Daily Express

Cristian Romero delivered a heartfelt message to Tottenham Hotspur fans following their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth, criticising "lies" from the club's leadership in a post that has since been amended. Spurs suffered a loss during their Premier League clash at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday evening.

It appeared as though Tottenham had salvaged a draw on the south coast after Joao Palhinha netted a late equaliser for Thomas Frank's team. But Antoine Semenyo then hit what turned out to be Bournemouth's winning goal during injury time, inflicting another setback on Spurs.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Thomas Frank's side have now suffered defeat in three of their last six Premier League fixtures, securing victory in just one game during that period, leaving them in 14th position in the standings. Romero featured for the full 90 minutes for Tottenham and has since offered an apology to Spurs fans, while also taking aim at the club's leadership.

"Apologies to all fans of you who follow us everywhere, who are always there and will continue to be," Romero posted on Instagram to his 5.1 million followers. "We are responsible, there’s no doubt about that. I am the first.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"But we will keep facing up to it and trying to turn the situation around, for ourselves and for the club.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well.

"We'll stay here, working, sticking together and giving our all to turn things around. Especially at times like this, keeping quiet, working harder and moving forward all together, is part of football.

"All together, it will be easier."

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

Yet a section of the message has since then been amended. The original wording stated: "At times like this, it should be other people coming out to speak, but they don't - as has been happening for several years now. They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies."

The concluding sentence has since been altered to omit the accusaton about lies being told. Romero's statement received over 90,000 likes and drew responses from several Spurs colleagues.

Pedro Porro replied (in a translated message): "Amen. Keep going, brother. We have a lot of battles left." Meanwhile, Richarlison also weighed in on the post, simply adding a clapping hands emoji.

Following the match, Frank discussed why he felt Tottenham performed admirably against Bournemouth despite the loss, whilst also identifying areas requiring improvement.

"I think it's very tough to sit here right now and we haven't got anything out of a good performance," Frank said. "I think we started well, got up 1-0, conceding two goals on second phase set-pieces. Especially that second one - we needed to do much better. But I really liked the character in the team and from the players, they gave everything.

"The second half, I think we were completely on top, and keep going even through disappointments and small setbacks, which we talked about before. Work very, very hard with the players and the team on that.

"Don't score inside the post from Richie [Richarlison], overturn the penalty, keep going, getting the equaliser, 2-2.

"After that, I think we are closer to winning than Bournemouth are. With the Micky [Van de Ven] header, with all the good opportunities. So, to sit here and concede in five, six minutes of extra time is very painful, very tough. But that's football."

Thomas Frank is under serious pressure at Tottenham and their latest defeat, 3-2 away to struggling Bournemouth, only compounded the misery surrounding the club. His style of play has been criticised and results have not helped soften the blow. His time may be running out, despite the club trying to stress patience.

However, even in the past few days, top operators have become available if Spurs do wish to part ways with Frank. Here, Express Sport has taken a look at the options they have in order to get their season back on track.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Oliver Glasner

Spurs supporters may shudder at the thought of another well-performing manager at a rival London club taking over, again.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

But Oliver Glasner has proven more capable of playing on the front foot at Crystal Palace than Frank had at Brentford, and won major silverware doing so.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Spurs may yet be able to re-enter the Marc Guehi race, with Glasner at the helm.

Marco Silva

Marco Silva is a name that just won’t go away when it comes to future Spurs managers.

And it’s easy to see why as he continues to perform with his rag-tag Fulham squad.

Spurs can only dream of the lofty eighth-placed position that Fulham currently sit and it may be time for Silva to get a chance at a ‘Big Six’ club in the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca

Hiring a former Chelsea boss may leave a bad taste in the mouth of many Spurs fans, but Enzo Maresca is a coach with plenty of pedigree and his backers will claim that he was hard done by at Stamford Bridge.

He clashed with the bigwigs at Chelsea but it could be Spurs who benefit from the decision to axe the Italian.

Maresca is on the lookout for a new gig and he has the opportunity to remain in London, with a Champions League club, who offer him the chance to get one over on his former employers. Revenge does taste the sweetest.

Ruben Amorim

Deep down, Spurs actually have a squad pretty well suited to Ruben Amorim.

There are more than three top-quality centre-backs at the club and plenty of all-action wing-backs in Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence.

The lack of midfield quality in possession could be hidden by Amorim’s preference to move the ball through the flanks, where Spurs have a number of wingers who enjoy operating in central areas.

