tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Archie Gray learned a valuable lesson last weekend when at fault for Nottingham Forest’s opening goal in their comfortable win over Tottenham.

Tottenham were on the end of a 3-0 loss to Forest at City Ground that piled more pressure on manager Thomas Frank.

Gray was caught in possession in the lead-up to Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal, which opened the floodgates as Spurs were on the end of another disappointing defeat.

Many are in agreement that Guglielmo Vicario was truly at fault for the Forest opener, but Gray was the man who will be credited with the error in the record books due to technically losing possession.

Gray’s starting spot against Liverpool is now in doubt, but a former Spurs player insists the youngster deserves praise for wanting to always get on the ball.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Micky Hazard defends Archie Gray after Nottingham Forest loss

Gray has started eight games under Frank in all competitions, while making a further four appearances from the bench.

From being a regular under Ange Postecoglou – often in a mixture of positions – to having to drop in every now and then, it has not been ideal for the Leeds United academy graduate.

What perhaps goes under the radar, however, is that Gray averages a pass completion rate of 91.8 per cent in the Premier League.

That is a tally no Tottenham player other than Dominic Solanke (100 per cent) can better, but the striker has played just 31 minutes of action to Gray’s 284.

It shows that Gray is more than comfortable in possession, whether he is playing out from the back of getting the ball in midfield and getting it into the final third.

And former Spurs player Micky Hazard admits Gray is showing bravery that he himself would not dare of at the same age, while backing the 19-year-old to reach the top.

“People look at the negative side of him giving the goal away,” Hazard told The Sun’s print edition on Saturday.

“Actually, it’s a positive for him, because for a young boy of 19 to be playing in the Premier League with experienced pros, and showing the confidence and belief in his own ability, going to the edge of his own box.

“I think that shows a confidence way beyond his years. I’m not sure when I was 19 I would show for the ball in areas where I wasn’t at risk to a goal.

“Yes, he lost the ball, and he learned from that. And the next time he gets in that situation, he’ll play the pass first time, because he’s a clever footballer.

“That’s part of a learning process. And sometimes the learning process is quite punishing. It can quite hurt you when you’re learning.

“And it takes a big mistake like that to maybe make the learning so much quicker. I like him. He’s going to be a very, very good player. One day he could be one of our leaders.”

As per FBref, Gray has averaged 4.52 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, which is defined as a completed passes at least 10 yards towards the opposition goal.

Only four Spurs players can better that, and they are all predominantly players in wide areas.

Thomas Frank risks making wrong choice over Gray vs Liverpool

Tottenham’s clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening is massive for Frank, who is already under threat of being sacked.

There have been suggestions that Gray will drop back out of the starting lineup, with Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall making up the midfield three.

Gray needs a consistent run in the side, ideally in his favoured position of central midfield, in order to blossom.

As he showed at Leeds a couple of seasons ago, he really is a player destined for the very top.

The odd mistake will happen – if you can even call it that – but that is all part of the learning curve.

Spurs invested heavily in Gray and that will be rewarded in the long term. It is just a case of retaining faith in the teenage talent.

How to watch today’s Tottenham vs Liverpool match: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time

Thomas Frank will be hoping for Tottenham to bounce back in a winnable game against Liverpool on Saturday.

Tottenham host Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a Premier League clash which could go either way.

Last time out in the league, Tottenham were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest in a game which piled more pressure onto Frank.

Arne Slot is also facing the possibility of being sacked by Liverpool due to increasing fan frustration, which makes the encounter all the more appealing.

Ahead of the match, Tottenham News provides you with everything you need to know about how to access the game.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham vs Liverpool will be shown live on TV

Frank needs to get a result against the Reds to prove to the majority of Spurs supporters that he is the man to lead the Lilywhites forward.

The same goes for Slot, and given Liverpool and Tottenham’s recent history, the match is bound to be a goal fest.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event at 5.30 pm local time.

On top of this, supporters will also be able to live stream the affair through the Sky Go app and Sky Ultra HD.

Anyone who can’t spectate the game live will still be able to watch key match action, which will be uploaded onto the Sky Sports X account as well as their YouTube channel after the final whistle.

