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Tottenham have had to dig deep for results in the Premier League as they strive to keep pace with leaders Liverpool.

Having salvaged an unlikely draw with Brighton, Thomas Frank’s side rescued a point against Wolves courtesy of Joao Palhinha on Saturday.

It was a weekend of upsets in the top flight, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the teams to drop unexpected points.

While it may be tough to catch the reigning champions this season, Frank has a couple of assets at his disposal who can help them chase ground.

This story includes exclusive comment from former Premier League midfielder Martin Allen.

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Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall the future of Tottenham

Although he did not enjoy the best afternoon against Wolves, Bergvall has been a revelation for Spurs this season.

At 19, the Swede has produced mature performances that surpass his years, leading to understandable links to Europe’s elite.

Pape Matar Sarr is another player who has shown vast improvement this season, demonstrating his attacking quality as well as his defensive attributes.

Indeed, former Brentford manager Martin Allen – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has highlighted why they will continue to thrive in North London.

“I do think Sarr and Bergvall are the long-term solutions for Tottenham’s midfield,” Allen said.

“They’ve both got legs. They’ve got energy. And all the top, top teams, that’s where they excel.

“They’re the brilliant athletes, Liverpool, as we see them with them, they can run all day, all of them, they’ve got no passengers. As a manager, that’s what you have to try and build.”

What else does Thomas Frank need to challenge for the Premier League title?

Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Wolves was a stark warning that Frank’s side are still not ready to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Lilywhites toiled in the first half to bag a goal, but were unable to land the clinical touch past Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Indeed, that inability to score is something that could prove costly this season and highlights the need for a quality number nine.

While Richarlison has performed admirably this term and will score some important goals, he is not the long-term solution for Frank.

Another area that can be improved is the goalkeeping position, with Guglielmo Viacrio’s parry onto Palhinha unfortunate, but avoidable.

There is plenty to be hopeful about in North London, but there are clear signs that Spurs have work to do to challenge for the Premier League.

Joao Palhinha stepped up to score a late stunner to save Tottenham from an embarrassing defeat to Wolves on Saturday evening.

Thomas Frank has enjoyed a successful start at Tottenham, with his side impressing in several competitions early in the season.

Spurs were looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after Frank was disappointed in Tottenham’s result against Brighton.

Unfortunately, a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves is still points dropped as Tottenham’s striker conundrum was evident in the game.

Frank’s remarks about Xavi Simons after the match may raise fresh questions among Spurs fans about his first-choice lineup.

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Thomas Frank says Xavi Simons ‘didn’t work’ as a number 10 against Wolves

Frank has been urged to play Simons as a number 10, as the summer signing impressed in the role against Brighton.

Simons was deployed on the left wing against Wolves but drifted in-field throughout the match.

However, according to Alasdair Gold on football.london, Frank wasn’t overly impressed by what he saw against Wolves.

“I think it’s trying to get the right balance into the team,” Frank said. “Also, for me to learn the players and get the best players on the pitch at the same time.

“He (Simons) came on against Brighton as a 10 and did well. I think when he got into it today as a 10, it didn’t really work, but that wasn’t just him.”

Simons has clear quality, but which position will get the most out of the Dutchman?

Xavi Simons is best at left wing for Tottenham

Simons has had the most success from out wide so far under Frank.

His Premier League debut came on the left wing in Spurs’ 5-1 thrashing of West Ham, where he picked up an assist and looked a threat all game.

Frank is known for developing Premier League-level wingers like Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade, and Simons may develop best off the left.

Lucas Bergvall has so far looked like the best fit for the number 10 role, as Frank will have a decision to make on who will play there against Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

Luka Vuskovic is continuing to make a name for himself during his latest loan spell away from Tottenham.

The 18-year-old is spending the season in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, as he has taken a crucial step up from his previous loan spells in Poland and Belgium.

Vuskovic finally arrived at Tottenham this summer after his signing was confirmed over two years ago, and he immediately catapulted himself into the first-team conversation with some eye-catching pre-season performances.