It might just be the perfect match.

Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi has lit up Ligue 1 with Marseille, had them competing for the title with Paris Saint-Germain last year and restored the fallen giants to their previous glory.

He has enjoyed previous success in the Premier League with Brighton and his style of football is the polar opposite to Frank’s.

The 46-year-old could bring smiles back to the faces at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham suffered a thrilling 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Wednesday night, and despite being unbeaten in their last three games, the visitors couldn't shake off their 'Dr Tottenham' label as they faced a Bournemouth side that hadn't tasted victory since October.

Mathys Tel reaped the rewards of consecutive starts within the first five minutes. The young Frenchman, set up by a clever backheel from Xavi, cut in from the left wing and drove a low shot into the bottom right corner of the goal. The hosts equalised in the 22nd minute when Evanilson found himself unmarked in front of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero and headed home Marcus Tavernier's cross.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Nine minutes before half-time, Bournemouth seized the lead due to more lacklustre defending from Spurs. A Tavernier cross from the left reached Marcos Senesi at the far post, who squared it for Junior Kroupi to blast into the net.

Richarlison, coming on as a substitute, nearly equalised with a header that hit the post with 20 minutes left in the match. A penalty was awarded shortly after when Micky van de Ven's lengthy run ended with him falling in the box, but referee Darren England, after consulting his monitor, ruled there was no foul as it appeared the Dutchman's leg had hooked the defender's.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

However, the equaliser did arrive at the 78-minute mark, courtesy of a spectacular overhead kick from Palhinha following a corner.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Spurs almost clinched the win with Van de Ven's header, which was saved by Djordje Petrovic at full stretch. But it was Antoine Semenyo who secured the victory, firing a low shot from outside the box in added time in what is expected to be his final game for the club before transferring to Manchester City.

Here are our player ratings for Spurs from the match...

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Guglielmo Vicario

Despite not being able to do much about Evanilson's precise header or Kroupi's close-range effort, and despite Semenyo's shot finding the bottom corner, Vicario's kicking was subpar. 5.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Pedro Porro

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Caught out of position on the left for Bournemouth's equaliser, giving Tavernier ample time to cross. Back on his usual side, he was nowhere near anyone for the second goal.

He received a yellow card for a late tackle on Evanilson in the second half. It was a challenging night for him. 4.

Cristian Romero

Sent a header over the crossbar from a corner midway through the first half. Lost Evanilson for the hosts' equaliser.

Was defensively weak in the first half but improved significantly in the second, making some crucial challenges and proving to be a formidable presence during set pieces in the Bournemouth box. Nearly set up Tel for a late equaliser. 7.

Micky van de Ven

Made some careless passes in the first half. Thought he'd secured a penalty in the second half only for VAR to step in, suggesting that he had tripped the defender rather than vice versa.

Received a yellow card for his objections. Had a header brilliantly saved by Petrovic in the final 10 minutes. 6.

Djed Spence

Attempted to create opportunities down the left but failed to connect with Tavernier's cross for the second goal. Some sloppy touches on the run in the second half. 6.

Joao Palhinha

Performed solidly until he produced something extraordinary with a stunning overhead kick to level the score. 7.

Rodrigo Bentancur

At times he covers others so well but equally is so poor in possession at others, gifting the home side the ball in dangerous areas especially in the first half. Improved as the second half progressed before being substituted due to injury in the final five minutes of normal time. 4.

Lucas Bergvall

Took an early long-range shot that the goalkeeper collected on the second try. Around the half-hour mark, he curled a shot just over the crossbar.

Worked diligently but seemed to sustain a groin injury after an awkward twist and exited the game after repeatedly pounding the ground in frustration. 6.

Xavi Simons

Back in action after missing three games, he immediately contributed with an assist, backheeling into Tel's run. Started the match strongly but lost momentum after Bournemouth's two first-half goals. 6.

Mathys Tel

Started energetically, cutting inside just five minutes into the game to strike a low shot into the far corner. He was Spurs' standout player in the first half, consistently attacking down the left flank and causing problems for Bournemouth.

Delivered some threatening set pieces in the second half and had a late opportunity but was too exhausted to capitalise. 7.

Randal Kolo Muani

Received very little service and did virtually nothing when he did get the ball. 3.

Subs

Wilson Odobert

Brought some forward drive after replacing the injured Bergvall. 6.

