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Wilson Odobert makes Tottenham breakthrough after what happened in 27-minute Crystal Palace cameo

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Wilson Odobert has seriously given Thomas Frank one of his biggest Tottenham headaches yet, and for good reason.

Tottenham saw out a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday at Selhurst Park, pushing themselves up the Premier League table and into 11th place.

Archie Gray’s first senior goal was enough for the Lilywhites to take three points back to North London, but it could have been more than just the one goal.

Odobert was Frank‘s most lively substitute and came agonisingly close to scoring his first league goal of the campaign after rattling the post from distance in the second half.

Despite the misfortune, the Frenchman has done himself the world of good with his short display, as statistics now emerging from the match prove how terrific the forward truly was.

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Wilson Odobert was 100% flawless in everything he did

Odobert hasn’t had an easy time at Tottenham so far since joining on a permanent deal from Burnley last summer.

The youngster has battled injuries and has had to bide his time when getting back to full fitness.

Despite being on the pitch for just 27 minutes versus the Eagles, Odobert seemed like the biggest threat on the field for either side, and was constantly pushing for Spurs’ second goal.

The 21-year-old won 100 per cent of both his ground and aerial duels, while completing both of his attempted dribbles successfully too.

With Tottenham now entering the busiest time of the season, Frank will surely be happy to depend on Odobert when needed.

However, there is already a case for the winger to start more regularly.

Randal Kolo Muani biggest loser from Crystal Palace win

Frank opted to play Randal Kolo Muani off the left against Palace, and Odobert’s French compatriot failed to impress, to say the least.

Kolo Muani only managed to complete 67 per cent of his passes, and completed none of his four attempted dribbles at Selhurst Park.

The forward brought in on loan from PSG in the summer has yet to find his best position in Frank’s side, as Odobert could now take the left-wing spot.

Frank returns to the Gtech Community Stadium in Tottenham’s next match against Brentford, with Odobert now surely the main man to start on the left.

Jamie Redknapp tells Thomas Frank the problem area Tottenham must strengthen in January

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Tottenham are set for an important January transfer window as Thomas Frank continues to put his own stamp on the squad.

Frank has been under big pressure for months now, with his side struggling to string together a run of consistent results.

However, Archie Gray has given his manager a bit of breathing space, scoring the only goal of the game as Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park.

Despite the win, Jamie Redknapp has highlighted one area of the Spurs team that needs particular attention in the January transfer window.

Tottenham must focus on forward signings

It’s no secret that Tottenham are currently lacking quality in attacking areas, with some players underperforming and others out injured.

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Frank has been unable to call upon Dejan Kulusevski or James Maddison this term, and Dominic Solanke has been out of action since the end of August.

The likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are yet to spark into life either, meaning Spurs have had a real issue creating chances so far this season.

Former Tottenham midfielder Redknapp is adamant that the North London side needs to address their problems going forward in the January transfer window.

Speaking on Sky Sports after Spurs’ win over Palace, Redknapp said: “I think if they were to look at addressing one part of the team in January, it would certainly be going forward.”

Who are Tottenham targeting ahead of January?

Tottenham will be looking to strengthen their ranks in January, but it won’t be easy for the North London outfit to land some of their big attacking targets.

Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush has been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but it remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola’s side would sanction an exit during the mid-season window.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago and AC Milan winger Rafael Leao are two others who have been touted as potential options for Spurs, but both would be difficult deals to do.

Much of Tottenham’s business will depend on how close the likes of Solanke and Kulusevski are to a return from injury.

If the pair have suffered further setbacks behind the scenes, then there is a more imminent need to bring in attacking quality.

Richard Keys launches stunning accusation at Premier League referee as Tottenham incident mentioned

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Tottenham have been caught up in some refereeing controversy in the Premier League after their win over Crystal Palace.

Archie Gray scored his first goal in senior football at Selhurst Park as Spurs secured a 1-0 victory over Palace to take all three points back to North London.

Richarlison had the ball in the net on two different occasions on Sunday evening, but both of his strikes were disallowed for offside.

However, an incident in the early stages of the contest has caused confusion among Premier League supporters.

