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Danny Murphy hails ‘outstanding’ Tottenham after what Thomas Frank said on MOTD

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Tottenham overcame a two goal deficit to comeback against Brighton in the Premier League.

All eyes were on the Lilywhites to continue their stellar form after Tottenham obliterated West Ham in the Premier League, and Thomas Frank secured his first UEFA Champions League win for Spurs over Villarreal.

However, things did not pan out as planned with Spurs going two goals down inside 30 minutes at the American Express Stadium.

Despite failing to register all three points, there are several positives the Lilywhites can take from the game.

Danny Murphy hails Tottenham’s attitude to comeback vs Brighton

Tottenham managed to salvage a point against Brighton as the Lilywhites fought to overcome a two-goal deficit.

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While Mohammed Kudus stole the show, Xavi Simons faced criticism after coming on for Tottenham as a substitute. However, Frank thought the game was Spurs’ best of the season.

“I think this is our best performance of the season,” the Tottenham boss told BBC Match of the Day.

“I actually think that overall, if there should have been a winner, it should have been us.

“So many crosses into the box, near chances, missed opportunities. We were physically strong and mentally strong, and that is so important if you want to achieve something.”

Meanwhile, Danny Murphy told Match of the Day on 20 September that the Lilywhites’ performance was top class.

He said: “Outstanding, in so many ways. I think he spoke about it there, Frank. But Destiny Udogie coming into the team, he was terrific. He hasn’t started. But players taking responsibility is what a manager wants to see.

“You’re two-nil down. Still getting men into the box, still brave enough to get on the ball and make chances. Pressing, the intensity and attitude are still there to do the job. But structured. It wasn’t chaotic. It was really well done.”

Thomas Frank is changing things at Tottenham

The positive change that Frank is having on Tottenham can really be seen when compared to their performances under Ange Postecoglou last season.

Spurs went two goals down to Brighton inside 30 minutes. However, their best period of attacking momentum came after the second goal was conceded.

Following this, the Seagulls hardly had a sniff on goal with Tottenham dominating in possession, chances created and goals.

In comparison, Tottenham struggled to show the same intensity to overturn a goal deficit in Postecoglou’s second season.

Former Tottenham target Eberechi Eze netted a brace for Crystal Palace inside three minutes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May.

But unlike their performance against Brighton, Spurs showed little inclination to stage a comeback, with Palace dominating even after the second goal was scored.

That the Lilywhites were so dominant after falling behind is one thing. But the fact that they were able to do this away from home is exemplary. As such, it is clear as day that there is already a huge mentality shift at Hotspur Way.

ENIC to ‘take Tottenham to the next level’ amid £200m January transfer stance

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ENIC have been quick to stress their commitment to Tottenham after Daniel Levy’s recent departure.

The 63-year-old announced his decision to step down from his role as the Lilywhites’ executive chairman at the start of September, and that has prompted a major fallout regarding the ownership of the club.

ENIC have no intention to sell Tottenham at present, despite reported interest from the likes of former Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley.

Thomas Frank has overseen a bright start to the season despite the uncertainty, and he could be about to get a huge boost for the January transfer window.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.

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ENIC told to up January investment to £200m at Tottenham

It recently emerged that ENIC are planning a £100million investment at Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window, with the budget set to get a boost for more additions to the squad.

The North Londoners secured eight new signings throughout the summer, but that total could be about to climb even higher in the winter.

Frank has got positive results out of his team in the early stages of the campaign, but he will surely still want to continue to revamp his group.

However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the £100m has to be the base level of investment from ENIC if the Lilywhites are to strengthen adequately.

“I think £100m has to be the starting figure,” King said.

“When you talk about £100m a year ago, you could have brought in three decent players. If you’re looking at players of top quality, then it’s going to cost you a lot of money.

“£100m sounds an awful lot of money to the punter, but to people who work in football, it isn’t.

“I would say £200m is what it needs, if they (ENIC) really want to take Tottenham to the next level.”

Spurs need to continue to upgrade their depth

Tottenham have world-class quality within their starting XI, with the likes of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons, but they do not possess the same level of depth as the teams they are hoping to reel in.

The Lilywhites will have their eyes on closing the gap between themselves and the Premier League’s top sides after last season’s domestic frustration, and they need to keep adding quality if they are to achieve that.

