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Tottenham recorded a superb 2-0 victory away at Manchester City to make it two wins out of two in the Premier League so far.

Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha both scored, and Spurs held firm to keep a clean sheet in a tactical masterclass from Thomas Frank.

While there were several outstanding performers, including Pape Matar Sarr and Palhinha in midfield, the game was not totally without jeopardy.

There was one particularly nervy moment as Tottenham protected their lead, and fans have now expressed their frustration with Guglielmo Vicario.

Tottenham fans slam Guglielmo Vicario in Man City win

Goalkeeper Vicario made a few big saves as he kept a clean sheet at the Etihad Stadium, but his performance was criticised by fans in two key areas.

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Vicario’s kicking and distribution have never been his strongest points, and he very nearly cost his side dearly with a woeful pass to Micky Van de Ven in the second half.

The centre-back was then robbed of the ball in the box directly as a result of the overhit pass, but Spurs managed to rescue the situation to prevent a goal.

Spurs fans took to social media to criticise Vicario’s kicking and cross claiming, as a very frustrating part of his game.

Tottenham have Guglielmo Vicario concern under Thomas Frank

Frank outsmarted Pep Guardiola as his side recorded a valuable win, and it is already clear to see the style of play he is trying to implement.

Spurs played superbly on the counter, while they also played out from the back with the defence dropping deep into their own box.

If Tottenham are going to play a short-passing game with their goalkeeper, then they may need someone better with the ball at his feet than the Italian, despite his strengths when it comes to shot-stopping.

For now, though, Tottenham have other transfer priorities, and Frank will have to make do with Vicario as his number one goalkeeper unless he chooses Antonin Kinsky, but with two clean sheets so far, it has otherwise been a good start to the season.

Tottenham making huge mistake as ‘negotiations underway’ for Luka Vuskovic

Tottenham have just over a week remaining to strengthen their squad in the transfer window, and several areas need addressing.

Spurs urgently need to sign an attacking midfielder, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski ruled out long-term.

That absolutely has to be the priority, with Nico Paz among those linked with a move to Tottenham, while another winger is also being targeted.

A centre-back is reportedly also on the agenda, but with Luka Vuskovic finally joining the Tottenham squad this summer, Daniel Levy is about to make another big mistake.

Luka Vuskovic to join Hamburg on loan

Vuskovic signed for Tottenham in 2023, with an agreement that he would stay at Hadjuk Split until 2025, and this summer saw him link up with the squad for the first time.

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The centre-back was outstanding in pre-season, with Vuskovic one of Tottenham’s most impressive performers.

There is a chance that Thomas Frank moves to a back three at some point, and with Ange Postecoglou suffering injury clusters at centre-back last season, extra options are welcomed.

However, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that “negotiations are underway” for Vuskovic to join German side Hamburg on loan, meaning he will spend another year outside of England.

The 18-year-old is regarded as a huge talent, and Spurs are arguably making a mistake by letting him leave on loan again.

Tottenham could use Luka Vuskovic this season

Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven missed large parts of last season through injury, and Radu Dragusin is still out with a long-term injury.

This leaves Kevin Danso and Kota Takai as the main cover at centre-back if Vuskovic leaves, but this decision may indicate that a new centre-back will arrive.

However, Spurs should look to address their priorities in midfield and attack before signing a centre-back, and panic-buying another defender in the final days of the window would be a waste of resources instead of just giving Vuskovic minutes.

The Croatian could be eased in during cup games, and if he finds himself short of minutes by January, a loan can be orchestrated then, but it may be a huge mistake to let him go now.

Tottenham cannot stop Eberechi Eze transfer despite personal assurances

Tottenham have been linked with some standout names this summer, but landing them has been a different story.

Spurs thought they had made inroads to sign Morgan Gibbs-White, only to be thwarted by Evangelos Marinakis and an alleged illegal approach.

Then, it appeared Tottenham had landed Eberechi Eze, but Arsenal have seemingly stolen him from under their noses.

