The Boy Hotspur

Jamie Carragher feels Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are in danger of being seen as flat-track bullies.

The North London club have made amends for a slow start to the new season by winning each of their last three outings. Things could get even better if they manage to defeat Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United away from home on Sunday.

But, they don’t really have a great track record against top teams in the Premier League since Ange Postecoglou took charge. While Spurs have been playing an attacking and attractive brand of football, they haven’t been able to get the desired results against the teams from the top half of the table.

In his latest column for The Telegraph, Jamie Carragher has highlighted the fact that Spurs under the Australian manager have struggled to get positive results against the top teams.

The former Liverpool man wrote on The Telegraph: “Over Postecoglou’s 18 games against the clubs which finished in the top nine last season, Spurs have won four. They are in danger of being seen as flat-track bullies. That must change.”

Tottenham did manage to secure a fifth-place finish last season and they have been playing some impressive football under the former Celtic boss. But they have failed to get the better of their rivals. The fact that they only have four wins out of the 18 fixtures against teams that finished inside the top nine last season suggests they need to deliver in the big games.

Unless they manage to get the better of their immediate rivals, they will not be able to compete with the biggest teams in the country. The game against United will be a major challenge for Tottenham, a win will help Postecoglou ensure his team are not labelled as flat-track bullies.

Alan Shearer expects the fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to end in a stalemate.

The North London club haven’t had an ideal start to the new season, they have only won two out of their first five league games and are now gearing up to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. It might have been a slow start but they have each of their last three outings across competitions and will be confident about their chances.

The Red Devils have also struggled to get the desired results so far. While they have been unbeaten in their last outings. They played out a draw against Crystal Palace in their last league outing and failed to win against FC Twente in the Europa League. The recent form of both teams suggests Spurs could have the upper hand but United have the knack of getting it done against their rivals irrespective of their overall form.

Premier League’s record goal scorer Alan Shearer spoke about the fixture at length on The Metro.

Shearer said: “Spurs have players that can hurt United. James Maddison is a top player, he’s one of the players that could say he played his part and did okay during Spurs’ slow start to the season. I’m a fan of his, I like what he brings to the team and he got his goal last weekend. Confidence wise, that’ll be great for him and he’ll play a huge part, absolutely.

“If Spurs do get into those positions and turn chances into goals then it’ll be tough for Man United as well because they do give you chances and that’s why I see it being a score draw.”

While Spurs have the players to hurt United, he feels both teams will have to settle with a point. He is a huge admirer of James Maddison and has suggested that the former Leicester City attacking midfielder is the one to watch out for. He feels if the North London club manage to make the most out of the chances they create, the Red Devils will have a tough time in this fixture.

Neither team have been at their best yet but they surely have enough firepower in their squad to make their opposition’s life difficult. But, Shearer feels they will have to settle for a draw here.

Gary Mabbutt feels teenager Mikey Moore has the potential to be a superstar for Tottenham Hotspur.

The North London club have quite a few young stars in their squad. While they added the likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert to their team during the summer, Will Lankshear, Jamie Donley, Alfie Devine and Mikey Moore are some exceptional talents to have come up the ranks at the club.

While all four have the potential to become important first-team players in the near future, Moore is the one everyone is excited about. At the age of just 17, he has already managed to make a few appearances for the first team. Given his abilities and huge potential, it won’t be a surprise if he soon becomes an important squad player under Ange Postecoglou.

Former Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt believes Moore has the potential to be the next big star of the North London club.

While speaking on talkSPORT, the 63-year-old said: “We have got players coming through the ranks we haven’t had for a while. I think Harry Kane was our last superstar to come through. We have got young lads now, Will Lankshear, we have got Mikey Moore who is only just 17. He’s going to be a superstar in the future.”

While Moore hasn’t been promoted to the first team yet, he has featured in a total of four matches for the senior side and two of those appearances have come in the new season. The 17-year-old has exceptional abilities and if he manages to reach the expected levels, he could be the next big superstar to have come up the ranks after Harry Kane.

He has been constantly training with the first team where he has the opportunity to learn from skipper Son Heung-min who plays in a similar role. While Mabbutt is excited to see the number of young stars coming up the ranks from their academy, Moore is the one who excites him the most. He feels the teenager could be the next big thing.

Tottenham loanee Luka Vuskovic put in a remarkable display during Westerlo’s recent clash with Standard Liege in the Belgian Pro League.

The 17-year-old Croatian centre-back, who is set to join Spurs in 2025, demonstrated both his defensive prowess and offensive contribution by delivering a key assist.

Vuskovic skillfully carried the ball forward from his half before providing a nicely weighted pass to Matija Frigan, who finished clinically to secure the 2-1 win.

