The Boy Hotspur

Xavi Simons has shown flashes of his Bundesliga form, contributing 1 assist in his first five appearances across all competitions, but in truth, the boy has struggled recently, with only seven touches in the opposition box so far this season, perhaps indicating issues with positioning and service.

Despite this, Frank remains confident in his progress, stating Simons is “taking steps forward” and will “come good” with better team integration. It also has to be said that this current squad is absolutely ravaged by injuries.

Simons’ playing style is characterised by exceptional vision, dribbling flair, and composure in tight spaces, which fits well as a No. 10 or left inside-forward in Tottenham’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system, where he can drift into half-spaces to create chances. However, he is not a one-man band, and the sooner he is teamed up with more inventive and intelligent players, the better for all of us.

The Premier League’s relentless pressing has left Simons exposed against physical sides, as seen in recent games, where he’s been muscled off the ball more than he was perhaps at Leipzig.

Indeed, Frank has noted this as a key adaptation area, praising Simons’ hunger to improve.

A major issue is Simons’ low touches in dangerous areas—Spurs are over-relying on set pieces (56% of goals this season) instead of open-play service to him.

The “key to unlocking Simons” lies in better progression from deep-lying midfielders like Yves Bissouma or Pape Matar Sarr, who need to play quicker, riskier passes into his channels.

Individually, Simons should demand the ball more vocally during build-up and work on one-touch layoffs to draw markers. Team drills emphasising quick vertical passes, similar to Leipzig’s counter-attacks, would almost certainly help.

His talent is undeniable; it’s about fine-tuning for Frank’s “invention-heavy” style.

I was never a fan of Ange Postecoglou, but the news ahead of this afternoon’s game suggests I was too harsh on him regarding Tottenham injuries.

The centre-back positions are the hardest hit, with Drăgușin, Davies, Romero (recently back), and Takai all affected. This has forced tactical adjustments from the former Brentford gaffer. Centre back Radu Drăgușin has a knee injury and isn’t expected back until the end of this month.

Ben Davies, who operates as a centre back or left back, has a hamstring issue which will also sideline him until the end of November.

Newby Kota Takai is out with a foot injury, about which there is very little information. Destiny Udogie is hopefully available for today’s game, but will surely be subject to a late fitness test.

The same could be said of Cristian Romero, who picked up an abductor issue after the International break.

In midfield, Archie Gray is the latest to succumb to the physio room, with a calf muscle issue. James Maddison, as we all know, is on the mend from a torn ACL. Yves Bissouma is battling against an ankle ligament.

Dejan Kulusevski is on the mend after surgery on his patella, and Dominic Solanke is having post-procedure recovery.

And finally, Wilson Odobert will be subject to a late fitness test.

The form guide ahead of Tottenham versus Chelsea

The tale of this often fractious derby dates back to 1909. Across all competitions, Chelsea hold the upper hand in this storied fixture.

Chelsea’s dominance is particularly evident in recent decades, with 7 wins in the last 10 Premier League encounters alone.

In our last 5 Premier League games, we’ve won 2, lost 1 and drawn 2.

Chelsea, by contrast, has lost 3 and won 2.

Skipper Cristian Romero, full-back Destiny Udogie and forward Wilson Odobert are all available after injury, but as we can see, this is a small crumb of comfort, given just how many adjustments he is having to make.

Tottenham Hotspur signed Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window.

The Portuguese international has been outstanding since moving into the Premier League, and he has established himself as a player for the North London outfit.

Former Premier League defender and pundit Jame Carragher has now heaped praise on the 30-year-old midfielder, and claimed that he is the best signing under Thomas Frank so far.

Palhinha has not only added defensive steel and physicality in the middle of the park, but he has also helped them going forward as well. He has chipped in with important goals and allowed the creative players to operate with more freedom.

Carragher hails Joao Palhinha

“The best signing under Frank so far is Joao Palhinha, a highly effective ball-winner more so than a playmaker,” Carragher said to The Telegraph (h/t Football Insider).

“In the early stages of his Spurs career, Palhinha is exactly what Frank and his new club need, and it could bring instant success.

“Going forward, there will have to be an evolution, as the pairing of Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur is perceived by supporters to be over-cautious in home games.”

Palhinha move is likely to be made permanent

Tottenham will be looking to sign the player permanently at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal across the line. The midfielder struggled for regular game time in January, and he will want to sort out his long-term future soon. Joining Tottenham would be ideal for him.

He is enjoying his football once again, and he will look to secure a permanent move to the London club in the coming months.

Spurs will be hoping to finish in the top four and fight for trophies this season. Palhinha will be crucial to their hopes of doing well. It will be interesting to see if he can sustain his current form until the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye.

The 25-year-old has done quite well for the Premier League club, and his performances have attracted the attention of the London outfit. It will be interesting to see if they follow up on their interest with an offer to get the deal done.

According to Football Insider, it would take an exceptional offer to sign the player. Ndiaye is happy at Everton, and they have no plans to let him leave. Spurs might have to pay £100 million to get the deal done. It seems highly unlikely that Tottenham will spend that kind of money on the attacker.