The Croatian was ultimately loaned out once again, but Thomas Frank may have to review his situation pretty quickly, given the progress that he is already making.

Luka Vuskovic wins 18 aerial duels to achieve five-year first

Tottenham will have been watching Vuskovic with pride last week, when he netted Hamburg’s first Bundesliga goal for 2688 days in their 2-1 victory over Heidenheim.

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Creating history is quickly becoming a routine habit for the centre-back, who turned in a remarkable display to help his team to a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw at Union Berlin on Sunday.

Vuskovic was at the heart of a solid defensive effort from Hamburg, as he won a scarcely believable 18 aerial duels throughout the encounter, according to Sofascore via their X account.

That is the first time that a player has achieved that total in a single game in Europe’s big five leagues in the last five seasons.

However, Vuskovic’s impressive display went far beyond his staggering 90% success rate when it came to aerial challenges.

The youngster completed 12 defensive actions (more than any other player) and used the ball effectively, completing a game-high 88 accurate passes and playing one key pass.

It was a display of real maturity from the starlet, who is going from strength to strength during his time in Germany.

Thomas Frank may want to recall Luka Vuskovic to Tottenham

Tottenham have the option to recall Vuskovic in January, and that is surely an option that Frank must pay serious consideration to in the coming months.

The Lilywhites are not blessed with an abundance of options at the centre of their defence, although the duo of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are always likely to play if they are fit.

Vuskovic is clearly thriving at Hamburg, and there is certainly an argument to suggest that he should be left to finish off his loan spell in an environment where he is excelling.

However, it must surely be tempting for Frank to bring him back into the fold, as he continues to progress with every passing game in Germany.

Ultimately, regardless of what happens in January, it feels as though Tottenham have an incredible prospect on their hands for the future.

Xavi Simons axed in two changes from Wolves draw – Tottenham predicted XI vs Bodo/Glimt

Tottenham return to action in the Champions League when they travel to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites won their first game of the season in continental action on matchday one, as they survived a scare to cling on to a 1-0 win over Villarreal on the opening night of the league phase.

Tottenham needed a stoppage-time Joao Palhinha intervention to avoid defeat to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday night, and they will be desperate to put that right in midweek.

Thomas Frank has some crucial decisions to make in the aftermath of that draw, and with that in mind, Tottenham News predicts the XI that will turn out in Norway.

Xavi Simons dropped for Brennan Johnson vs Bodo/Glimt

Xavi Simons has struggled at Tottenham so far, as he has largely been tasked with operating on the left flank, rather than in his preferred central position.

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The Netherlands international didn’t provide his usual quality in the draw with Wolves at the weekend, as only 27% of his crosses were accurate, while he also completed just 25% of his dribbles.

Simons created one big chance during the game, but with just one key pass to his name, it still feels like there is a lot more to come from him.

The 22-year-old needs time to settle into life in English football, and with that in mind, Frank may decide to operate for a more natural winger outlet for the trip to the Arctic Circle.

Brennan Johnson has largely struggled for gametime so far during the Dane’s reign, but he was the hero for Spurs on numerous occasions in Europe last season, and he may be relied upon to come in and make an impact.

Frank is expected to revert to the 4-3-3 formation that we have seen several times already, in order to provide slightly more defensive security away from home, and that should see Lucas Bergvall keep his place in the midfield.

Pedro Porro will surely come back into the fold, having been rested on Saturday, with Djed Spence the likely candidate to make way.

Tottenham need a win in Norway on Tuesday

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign will get progressively more difficult, with clashes against the likes of PSG and Borussia Dortmund on the horizon in the second half of the league phase.

With that in mind, it is vital that they pick up points in their early outings if they want to have a strong chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

Bodo/Glimt is a unique away trip at this level of football, and while it certainly represents a potential banana skin for Premier League sides, it is a game that Spurs simply have to win.

They dispatched the Norwegian outfit in the Europa League semi-finals last year, and a similar outcome is much-needed this time around.

Tottenham completed several impressive signings during the summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites bolstered their ranks with eight new additions during the summer months, as they were able to get the overhaul that they drastically needed after a woeful Premier League campaign in 2024/25.

Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham just days after the end of the window grabbed a significant portion of the headlines, but the impressive work that the North Londoners completed over the summer shouldn’t be overshadowed.

Thomas Frank’s men have made a bright start to the season, and one particular star has already outlined himself as a fantastic capture for the club.

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

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Tottenham could have paid £70m for Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has made an excellent start to his Tottenham career, as he is already establishing himself as a game-changer for the N17 outfit.

The Ghana international made the switch across London from West Ham in the summer, with the Lilywhites parting with a fee of £55million to secure a rare deal between the two rivals.

The winger is already having a significant influence at his new club, having notched three assists from the opening six league games.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the North Londoners have actually underpaid for Kudus.

“When you’re talking about footballers and fees today, an average player is going to cost you £20m,” King said.

“When you find someone who’s got a little bit of something special, and Kudus has got pace, he can play either wing, and his delivery is always dangerous.

“For that kind of player, you’d be looking to pay £65m or £70m for him. If Kudus continues like he is, then I think he’s going to be a good bit of business for Tottenham.

“The deal will certainly have come from Frank. With him being Danish, he’d have known about him when he was at Nordsjaelland.

“I think it’s already turning out to be one of the best deals that Tottenham have done in the last two or three years.”

Spurs need Mohammed Kudus to add goals to his name

If there was perhaps one criticism that could be made of Kudus during his opening few games for Spurs, it is that he is yet to find the back of the net.

The 25-year-old notched 14 strikes in all competitions during his debut campaign in English football back in 2023/24, but we have yet to see that goalscoring threat materialise in N17.

With Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani both out injured at present, Spurs are arguably lacking a little in terms of goal threat, so if Kudus could begin to get himself in the box more often, then it would make him even more valuable to the team.

Frank and Co. will be delighted with his impact so far, but they will still be keen to get a little more out of him.

Tottenham appear to have little standing in their way of a potential move for Julian Brandt in the January transfer window.

The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer in the Bundesliga for several years now, and he could get the opportunity to get a taste of the Premier League this winter.

Brandt is a long-term target for Tottenham, as they were also linked with a move to bring him to N17 in the last January window.

Similar links have emerged this time around, and there now seems to be no real barrier preventing Spurs from making a move and adding him to Thomas Frank’s squad.

Tottenham deal ‘attractive’ for both Julian Brandt and Borussia Dortmund

Tottenham’s interest in Brandt ultimately never materialised at the start of 2025, but it could be set to become a very different story this time around.

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The attacking midfielder was one of Borussia Dortmund’s most productive players in the Bundesliga last term, and he already has three goal contributions from the opening four league games in 2025/26.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star has been linked with a move to Spurs of late, and it is now understood that a move to N17 would be an “attractive option” for Brandt, according to German outlet WA.

A transfer deal with Tottenham is also thought to be “financially attractive” for Dortmund, who are yet to open talks with their star about a new contract, despite the fact that his current deal is due to expire in 2026.

The financial lure of the Premier League could prove telling for both Brandt and Dortmund in the coming months, and with that in mind, there is surely little standing between Spurs and a potential deal.

They have effectively been given the green light to proceed with their interest, and it will now be a case of the North Londoners deciding how desperately they want to sign the player.

Julian Brandt interest suggests Xavi Simons will play on the wing

Xavi Simons has predominantly played out wide for Tottenham so far since his move from RB Leipzig in the summer, despite the fact that he is a more natural fit in a number 10 role.

The Netherlands international has made a slow start to life in the Premier League, and many supporters feel that his ability to perform is being hindered by the role that he is being asked to take up at present.

However, Spurs’ interest in Brandt surely reinforces the idea that Frank is viewing Simons as more of a wide player than a midfielder.

The Lilywhites need cover for James Maddison as his injury absence continues, but there would be little point in making a move for Brandt if Simons is likely to be moved into a central position.

Tottenham could be about to get their hands on one of the latest young prodigies to have emerged in Brazil.

The five-time World Cup winners have been a hotbed for incredible talent for several generations now, and the Lilywhites could be about to secure one of their most prestigious starlets at present.