Now, the Lilywhites have been told of the stark reality that they have faced in the transfer market this summer.

This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

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Tottenham suffer in pursuit of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace

Spurs need an attacking midfielder after James Maddison’s injury, and time is running out to bring in a replacement.

Of course, Eze would have been the ideal candidate, but now the North London club must move on fast.

Football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has weighed in on the situation, as Eze closes in on Arsenal.

“Unfortunately, that’s the cold, hard reality of it until a deal’s signed,” he said.

“It’s not signed, and you haven’t got that player. You can have assurances, you can have positive conversations that can stretch multiple weeks of the window, but until that deal is done and everything’s signed, you’re always wary of this.

“And unfortunately, Spurs here, there is absolutely nothing they can do, and obviously he’s got links to Arsenal as well, hasn’t he, from his younger days.

“It’s really, really tough, but it’s just an example of what can you do? And sometimes you can’t do anything, it’s just the way the market works.”

Who could Spurs sign instead of Eberechi Eze?

The concerning thing for Tottenham is that there are no obvious quality alternatives to the Arsenal-bound man.

Harvey Elliott has been linked with a move to Spurs, but there is no guarantee Liverpool want to part with him.

Another option could be Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, and although he has shown promise, he looks likely to join Everton now.

Maghnes Akliouche and Nico Paz are two other names who have been thrown around, but both are relatively unknown prospects.

Whatever happens, the North London club must find the right man and fast.

Tottenham are about to be dealt a significant blow as Eberechi Eze looks set to join Arsenal.

The Crystal Palace star appears destined to move on this summer, after helping his team to FA Cup glory and a first-ever qualification for European football last term.

Tottenham had an agreement in place with Eze ahead of a move, with Palace’s ability to recruit a suitable replacement seemingly the only barrier to the deal going through.

However, the Lilywhites are now set to miss out to their bitter rivals, and it’s a saga that appears to have infuriated Thomas Frank.

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

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Thomas Frank ‘frustrated and annoyed’ after Eze failure

Tottenham’s inability to land Eze is the latest in a long list of transfer frustrations that have played out in N17 over the last few years.

They appeared to have the England international within their grasp, only to have him snatched away from them at the eleventh hour, and by the worst possible opponents.

It has become clear that in reality, Spurs only have themselves to blame for not completing the deal swiftly enough, and will now be left to rue their shortcomings.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Frank will feel angry and let down by Daniel Levy and the rest of the club hierarchy.

“I would certainly be frustrated and annoyed at the people handling the transfers,” King said.

“A manager is never in a better position than when he first signs his contract. If Frank wants to put his foot down and say ‘these are the players I want’, then the club should react to it.

“Arsenal have just walked straight in and got the deal done. Spurs are sitting there now, and I would imagine Frank won’t be too happy at all with the people above him.

“This isn’t going to go down too well with the supporters either.”

Tottenham cannot leave Thomas Frank hung out to dry

Frank is in desperate need of quality reinforcements after the losses of Son Heung-min and James Maddison.

The Dane will be tasked with leading an exponential improvement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this term, but will now have to manage that without two of the squad’s most integral members from previous years.

With Spurs floundering in the transfer market at present, he will have every right to be a little miffed if quality replacements are not brought in before the 1 September deadline.

If Levy and Co. cannot provide him with that, then it will be hard to shake the feeling that Frank is being hung out to dry somewhat.

Tottenham will face their biggest challenge in the Premier League under Thomas Frank on Saturday.

Frank’s side will travel to the Etihad, where Tottenham will take on Manchester City in the Premier League on 23 August.

The Lilywhites will be hoping for another win after Richarlison scored a spectacular double against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

All eyes will be on him and new Spurs signing Mohammed Kudus to put on a show against the UEFA Champions League winners. With Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha also expected to have an impact, the game promises to be eventful from beginning to end.