Richarlison

Hit the post with a header and posed problems for the Cherries. 6.

Archie Gray

Came on for Bentancur in the final moments. N/A.

Tottenham legend and former England striker Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80. Chivers was one of Spurs' greatest-ever players and sits third on their list of all-time top goalscorers. He scored 202 times in 415 appearances and also hit the back of the net on 13 occasions for his country in 24 caps.

Chivers began his career with boyhood club Southampton and helped guide them to the First Division, scoring 30 goals in 39 games in the 1965/66 season. He scored 106 goals in 190 appearances in total before joining Spurs in 1968 for a club record fee of £125,000.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Chivers helped Spurs to two League Cup wins and also lifted the UEFA Cup in 1972, scoring twice in the 2-1 first-leg win over Wolves. During his time at Spurs, he earned his first call-up to England and went on to make 24 appearances for his country.

He enjoyed a fruitful spell at Swiss club Servette, where he spent two years, before playing for the likes of Norwich and Brighton before retiring at Barnet in 1983.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

After hanging up his boots, Chivers commentated for BBC Radio and was a host at Tottenham matches. In 2007, he was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Tottenham will wear black armbands in tribute to Chivers for their match at Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.

Tottenham issued a statement confirming his passing, which read: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time. Our players will wear black armbands during this evening’s fixture against AFC Bournemouth. Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats."

Steve Archibald, who won the FA Cup twice with Spurs, led the tributes to a club great. He wrote on social media: “Watched the great Martin Chivers before I became a pro, was an amazing watch, he was like Rolls Royce, so smooth in his movement, excellent in the air and a great finisher, but on top of all of that he was a really nice guy. Most sincere condolences to all of Martin’s family xxx.”

Former Spurs and Chelsea midfielder Micky Hazard wrote: "Unbelievably sad news, a Legend of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, a Legend of the Game of football, a Legend full stop. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Martin you will be sorely missed."

Thomas Frank believes Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham's time working alongside Mikel Arteta at Arsenal has helped him secure patience from a club historically known for its trigger-happy approach to managers. Premier League bosses are being sacked at an alarming rate currently, with Ruben Amorim and Enzo Maresca departing Manchester United and Chelsea respectively within a matter of days.

Before Spurs' trip on Wednesday evening to Bournemouth, some supporters have demanded their 13th-placed side make a similar change following an underwhelming beginning under Frank, who has overseen just two victories in their last 11 top-flight matches.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Yet, despite being a club that has typically cycled through managers with remarkable frequency under previous chairman Daniel Levy, there is fresh leadership at the helm in Venkatesham.

He was among the influential decision-makers at Arsenal who demonstrated faith in Arteta during some challenging initial campaigns and believed the Spaniard required sufficient time to establish his vision.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Six years later and the Gunners sit six points clear at the Premier League summit, and Frank is convinced he is reaping the rewards of Venkatesham's understanding gained during those formative years across North London with Arsenal.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Definitely [that has informed the way he acts]. No doubt about that. He also knows what good looks like and how, unfortunately, it can take time to get up to where good should look like," the 52-year-old explained. "That's definitely beneficial because he understands the journey we're on.

"Vinai is one of the best communicators I ever met, as a CEO, leader, he is absolutely excellent in that. I think I'm ok but he is way superior which I think is crucial internally and externally. He's calm and takes sensible decisions, two rare abilities in football, but also two absolutely crucial abilities if you want to have success long term.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"My experience is very limited. As I understood, he was the one that was signing off and negotiating the final bit [with transfers]. He will not do that now, that will be more down to Johan [Lange] and Fabio [Paratici]," the head coach explained.

"We have a good recruitment side with the numbers behind it, looking at the players and then taking the right decision. Then it's down to Johan and Fabio to do the job with the agents and get the deals done. That's the biggest difference."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Despite their struggles this season, Frank maintains that Spurs are still an appealing prospect for transfer targets this window, with a new left winger and left-back on the wish list and potentially another midfielder and centre-back depending on departures. "We are very attractive in many ways. Spurs is a fantastic club with huge potential," he asserted.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Of course if we compete against the three teams that are clearly ahead of us - City, Arsenal and Liverpool - unfortunately those three clubs are probably more attractive right now. That's not to say we can't attract some of the players that also want to go to those clubs. It depends if there is a spot available for the player to play in those clubs and here.