Tottenham were linked with Rodrygo in the summer, who has become a world-class talent since his move from Santos to join Real Madrid back in 2019.

Thomas Frank and Co. missed out on the wideman during the recent transfer window, but they now have their eyes fixed firmly on one of his country’s finest emerging stars.

Tottenham in talks over Rayan work permit after scouting mission

Tottenham’s pursuit of Rodrygo in the summer was another sign of the ambition that they have to improve the quality of the squad in the coming years.

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They could now be about to show that determination once again, as they continue to make advancements towards signing Vasco De Gama starlet Rayan.

Spurs are in talks with the Brazilian Football Confederation regarding a possible work permit for the 19-year-old, according to Vasco outlet NT Vascainos via X.

The youngster would likely need to play for the senior national team in order to receive a work permit to move to the Premier League, and it is understood there is a “strong chance” that he will be called up by Carlo Ancelotti imminently.

NT Vascainos have also reported that Tottenham sent scouts to watch Rayan in action during Saturday’s win over Cruzeiro, when the forward netted his seventh league goal of the season.

Rayan is described as one of the “most coveted” young Brazilian players at the moment, and has a £34.8million release clause within his contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

Spurs’ youth focus to bear fruit in the transfer market

Lucas Bergvall has shone for Tottenham so far this term, and his signing from Djurgarden in February 2024 is growing into an increasingly impressive piece of business by the day.

The North Londoners have had a strong focus on trying to sign up and coming young players in recent years, with the likes of Luka Vuskovic also coming through the door.

That is a sensible approach from them, as it should see the values of their starlets rise drastically as they develop at the club.

With that in mind, they should be doing everything that they can to get the potential deal for Rayan done.

Brazil has produced some of football’s most impressive talents in recent years, and Tottenham would be kicking themselves if they missed out on the Vasco starlet, and he became a world-class player later down the line.

Joao Palhinha’s stoppage-time goal spared Tottenham’s blushes as they handed Wolves their first point of the season.

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Wolves in Saturday evening’s fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank‘s side dominated possession as expected, but struggled to break down the side with the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League.

Wolves fought diligently throughout and limited Spurs to very little by way of scoring opportunities and kept the London team’s forwards relatively quiet.

Tottenham’s striker conundrum

Richarlison looks to have found his feet in a Lilywhite shirt, with three goals and one assist from five starts in the league already this season.

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Vitor Perriera’s side limited the Brazilian forward to just one shot as the striker accumulated a negligible 0.02 expected goals in the game, according to SofaScore.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold shared his concerns over the number nine position. He said: “Richarlison had a tough game; it just didn’t work for him, and I asked after actually, ‘are you missing the ability to bring on a Solanke or a Kolo Muani?’ It feels like Richarlison is going to be the man to play.

“I think he brings a lot and he gets some important goals, but I don’t feel like he’s your regular week-in, week-out goalscorer type that’s probably going to be a 20-goal-a-season player, I would love him to be, but I don’t feel like he is that kind of guy.”

It wasn’t just Richarlison who struggled in the game, as Gold pointed out that those around him were below-par.

“The service to him [Richarlison] was pants, they were not getting the ball to him too much at all,” he added.

Richarlison vs Wolves

Other striker options Mathys Tel has struggled for form at Tottenham since arriving, while Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani struggle for fitness.

Thomas Frank has faced some calls for Xavi Simons to play centrally in a bid to get the most out of his attacking options and fix the service issue Gold believes was on display.

Frank’s best options

Tottenham’s forward-focused transfer window, signing Mathys Tel permanently alongside Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and a loan move for Randal Koloi Muani, has improved the team.

Six games into the season, Spurs have scored 11 goals, placing them third alongside London rivals Chelsea and behind only Liverpool and Manchester City.

The goals are being scored but from unlikely sources, as Richarlison and Brennan Johnson are the only two forwards to have registered a goal in the league.

Palhinha is the club’s second top scorer, with Micky Van De Ven, Pape Matar Sarr, and Lucas Bergvall the other players to have netted.