Baller incoming. #THFC | #COYS | #SPURS https://t.co/vnw7sfed0S

— That Tottenham Feed  (@Tottenham_Feed) September 28, 2024

In addition to his assist, Vuskovic impressed defensively by completing 22 out of 29 passes, recording 7 clearances, 7 headed clearances, 3 interceptions, and 5 ball recoveries.

Luka Vuskovic vs Standard Liege:

-90 minutes played

-1 assist

-22/29 passes completed

-2 passes into the final third

-7 clearances

-7 headed clearances

-3 interceptions

-5 ball recoveries

-2/3 ground duels won

Strong display. #LoanWatch pic.twitter.com/b7eS2x5pCK

— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) September 28, 2024

This performance underscores Vuskovic’s growing potential as he continues to develop during his loan spell ahead of his future at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur’s number 9, Richarlison, has returned to training ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford this Sunday.

As Spurs aim to continue their winning streak and secure a vital three points, concerns remain over the fitness of key players. Captain Heung-min Son is still a doubt after suffering a hamstring issue during Tottenham’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag.

Richarlison, who has been sidelined due to an injury sustained in training, has also been a concern. However, Spurs fans received a boost when the Brazilian forward was seen back in training.

Great to see Richie back with the lads. 💪🏼#THFC | #COYS | #SPURS pic.twitter.com/otqsQ5Y2pa

— That Tottenham Feed  (@Tottenham_Feed) September 27, 2024

Sky Sports‘ Michael Bridge also confirmed this with his recent update.

He said:

“There is potentially some early good news for Tottenham, it’s early days, but Richarlison is back out on the grass.

“Ange said to us last week please no questions on Richarlison, he is not being considered at the moment, he is injured. But that is potentially some good news for Spurs there.”

Although Richarlison might not be fit enough to start, his return is a positive sign for manager Ange Postecoglou, who will welcome the additional depth with a busy schedule looming across multiple competitions.

The 27-year-old forward has only made two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season due to injury.

Despite summer transfer speculation, Richarlison stayed at the club and now faces stiff competition from new signing Dominic Solanke, who has established himself as the first-choice striker.

As Richarlison works his way back to full fitness, he’ll need to prove his worth and fight for his place in Tottenham’s frontline.

Tottenham Hotspur will travel to Old Trafford this Sunday to face Manchester United, looking to extend their winning streak to four games across all competitions.

Spurs have found their form after a rocky start to the season and will be eager to maintain momentum against a Manchester United side under growing pressure.

The Red Devils are coming off two consecutive draws, with manager Erik ten Hag needing a win to quell concerns over the team’s inconsistent performances.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has weighed in on the upcoming fixture, predicting an exciting, high-scoring encounter between the two sides.

Merson believes both teams will adopt an open style of play, which could result in plenty of goals.

He noted that Tottenham’s high defensive line might leave them vulnerable, while Manchester United’s defensive issues could present Spurs with plenty of scoring opportunities.

Merson also emphasised the significance of the match for both clubs. Manchester United, currently sitting 11th in the Premier League, desperately need a win to stay in touch with the top-four race.

Their recent struggles, including a disappointing Europa League draw against Twente, have raised concerns over their form.

Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson opined:

“This is a huge game for both teams. Tottenham play a dangerously high line and Manchester United are not great at the back, so it’s a very open football match. I expect there will be loads of goals in this one too.

“Spurs have been alright this season. Against Arsenal, the quality of set-pieces were the only difference between them. But they should’ve beaten both Newcastle and Leicester, if they don’t win these types of games, it starts to look a bit Spursy!

“As things stand, there are not a lot of problems with them. But if they lose this game, they are the team with the fourth-best chance of finishing fourth.”

For Erik Ten Hag’s side, a loss would significantly dent them who currently sit on 11th, something Merson sees as crucial for a club of their stature. On the other hand, Tottenham have bounced back strongly and a win at Old Trafford would not only boost their top-four chances but also deal a severe blow to United’s ambitions.

Merson’s prediction for the match is a 2-2 draw, expecting it to be an action-packed, closely contested affair.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert is anticipated to make a return to training during or shortly after the international break, following a hamstring injury, according to Dr. Rajpal Brar.

Odobert sustained the injury during Spurs’ Carabao Cup match against Coventry City earlier this month, where he was forced to exit the game just 18 minutes in.

Dr. Brar, a sports scientist and physical therapist, explained that the 19-year-old forward is suffering from a Grade 3 hamstring injury, which typically keeps players out for around three to four weeks, depending on the progress of recovery.

Tottenham has recognized the severity of the injury, with the club acknowledging that the situation “doesn’t look good.” However, there is hope that Odobert could resume full training once the international break concludes, as long as his rehabilitation proceeds smoothly.

Speaking to Tottenham News, Dr. Brar stated:

“This sounds like a Grade 3 hamstring injury.

“If that is the case, typically looking at over three to four weeks out.