A high-class addition in several key areas of the pitch would help to reinforce the improvements that Frank has overseen, and would ensure that the squad doesn’t begin to fade away as the campaign wears on.

The ownership have certainly said all the right things recently, but they are now at the stage where they need to put their money where their mouth is.

Xavi Simons slammed on MOTD after footage emerges of what he did in Tottenham draw vs Brighton

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Tottenham failed to secure all three points at the American Express Stadium on Saturday.

Spurs came back against Brighton to salvage a point in a 2-2 draw in the Premier League.

Despite an impressive debut for Tottenham against West Ham, Xavi Simons came on as a substitute against the Seagulls after a disappointing performance during Spurs’ win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League.

The Dutchman made a decent impact on the game, but not all were happy about his performance.

Xavi Simons miss criticised on MOTD

Richarlison had himself to blame during Tottenham’s draw to Brighton despite netting their comeback goal.

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However, Simons was the talk of the town after the game. Partly because of how he changed the game once he was substituted on, but also due to his miss towards the backend of the match.

Mohammed Kudus laid it on a silver platter for Simons with a cross into the area. But the attacking midfielder, who took the shot one time, dragged the ball wide.

Speaking on Match of the Day on 20 September, Danny Murphy stressed that it wasn’t good enough from Simons.

He said: “Simons there should do better with his technical ability.”

How did Xavi Simons perform against Brighton?

On the whole, Simons had a positive influence on the game once he entered the pitch.

Coming on for Rodrigo Bentancur, in the 29 minutes played, the midfielder took three shots on goal. He also won 50 per cent of his ground duels and completed half of his dribbles.

Furthermore, 100 per cent of his long balls were accurate for Tottenham while he registered one key pass.

His intervention outlined several key takeaways for Thomas Frank. In hindsight, he should have started the game.

Indeed, Simons’ performance provided Spurs with a much-needed attacking boost, where it looked like the Lilywhites could get something more than a point out of the game.

But it also showed what many Tottenham fans had already suspected: Simons is lethal in the midfield. The attacking midfielder looked more comfortable on the ball throughout the game and was able to dictate the tempo in ways he was unable to before.

As such, the draw should act as a learning curve for Frank in more ways than one.

Tottenham ready for transfer battle amid £17m Ruben Neves development

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Tottenham are keen to continue to add to their squad in the upcoming January transfer window.

The Lilywhites have backed up their busy summer transfer window with a bright start to the new Premier League season, but they are still targeting further improvements this winter.

Mohammed Kudus has been a bright spark for Spurs so far this season, and they will hoping to replicate the success of that transfer with some of their January business.

Thomas Frank has identified a clear area for improvement when the window opens once again, but the N17 outfit are going to have to fight off competition if they want to get their man.

Tottenham eye Ruben Neves as Man United and Newcastle lurk

Frank wants to add to the midfield ranks at Tottenham in the January window, despite some impressive performances from the likes of Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall in the opening few games.

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The North Londoners have been linked with a move for Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP in the last few days, but they could now be about to move for a much more familiar face.

Ruben Neves made over 175 Premier League appearances during his stint with Wolves, and he could now be set to return to English football with Spurs eyeing up a deal, according to the Daily Briefing.

It is understood that the Portugal international is likely to leave Al-Hilal this summer, with his services potentially set to become available for as little as £17million.

The Lilywhites are one of the candidates who are considering an attempt to bring Neves back to the Premier League, but a deal is unlikely to come easily for them, given that Manchester United and Newcastle are also thought to be keen.

Ruben Neves would be a shrewd signing for Spurs

Palhinha looks to be an impressive signing for Tottenham based on the early evidence that he has provided since his move, and Neves would be a similarly shrewd acquisition.

He is still only 28, so he should have plenty left in his legs to be able to seamlessly adapt to life back in the Premier League, despite having spent the last two years in Saudi Arabia.

The midfielder was regularly touted for moves to some of the division’s top sides during his stint at Molineux, and it would be an absolute steal for Spurs if they could land him for just £17m.

Swift transfer business wasn’t particularly a hallmark for Spurs during Daniel Levy’s reign, but with their former chief now gone, they could be about to act quickly to secure Neves’ services.