"Regrettably, those three clubs are likely more appealing at the moment. That's not to say we can't attract some of the players that also want to go to those clubs. It depends if there is a spot available for the player to play in those clubs and here."

Tottenham have confirmed the exit of Brennan Johnson. The 24-year-old forward, who was signed from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 for a hefty £47.5million, has moved to Crystal Palace in a record-breaking deal for the club. Johnson made 106 appearances for Spurs, netting 27 goals and setting up 18 more. The Welsh international played a crucial role in Tottenham's UEFA Europa League triumph in May 2025, scoring a close-range goal in the final at San Mames Stadium.

Under Ange Postecoglou's management, Johnson was a pivotal figure in the team. Despite his stellar performances, contributing to at least 15 goals in each of his last two Premier League seasons, he found it challenging to secure a spot in Thomas Frank's starting eleven. Although Johnson featured 22 times under the Danish manager, he only clocked up around 900 minutes of play. Frank favoured Mohammed Kudus, a player Tottenham acquired from West Ham for an initial £50m in July 2025.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Johnson was told by the club's top brass on New Year's Eve that he was no longer needed. The Welshman drew attention from clubs such as Bournemouth, Everton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United before Crystal Palace swooped in to seal the deal.

It is believed that Crystal Palace shelled out £35m for Johnson, whom Steve Parish has labelled an 'exciting young talent'. Speaking to the club's media, the Eagles' chairman expressed: "I'm delighted that Brennan has joined us at Crystal Palace.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"An exciting young talent with an excellent recent record in domestic, continental and international football. We feel we are the perfect place for Brennan to continue his already impressive journey, and his arrival bolsters our attacking options in what is proving our busiest season to date, competing on numerous fronts including, for the first time, in Europe."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Crystal Palace's head coach, Oliver Glasner, has hailed Johnson as a 'valuable addition'. He expressed: "I'm really delighted that Brennan has joined the club. He arrives very early in the window, so credit to the club for making this happen so quickly.

Football transfer news and rumours plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Get More of Our News on Google

Set Daily Express as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

"Brennan will give us options in our attacking play with his pace and goalscoring ability and with all the upcoming games he will be a valuable addition to the squad."

On his part, Johnson shared his excitement about joining Crystal Palace: "I'm really excited and I'm really happy. Crystal Palace are such a great club, one that I've always admired. It's a great time for me to be here and join the journey that this club is on – I'm super excited."

The former Tottenham winger, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with Crystal Palace, will be ready for selection for Sunday afternoon's match against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Johnson will don the number-11 shirt.

Before the official announcement of the transfer, Frank was asked about Johnson's future. The Dane, keeping his thoughts under wraps, commented: "I think there are different scenarios.

"There are players that want to leave, there are players that are a little bit like, hmm, do they want to stay or do they want to leave? And then there are players that don't want to leave.

"And that is the three different cases you need to solve between the sports directors, head coach, player and agent. And hopefully in the most cases, everyone is happy in the end of the situation."

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed details of a text exchange with Liverpool striker Alexander Isak following the striker's devastating injury setback. The club's record acquisition is expected to be sidelined for several months at the very least.

The ankle injury occurred when Isak was caught by van de Ven whilst scoring the Reds' opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He has since undergone surgery to address the issue, which also included a fractured fibula. The blow represents yet another obstacle for Isak, who has found it difficult to establish himself at the club following his £125million move from Newcastle this summer.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Van De Ven has now revealed the contents of the message he sent to Isak after the high-intensity Premier League clash.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the Spurs centre-half disclosed: "Yeah, I've text him. Of course.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"I've sent him a text because I didn't want to injure him, I didn't want to do something to hurt him. I just tried to block the shot and I think it was a bit unlucky how his foot landed between my legs.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"So I sent him a text afterwards. I want to wish him all the best in his recovery.

"That's what I said to him. And I hope we can see him back on the pitch very soon again."

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

When questioned about whether Isak replied, he added: "Yeah, he really appreciated the message. He texted back."

While van de Ven kept the specifics of Isak's reaction under wraps, it's safe to assume that the Liverpool star appreciated the gesture and accepted the apology. His focus will now be on returning to full fitness as soon as possible.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Discussing Isak's comeback, head coach Arne Slot expressed his belief that the striker will return to action before the end of the season.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

"Yeah, [he'll play again this season]. I'm confident. It's been a really challenging and difficult period for him, I think. Maybe no-one understands, but if you haven't trained for three or four months on a serious level with the team and you're playing in this league... in this league you need to be on the top of your game to impact the games.

