tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Tottenham could soften the blow of their first Premier League defeat with a new arrival.

Thomas Frank was handed his first Premier League defeat as Tottenham lost at home to Bournemouth.

It was a pitiful display with Spurs managing one shot on target against the Cherries the entire game. The arrival of Xavi Simons at Tottenham will surely improve their attacking intensity, but Daniel Levy still wants that extra boost.

While the Lilywhites’ attack will be better for it, Spurs’ dynamic duo could find themselves in a loser’s game that would be difficult to come back from.

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

MORE SPURS STORIES

Ademola Lookman would be ‘welcomed’ at Tottenham

Tottenham wants another attacker before deadline day, and Ademola Lookman could be a viable option for Levy.

The forward, whose hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Atalanta in 2023/24 earned him a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, is open to a new challenge this summer.

Meanwhile, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert have not yet started in the Premier League for Tottenham this season. This comes despite the fantastic pre-season Odobert had for Spurs.

As a result, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes if Lookman does come, it could impact their gametime further.

“Lookman, he would be very, very welcomed,” Wenham said.

“I don’t know what that would say in terms of game time for Tel and Odobert if that were to happen. But I think he’s a very, very good player. Obviously, he has that Premier League experience as well, having come from the Charlton Academy.

“He’s a good player. Tottenham have looked at him for years and years. You’ll find some old tweets of mine from about 2017 where David Cleat was scouting him.”

What would Ademola Lookman bring to Tottenham?

It is quite simple, Lookman is a complete forward in almost every sense of the word.

He is a player who can score goals, netting 20 for Atalanta last season. But he can also bring others into the game.

Whether this is by providing assists, he managed seven in 2024/25, creating space for his teammates, or his involvement in the overall play.

While his best position is at second striker, Lookman can play on the wings and as a lone centre-forward. This level of completeness could see Tottenham reach new heights this season.

Tottenham could feast in the final hours of the summer window thanks to AC Milan.

Daniel Levy has had a good summer, considering the heartbreak from Morgan Gibbs-White’s extension at Nottingham Forest and Arsenal hijacking Eberechi Eze’s transfer.

Mohammed Kudus was signed from West Ham for £55million while Spurs completed Xavi Simons for around £55m. Just over £100m for both seems like a bargain in the current market.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha has already formed a solid defensive midfield partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur. But now Tottenham could add one more signing to an already impressive list.

Manuel Akanji has rejected AC Milan

Tottenham are interested in signing Manuel Akanji from Manchester City as another defensive option.

MORE SPURS STORIES

This comes after Luka Vuskovic was loaned to Hamburg for the season. The Lilywhites also identified Piero Hincapie as an option, but Arsenal has since dug their claws into him.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio on Saturday, 30 August, Akanji rejected a move to AC Milan, with the Italian giants moving on to other targets.

This has opened the door for Tottenham to sneak in and welcome the defender into the fold before the window shuts. With hours left on the clock, it will be a race against time to get his transfer over the line.

Will Akanji be a smart investment?

Akanji is a Premier League and UEFA Champions League winner. He has experience in other top European leagues and has been one of the best defenders in the top flight these past two years.

On the surface, this looks like a smart investment for Tottenham. However, his injury record could paint a different picture.

In his last two seasons for Man City, he has missed 112 days due to various injuries. But he has only been sidelined for 23 matches for both club and country.

The real kicker is that the majority of his injuries came during the 2024/25 season, which could be a concern for Tottenham. As such, his signing would be a risk, but it is entirely possible that this was an off-season.

During the 2022/23 season, he played 48 games across all competitions for Man City and hardly sustained a scratch. As a result, this could be a real hit or miss transfer.

But with good squad rotation and an adequate fitness plan, Akanji could be a worthwhile investment.

Tottenham could finally be about to make their move on Morgan Rogers in the final stages of the transfer window.

The Lilywhites have until 7pm BST on Monday to add the finishing touches to their squad, and there could well be more deals still in the pipeline for them.

Rogers has been linked with a move to Spurs in the last few weeks, as speculation surrounding the England international’s potential departure from Aston Villa refuses to go away.

The N17 outfit have already missed out on some big-money targets so far this summer, but that could be about to change on this occasion.

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

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham could be tempted by £100m Morgan Rogers deal

Tottenham have named Rogers among their five-man shortlist of potential new attackers ahead of the cut-off, as they continue to weigh up a possible move for the 23-year-old.

Xavi Simons is the first of that group to have joined Thomas Frank’s squad, but it is still expected that another attacking addition will be sought before the deadline.

Rogers could yet become that second signing, providing that Daniel Levy is willing to make a significant financial commitment.

