Arsenal starting elevens.

Tom Canton

I despise this fixture... I know I shouldn't but the anticipation and the potential negative outcomes for me always overshadow the potential satisfaction. There are few things more painful than losing a North London Derby from an Arsenal viewpoint, but if there is one thing, it's losing the derby whilst simultaneously bidding farewell to your title aspirations, which would almost certainly be the scenario here.

This is why I believe Mikel Arteta needs to select some players who might deliver a bit more than we have witnessed recently. That means Ben White in for a struggling Jurrien Timber.

Whilst I have considered Christian Norgaard for this fixture, I still find it difficult to leave out Martin Zubimendi. I wish I could believe Kai Havertz is ready to return, but I just don't, whereas I do believe Martin Odegaard might be prepared to feature.

Piero Hincapie is probably the most in-form player at present and so he starts and I am hoping Leandro Trossard is fit to play because Gabriel Martinelli and the Premier League just aren't clicking.

Arsenal XI vs Spurs: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.

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Ryan Taylor

There's plenty of significant decisions for Mikel Arteta to consider, particularly if Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are available for selection. But I don't see the need to complicate matters and believe Mikel Arteta must select the players who are sharp and ready to perform.

There's a significant decision to be made at left-back and although Arsenal statistically perform better when Riccardo Calafiori starts in the Premier League, I believe Piero Hincapie could be the right choice for this match due to his prowess in duels.

In the midfield, I'd select Ebere Eze, whose hat-trick in November against Spurs was remarkable, and there's a feeling he could make more history in this fixture after rejecting a move to Tottenham last summer.

Up front, the proven trio of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Viktor Gyokeres is Arsenal's strongest on paper. Players like Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli can all contribute from the bench if required.

Ryan's starting lineup to face Tottenham: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.

Jake Stokes

I wouldn't be shocked if Arteta makes a few adjustments to his starting lineup, beginning with Ben White at right-back. The defender had to be substituted towards the end of the FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic, but it seemed to be only a minor injury and he was back on the bench for the Wolves game.

Jurrien Timber hasn't been performing well, and I wouldn't be surprised if Arteta throws White into the fray to shake things up a bit. As for the midfield, I think Arteta will reintroduce Odegaard, playing him alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.

Speaking to journalists at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon, the Spaniard revealed his captain would require a late fitness assessment. Arteta made the same comment regarding Havertz, who, once more, I believe will be afforded at least 60 minutes or thereabouts.

Viktor Gyokeres has genuinely toiled, and Gabriel Jesus has scarcely compelled his manager to face any challenging selections. Out wide, I'd make changes and opt for Saka and Trossard.

Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke would be solid alternatives from the substitutes' bench, particularly if Arsenal are protecting an advantage.

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Jake's starting lineup to face Tottenham: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard.

Few footballers cross north London without damaging their reputation on one side or the other, and Emmanuel Adebayor is no exception. The former forward made his name at Arsenal before subsequently representing Tottenham, with a controversial stint at Manchester City sandwiched in between.

Whilst his three-and-a-half years at the Emirates Stadium are generally considered the finest chapter of his career, the Togolese striker has confessed he "hates" Arsenal, pointing to the bitter circumstances surrounding his 2009 exit. Just weeks after his £25million transfer to City, Adebayor netted the winning goal in a 4-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium before notoriously racing the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal supporters.

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In 2018, he spoke openly about his "hate" for Arsenal and his enduring bitterness towards former boss Arsene Wenger, alleging he felt forced out of the club. "I had a meeting with Arsene Wenger in his office when he told me I had to leave because he doesn't see my future any more in Arsenal. I have to move on in my life," Adebayor said.

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"I was like 'I'm going to stay.' He was like 'no there is not even a fight organised. We are not going to organise any fight for you. You move out or you stay here and don't play any games.'

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"So I didn't have any other choice than joining Man City which I was very happy to join. And the next day when I joined Manchester City I saw him doing a press conference in London saying that I wanted to leave because the money was big and everything, and since that day that is where the hate for Arsenal came from.