Form guide (including pre-season)

Tottenham: WDLLW

Manchester City: WWLWW

Team News

Tottenham will be without Dejan Kulusevski, who is likely to be sidelined until the turn of the new year.

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James Maddison is out after sustaining an ACL injury against Newcastle United during pre-season. Meanwhile, Manor Solomon, Radu Dragusin, Bryan Gil and Kota Takai are all sidelined due to injury.

Frank mentioned before Burnley that Destiny Udogie was “progressing”, but would not feature in the confrontation. While Yves Bissouma was not named in the squad to face the Clarets. It remains to be seen whether both will be available against Man City.

Meanwhile, Mateo Kovacic is out for an extended period for the Citizens after undergoing surgery on an Achilles injury. Phil Foden, Rodri, Josko Gvardiol and Ederson all participated in training after missing the victory against Wolves. However, their presence in the game against the Lilywhites remains doubtful.

Tottenham target Savinho also remains a doubt after sustaining an injury during pre-season.

Predicted Lineup

Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Richarlison, Kudus

Manchester City: Trafford; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ait-Nouri; Gonzalez, Reijnders, Silva, Bobb, Haaland, Doku

Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Tottenham

The confrontation between two of the biggest Premier League sides appears set to end in a draw.

Tottenham fans will be hoping to see big things from Kudus, but he has struggled to break down Pep Guardiola’s side in the past.

The attacking prowess of Man City is cause for concern. However, as Spurs’ performance against PSG indicated, Frank’s tactical flexibility enables him to neutralise attacking sides.

As a result, a 2-2 draw would be an excellent result for Tottenham to leave the Etihad with.

Daniel Levy is not expected to leave the latest mishap at Tottenham unscathed.

Tottenham were on track to have a season and summer to remember. Thomas Frank had shown tactical flexibility against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final, which impressed Spurs supporters.

Meanwhile, against Burnley, Richarlison looked like a new player as the North London club revelled in the possible season that awaited him.

New signings Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha had gotten off to a fine start in North London. Kudus in particular shone for Frank in their first win of the Premier League season.

But things have not all been smooth sailing at Spurs, as recent developments are set to have dire consequences.

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This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Tottenham’s relationship with Crystal Palace put under the microscope

Tottenham were on track to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer.

But just as the final details were being ironed out, Arsenal swooped in and stole Eze from Spurs. This comes after the Lilywhites missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White, who decided to extend with Nottingham Forest.

Two huge transfers for Tottenham. Two huge failures.

The speed at which the Gunners were able to hijack the transfer has been questioned. As such, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Spurs’ and Palace’s relationship could be strained in the future.

“I think moving forward, Tottenham’s relationship with Palace will be interesting as well,” Wenham said.

“I think they’ll feel let down by Palace, in that they have this deal agreed, and look, Palace’s job is to get the best interests for Palace, so that they don’t care what Tottenham’s best interests are, of course.

“But I think there’ll be a real frustration at Tottenham with Palace. So a very, very disappointing day for Tottenham and their supporters because I think Eze would have been an outstanding signing for us and really would have elevated the club.

“So to not get that over the line and so publicly lose him, but not only to lose him, but also losing to Arsenal, is just a massive, massive blow.”

Who are the alternatives for Tottenham?

Frank still wants to sign a 10 as a replacement for James Maddison, who sustained an ACL injury against Newcastle United during a pre-season game.

This likely means Spurs will re-enter the transfer market for a solution.

Nico Paz is an option which Tottenham believes is viable this summer.

Southampton gem Tyler Dibling has also emerged as an alternative for the Lilywhites. While Everton are keen to sign him this summer, there is every chance he lands in North London before 1 September.

While these options are considered a step down by many Tottenham fans, an injection of youth could be just what this Spurs team needs.

What Thomas Frank told Richarlison behind the scenes has seen Tottenham form explode

Richarlison has enjoyed an extremely bright start to the new campaign at Tottenham.