Ex-Spurs and Aston Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Rogers’ arrival would be a real statement of intent for the North Londoners, although he also feels that Villa would only entertain a sale on one condition.

“He (Rogers) would certainly be a big plus if he came into Tottenham,” King said.

“That would mean that Spurs really mean business, because he’s going to cost £100million, without any shadow of a doubt.

“The only reason that Villa would become interested in doing business is if Tottenham said, ‘there’s £100m, we want him.’

“If Tottenham want to challenge, I think he would be a major factor to make people see that they really are going for it.”

Tottenham still have work to do in the market

Frank and Co. were dealt a reality check by Spurs’ defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, as their unbeaten start to the new campaign was brought to a grinding halt.

There have been plenty of positive signs in N17 so far this term, but this reverse served as a reminder that they are still some way off the top sides.

With that in mind, if Levy has intentions of seeing them compete for silverware this season, then he needs to be doing everything he can to facilitate one more big deal before the deadline.

Rogers would be a perfect long-term investment for Tottenham, and could be the face of their project for years to come.

It would be a big financial commitment, but it would surely be a worthwhile one for Levy and Spurs.

Tottenham fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as Evanilson scored the only goal of the match.

It was a poor performance from Spurs as Thomas Frank fell to his first Premier League defeat as manager of the North London club.

Plenty of Tottenham players were poor against Bournemouth, with the visitors unfortunate not to win by a bigger margin.

One Tottenham star who no doubt struggled was Pedro Porro, with his performance being slammed on Match of the Day.

Steph Houghton: Pedro Porro didn’t know what to do

Porro has become a key player for Spurs in recent years.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The full-back was a regular under Ange Postecoglou, and this has not changed under Frank, with Porro impressing in pre-season with Tottenham.

However, against Bournemouth, the Spain international had a match to forget, as he struggled to deal with the visitors’ attack.

As a result, former England star Steph Houghton was quick to question the 25-year-old’s performance when reviewing footage on Match of the Day on 30 August.

She said: “For me, towards the end of the first half, Tottenham didn’t really know what to do.

“Porro against Semenyo didn’t know whether to stay, didn’t know whether to track the full-back.”

How bad was Pedro Porro vs Bournemouth?

While Porro won’t be happy with his performance, he wasn’t the worst player on the pitch on Saturday.

According to Fotmob on 31 August, the full-back actually earned a 7.0 rating, making him the third-best Spurs player on the pitch.

While the full-back struggled in attack, he actually did well defensively at times and nullified multiple threats.

However, Porro knows that he can perform better, especially in attack, and will be looking to get back to his best after the international break.

Hopefully, with West Ham up next, Tottenham will quickly return to winning ways with another easy victory.

Tottenham delivered a woeful display against Bournemouth, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is the only player who deserves any credit.

Spurs went 1-0 down to Bournemouth in the fifth minute as Evanilson netted early on, and Bournemouth were dominant as they continually carved the Tottenham defence open.

Pedro Porro was particularly poor, and it was remarkable that Bournemouth did not score more with the chances they had.

Vicario was Tottenham’s best player by some distance, and the goalkeeper kept his side in the game with several brilliant saves.

Michael Dawson praises Guglielmo Vicario in Tottenham defeat

Reported Tottenham target Antoine Semenyo performed well on the left wing for Bournemouth, but found his efforts on goal thwarted by Vicario.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Early on in the second half, Bournemouth saw Semenyo and David Brooks fire strong efforts on goal, but Vicario made two superb saves.

There was a crazy scramble as Bournemouth fired in several shots in quick succession, and also hit the crossbar, and Vicario ensured they did not find a second goal.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, former Tottenham captain Michael Dawson praised Vicario after the chaotic minute saw him somehow prevent Bournemouth from scoring.

“Vicario has made two unbelievable saves in this game,” Dawson stated.

Guglielmo Vicario prevents Tottenham humiliation

Tottenham were well below par against Bournemouth as they were completely outplayed, but there was some consolation as it only ended 1-0, as it could have been a lot worse.

Bournemouth fired in 19 shots, with six of these on target, and Vicario made five saves, while Spurs only managed one on target from five attempts.

The visitors created 1.46xG (expected goals), and Vicario’s contribution was positive as he made strong saves to prevent Semenyo, Evanilson and Brooks from scoring more.

Vicario’s passing was criticised when Spurs beat Manchester City last week, but he has performed superbly as a shot-stopper this season, conceding once in three games and stepping up with some huge saves in big moments.

Eberechi Eze was linked with a move to Tottenham this summer, but landed at rivals Arsenal.