Tottenham set to sanction cut-price Yves Bissouma sale amid January transfer development

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Yves Bissouma could finally be about to leave Tottenham in the January transfer window.

The midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit for the last few months, and he showed a desire to remain in the Premier League during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham almost sold Bissouma to Galatasaray on deadline day, but a deal fell through in the final stages before the cut-off.

The Mali international has been firmly cut away from Thomas Frank’s plans in the early stages of the season, and it has become clear that he has no future in N17.

AC Milan evaluating cut-price move for Yves Bissouma

Bissouma hasn’t featured for Spurs in competitive action since Frank was appointed in the summer, and it feels inevitable that his long-term future will lie away from North London.

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The 29-year-old’s contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but there could be a desire for the Lilywhites to try and sell him in the January window if the opportunity presents itself.

It has now emerged that AC Milan are evaluating a potential move for the former Brighton star this winter, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.

It is understood that the midfielder is valued in the region of £17-21million, but that could be set to drop as Spurs try and offload him in the January window.

Bissouma was linked with a move to Serie A with the likes of Juventus in the summer, and although nothing materialised on that occasion, it could be a different story this time around.

Tottenham don’t need Yves Bissouma at all

Bissouma’s lack of football at Tottenham has been one of the most noticeable aspects of Frank’s management since he took the reins.

He let himself down with his discipline ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final, and it is already clear that the new boss views him a long way below the quartet of Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr that he has rotated in the middle of the park.

With that in mind, it is surely in the player’s interest to try and facilitate a move for himself, rather than spending the entire campaign without kicking a ball.

If Bissouma can reach an agreement with another club to move on in January, then Spurs surely wouldn’t stand in his way.

Tottenham fans will be delighted with what ‘fantastic’ Tyrese Hall has just done out on loan

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Tottenham youngster Tyrese Hall has just notched a major achievement in his career during his loan spell at Notts County.

The midfielder joined the League Two side midway through the summer transfer window, but has had to largely settle for substitute minutes so far this term.

Hall is an extremely bright prospect for Tottenham, who will be hoping that he can follow in the footsteps of George Abbott, who went from strength to strength during his stint at Meadow Lane in 2024/25.

Thomas Frank and Co. will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the starlet’s progress during his time away from N17, and everyone connected to Spurs will be delighted with what he has just done.

Tyrese Hall ‘fantastic’ as he scores first professional goals for Notts County

Tottenham received plenty of interest in Hall over the summer and had numerous options as potential loan suitors.

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However, the success of Abbott’s loan in Nottingham last term will undoubtedly have played a key role in them ultimately choosing Notts County as the best destination for another of their young talents.

The Magpies have used Hall sparingly so far, but that could be about to change moving forward, after the 20-year-old came from the bench to strike his first two professional goals in their 4-0 win over Crawley on Saturday.

He played a vital role in his side’s victory during his 23-minute cameo, and Tottenham fans will undoubtedly be delighted to see one of their academy talents take such a significant step in his career.

Hall’s efforts in the victory have also been recognised at his loan club. Former Magpies striker Mark Stallard heaped praise on the youngster for the composure that he showed after the game.

“Both of them were assured finishes,” Stallard said on BBC Radio Nottingham (5:14pm).

“There was composure in his finishing; he placed both of them into the corners. He showed that if he gets into those positions, he’s got the calmness to be able to take those chances.

“He got a double today and it was a fantastic performance.”

Tottenham will hope to see Tyrese Hall get more gametime now

Tottenham have had Hall earmarked as a starlet who could potentially reach the first team for some time now, and they will be hoping that his goals on Saturday can be the springboard for him to achieve further success during his loan spell.

They will be keeping a close eye on his development in the coming months, and they will surely be hoping that his latest performance has shown enough for him to break into the starting XI.

Any exposure to senior men’s football will be invaluable to him at this stage of his career, but if he can reach the position where he is regularly starting games for his loan club, then he should really start to reap the benefits.

Richarlison has himself to blame as Tottenham robbed vs Brighton

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Tottenham battled back from an early deficit to draw 2-2 at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Frank’s men have made a bright start to the campaign, and they showed plenty of encouraging signs once again to earn themselves a point in the latter stages.

