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Xavi Simons’ time as a Tottenham player has gone from bad to worse in Tottenham’s clash with Liverpool.

Given the fact that Tottenham have won just two Premier League games at home this season, there is a lot of pressure on them to get a result against Liverpool.

In the early stages, their chances of doing so looked promising, with very little between the two sides, and Spurs having a few defensive moments in transition.

However, their ability to end their dreadful home record now looks to be abolished after what Simons did that left Gary Neville raging.

Simons’ red card sums up his time at Tottenham

Given the money that was spent to bring Simons to Tottenham, his season has been nothing short of a letdown, so far at least.

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The occasional below-par performance can often be overlooked, but only if the character is there, and against Liverpool, it wasn’t.

Just 33 minutes into the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Dutchman was handed his marching orders, for what can, in all honesty, only be described as a horror challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

It took a VAR check to come to that conclusion, and Neville was left disgusted by the replays showing the challenge.

Via Sky Sports, he said: “I can see why it’s getting checked, it’s a ridiculous challenge.

“If it were the other way round, it would have been a leg breaker. They can cause real damage. He’s absolutely nowhere near that football; it’s malicious and nasty. He’s going to get a red card, stupidity.”

Tottenham have been let down by Simons, not just against Liverpool

Simons was supposed to be a game-changer for Tottenham, and he has been nothing of the sort.

The 22-year-old has just three goal contributions in the Premier League this season, but his deeper numbers paint an even more concerning image.

Via FotMob, the so-called creator has created just nine chances so far this season, which places him in the bottom 45.1 per cent of his players for his position.

Simons has completed just 40.7 per cent of his attempted dribbles in the Premier League, with only 15.4 per cent of his crosses reaching a Tottenham player.

Had his performances set the league alight this season, you could perhaps forgive a moment of stupidity, but given that is not the case, that red card is nothing short of criminal.

The Premier League have made an announcement to clarify a contentious incident in Tottenham’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Spurs went into half-time of Saturday’s Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium level at 0-0.

Neither side could make a breakthrough in a first half that saw both sides enjoy spells on top, with Randal Kolo Muani’s tame header the closest Tottenham went to a breakthrough.

However, there was one major talking point in the first half as Xavi Simons was sent off after VAR intervened.

Xavi Simons sent off for bad challenge on Virgil van Dijk

Simons has impressed Thomas Frank of late, but he was foolishly sent off a little over half an hour in against Liverpool.

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The Netherlands international caught Virgil van Dijk on the Achilles and dragged his studs down, with the slow-motion replay doing little to help him.

Referee John Brooks initially awarded a yellow card, but VAR asked him to check the pitchside monitor and re-evaluate his decision.

And Brooks then decided the challenge was worthy of a red card, bringing an early end to his game and leaving Spurs with 10 men.

Gary Neville labelled Simons’ challenge on Van Dijk “ridiculous” and backed the decision to upgrade from a yellow to a red.

A statement via the Premier League Match Centre account on X read: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.”

Referee Brooks himself announced on the field: “After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high – it’s an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.”

Tottenham were always underdogs to beat Liverpool, at least according to Opta’s supercomputer. so going down a man certainly did not help the Lilywhites’ cause.

What games will Simons now miss for Tottenham?

Simons will now serve a three-match ban for Spurs as a result of his idiotic challenge on Van Dijk.

The incident was only contentious due to the referee initially awarding a yellow card, but replays showed it was worthy of the upgrade to a red.

Frank will be without the Dutchman for games away at Crystal Palace and Brentford, as well as the visit of Sunderland on 4 January.

Simons will be back in contention for the trip to Bournemouth three days later, when he will be fully rested up.

That is the only positive to take from this moment of stupidity.

Adam Wahrton could become a Tottenham player in January, so fans believe.

Spurs have a handful of games to contend with before the window opens, though plans will already be in place on the recruitment front.

Tottenham are said to be willing to sell Brennan Johnson should an appropriate offer be made, with Crystal Palace leading the race.

The Wales international has been a bit-part player under Thomas Frank this season, and could be used as leverage in a deal to bring Wharton to North London.

Johnson to Crystal Palace is a ‘done deal’ says ex-Tottenham star

Given the lack of gametime, it would make sense for Tottenham to part ways with Johnson, though it would largely depend on the finances.

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Spurs brought Johnson to the club for a fee in the region of £47.5million, and given the form he has had prior to this season, it would make little sense to sanction an exit for too much less than that.

However, according to an X account which appears to belong to former Spurs star Chris Armstrong, a deal has already been agreed with Crystal Palace.

“Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, done deal,” Armstrong said. “Good signing for the club, will do well.

In the replies to the post, Spurs fans were adamant that it could be a swap deal.