“The club confirmed that it’s not looking good so that’s never a good sign.

“If all things go as per plan, he could be back in full training during or after the international break.”

Since joining Spurs, Odobert has made four appearances, starting in three of them. He debuted in a commanding 4-0 win over Everton and has shown flashes of his potential, even though he has yet to register a goal or assist. His pace, technical ability, and attacking mindset have made him a valuable asset down the wings.

Manager Ange Postecoglou has expressed confidence in the young winger, regularly featuring him in the lineup before the injury. Odobert’s return will be highly anticipated as Tottenham looks to build on their recent performances.

Odobert’s ability to drive forward and create chances will undoubtedly be a boost for Spurs, offering an additional attacking threat once he regains full fitness.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi continues to be linked with a move away from the club.

The 24-year-old England international was heavily linked with a move away from the club at the start of the season, but Crystal Palace managed to hold onto him. According to TBR Football, they have now informed the player that he needs to sign a new deal with the club or he will be sold in 2025.

The defender will likely be available for a more reasonable price next summer after Crystal Palace priced his suitors out of a move earlier this summer. Palace were demanding £75 million for the defender. He has a contract with them until 2026 and will enter the final 12 months of his contract next summer. The Eagles will be under pressure to sell him. They will not want to lose him on a free transfer.

The report states that Tottenham are keeping close tabs on his situation and they could look to make a move for the player. The North London club need to bring in defensive reinforcements and signing another central defender could sort out their defensive unit for the future.

Meanwhile, Liverpool and Chelsea are keen on the player as well. Joe Gomez has been linked with a move away from the club, and the Reds will have to replace him adequately. Guehi would be a quality acquisition for them.

Similarly, Chelsea need depth at the heart of the defence as well. Players like Benoit Badiashile have been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. It will be interesting to see if either of the three Premier League clubs decide to make a move for the 24-year-old England international next summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a surprise move for the Italian manager Maurizio Sarri.

The 65-year-old Italian manager is currently without a job after resigning from his position as the head coach of Lazio earlier this summer. According to a report from Fichajes, a mediocre start to the season has prompted the club to look at potential solutions and they are keeping tabs on the former Chelsea manager as an alternative to Ange Postecoglou.

It would be extremely surprising if the London club decided to make a move for the 65-year-old in the near future. Postecoglou has done reasonably well at Spurs so far and there is clear improvement under him. They have impressed with their playing style under him as well. The Australian manager has brought in several talented young players and Tottenham will have to give him the time to build a formidable side.

It seems unlikely that Daniel Levy will abandon the current project and move for another manager any time soon.

Meanwhile, the report states that Everton are keen on the former Chelsea manager as well. Sarri has managed big clubs in the past and there is no doubt that he could be an interesting acquisition. He has managed in the Premier League before and he helped Chelsea win the UEFA Europa League.

It will be interesting to see if Postecoglou can silence his critics in the coming months. If the results do not improve, there will be further speculations surrounding the Australian manager’s future at Tottenham. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.

Ange Postecoglou has heaped praise on Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for how he spends his time off from Tottenham duties.

Guglielmo Vicario made a name for himself at Empoli before making the move to Tottenham in the summer of 2023. The North London club forked out £17 million to sign the Italian goalkeeper who has takeover as their number one from Hugo Lloris.

The 27-year-old has done most things right since making the move to Spurs. While he has faced a lot of criticism because of his struggles to deal with set-pieces, Vicario has been a consistent performer for them and Ange Postecoglou is very pleased with his performances as well as his work ethic.

He has been included in the leadership group by the Australian manager and wore the armband in their opening Europa League fixture against Qarabag. On the back of his impressive performance in the European fixture, Postecoglou spoke quite highly about the Italian international to Football.London.

He said: “He has been great since the day he arrived.

“Criticism is just part of the nature of football these days. We have had a few under the spotlight.

“I included him in the leadership (group) this year, I have just seen his growth. He is one of those guys who is really positive.

“He comes in every day wanting to work, he comes in on his days off wanting to work. He is a great example for everyone and a great human being as well.

“I thought he could add something to our leadership group. It’s great for him to get the armband last night and I thought he rose to the occasion.

“He was big for us. He hasn’t had to make too many big saves in the first few games for us but we needed him for a couple last night and he was great.”

The former Celtic boss is quite impressed by the 27-year-old goalkeeper’s performances and the manner in which he has carried himself since making the move to the club. He has a desire to learn and improve. More importantly, Postecoglou has revealed the fact that Vicario comes into training during his off days.

While he has been criticised for his inability to deal with the balls coming into the box, the Italian goalkeeper is working hard on a daily basis to ensure he gets better and does his best for the team. It’s his qualities as a player as well as an individual which have resulted in Postecoglou including him in the leadership group and handing him the armband.