Mohammed Kudus was excellent for Spurs all afternoon, and his cross led to the equaliser when Jan Paul van Hecke turned the ball into the back of his own net.

It was a promising end to the afternoon for the North Londoners, but it could have been even better had it not been for one man’s antics.

This article contains exclusive comments from former PGMOL general manager Keith Hackett.

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Richarlison’s reputation costs Tottenham in Yasin Ayari goal

Richarlison has enjoyed an encouraging start at Tottenham this term, and he continued that with an instinctive finish in the first half of Saturday’s clash.

However, the Brazilian was at the centre of a controversial moment yet again, as he remained on the ground while Brighton broke forward to double their lead through Yasin Ayari in the 31st minute.

The frontman crumpled into a heap following a challenge from Van Hecke on the halfway line, and Tottenham were left feeling aggrieved as referee Chris Kavanagh allowed play to go on.

Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Richarlison’s reputation for going to ground may have made up Kavanagh’s mind.

“Richarlison was fouled and right to feel aggrieved that the referee failed to award a free kick,” Hackett said.

“It is this type of incident, when going unpunished, that can influence and build up frustration in a player.

“Sadly, his reputation for going to ground rather too easily will influence referees, and they will ignore his pleas for a free kick on occasion.

“It is difficult to understand why VAR did not intervene and rule out the goal.”

Thomas Frank has to get Richarlison’s head right

Richarlison was denied a penalty for Spurs in similar fashion in Tuesday night’s win over Villarreal in the Champions League.

The former Everton star is one of those players who appears to need to play the game on the edge at times, but it is surely in Frank’s best interests to try and tame Richarlison a little and get him focusing purely on his football.

He has made an encouraging start to the campaign, and he could be an effective player for Tottenham, but he has to cut out the moments of madness and frustration.

Mohammed Kudus outstanding, 3/10 star appalling

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Tottenham player ratings vs Brighton – Mohammed Kudus saves his team, 3/10 star appalling

Tottenham battled back to secure a 2-2 draw away at Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites have made a bright start to the new Premier League campaign, and they showed great resolve to claw back a two-goal deficit and earn a point on the South Coast.

Tottenham do not have a good record at Brighton in recent years, but a close-range strike from Richarlison and a late own goal from Jan Paul van Hecke cancelled out efforts from Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari for the hosts.

Thomas Frank will be annoyed with the way the game panned out for his side, and with that in mind, Tottenham News rates the performance of every visiting player out of 10.

Mohammed Kudus superb for Tottenham in 9/10 display

Mohammed Kudus has been brilliant for Tottenham since his arrival from West Ham in the summer, and he already looks to be a shrewd acquisition for his new side.

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The Ghana international caught the eye with his strength and direct running once again on Saturday, and he was a thorn in the side of the hosts all afternoon.

He completed 85% of his passes in the clash, and his tally of six successful dribbles was higher than anybody else on the pitch.

Kudus also created one big chance for his side and delivered the cross that was diverted home by Jan Paul van Hecke for the late equaliser.

The 25-year-old was the shining light for his team, and was worthy of a 9/10 rating after an impressive display.

Guglielmo Vicario costs his team with 3/10 showing

Guglielmo Vicario has been solid for Tottenham between the posts in the last few seasons, but he let himself down with his performance on Saturday.

The goalkeeper simply didn’t do enough to keep out Ayari’s strike from distance in the first half, as he was deceived by the swerving shot.

That error appeared to have flustered the gloveman somewhat, as he was not his typical steady self for the remainder of the game.

Vicario completed just 50% of his long passes against the Seagulls, and was almost beaten in embarrassing fashion by Lewis Dunk’s free-kick from the halfway line.

The Italian looked shaky on Saturday, with his error almost costing his team a result, and his performance was only worth of 3/10 rating.

Spurs player ratings vs Brighton

Guglielmo Vicario – 3

Pedro Porro – 6

Cristian Romero – 6

Micky van de Ven – 5

Destiny Udogie – 5

Lucas Bergvall – 4

Joao Palhinha – 5

Rodrigo Bentancur – 7

Mohammed Kudus – 9

Richarlison – 6

Wilson Odobert – 5

Substitutes

Xavi Simons – 6

Brennan Johnson – 6

Djed Spence – N/A

Archie Gray – N/A

Guglielmo Vicario leaves Sky Sports pundit in complete disbelief in Brighton vs Tottenham – ‘Oh my gosh’

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Tottenham have a mountain to climb away at Brighton as they trail 2-1 at the half-time interval.