Tottenham will seek revenge on Liverpool for last time

Spurs were thrashed 6-3 by Liverpool in the league last season, as Mohamed Salah scored twice and assisted two goals.

Liverpool’s attack went through Ange Postecoglou’s defence like a hot knife through butter during the match, and it would have been another reason why Spurs decided to sack him this summer.

Tottenham’s last three games versus Liverpool (all competitions):

Liverpool have gained form and are unbeaten in all of their last five games, but are still there for the taking.

Frank needs to do himself a favour and not hold back in this game. Spurs need to go on the attack from minute one and not be scared of the Reds.

Ange Postecoglou continues to be linked with a host of management jobs after a turbulent year.

The 60-year-old has remained tight-lipped on whether he wants a new manager’s job since being sacked by Nottingham Forest in humiliating circumstances back in October.

After just 39 days in charge, Forest axed Postecoglou, making him the shortest reigning permanent manager in Premier League history.

Back in June, Daniel Levy sacked Postecoglou despite him winning the Europa League a month earlier, although the Australian manager had just overseen Spurs‘ worst-ever finish in the Premier League.

Birmingham City have recently been linked with Postecoglou as the ambitious Championship club looks to return to the top flight.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, it seems there might be a chance for the Athens-born manager to take care of some unfinished business if the latest update on his future is to be believed.

Celtic return on the cards for Ange Postecoglou amid spectacular Wilfried Nancy collapse

Thomas Frank has come under pressure at Tottenham since replacing Postecoglou, but that pressure pales in comparison to what Wilfried Nancy is experiencing at Celtic right now.

Hired on 3 December to replace Brendan Rodgers, who resigned in October, Nancy has overseen the worst start any manager has endured in Celtic’s long and illustrious history.

No Celtic boss has ever lost their opening two games – well, Nancy has lost his opening four, including a Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren.

Scottish journalist Peter Martin reported on Thursday that the Bhoys’ board was in talks over whether to potentially sack the Frenchman, who last managed Columbus Crew in the MLS.

However, that was followed by widespread reports that Nancy retains the support of Parkhead chiefs.

In the middle of it all, Postecoglou emerged in the running with one bookmaker to replace Nancy as Celtic’s manager.

Martin O’Neill, who was interim manager between Rodgers leaving and Nancy being hired, is the 2/1 favourite to return to Glasgow’s East End.

Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen (4/1) and Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane (11/2) are also contenders.

Ange Postecoglou wrapped up in recent new job hoax

Tottenham News has covered a lot of stories about Postecoglou’s future.

We know our Australian audience grew massively while he was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Spurs fans continue to keep tabs on what the Europa League-winning boss is up to after his short-lived spell at Nottingham Forest.

But one bizarre story emerged earlier this week, where many social media users were left thinking that Postecoglou had secured himself a new job in South Korea.

Images showed Postecoglou signing as Jeonbuk Motors’ new manager after Gus Poyet left them.

However, the pictures of Postecoglou wearing their shirt and holding the K-League club’s scarf were proven to be fake.

Plenty has changed since Dominic Solanke last played a competitive game of football for Tottenham.

Solanke has struggled with injury issues at Tottenham this season, seeing him restricted to just 80 minutes of action.

The most recent of the England international’s appearances came in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on 23 August.

At that stage in the campaign, Tottenham were looking good under new boss Thomas Frank, while Liverpool were themselves flying high in a strong start to their title defence.

However, the Reds have gone massively off the boil since then. Indeed, Liverpool make the trip to Tottenham on Saturday sitting seventh in the table.

MORE SPURS STORIES

A number of key players have dropped off, most notably the likes of Mohamed Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk.

Dominic Solanke names Virgil van Dijk as toughest ever opponent

Van Dijk is one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, of that there is no doubt.

Speaking this week, Solanke told Sport Bible that Van Dijk is the toughest opponent he has ever come up against.

While that may be the case, Van Dijk is no longer the force he was once. That is why Frank needs to ignore those comments and ensure the Dutchman is targeted this weekend.

As per FBref, Van Dijk’s defensive stat have plummeted between last season and this season.