Daniel Levy is known for his transfer failings at Tottenham, and this summer has certainly followed suit.

After Tottenham were linked with a move to sign Eze, it emerged hours later that Arsenal had stepped up their interest and eventually completed the deal.

Once again, blame was directed towards Levy for another missed opportunity, but it seems Spurs were running a race they were never going to win.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Eberechi Eze is a boyhood Arsenal supporter

Eze would have been a great addition, though Xavi Simons’ arrival at Tottenham is likely to subdue the concerns that emerged from missing out on him.

While blame will be thrown around for the failure to land Eze, Paul Robinson believes it was always destined to be.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I don’t think they were ever going to get Eze. I think the pictures have emerged of him being an Arsenal fan as a kid.

“If Arsenal were interested, I don’t think Tottenham were ever in the race.

Eze’s record at Crystal Palace

“In all honesty, the media and the press, the speculation around it, if Arsenal had been interested for the same amount as reported that Tottenham have, I think there was only going to be one winner because of his background and who he supported as a kid.

“I think that there’s been a lot made of it because it was Arsenal. But I think if Arsenal weren’t in the race to sign him, Tottenham would have got the player over the line.

Xavi Simons arrival deserves more attention

Simons may not have the Premier League experience that Eze has, but he has several other assets that could make his arrival at Tottenham a better signing.

Firstly, his age.

Simons is five years younger than Eze, having spent several years already at the top of his game while playing in the Bundesliga and Eredivisie.

In his last three campaigns, Simons has hit double figures for goals and matched that with assists in all but one campaign.

His versatility will make him a key player under Thomas Frank, who is known for his willingness to make changes depending on the situation or opponent.

Tottenham continue awful two-year record with 1-0 loss to Bournemouth

Tottenham were all out of sorts in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The visitors put a stop to Tottenham’s fine form, with Evanilson’s fifth-minute strike condemning Spurs to their first goal conceded and defeat of the season.

The Lilywhites amassed an expected goals of just 0.17 compared to the Cherries’ 1.45, and Frank’s side were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Mohammed Kudus caught Marcos Senesi.

Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend boosted hopes of an amazing start to the season, but the latest stat coming out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium reveals a loss was expected.

Tottenham haven’t won before the international break since October 2023

Tottenham will intensify their efforts on and off the pitch following the defeat.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Xavi Simons has been signed to add some much-needed creativity up front, and Spurs could still add further additions.

Dominic Solanke’s absence from the Tottenham squad will be a concern and could prompt Frank to make a deal for Yoanne Wissa.

Selected results before an international break:

Spurs continued their poor form for games directly before international breaks with the defeat.

The Lilywhites haven’t won directly before an international break since October 2023, when they beat Luton 1-0 with 10 men under Ange Postecoglou.

Yves Bissouma was sent off in the win, which boosted Tottenham to the top of the table, with 20 points from eight games.

Should Spurs have maintained their 100 per cent record against Bournemouth, they would have again been top of the Premier League, but have now been toppled by Chelsea, who are one point ahead.

Things aren’t as smooth sailing as first thought for Tottenham

Statement wins in their opening two games had supporters thinking that Tottenham would be back to competing for the top four this season.

However, the shocking attacking performance against the Cherries will bring supporters back down to Earth.

Missing out on top players such as Eberechi Eze to direct rivals doesn’t bode well for Tottenham either.

With just days remaining in the transfer window, Frank must prioritise signing top players and sorting out their problems over the international break.

Thomas Frank was left scratching his head as Tottenham fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

Dominic Solanke was ruled out injured as Richarlison continued to lead the line at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Cherries.

The Brazilian was at the heart of most things for Spurs, but it was his fellow countryman who scored the only goal, with Evanilson striking within five minutes.

It could have been very different for Frank, though.

This article contains exclusive comments from former referee, Keith Hackett.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Richarlison should have been punished after Tottenham fury

Semenyo was cautioned early on in North London and then appeared to trip Richarlison as he was breaking away just before the break.

Despite the foul being given and the home crowd screaming for a second yellow, Mike Dean agreed it was just a foul, with no further punishment needed.

Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief, Hackett, however, believed it was Richarlison who should have been punished by the officials after watching footage.

“This is a clear act of simulation,” Hackett exclusively told Tottenham News.

“If the law were applied correctly, then the player should have been yellow-carded.”

How did Richarlison play vs Bournemouth?

After shining against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup and scoring two in the Premier League opener, Tottenham fans were loving Richarlison.

He followed that up with another crucial part in Tottenham’s 2-0 win at Manchester City.

The showdown with Bournemouth was one step too far, though, and it only proved to Frank that he needs another striker, even after Xavi Simons was announced.