The Brazilian has started both of the Lilywhites’ competitive outings so far, with fellow frontman Dominic Solanke continuing his recovery from an injury he sustained in pre-season.

Richarlison’s brace powered Tottenham to an opening day win over Burnley, and confidence appeared to be flowing through the 28-year-old, as his second strike was a stunning scissor kick.

Thomas Frank appears to be getting the best out of the former Everton man already, and it appears to have come as a reward for his efforts behind the scenes.

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

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Thomas Frank’s message unlocks Richarlison

Richarlison has been like a different player for Tottenham so far this season, having turned in a similarly menacing performance in the UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG.

He may not have found the back of the net in Spurs’ eventual defeat to the reigning European champions, but he was a constant thorn in their side and worked tirelessly until he was replaced.

The striker’s promising start has prompted hope that he could become an influential figure for the N17 outift this term.

Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Frank will have spoken to Richarlison behind the scenes, and feels that will have been key to help him get the best out of him.

“At the moment, he’s started because Solanke’s not been 100% fit,” King said.

“But he’s come in and performed. His second goal (against Burnley), if you see a better goal in the Premier League for the rest of the season, then it will be some goal.

“That goal was Brazilian. It’s what you’ve been expecting from him, but we haven’t seen it often in three years.

“Whatever Frank has said to him, it appears to have been the right kind of medicine.”

Richarlison has forced his way into Tottenham reckoning

Frank’s arrival at Tottenham was always likely to bring a shakeup within the squad, as the new boss took time to assess the options already at his disposal.

The appointment of a new manager is a situation that always creates both winners and losers, and Richarlison certainly looks to fallen into the category of the former.

He hasn’t shown anywhere near enough in the three years since his move to North London, but it is easy to forget that he consistently found the back of the net for Everton in the past.

Even in his limited amount of gametime last season, the Brazilian’s performances were statistically stronger than Solanke’s, and the former Bournemouth man will struggle to regain his place if his teammate sustains his current form.

If Richarlison can maintain this promising start, then it would be no surprise to see him remain as Frank’s go-to option to lead the line.

Tottenham head to Manchester City this weekend as overwhelming underdogs despite an admirable recent record against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Spurs thumped Burnley 4-0 in their Premier League opener thanks to two stunning goals from Richarlison.

As for City, they battered Wolves by the same scoreline at Molineux and will be eyeing another scalp.

With the two clubs set to do battle at the Etihad Stadium, the result has now been predicted by a supercomputer.

Tottenham considered big underdogs against Man City

Dominic Solanke faces a battle to regain his Spurs place after Richarlison’s exploits in North London.

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The forward was in scintillating form for the Lilywhites on home soil and followed up his encouraging performance against PSG.

Indeed, Thomas Frank will need his players to be on top of their game if they are to leave the Etihad Stadium with points.

Former Tottenham man Gary Lineker has predicted a 2-2 draw for the clash, although he admits he may have followed his heart.

However, Spurs enter the match as significant underdogs, with just an 18.7 per cent chance of winning, according to Opta’s supercomputer.

As for City, they are given a 61.7 per cent chance of victory, while a draw is 19.6 per cent likely at the Etihad.

What must Spurs do to defeat Man City at the Etihad Stadium?

Given how strong City looked at Molineux, Tottenham may have to ride their luck to bag a result.

Of course, the North London club will reference their impressive record against Guardiola’s side, as they represent something of a bogey team.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have won five of their last 10 against the Citizens, scoring 16 goals.

However, there is just the obstacle of an in-form Erling Haaland, whom the Tottenham defence must tame.

The Norway international netted twice against Wolves and looked to be back to his lethal best.

Furthermore, Tijani Reijnders caught the eye with an instrumental performance, and Frank’s midfield will need to stop him.

Spurs must also focus on their own strengths, and if Richarlison can produce again, then it should make for an entertaining game.

Vinai Venkatesham is the latest person to get caught up in another blunder from Daniel Levy.