He is averaging 0.63 tackles per 90 minutes this campaign compared to 1.03 last time out, while his tackles won have dropped from 0.54 to 0.31.

Van Dijk’s interceptions are also down (1.51 vs 0.88) and he is also making more errors this season (0.13 vs 0.11).

The biggest drop-off has been in tackles and interceptions combined, which stood at a whopping 2.54 last season but now reads 1.50.

Rather than being scared of Van Dijk, Tottenham’s attackers need to get right in his face and expose the Netherlands international like more and more opponents are.

How does Van Dijk compare to Cristian Romero?

Cristian Romero has been superb at times for Tottenham this season, and his defensive figures now put Van Dijk to shame.

For example, Romero outshines Van Dijk for tackles won (1.23 vs 0.31) and blocks (1.56 vs 1.06). In terms of interceptions and tackles combined, they are worlds apart – 4.10 and 1.50 respectively.

The bottom line is that Van Dijk is no longer a world-class talent and, had Arne Slot had other options to call upon, it may well be that the centre-back was watching from the stands like Salah.

Liverpool and Van Dijk are very much there for the taking this weekend in what could be a result that helps turn around Spurs’ campaign.

Tottenham are monitoring the potential signing of Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni.

Thomas Frank has openly admitted the need for additions ahead of the January transfer window, and that could be exactly what he’s about to get.

Tottenham are ready to spend big in the market, and things are starting to take shape with rumoured exits and incomings.

Fabio Paratici returned to Tottenham as sporting director this season after serving a ban related to accounting issues from his time at Juventus.

The Italian figure could now use his well-known connections to bring Bastoni to N17 next month.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham could hold high ground in Alessandro Bastoni chase

Cristian Romero’s future at Tottenham has come under question in recent times, and the Lilywhites could be preparing for his departure.

Tottenham wouldn’t have to look much further than Bastoni for a capable Romero replacement, as the Inter Milan ace is one of the best in the world.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Paratici has recommended the signing of Bastoni to Spurs, and is a great admirer of the centre-back.

The possibility of coming to the Premier League appeals to the 26-year-old, but he is currently content with life in Italy.

Tottenham face competition from London rivals Chelsea for the defender’s signature, but Spurs could hold a clear advantage in the form of Paratici.

The sporting director knows the Serie A inside out and is bound to have valuable connections from his time in Italy, which could aid Tottenham’s pursuit of Bastoni.

Bastoni beats Arsenal star to world-class praise

Bastoni could be one of the biggest statement signings made by Tottenham in recent history, and it would send a message to the Premier League.

The towering centre-half has contributed to many years of success at Inter Milan, and now holds a Transfermarkt value of £70m.

Earlier this year, Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger compared Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori to Bastoni, saying the latter has impressed him more.

Rudiger said, as quoted by Tribuna: “Bastoni has been constantly improving and has become a true leader at Inter. I knew Calafiori from our Roma days when he was in the youth team.

“Now he is at Arsenal and has a great future ahead of him, but at the moment, Bastoni is, without a doubt, the best defender in Italy.”

Time will tell for Tottenham, but a move for Bastoni would certainly be groundbreaking.

Brennan Johnson looks more likely than ever to leave Tottenham now.

Crystal Palace have been linked to Johnson this week as it seems the attacker has no place in Thomas Frank‘s plans.

The Englishman was Tottenham’s top goalscorer last season, and fans have already voiced their disappointment over his potential exit.

However, supporters may have to face the facts, because when considering the latest transfer links, it becomes crystal clear that Tottenham have already planned past Johnson’s exit.

Said El Mala has all the makings of Brennan Johnson replacement

Tottenham have been linked to Said El Mala from Bundesliga side FC Koln in recent days, with the winger in preference of moving to the Premier League.

MORE SPURS STORIES

El Mala is a tricky winger of a similar stature to Johnson at 6,0″, but perhaps with better technical ability.

The teenager is in fine form right now, and Frank may see him as an immediate upgrade on his current winger.

El Mala has terrific ball-striking ability with either foot, therefore can be an option for Frank at left or right wing.

The German predominantly plays on the left wing, and due to Mohammed Kudus’ success on the right, it makes Johnson’s departure seem even more inevitable.