The Lilywhites have made a bright start to the new Premier League season, but they have struggled badly at the Amex Stadium so far.

Thomas Frank rotated for Tottenham once again for Saturday’s clash, and it hasn’t paid off so far, with goals from Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari building a first-half lead for the hosts, despite Richarlison’s reply.

The N17 outfit have been far from perfect in the opening period, but they have one man in particular to blame for the deficit that they are facing.

Guglielmo Vicario slammed by Clinton Morrison for error on second goal

Guglielmo Vicario has been largely reliable for Tottenham between the posts so far this term.

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The Italian has been a key part of the backline that had kept three clean sheets from their opening four Premier League outings, but he has now provided plenty of frustration to Frank following a crucial error against the Seagulls.

The 28-year-old failed to get his body behind Ayari’s strike from distance, as the Brighton man put enough swerve and dip on his shot to deceive the visiting goalkeeper, despite Vicario getting a hand to the effort.

While it was not a glaring mistake from the former Empoli gloveman, you would certainly have expected a ‘keeper of his quality to have done better on that occasion.

Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison shared that belief on Soccer Saturday (3:31pm), as he took a swipe at Vicario.

“Oh my gosh,” he said.

“The ball moves, but Vicario should do way better. It’s poor goalkeeping.”

Guglielmo Vicario cannot afford to drop his levels at Tottenham

Vicario recently praised Tottenham’s increased attention to detail when it comes to their defending this season, and he plays a key role in that.

With that in mind, the gloveman simply cannot afford to allow his performance levels to slip, especially considering the lack of viable alternatives within the ranks at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Antonin Kinsky is hugely inexperienced at Premier League level, which means that the boss has little choice but to stick with his number one, even if his form continues to slide.

Key errors have been few and far between from Vicario over the last couple of seasons, and Spurs will need him to get this slip up out of his mind as quickly as possible.

Kolo Muani’s Tottenham career could be over already as reason for absence vs Brighton emerges

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Randal Kolo Muani’s career at Tottenham could already be over just months into his time with them.

The Frenchman joined the Lilywhites in a season-long loan deal on deadline day, a matter of days after a potential return to Juventus fell through for the PSG star.

Kolo Muani’s arrival at Tottenham has prompted plenty of excitement from the fanbase, who know that he is capable of providing genuine world-class quality in the final third.

However, he has struggled badly for minutes under Thomas Frank so far this term, and his latest setback may prove to be something that he fails to recover from.

Kolo Muani dead leg gives him a mountain to climb

Kolo Muani has hardly featured yet for Spurs, as he continues to build up his fitness.

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However, Frank suggested ahead of the midweek clash with Villarreal in the Champions League that the striker is now in a position to start getting involved in games, and he emphasised that idea by bringing him on for his debut in the latter stages of that game.

Many people would have been expecting that cameo to serve as the springboard for the 26-year-old to push on and work towards nailing down a regular place in the team, but that now doesn’t look likely.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt star is absent from the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash with Brighton, as he just cannot seem to reach the level of fitness and match sharpness that is needed in the eyes of the manager.

His absence can be attributed to a dead leg, according to journalist Alasdair Gold via his X account.

While it doesn’t appear to be a serious issue, with Dominic Solanke is nearing a return to action and Richarlison having shown encouraging signs in the early stages of the campaign, the competition to lead the line is only growing stronger.

If Kolo Muani cannot get himself match fit soon and falls down the pecking order, then his time in N17 could be effectively over before it has truly begun.

Tottenham will regret signing Kolo Muani

Kolo Muani’s signing brought positivity from Tottenham fans, but the club may already be regretting their decision to bring him in on deadline day.

Quick decision-making is required in the hours leading up to the deadline, but Spurs may now be looking at their call to bring him in and wishing they had pursued a different option.

If the forward cannot get himself fit, then we could easily be in a position where we are approaching Christmas and he has still hardly had a kick of a football in competitive action.