Kevin Danso booking sparks controversy

Kevin Danso was booked for a foul on Justin Devenny in the opening five minutes of Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace, tripping the Eagles attacker as he burst towards goal.

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However, the incident has sparked controversy in the Premier League, as Ruben Dias had avoided a second yellow card the day before for a very similar challenge on Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory at the City Ground.

Forest manager Sean Dyche said after the game that he was “stunned” Dias hadn’t been sent off by referee Rob Jones.

Dyche was also unhappy with Jones’ decision to allow City’s winner, as he felt Morgan Gibbs-White had been fouled in the build-up.

Writing in his weekly blog, presenter Richard Keys agreed with the Forest manager, highlighting the inconsistent refereeing in the Premier League.

He said: “I mentioned on Twitter I was 100% behind Sean Dyche’s view after the game at Forest.

“Of course, Dias has got to go after committing a second yellow card offence. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“What was the difference between that challenge and the one Danso was booked for at Palace last night? Only that Rob Jones was s*** scared to get a card out again because he was reffing City.”

Kevin Danso walking suspension tightrope after Tottenham booking

After being booked against Palace, Danso is now just one yellow card away from a suspension at Tottenham.

The threshold for a ban rises from five bookings to 10 after Spurs’ upcoming clash with Brentford on New Year’s Day, so the centre-back will be desperate to avoid a caution at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Danso may not even start the contest, as Cristian Romero returns from a suspension of his own for the trip to West London.

Romero is expected to go straight back into the starting lineup alongside Micky van de Ven, meaning that Danso will likely be confined to limited minutes from the substitutes bench.

All five Tottenham players at risk of Premier League suspension ahead of Brentford clash

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Thomas Frank could see his Tottenham squad depleted even further during their upcoming Premier League game against Brentford.

Frank faces his former side for the second time in four weeks on New Year’s Day, as Spurs travel to West London to take on the Bees.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 back at the start of December, with goals from Richarlison and Xavi Simons ensuring the Lilywhites took all three points.

However, there is an added element of jeopardy about Spurs’ trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, with several players just one yellow card away from a suspension.

Five Tottenham players are one booking from suspension

Tottenham’s clash with Keith Andrews’ side on 1 January is the 19th game of the Premier League season, which is vitally important as it marks the midway point of the campaign.

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After the full-time whistle is blown in West London, the suspension threshold will rise from five yellow cards to 10 for the remainder of the term.

However, there are five Tottenham players who must get through the Brentford game without picking up a booking in order to avoid suspension.

Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pedro Porro are currently all on four yellow cards and will miss the visit of Sunderland on 4 January if they are cautioned at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Simons is already suspended for both the Brentford and Sunderland games after being sent off against Liverpool.

Micky Van de Ven would be biggest miss for Tottenham

Frank could probably cope without the likes of Danso, Bentancur, and Porro for the Sunderland game, but is relying heavily on Van de Ven and Richarlison at the moment.

Van de Ven was excellent in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, with the Dutchman making eight recoveries and 10 clearances as he led Spurs to a vital clean sheet.

The central defender won both of his ground duels and wasn’t dribbled past once, stepping up in the absence of the suspended Cristian Romero.

Frank will be desperately hoping that Van de Ven stays out of the referee’s book during the Brentford game and ends any chance of a yellow card ban in the foreseeable future.

Thomas Frank now has Antoine Semenyo bargaining chip as Bournemouth eye £35m Tottenham star

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As the January transfer window approaches, speculation over Antoine Semenyo’s future is a major talking point.

Spurs wanted to sign Semenyo from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window, but refused to pay the Cherries £100million asking price.

It was then revealed recently that Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his contract, and that put several clubs on red alert.

Unfortunately, Semenyo snubbed Tottenham’s interest, with the 25-year-old preferring a move elsewhere, although that may have changed.

Thomas Frank can use Brennan Johnson in Antoine Semenyo negotiations

Manchester City emerged as favourites to sign the powerful Ghanaian ahead of January, while the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United have placed him on their radar.

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However, according to Alan Nixon via his Patreon, Bournemouth have joined Crystal Palace in the race to sign Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson.