"Not the fans because the fans are the first English fans to sing my name in London. Even today when I watch them play I want them to win but at the same time I want them to lose because the anger in me is too big."

When questioned about what was running through his mind during his controversial goal celebration against Arsenal, Adebayor responded: "A prisoner is out. A prisoner is free."

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He continued: "I play for the club for three and a half years. They bought me for three or four million, they sold me for 27m, and they are still calling me names. They are still telling me I leave for money.

"You bought me for £3m, I still have five years' contract and you let me go for £20m more and you are telling me I am the one leaving for money and you are abusing me."

Adebayor signed for Arsenal from AS Monaco in 2006 as a raw but gifted prospect. With established forwards such as Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie positioned above him in the hierarchy, first-team chances were initially scarce.

However, Adebayor fought his way into contention, eventually netting 62 goals in 142 appearances for the Gunners - including an impressive 30-goal haul during the 2007/08 season. His stint at City proved briefer and less successful.

Following just one campaign as a first-choice player, he lost favour after manager Roberto Mancini's appointment, who favoured Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko up front.

Halfway through the 2010/11 campaign, Adebayor joined Real Madrid on loan before arranging another temporary switch to Tottenham for the 2011/12 season.

Having ended as Spurs' leading marksman with 17 goals in 33 Premier League matches, the transfer became permanent in a £5m deal. He would subsequently net 42 goals in 113 appearances for Tottenham before departing for Crystal Palace in 2015, having surrendered his position to emerging striker Harry Kane.

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Adebayor remains one of only four players to have represented both Arsenal and Tottenham in the Premier League era - alongside William Gallas, David Bentley and Rohan Ricketts - highlighting the lasting hostility of North London's most intense rivalry.

The two sides meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday in what will be Igor Tudor's first match as interim Spurs manager. Arsenal will be eager to claim all three points to consolidate their position at the top of the table, while Tottenham are looking to increase their gap to the relegation zone.

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi committed a shocking blunder that led to a very unique own goal for Wellington Phoenix in their match against Auckland FC. The 24-year-old shot-stopper, who joined the New Zealand team in 2024, is a product of Spurs' youth system but never made a senior appearance. Since his move to the southern hemisphere, the goalkeeper has been a regular feature for the Kiwi side and was in the starting line-up for their Friday afternoon clash with Auckland FC.

With the score at 0-0, calamity struck as Oluwayemi netted an extraordinary own goal, marking the start of a disastrous afternoon. In the 24th minute, Auckland defender Jake Girdwood-Reich launched the ball upfield to clear his lines. It flew over the Phoenix defence and towards Oluwayemi, who was well outside his box.

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Despite facing no immediate threat, the former Spurs academy player attempted to head the ball away but botched his clearance, heading the ball into his own net from outside the 18-yard box.

Commentators were stunned by the incident, gasping as the ex-Spurs youngster made the mistake, whilst fans and players alike were left bewildered.

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Things took a turn for the worse for the Nix in the New Zealand derby, with Auckland triumphing 5-0 and prompting Wellington head coach Giancarlo Italiano to resign.

Jesse Randal doubled Auckland's advantage on the half-hour mark, adding to Oluwayemi's woes, before collapsing at the end of the second half.

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Guillermo May added a third goal four minutes before the interval, with Randall netting his second during the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

The Nix faced an uphill battle, and Lachlan Brook sealed the victory for the visitors in the 74th minute. Oluwayemi joined Tottenham in 2011 as a 10-year-old and spent nine years in the north London club's youth system.

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He was awarded a professional contract and promoted to the first team in 2020 but failed to make a senior appearance and had a loan spell at Maidenhead United.

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Oluwayemi departed Spurs in 2022 and moved to Portsmouth, enjoying another loan stint in the National League system with Chelmsford City, before exiting Pompey in 2024.

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has been backed to secure another Premier League job in the future, with Crystal Palace suggested as a possible landing spot. Frank was sacked by Spurs earlier this month and has since been succeeded by Igor Tudor, who will remain in the dugout until the end of the season.

Frank's final fixture at the helm of Tottenham was the 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League earlier this month, a setback which leaves them in 16th place in the standings and just five points clear of the relegation zone.