All teams do require their entire squad to pop up with the odd goal, but relying on those sources is unsustainable.

Kudus has been an excellent provider with three assists so far, but has yet to convert a chance himself, and if Frank is to stay in those crucial Champions League spots, the attackers need to step up on future occasions.

Tottenham were left with egg on their faces when they failed to secure the signing of Eberechi Eze during the recent summer transfer window.

The Lilywhites spent several weeks chasing the Crystal Palace star, only to be left watching on in horror as Arsenal swooped in at the last minute to hijack the deal.

Tottenham appeared to have Eze in their grasp, but they were unable to get the deal over the line, in what was another embarrassing failure in the transfer market from Daniel Levy.

Thomas Frank and Co. will still be reeling from their failure to land the England international, and they could already be about to see that nightmare repeat itself.

Tottenham and Arsenal send scouts to watch Arda Guler

Arda Guler is a long-term target for Tottenham, with the Real Madrid starlet tipped to complete a loan switch to N17 during the last January transfer window.

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The 20-year-old is very much a rising star in the Spanish capital and has already made an exciting start to this campaign, with six goal contributions from the opening seven La Liga games.

Guler has been tipped to have a huge future ever since he burst onto the scene with Fenerbahce back in 2021, and he now has several of Europe’s other heavyweight clubs sniffing around him.

Tottenham and Arsenal have both sent scouts to watch the Turkish international recently, according to CaughtOffside.

The likes of Newcastle, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the winger, who is continuing to build an ever-increasing reputation for himself.

However, it is Arsenal who are said to have held a particularly long admiration in the forward.

News of interest from their bitter rivals will surely have the alarm bells ringing once again for Spurs, and they won’t want to see their pride take a hit on the public stage once again.

Spurs simply have to avoid Eberechi Eze repeat with Arda Guler

Spurs were humiliated by the Eze saga, and it goes without saying that they simply cannot afford to take another hit at the hands of their North London neighbours.

The Lilywhites have made a bright start to the season under Frank, and with the impacts of Levy’s departure beginning to settle down, there is genuine optimism that they have begun to turn a corner as a club.

However, losing out on a target to Arsenal yet again would be a serious setback and a familiar frustration that they have tasted all too often over the years.

With that in mind, if they are serious about the prospect of bringing Guler to the Premier League, then they must ensure they act with significantly more urgency than they did in their pursuit of Eze.

Post-match footage shows furious Tottenham stars confronting referee vs Wolves

Tottenham produced an uninspiring display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham drew 1-1 with Wolves on Saturday evening, as Thomas Frank’s side were unable to break down the side at the bottom of the table.

Wolves have a good recent record against Spurs, but are the type of team that Tottenham should be putting away at home.

Frank was critical of his side after last weekend’s draw with Brighton, and will not be happy with what he saw on Saturday night.

Tottenham players furious after Wolves draw

Joao Palhinha continues his excellent form for Spurs, with a stoppage-time equaliser that relieved some of the previous 90 minutes.

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Referee Michael Salisbury came under fire during the game, with Spurs players venting their frustrations at some of his decisions.

Footage from the Chris Cowlin YouTube channel at full-time showed Palhinha alongside Pedro Porro, Micky Van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario surrounding the referee.

The players were clearly unhappy with his performance, and each took time to make their feelings clear amidst some boos from the Tottenham supporters.

It was a frustrating evening for Spurs, with Wolves making it difficult all game, and clearly some of the players felt Salisbury prevented them from playing their best football.

Tottenham blunt in attack against Wolves

Spurs’ result against Wolves is a really poor one, considering they were at home against the side at the bottom of the table.

The away side came to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a plan to defend and frustrate, and it worked brilliantly for them.

Spurs had more of the ball, but failed to break down the stubborn Wolves defence and created very little.

Injuries to the likes of Dominic Solanke and James Maddison obviously don’t help matters, but Spurs still have the quality to create chances.

Frank has enjoyed a decent start to his Spurs tenure, but he still has some issues to solve and prove he is definitely the right man to take them forward.