Palace showed an interest in Johnson as potential competition for Ismaila Sarr – who is currently on AFCON duty with Senegal – and this update on the Welshman’s future could be good news for the Lilywhites.

Nixon states that Bournemouth are eyeing Johnson as a possible replacement for Semenyo, with Spurs willing to sell for around £35m.

Indeed, using the former Nottingham Forest man as a bargaining chip could help in their quest to land Semenyo.

What Semenyo would bring to Tottenham

In a campaign where Erling Haaland has dominated the goalscoring charts once more, Semenyo has transformed into a talisman for Bournemouth with eight goals in 16 Premier League appearances.

A powerful ball-carrying phenom, with a ruthless eye for goal, the former Bristol City man can operate in any position across the frontline, and if he joined Tottenham, he could be utilised as a left-winger.

Semenyo is one of the league’s best at bursting forward in transition and would offer a goal threat to a side that has struggled to score goals.

If Spurs can somehow sign the forward, perhaps using Johnson in negotiations, then he could transform Frank’s attack and carry them towards Europe.

Tottenham want Scott McTominay transfer now as ‘internal tensions’ arise at Napoli

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Tottenham have Napoli’s Scott McTominay in their sights ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lewis family are ready to spend next month, and there are multiple positions that Thomas Frank would like to improve.

Tottenham‘s midfield situation is one area that may need shaking up, as Frank may not have to look much further than McTominay.

The former Manchester United midfielder has had a successful time in Italy, but recent reports suggest that the 29-year-old could be headed for N17.

Scott McTominay’s family unhappy at Napoli amid Tottenham interest

Lucas Bergvall picked up a knock in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, and although his injury may not be serious, it highlighted a bigger picture for Frank.

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The Spurs boss is just an injury or two away from having a very slim midfield, with Yves Bissouma’s Tottenham future also up in the air.

Thankfully, everything is lining up nicely for the Lilywhites to sign the award-winning McTominay in January.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, “internal tensions” are growing within McTominay’s family due to severe media attention that the Scot has faced since arriving at Napoli.

Tottenham have now been credited with interest for the midfielder, along with Newcastle and Barcelona.

McTominay has improved his game since leaving England, and Spurs could be about to land the missing piece to Frank’s philosophy.

What has McTominay said about his life in Naples?

Given that Joe Lewis is said to have £150million ready for Frank to spend in January, Spurs should have no problem in meeting whatever Napoli’s asking price is.

The Scottish international would offer Frank something different from midfield, a goal-scoring presence who can arrive late into the box.

However, before speculation over his family’s concerns, McTominay was asked about his life in Naples.

McTominay previously said, as quoted by Calciomercato: “The people in Naples are incredible, they are so passionate and everywhere you go there are people who say ‘Forza Napoli’.

“They want to talk to you and have a dialogue, and that inspires you every time you take the field because it is important to them, too. It’s different, it’s a totally different way of living.”

Although his comments may seem like they mean something on the surface, McTominay would not come out and disregard his own fans.

A move to N17 simply cannot be ruled out, and it’s a real possibility that could come to life in January.

Jeff Stelling reacts to ‘daft’ Thomas Frank latest after ‘incredible’ Tottenham sack news

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Jeff Stelling is baffled by the pressure that Thomas Frank is under at Tottenham.

Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, as the Lilywhites leapfrogged their way to 11th in the Premier League standings.

There have been reports suggesting that Frank could be sacked if results don’t turn around at N17, and a result against Palace is a step in the right direction for the Dane.

Even if Tottenham lost to Oliver Glasner’s side, Stelling and Tony Cascarino believe it would be unfair if Spurs sacked Frank before such a crucial period.

Tony Cascarino says Thomas Frank deserves January window

Tottenham are prepared to spend in the January transfer window, and the Lewis family will have to decide whether to back Frank or replace him.

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The Spurs may have just made Joe Lewis’ life a whole lot easier with an impressive win over Palace.

Reports have suggested that Frank could have been sacked before the January transfer window, with Glasner one man among many others who have been tipped to be the Dane’s successor.

While discussing live on talkSPORT, Stelling asked Cascarino to back him up in that the calls for Frank to go are ridiculous after the Palace win.