Richarlison’s stats vs Bournemouth

Looking at the stats from Fotmob, it was clear that Tottenham just didn’t do enough in the final third, and that halted any success for Richarlison, too, leading the line.

Either Richarlison dived, which looked unlikely, or Semenyo deserved a second yellow, with the easy way out clearly taken by the officials on this occasion.

Tottenham crashed back down to reality with a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Lilywhites registered an expected goals of zero in the opening 45 minutes and were lucky not to be two behind after Antoine Semenyo missed a header from six yards out.

Spurs looked better in the second half, with Frank’s team talk seeming to do the trick, but they struggled to find the back of the net.

A frantic few minutes saw a Bournemouth penalty appeal for a tackle from Mohammed Kudus turned away, before Tottenham wanted a second yellow for Semenyo’s foul on Richarlison.

Spurs fans were furious that he stayed on the pitch.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Simon Hooper gets Antoine Semenyo yellow card decision ‘just right’ – Mike Dean

Bournemouth opened the scoring just five minutes into the affair, with Evanilson’s goal being Tottenham’s first they have conceded this season.

Frank’s side previously kept clean sheets against Manchester City and Burnley, but looked poor at the back against Bournemouth.

The Cherries may, however, count themselves lucky as Semenyo got away without a yellow card for a controversial challenge where he brought down Richarlison on the break.

Speaking live on Sky Sports Football (30 August, 16:10), former referee Mike Dean spoke about the incident: “I think it’s just a foul.

“I think because somebody’s on a yellow card, the next foul they commit is automatically a second yellow, and it isn’t. Every yellow card’s on its merit, so for me it’s just right.”

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson was also in agreement with the decision.

“Tottenham break away, Richardson gets brought down by Semenyo. The Spurs fans and Spurs players want a second yellow card for Semenyo,” he said.

“I’m not sure it was, I think, Simon Hooper’s got the right decision, but I’ll tell you what, my goodness, what a start to the second half.”

Tottenham will be fuming with Simon Hooper’s decision

It was clear that Bournemouth were much better than Tottenham.

However, the decision from Hooper could have completely changed the game, and Spurs maybe should have had a one-man advantage.

Dropping points to the Cherries could prove crucial towards the end of the season when Frank’s side are pushing for the top five.

Spurs were nowhere near good enough against Bournemouth, which was a surprise, given Frank’s strong record against them.

The Lilywhites now have plenty of time to put the defeat behind them, with two weeks until their next Premier League game against West Ham.

Frank will no doubt take the international break to assess why there was such a contrast between the performances against Man City and the one against Bournemouth.

Tottenham could end the summer transfer window with a bang and lock in on another marquee signing.

Daniel Levy is not expected to stop at Xavi Simons as Spurs continue their spending spree.

Back-to-back wins in the Premier League have demonstrated that Thomas Frank could do big things in North London. But as the season reaches its height, squad depth will be key to winning titles.

As a result, Hotspur Way could see one more surprise walking through its door this summer.

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

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham could made last-minute effort for Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta was a reported £60million option studied by Tottenham to replace James Maddison.

The midfielder has impressed most who have watched him, including David Moyes, who hailed him as a “maverick” during West Ham’s 2023 UEFA Europa League group stages.

In quotes provided by The Standard on 8 October 2023, he said: “Lucas was terrific.

“He drives me mad sometimes but everybody who watched him would have said: ‘This player has got incredible talent’.

“There is a word that goes around, a maverick. He is that for us. It is really important we get him in and adapt to him, and accept some of his things.”

It was believed that Simons’ transfer to Tottenham could derail any possibility of seeing the Brazilian arrive in North London. However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes he is one to watch out for.

“I just wonder if Paqueta pops up on deadline day as someone that might suddenly become available, and I think he’d been extremely good signing as well,” Wenham said.

“So he’s one to keep an eye on, I think, as the window closes either for Tottenham or somebody else, but I think he’s a good signing.”

Will Lucas Paqueta improve Tottenham?

There is an argument to be made that the Brazilian is an unnecessary signing due to Simons impending arrival at Tottenham.

However, his defensive contributions could make him an important addition for Spurs UEFA Champions League run.

In the last 90 days, Paqueta dropped into the top 4% for defensive actions completed. Meanwhile, he is in the top 5% for aerial duels won and for touches. However, chances created are an area he lacks, as he’s in the top 70% for this metric.

Despite this, the West Ham midfielder is one of the best in the Premier League. For an affordable price, he will not only improve Tottenham defensively, but will be a market opportunity Levy can’t afford to miss out on.