But it’s not only El Mala who has emerged as a top attacking target for Spurs ahead of the January transfer window.

Tottenham heavily linked with Antoine Semenyo

Tottenham have a strong interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, and have perhaps been linked with the wide man more than any other player in the past few weeks.

Semenyo has mainly featured at left-wing for the Cherries this campaign and added another goal to his growing tally against Manchester United on Monday.

The 25-year-old could be a huge upgrade on Johnson, but the links are becoming far too telling that the latter will leave Tottenham in January.

To add to this, there are two forwards who Spurs have looked at, who could be brought in should deals for Semenyo and El Mala not materialise.

Tottenham have lengthy list of Johnson’s successors

Spurs have been tipped for a move to sign Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, as well as star winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

Both of which are wide forwards, and considering Spurs also need a striker, this clearly shows that Frank is desperate for a winger, or maybe multiple.

Tottenham could go about their business a little more discretely, though, as it would be so like the Lilywhites to have their targets taken right in front of them.

Regardless of what happens from here on out, Johnson will forever be remembered as the hero who brought silverware back to N17.

Thomas Frank has to take action after Tottenham’s woeful display against Nottingham Forest last Sunday.

Guglielmo Vicario had another afternoon to forget for Spurs as his side were beaten 3-0 at the City Ground, leaving them 11th in the Premier League.

Frank is under huge sack pressure at Tottenham as a result of the embarrassing defeat, with supporters quickly turning on the Dane.

Tottenham welcome Liverpool to North London this Saturday, and changes will have to be made if there is any chance of a return to winning ways.

Thomas Frank to make brutal Archie Gray decision

While Vicario must shoulder some of the blame for Nottingham Forest’s opener last weekend, Archie Gray was also very much at fault.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The young midfielder failed to control the ball in his own box, allowing Ibrahim Sangare to nip in and feed Callum Hudson-Odoi, who couldn’t miss from three yards out.

With Tottenham lacking defensive stability against Forest, Frank could bring Palhinha back into the starting lineup, leaving Gray on the bench after his mistake.

It would be brutal on the youngster, but Frank needs to think about himself and saving his job.

Rodrigo Bentancur was another who flattered to deceive at the City Ground, which may allow Lucas Bergvall a chance in midfield.

Spurs had no creative spark against Sean Dyche’s side, so Frank will likely mix up his forward line as he searches for the right formula.

Wilson Odobert could replace Randal Kolo Muani on the left wing, with Richarlison retaining his place up front.

Thomas Frank right to give Gray a break

Some Tottenham fans were quick to defend Gray’s mistake against Forest, arguing that Vicario’s pass was wayward and left the former Leeds man exposed.

While that may be the case, the 19-year-old struggled to recover from the error, as Spurs collapsed at the City Ground.

Gray managed just 28 touches during the 59 minutes he was on the pitch, losing possession four times in total and failing to win either of his duels.

It’s fair to say that Gray has underwhelmed since his £40million move from Leeds to Tottenham in the summer of 2024.

Frank could decide to take the youngster out of the firing line for the time being, to ensure his confidence is not damaged further by another mistake against Liverpool.

Tottenham supporters are furious after the latest update regarding Brennan Johnson’s future.

Johnson could leave Tottenham in January after falling down the pecking order under Thomas Frank.

The Wales winger has started just six Premier League games so far this season, with Frank preferring the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert.

Tottenham fans are less than impressed with the decision to let Johnson leave, given the Lilywhites’ current goalscoring troubles, but a potential buyer has already been revealed.

Crystal Palace eye Brennan Johnson transfer

Johnson has had a difficult time at Tottenham recently, and was jeered off the pitch by supporters during their draw with Newcastle United last month.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Now, it is being reported by BBC Sport that Spurs are willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old in the January transfer window.

The North London side are open to letting Johnson leave if they receive a suitable bid.

Crystal Palace are the team with the most advanced interest in the winger as things stand, but other clubs are also monitoring the situation.

Tottenham fans question Johnson decision

Johnson scored the winner for Tottenham as they lifted the Europa League trophy last season, his goal helping the North London side to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final.