Stelling: “Yeah, brilliant for Spurs, and takes a bit of the pressure off them. I think it’s daft that there’s any pressure on him [Frank] anyway, don’t you think?

Cascarino: “Yeah, I’m a big fan of managers having a transfer window before Christmas. If clubs are employing managers and giving them three or four-year contracts, I find it incredible that he could go before the first window. I just don’t get it.”

But the likelihood of Frank being sacked has now been cut, as the readings may prove that the Lilywhites could be on the verge of their best run with the 52-year-old yet.

Tottenham’s fixtures now get attractive for Frank

Tottenham are entering a winter period where games come thick and fast, with the Palace match the first of five games that the Lilywhites play in the space of two weeks.

Spurs have some easier fixtures coming up with the likes of Brentford, a depleted Sunderland side, and a Bournemouth team on a shocking run.

Not to mention the fact that Frank could be given a lift by January arrivals, as multiple names may already be lined up for a move to N17.

It’s a favourable run where Frank can truly show off his tactical nous against a batch of opponents who all offer different threats.

The Spurs boss has a major opportunity to prove everyone wrong.

Archie Gray makes ‘incredible’ new claim after Tottenham win vs Crystal Palace

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Archie Gray was the unlikely hero in Tottenham’s victory over Crystal Palace.

Tottenham secured a 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace on Sunday at Selhurst Park, with Gray scoring his first senior goal.

Richarlison saw two goals ruled out by VAR for offside, which could’ve come back to haunt Thomas Frank’s side on another day.

There has been talk of Spurs replacing Frank with Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner in recent days, so getting a victory against his Eagles team is a huge statement win for the Tottenham manager.

Archie Gray makes hilarious claim after Crystal Palace goal

Micky Van de Ven received many plaudits for his performance against Palace, but it was Gray’s goal just before half-time that sealed a crucial three points for Tottenham.

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His close-range header was not only his first goal for Tottenham, but it marked his first-ever goal in senior football, despite having made 112 appearances between his time at Leeds and Spurs so far.

Speaking to Match of the Day in a post-match interview, Gray revealed his delight and finally bagging his first goal, and dropped a brilliant line on how his family will react to his moment in the spotlight.

“Yeah, it’s incredible. I don’t even know how to sum it up, to be honest,” Gray began.

“(It’s) a feeling that I’ve been waiting for a long time, especially after (the goal) that got took off me against Leicester, but it’s incredible.”

When asked if he thought the goal would ever come, Gray replied: “I mean, after, I can’t even remember how many appearances I’m on now, I’ll give myself a little bit of leeway because I’ve been playing centre-back and left-back, but to be fair, I should’ve got a goal before this.

“So yeah, it’s just an incredible feeling to get it.”

Gray must stick with midfield strategy

Capable of operating in central defence, full-back and in midfield, Gray is a highly versatile youngster who has the talent to be a starting player for Tottenham at a host of positions.

However, if he wants to have the best chance of being a key member of the starting line-up for Spurs in the long term, then choosing one specific position and sticking with it must be his focus, and that should probably be in central midfield.

In Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, Kota Takai, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin and Van de Ven, Tottenham have plenty of quality options in central defence, and Gray would have a tough time cementing regular football in that positional battle.

However, central midfield is a different story.

Joao Palhinha is only on loan from Bayern Munich and is already 30-years-old, Xavi Simons and James Maddison are more effective in attacking midfield roles, and Yves Bissouma looks set to leave Spurs in the near future.

Lucas Bergvall still hasn’t found his best position, and that leaves just Pape Sarr – who is currently away at AFCON – and Rodrigo Bentancur as his main competition for a defensive midfield role, and Gray looked at home next to the latter at the base of Spurs’ midfield against Palace.

Therefore, is route to Spurs stardom surely lies in central midfield.

Joe Hart dubs Richarlison a 'pest' after incredible all

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Joe Hart dubs Richarlison ‘pest’ after what he did in Tottenham win vs Crystal Palace

Richarlison was a massive handful in Tottenham’s much-needed win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Tottenham ran out 1-0 victors at Selhurst Park after Archie Gray’s first senior goal helped the Lilywhites take all three points back to North London.