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If and when Frank will return to the touchline remains uncertain, having previously enjoyed a seven-year stint at Brentford before switching to north London last summer. Despite the difficulties in the Premier League this season, Frank still succeeded in steering Tottenham to fourth spot in the league phase of the Champions League, which guaranteed progression to the last-16 whilst bypassing the play-offs.

Frank's prospects have now been examined on talkSPORT by hosts Simon Jordan and Jim White. Jordan has outlined why Frank will be capable of securing another Premier League appointment, though believes it won't be at a "big club".

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"Has he [Frank] been diminished? Of course he has. But success isn't always a straight line,” Jordan said on talkSPORT. “He will have to rebuild a little bit, but now what is being considered is that he's not capable of managing a big club. He's clearly capable of managing clubs.

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"People are now going to go after him because of the job Keith Andrews is doing [at Brentford]. But if the culture of the club is right, you hand over a decent opportunity. But it will be interesting to find out from him what lessons he thinks he's learned from the mistakes at Tottenham.

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"He's now back in the club of managers who can manage in the Premier League but only a certain type of club. But is that an awful thing? To be able to manage but just not a big six club."

White then suggested to Jordan whether Palace might represent Frank's next move, given the uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner's position at Selhurst Park.

"Yeah, possibly," Jordan answered. "A Palace job might be a reasonable job, but Palace fans might say, 'You catapulted Tottenham into a relegation battle, we don't want any of that.'

"But there must be a raft of loads of other reasons behind it. But Thomas Frank's next opportunity will be a lesser club."

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Glasner's future at Palace has generated speculation throughout much of the campaign, with the 51-year-old widely anticipated to depart the Eagles during the summer when his contract runs out. However, with Palace experiencing a difficult spell recently, having secured just one Premier League win since the start of the year, Glasner was quizzed on whether he intends to fulfil the remaining months of his contract.

"Let's see. What the future brings, we never know,” Glasner informed reporters on Friday. Tottenham and Palace are scheduled to face off in the Premier League on March 5.

Bukayo Saka's injury concern against Wolves appears to be nothing significant to fret about, despite the winger being withdrawn once more at Molineux. Leandro Trossard came on for Saka after he hobbled off with what looked like a problem with his knee. The Arsenal star received treatment on the field in the second half before being taken off, but he is not believed to be injured, according to the London Evening Standard.

There was encouraging news following the match regarding his fitness for the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday, as he'll be fine going forward. Saka was also present for post-match duties after the 2-2 draw, which is another indicator that he should remain available for the crucial derby clash.

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Meanwhile, Trossard, originally selected on the bench by Mikel Arteta, was also forced off in added time on Wednesday evening. He was substituted by Riccardo Calafiori, who watched the ball deflect off him for Wolves' late and costly leveller.

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The extent of a possible injury to Trossard is yet to be established, though it's suggested he could be a doubt to face Spurs.

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Arsenal ultimately surrendered more points in the Premier League title battle, being held to a 2-2 draw despite holding a two-goal lead.

The Gunners had been in front for the majority of the match, with Saka breaking the deadlock with a close-range header after just four minutes.

Piero Hincapie's strike, which VAR determined to be onside, doubled the advantage for the visitors. However, Hugo Bueno's stunning curled strike into the top corner dragged Wolves back into the contest, and ultimately Arsenal buckled under the pressure in added time, with David Raya and Gabriel becoming entangled as Samuel Edozie hammered home.

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Speaking to the BBC following the frustrating draw, Saka said: "Disappointed. Not much else to say. There was a big difference in how we played in the first half and the second half. We dropped our standards and we got punished for it.

"Time to focus on ourselves, improve our standards and improve our performances and it is in our control."

The outcome has handed Manchester City a chance to narrow the deficit to two points before the north London derby, as Pep Guardiola's team will host Newcastle on Saturday evening.

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Eddie Howe's squad are without their captain, Bruno Guimaraes, and have been unable to secure victory in any of the 10 league fixtures the Brazilian has been absent from since his debut in 2022.