One fan replied to the above post saying, “Surely you mean Wharton?”, while many others echoed those thoughts.

If that were to be the case, which, admittedly, looks unlikely, it would be a hell of a deal for Tottenham.

Wharton would be a game-changer for Tottenham

Tottenham have some solid midfield options, from Joao Palhinha’s experience to Archie Gray’s potential and versatility.

However, Wharton’s ability to break the lines is something that they lack in the middle of the park, especially in James Maddison’s absence.

As demonstrated above, Wharton excels on the ball, with more key passes and progressive passes than any player Tottenham have in midfield.

If a deal can be struck, it would take Spurs to a whole new level.

Tottenham could be set for a new look centre-back pairing in 2026.

Micky van de Ven is a crucial player for Tottenham alongside Cristian Romero, as the duo are by far and away Thomas Frank’s favourite centre-backs.

The Dutchman has started 15 out of the Lilywhites’ 16 Premier League games this season, and has proved to be a threat from set-pieces for Frank.

Spurs have been linked to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni in recent days, which may have raised eyebrows, and rightly so.

Spurs now face the prospect of losing Van de Ven, with Real Madrid circling.

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Real Madrid think £43m is enough for Micky van de Ven

It would be a fair argument to say that Van de Ven has single-handedly alleviated pressure from Frank’s shoulders with several incredible individual performances this season.

The 24-year-old has been in N17 since 2023, but it’s clear to see that his current level deserves to see him compete for titles.

With uncertainty around Frank’s ability to lead Tottenham to success, Van de Ven could soon make his way to Spain.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are interested in bringing Van de Ven to the Bernabeu, and believe that they can persuade Spurs to sell up.

Los Blancos are not used to making big-money moves in January, but have the Tottenham defender firmly on their radar in their plans for the winter market.

Real Madrid have been led to believe that an offer of £43million would be enough to sign the Dutchman.

Given the links to Bastoni, the dots are starting to connect for Tottenham.

Tottenham won’t get better Van de Ven replacement than Bastoni, here’s why

It would be hard to see Tottenham sell van de Ven for the quoted £43m price tag, especially considering Bastoni’s worth.

The Italian centre-back is one of the best defenders in the world, and Spurs wouldn’t need to look further for a Van de Ven replacement.

The Inter Milan ace is a serial winner in Italy, and has even won the Euros with his country in 2020.

Still just 26 years of age, Bastoni has room to improve and already possesses the required skills to thrive in the Premier League.

Time will tell, but if Tottenham do lose Van de Ven, then Bastoni is 100 per cent the man to go for.

‘That’s a no go’ – Paul Merson slams Thomas Frank gesture at Tottenham fans

Paul Merson doesn’t think Thomas Frank properly understands how he is supposed to behave as Tottenham manager.

Frank‘s job as Tottenham boss is in increasing doubt after a difficult first half to the season since making the step up from Brentford in the summer.

Tottenham lost 3-0 at Nottingham Forest last week in miserable fashion to heap pressure back on the Dane, but it has been at home where this side has had most problems.

Between the opening day of the season against Burnley and a Xavi Simons-inspired victory over Brentford on 6 December Spurs went nearly four months between Premier League wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Frank’s reactions to home fans during that time is a big problem according to Merson.

Frank wrong for clapping Tottenham fans in defeat says Merson

Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday this weekend Merson highlighted where Frank appears to have misunderstood how to interact with his club’s support when things are going badly.

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The former England international believes Frank has put himself in the firing line with how he reacts to bad results at home, and particularly highlighted the fall-out from fan fury at Guglielmo Vicario after his error in the loss to Fulham.

The Italian was booed by home supporters after a massive error gifted Harry Wilson a goal, with Frank criticising those fans afterwards.

Merson said: “I don’t think he’s read the script… to start of with, with clapping the fans after you’ve been beaten at home. That’s a no go.

“You just clap and you want to get off, you know, you’re gonna get pelters. You’ve let the fans down, you’ve let yourself down.

“The other one was telling the Tottenham fans they’re not real fans, certain people, you can’t do that.”

Wins will fix everything for Frank but time running out

Frank is stuck between a rock and a hard place when he has been hired off the back of his methods at Brentford, while expected to adjust how he operates in order to prove he understands the larger scale of things at Spurs.

He might rightly point out that Ange Postecoglou wasn’t far off getting this side relegated from the Premier League last term, although the Australian will always be able to point to the Europa League trophy to protect his reputation.

However, even if Spurs were the reigning treble winners fans would quickly lose patience with getting beaten at home with such regularity.

But the reaction, ranging at times between confusion and outrage, from within the squad to supporters who are unhappy with what they are seeing gives the impression that Frank and his players somehow don’t think bad results are their fault, and that won’t do anything to solve the problems.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.