"That took, which we all knew, months before we could bring him there. Because there was no pre-season, there were games, games, games.

"We had hardly any time to train, so we always knew that it would take him time - and that's why he's so unlucky that he's now injured because I think we all saw with a goal against West Ham, and with this goal [vs Tottenham], that he got closer and closer to the player he was at Newcastle."

Liverpool have confirmed their first deal of the January transfer window.

They've allowed youngster James Norris to leave the club on a permanent basis, joining Irish side Shelbourne.

He spent the majority of 2025 at the club in a successful loan spell and has now signed a permanent contract.

In a statement, Liverpool said: "Everyone at Liverpool FC wishes James the best of luck for the future."

Hello and welcome to Express Sport's rolling coverage of the latest transfer news with the January window finally open for business.

Stay with us to keep up with the biggest stories from across the Premier League and beyond...

Tottenham are already active in the January transfer window, which opened only a few hours ago, as they are prepared to sell Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace. The Welshman is expected to undergo a medical shortly ahead of a £35million deal, which could be reinvested back into Thomas Frank's squad.

The Dane has struggled to win over the Spurs faithful and many have pointed out that his central midfield needs more of a cultured operator. But he will also be desperate to replace Johnson, and has a cool £35m in his pocket to spend. Here, Express Sport has taken a look at our priority first signing...

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Jack McEachen - Savinho

Savinho's situation has not changed since he came close to leaving Manchester City for Tottenham in the summer, despite signing a new contract in October.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

With Antoine Semenyo's impending £65million transfer to the Etihad, Savinho will surely be growing more concerned about his position at City.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The Brazilian's ability to operate on both flanks would surely appeal, and he offers a dribbling threat that, outside of Mohammed Kudus and the raw Wilson Odobert, Spurs do not have at the club.

Why not resurrect this transfer?

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Charlie Malam - Yan Diomande

With Brennan Johnson looking likely to leave Spurs this month, a replacement attacker is a priority. The dream would be RB Leipzig's exciting Ivorian winger Yan Diomande.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

The 19-year-old, valued at between £50m to £60m, has all the attributes to be a consistent match-winner; explosive athleticism, elite dribbling off of both feet, versatility to play on either side and crucially, end product. He would be a cheaper and easier-to-sign Nico Williams of sorts.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Spurs may have to go big on Diomande now if they want to meet the massive competition for him, but if they could snag the Ivory Coast attacker at a cheaper price than they were willing to pay Man City for Savinho last summer, it would be the biggest success yet of the post-Daniel Levy era.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande after, seemingly, falling short of securing Antoine Semenyo, but an alternative deal may have to wait until season's end. Spurs were said to have shown an interest in the Bournemouth forward over the past couple of months, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

However, it is now understood Semenyo has highlighted Manchester City as his destination of choice when the January window swings bacl open, leaving the Lilywhites to reassess their options. Meanwhile, Spurs look increasingly likely to lose Brennan Johnson next month after telling the forward he is free to leave the club, with Crystal Palace agreeing the framework for a £35million deal.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Should a deal with Palace fall through, the Welshman is not shy of admirers; with Sunderland, Everton and Aston Villa all said to be paying attention to the 24-year-old.

All things considered, Spurs would be wise to bring in a replacement to ensure a strong finish to 2025/26. And while the club have been linked with Diomande as of late, Leipzig are not prepared to sell their talisman in the upcoming window.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Despite the two clubs holding a strong relationship following the £51.8m transfer of Xavi Simons this summer, Die Roten Bullen are eager to retain Diomande, given he only arrived at the club in July and is currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Reports in Germany suggest that RB Leipzig will only listen to offers at the end of the season and they will demand a whopping package of around £85m. The 19-year-old has taken very little time to impress at the Red Bull Arena - providing seven goals and three assists across all competitions this season - as Leipzig sit fourth in the Bundesliga standings.

The Lewis family are reportedly ready to back Thomas Frank in the transfer market after investing some £100m into the club back in October. However, Spurs will be better suited looking elsewhere if they're eager to secure a forward for the latter half of the season, given Diomande seems set to stay put.

The north London-based outfit have also been linked with AS Monaco talent, Maghnes Akliouche, as well as FC Koln's Said El Mala, and it will be interesting to see how January plays out in Tottenham.