Richarlison was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet after having two goals ruled out for offside by VAR, but he did get the all-important assist for Gray’s first-half goal.

The win has propelled Spurs up to 11th in the Premier League, and while it’s not an ideal position for Thomas Frank, it’s certainly an improvement.

Joe Hart was a massive fan of Richarlison’s performance, and new stats from the game suggest exactly why the striker deserves his praise.

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Joe Hart praises Richarlison for Tottenham’s winning goal

Dominic Solanke is currently injured, which has only benefited Richarlison‘s playing time.

The Brazilian is now on 10 goal contributions after flicking a header into the path of Gray from a corner, and it’s no surprise to see him finally receive his flowers.

Not only was Richarlison winning everything in the air, but he completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, and was key in creating goal-scoring opportunities for his Tottenham team-mates with three key passes.

While speaking on the BBC‘s Match of the Day, Hart detailed why he loved the number nine’s display so much.

Hart said: “When you want people to roll their sleeves up and play, that’s where people like Richarlison come to the fore. Now, there’s no doubt about it; if Solanke’s fit, he’s leading the line, but this season he’s just been a pest, hasn’t he?

“He’s got good numbers; he’s a real threat when he gets in. He makes it difficult. But look, tough game, scrappy, he’s really strong there [for the goal], flicks it on for Gray, and he gets his big moment.”

Hart kept highlighting moments where Richarlison was a nuisance for Oliver Glasner’s backline, as he was not only impressed with the forward’s contribution to Gray’s winner.

Richarlison now among elite Premier League club

Richarlison has started just 11 games in the league this season, but has a tremendous goal return of seven.

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has three assists and was obviously unfortunate not to have another two goals to his name from the match.

Regardless, the assist has now put him joint-third in the Premier League for the most goal contributions, sitting on 10 with Morgan Rogers and Hugo Ekitike.

Erling Haaland is leading the way with 23, but Antoine Semenyo, Bruno Fernandes, and Igor Thiago are the only individuals ahead of Richarlison in the charts.

Not many would have expected the striker to have had such a great season so far.

Christian Eriksen tips Harry Kane for ground-breaking Tottenham return – ‘I would love it’

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Christian Eriksen is like every other Tottenham fan when it comes to the prospect of Harry Kane returning to N17.

Kane has been linked with a Tottenham return ever since he left Hotspur Way for Bayern Munich back in the summer of 2023.

The England skipper has continued his usual goal-scoring tendencies over in Germany and has shown that he would still be able to cut it at Premier League level.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has welcomed Kane to come back, but the Lilywhites know how hard it will be to recapture their greatest ever striker.

The Englishman’s former team-mate Eriksen has now revealed his thoughts on a potential Kane reunion in a recent interview.

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Christian Eriksen talks on potential ‘special’ Harry Kane return

Eriksen left Spurs during the 2019-20 season following crunch talks with former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho.

The Dane has suffered with life-threatening challenges since departing N17, and plays with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in his chest after collapsing during a game at the 2020 Euro tournament.

Now playing for Wolfsburg in the same league as Kane, the creative midfielder has spoken about what it would mean to him to see his friend make a stunning return to Spurs.

Eriksen said, as quoted by The Sunday Times: “I would love to see him back at Spurs. From the outside, I would love to see that because it would be a special reunion both for him and the club.

“It’s his decision, right or wrong, but as a fan, it would be fun to watch.”

Kane’s contract with Bayern Munich contains a £57million release clause that has to be triggered by the end of the January transfer window for him to leave the German giants the following summer.

Tottenham are not short of money for Kane amid new update

There have been suggestions that Daniel Levy’s departure has actually boosted the Lilywhites’ chances of signing Kane, given his relationship with the Lewis family.

Joe Lewis now has the majority of control at Tottenham, and he’s planning to make big moves to aid Frank in the upcoming transfer window.

Tottenham have a £150million war chest for Frank to play with, which is more than enough to trigger Kane’s release clause.

Although Spurs are struggling at the moment, Kane still has the opportunity to break the all-time Premier League goal-scoring record if he comes back to England.

It’s just down to Tottenham to make the first move.