The Wales international was also the club’s top scorer in the 2024-25 campaign, finding the net 11 times in the Premier League and 18 times across all competitions.

Some Spurs fans were quick to point out that selling a player who has scored goals so regularly in the past might not be the smartest move.

Another Tottenham fan feels the blame lies with Frank, who has not been playing Johnson in favour of other underperforming players.

The fact that the North London side now need to find a replacement was also highlighted.

If Tottenham don’t manage to upgrade on Johnson in the January transfer window, then selling such a consistent goalscorer will most definitely be a mistake.

Brennan Johnson has found himself on the peripheryhery of the starting XI at times for Tottenham this season.

The January transfer window is just around the corner, and Tottenham look set to be active.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal forward Nefeye Osazee, with the 16-year-old set to leave Arsenal without a scholarship contract.

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange is also understood to admire Anderlecht’s Nathan De Cat.

Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi has also been linked with a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Thomas Frank looks to bolster his squad this winter.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Brennan Johnson could be on the way out as Tottenham transfer update emerges

Talk of Johnson leaving Tottenham in the near future is beginning to increase.

The 24-year-old winger’s role in Spurs’ squad has notably decreased so far this season, having been a consistent starter in the Premier League during his first two seasons in North London.

As such, the last thing Johnson needs is further competition arriving in wide areas, but that is exactly what could be about to happen in January.

As per a report from transfer reporter Ekrem Konur via X, Tottenham are monitoring the situation of Club Brugge’s star winger Christos Tzolis.

Atletico Madrid are said to be keen on the 23-year-old, while Aston Villa, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all said to be keeping tabs on developments alongside Spurs.

Brugge reportedly don’t want to sell the Greece international, though, and the former Norwich City man is contracted with the Belgian outfit until 2029.

Johnson to make inevitable Tottenham decision

At 24, Johnson is in the stage of his career where regular football is pivotal.

So, given the fact he’s seen a marked drop in that regard for Tottenham this season, he may already have one eye on a transfer exit in the near future anyway.

However, should Tzolis arrive, then that may prove to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back for him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham already have a myriad of options out wide, with the likes of Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert all for company.

So, with a potential World Cup with Wales in his thinking next summer too, Johnson may well be ready to call time on his Tottenham career this winter.

Supercomputer predicts result of Tottenham vs Liverpool in Premier League clash

Thomas Frank is desperate to claim his first big win at home when Tottenham face Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Tottenham’s 2-0 away win over Man City has been the highlight of Frank‘s tenure, but he is yet to oversee a similar performance in N17.

Frank had been under pressure after an inconsistent run of form in the Premier League, with losses suffered to Chelsea and Fulham dampening the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The losses on the road to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest haven’t made his case any easier, and defeat against the Reds could turn even more fans against the Dane.

Liverpool predicted as slight favourites to beat Tottenham

Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Brentford on 6 December means they are looking to win consecutive home games in the league for the first time in Frank’s reign.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been anything but a fortress, with the Lilywhites only winning two of their eight league matches in N17.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Tottenham are predicted to suffer another loss at home.

Spurs have lost 58.8 per cent (10/17) of their home matches this year, which is the highest they’ve recorded in Premier League history.

A positive omen for fans is that Tottenham beat Liverpool 1-0 the last time they hosted the Reds, with Dominic Solanke’s goal giving them a first-leg advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final in January.

A lot has changed since then, and Richarlison is set to lead the line for Spurs, where he can continue his fantastic run of form.

Richarlison can continue his impressive record against Liverpool

The 28-year-old has six Premier League goals from 3.26 xG this season, and it’s undeniable that he is overperforming in front of goal.

In 16 appearances against Liverpool, Richarlison has scored four goals and registered three assists.

The Brazilian forward failed to influence any of the four meetings against the Reds last season, although he missed two of those games due to injury.

Richarlison is Tottenham’s leading South American goalscorer in the Premier League with 22 goals, and with Liverpool’s defence looking shaky at the moment, he has a great opportunity to extend his streak against Arne Slot’s side.

Either way, Frank is set to feel the heat if this prediction is anything to go by.