Levy and Venkatesham have formed a steady partnership since he arrived at Tottenham. But that is expected to move South after the Spurs chairman landed himself in another mishap at Hotspur Way.

Several prominent senior figures at Tottenham will be scrutinised in the coming days. But maybe no more than Venkatesham.

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Eberechi Eze transfer blow to cause ‘issues’ for Venkatesham

Tottenham announced that Vinai Venkatesham would be joining their board of directors as Chief Executive Officer in April.

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Spurs supporters have been impressed by some of Venkatesham’s changes to the communications department in recent months.

However, Eberechi Eze’s signing for Arsenal came as a huge shock to the Tottenham hierarchy.

The fact that the CEO has been outdone by his former club will be difficult to bounce back from. Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes this could cause issues for him in North London.

“I think there could be issues for Venkatesham,” Wenham said.

“The fact that he’s been hijacked by Arsenal, the club he came from and by the equivalent of the replacement of him there, and how that looks on the Tottenham hierarchy. I think there could be issues there.”

Should Tottenham still have faith in Venkatesham?

While CEO at Arsenal, Venkatesham was decisive in their financial turnaround, which saw the Gunners excel on the pitch, increase revenue and improve their women’s team, who went on to win the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Tottenham fans would hope he’d do similar for the other side of North London. Venkatesham has already gotten stuck into work at Spurs.

Upon joining the Lilywhites, Venkatesham outlined three key priorities:

From Frank’s appointment to fan involvement during the UEFA Europa League final, some of his changes are there to see.

But for a club that wants to win everything, fans will be demanding further changes. Particularly where the summer transfer window is concerned.

The appointment of Venkatesham could turn out to be one of the best Tottenham has made. However, the humiliation of missing out on Eze has definitely thrown a spanner in the works.

Thomas Frank is preparing for his first away day in charge of Tottenham against Manchester City on Sunday.

Spurs to face Man City at the Etihad Stadium on 24 August as Frank goes in search of a second win in as many games in the Premier League.

Last time out, Spurs secured a 3-0 win against Burnley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to kick the campaign off in perfect fashion.

The Danish head coach will be keen to replicate that success up against Pep Guardiola, who also secured a win on the opening day of the season.

Looking ahead to the clash in Greater Manchester, Frank has spoken out in his pre-match press conference to confirm the state of his squad.

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Thomas Frank speaks out on Dejan Kulusevski injury

Against Burnley, a Richarlison brace was enough to fuel plenty of good feeling around Spurs after a turbulent summer window.

With that being said, frustration has begun to creep back in at Tottenham after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.

As a result, a positive result against the 10-time Premier League champions would go some way to changing the public perception around the N17 club.

With that being said, Spurs will have to be at their best at the Etihad to get anything and need to rely on their key stars to perform.

As a result, it will come as a blow to be without Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski as Frank revealed a fresh injury update in his press conference on Friday (22 August), with midfielder Yves Bissouma also out.

He said: “Destiny is better and trained with the team twice, full training, but it’s just too short to be involved against City. We want him to train tomorrow and get another week.

“[Yves] Bissouma is also out. [Dejan] Kulusevski is out for some time, and I don’t want to put a timeframe on it.”

Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus must step up again for Tottenham

It is certainly a blow to be without Kulusevski in particular.

The Sweden international was useful against City last time out as he registered a 100 per cent pass accuracy, while also completing one dribble in North London.

Instead, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will put their hopes in Richarlison and Kudus again, after they were subject to a superb performance against the Clarets.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the Ghana international was electric and ultimately contributed massively with two assists, as he also covered 8.7km and created five chances.

These helped to get the best out of the former Everton man, which came as a surprise to many, given the frequent exit links for the Brazilian.

As a result, the Spurs duo have to do everything they can at the Etihad if Frank is to oversee yet another positive result in charge at North London.

The Lilywhites have a positive record away to City and will be keen to continue that under the watchful eye of the Dane this time around.