Iliman Ndiaye is happy at Everton

Keith Wyness told Football Insider: “It’s going to take a huge offer. Ndiaye is very happy at the club right now. I think there will be a new contract situation cropping up pretty quickly. So let’s just see how that goes.

“I don’t really see him going unless it’s an exceptional offer, £100m or something like that sort of level.

“Look, he’s impressed everybody. He’s got very fast feet. He’s great to watch. He’s exciting to watch.”

Spurs could use Ndiaye

There is no doubt that they need more quality on the flanks, but £100 million would be overpaying for the player. They are likely to look at other options if Everton are unreasonable with their demands.

There is no doubt that the 25-year-old would be a quality acquisition for the north London club if they manage to get the deal done. He has shown his ability in the Premier League, and he could make an instant impact.

Ndiaye is well-settled in English football, and he might not need a lot of time to adapt to a new club. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.

Spurs need more unpredictability going forward, and the Everton attacker could prove to be the ideal acquisition for them.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the move for the Everton defender, Jarrad Branthwaite, once again.

The 23-year-old central defender has been linked with a move away from Everton in the past. According to David Ornstein, Tottenham have looked at the player as their dream target, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to make a move in future.

Tottenham keen on Jarrad Branthwaite

“Jarrad Branthwaite, because I think Tottenham have been looking for a while to upgrade in that defensive department,” Ornstein said via TEAMtalk.

“They’ve looked at him. He’s someone who has been linked with a move away from Everton, even though he’s signed a new contract and I guess he’s one to watch in the future for many of the top clubs.”

They are looking to bring in defensive additions, and the England International would be an exceptional acquisition. He is one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League, and he has all the qualities to develop into a top-class Premier League defender.

Branthwaite could fancy a big move

The move to Tottenham could be exciting for him. It would be a step up in his career, and he would get to compete in Europe and fight for trophies. It remains to be seen whether Spurs follow up on their interest with an official proposal to sign the player in the coming months.

They need top-quality players like Branthwaite if they want to compete at the highest level. The young defender will help them tighten defensively, and he could form a solid partnership with the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

The 23-year-old has proven himself in the Premier League with Everton, and he deserves to play for a bigger club now. It will be interesting to see if the Toffees are willing to sanction his departure.

If we are honest with ourselves, this is the news all Tottenham fans have been waiting for: the opportunity for Frank to sign his one-time Brentford superstar striker, Ivan Toney.

Spurs really haven’t had much luck with strikers, the most recent and perhaps worst example being the high-profile £50 million transfer (plus up to £10 million in add-ons) of Richarlison.

The end of the Richarlison experiment

Quite what Daniel Levy was thinking is anyone’s guess. Yes, there has been fan appreciation for his grit, but quite frankly, the game is all about goals. The Brazilian simply hasn’t produced anywhere near the volume of them in his domestic career, let alone during his many years at Tottenham.

Goal.com reported recently that the 28-year-old has reportedly “given the green light” to such a move, partly to boost his chances for Brazil’s 2026 World Cup squad, but no deal is imminent—his €25 million market value and contract until 2027 make it a complex negotiation, possibly involving a loan or instalments.

News from The Mirror Online

The Mirror’s James Davies now understands that Thomas Frank telephoned Ivan Toney yesterday, asking him about a potential reunion in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur. The suspicion is that a loan deal could facilitate this.

📞💣 EXCLUSIVE: Thomas Frank held a phone call with Ivan Toney earlier today. The striker wants to leave Saudi Arabia and the pair discussed a potential reunion. A loan deal would be the likely route. #THFC

— James Davies (@JamesDavies1212) October 30, 2025

Supporter reaction to the news

Fan reaction on X to the possible news has been predictable enough fare:

Yes please. Anyone is better than Richarlison at this point!

Frank is gone by Boxing Day. Toney can stay in Saudi Arabia.

This would potentially be a blessing, with Toney knowing the division and being a player who is known for getting fans up on their feet.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the highly rated French midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old central midfielder has done quite well for LOSC Lille, and several clubs are interested in securing his signature, according to the Daily Briefing.

The midfielder is likely to cost around €40-45 million. Tottenham have the resources to afford him, and it will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to sign him.

Given the fact that multiple clubs are keen on him, the North London outfit should look to make their move quickly so that they can win the race for his signature.

Spurs could use Ayyoub Bouaddi

It is no secret that they need more creativity and control in the middle of the park. The 18-year-old should prove to be an excellent long-term investment for them.

Bouaddi is highly rated across Europe, and he has a bright future. He could develop into a key player for Tottenham with the right guidance.

The midfielder has a contract with the French outfit until 2027. They could be under pressure to sell him at the end of the season if he does not sign an extension with them. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.

Bouaddi would be a future investment

The reported asking price might seem like a premium right now, but the player has the potential to justify the investment in future. Tottenham need talented young players like him if they want to put together a formidable team for the future. They have done well to bring in several talented young players in the recent windows, and it seems that they are looking to add to the pool of young talent at the club.

The opportunity to move to England will be exciting for the 18-year-old. It will be a step up in his career, and he will look to adapt to the Premier League and establish himself as an important player for Tottenham.

Mathys Tel arrived at Tottenham with kind words from Harry Kane and on the back of an Ange Postecoglou story of a two-hour phone call to the boy. All of which sounds great, but what have supporters actually had in return?

Tel has struggled to make a consistent impact in our 2025-26 campaign so far, with limited minutes and output in the Premier League. He’s been omitted from the Champions League squad for the league phase, a decision that reportedly left him “very, very mad” and motivated the player to prove himself in domestic competitions.

The Frenchman has also significantly struggled to make a consistent impact in Tottenham’s 2025-26 campaign so far, with limited minutes and output in the Premier League. He’s been omitted from the Champions League squad for the league phase, a decision that reportedly left him “very, very mad” and motivated to prove himself in domestic competitions.

His only goal came against Leeds United in early October, which some observers see as a positive sign of potential breakthrough, despite not yet hitting top form. Less than enamoured fans have been quick to remind each other it was a notable deflection, and so the jury is still very much out.

The truth of the matter is probably that it’s early days in a new division, but therein lies one of the harsh realities of the Premier League, players really don’t get much time. Football’s media views him as a high-upside prospect who contributed to last season’s Europa League win but needs time to adapt fully this year.

Fan sentiment is bittersweet, as per these reddit.com/r/coys quotes

“I want this man to succeed so badly”

“Man, it’s really tough to hate on players like him and Richy. It’s not a matter of discipline because they’re 100% in, it’s just that their quality is not there”

“Soldado vibes”

Overall, Tel’s start to the season has been underwhelming at club level, but at 20, there remains optimism he could still become a key rotation player if he builds on that Leeds strike and international form. His market value holds steady at €35-51 million, signalling belief in his long-term value.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to improve their attacking unit, and they have identified Jarrod Bowen and Samu Aghehowa as targets.

Both players have done quite well for their respective teams, and they could prove to be exceptional acquisitions. According to a report from Fichajes, Tottenham are preparing to spend €130 million in order to sign the two players.

Tottenham need attacking signings

There is no doubt that they need more quality in the final third. Their strikers have not been able to find the back of the net regularly, and they need a reliable goal scorer. The Porto striker could be the ideal addition. He has been exceptional since joining the Portuguese outfit. He has 36 goals for them since joining the club.

Similarly, they need someone who can take on defenders and beat them in a one-versus-one situation. They need more creativity and goals from the flanks. Bowen could be the ideal acquisition. They have recently signed Mohammad Kudus from West Ham, and he has been outstanding for the North London club. They will hope to sign his former teammate Bowen now.

Aghehowa and Bowen would improve Tottenham

Aghehowa is quite young, but he has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in the Premier League. He could compete with Dominic Solanke for the starting spot. More competition for places would help both players improve. He will only improve with coaching and experience, and he could develop into a top-class player for the club with the right guidance.

Bowen has extensive experience in Premier League football, and he could make an instant impact. He knows the league well, and he will look to establish himself as a key player for Tottenham. This is a golden opportunity for him to join a bigger club, and it remains to be seen whether he is open to the move.

Our Tottenham player ratings against Newcastle make for uncomfortable viewing.

KINSKY 5 Solid enough kicking, but at fault for the second goal, failing to claim a cross. Too many reminders that Vicario’s precarious hold on the number one slot is safe. Made one high claim, and it may be the case that early signs were deceiving.

SPENCE 5 He looked like a Djed Spence tribute act. Anyone staying in his penitentiary was afforded the keys to the imaginary jail. Spent too much time on the floor.

DANSO 6 Passing was strong, but he was on his own. His nod that led to the opener, and like many of our lot, appeared to be fighting himself much of the time.

PAULINHA 5 A fish out of water, this club doesn’t do Plan B very well at all. 92% passing accuracy, but hey…

PORRO 5 Utterly frustrating performance, spent too much time arguing with the referee as captain. Not enough time leading. Another firefighter.

BENTANCUR 6 Tireless work rate and intensity in midfield tackles, but endless Harry Winks-type passing.

SARR 5 Another so-what showing, which was so bad, I actually didn’t realise he was playing until the second half.

JOHNSON 2 Streaky and passive make him sound better than he actually was. Fans cheered his substitution, and his 4 attempted crosses all failed. Woeful. Impotent. Inept.

BERGVALL 5 This lad needs to find some focus. Faded horribly in the second half.

XAVI 6 grew into the game, but the expectations have been severely lowered. The Toon’s dull bustling proved too much for him and us.

RICHARLISON 3 Hopeless is unkind, but true. He must go, because it’s over.

Fans have seen more than enough, and LollypopsDad on X said:

That must be it for Richy. Has to be binned from the first team squad; it’s never going to happen for him. Just try Scarlett, he is only going to be an improvement, surely, until January. I will be worried if Frank keeps faith with him, as it’s clearly not going to work.