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Newcastle’s penalty against Tottenham has sparked delight thanks to Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision.

Cristian Romero equalised twice for Tottenham to snatch a point at Newcastle with a 2-2 draw on Tuesday night, and ease a bit of sack pressure on Thomas Frank.

The Spurs captain’s first was almost immediately cancelled out when Rodrigo Bentancur was penalised for holding Dan Burn at a Magpies corner mid-way through the second half, following a VAR review.

Bramall was sent to the screen and awarded the penalty, with Jamie Carragher claiming it was “harsh” on the Sky Sports match commentary, and both Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards questioning the consistency in the decision in the broadcast studio after the final whistle.

Keith Hackett hails Newcastle penalty award vs Tottenham

But former PGMOL boss and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett is extremely pleased with Bramall and wants “grappling” at corners to be further stamped out.

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Such infringements are frequently allowed to slide in the Premier League but the former top flight official feels they are against the rules and wants to see them punished more frequently.

He exclusively told Tottenham News: “At last!! I send my congratulations to referee Thomas Bramall and VAR for penalising the grappling offence by Spurs’ Bentancur on Dan Burn and awarding a penalty kick decision to Newcastle United.

“If we are going to see a reduction in these grappling offences we need more referees to follow Bramall’s course of action.”

Bentancur escapes brainless incident

Tottenham fans might justifiably ask why their struggling side are suddenly the ones who get penalised for something that seems to happen every week up and down the league.

But by the letter of the law Bentancur fouled Burn and by giving the officials the opportunity to actually do their job properly, by never looking for the ball and using both hands to impede Burn, he was wrong.

Were it not for Romero delivering a 95th-minute overhead kick to steal a point it would have been the reason why Spurs had been beaten in a fourth-consecutive game.

There are such fine margins when a team are down on their luck so throwing away a vital equaliser – Romero’s first was just moments before the penalty which Anthony Gordon scored – could have sunk Spurs.

Frank has criticised the decision to award the penalty, but will surely need to warn his midfielder to be smarter, while all can rightly praise Romero for leading from the front when his team couldn’t have needed it more.

Tottenham twice fought back to level at Newcastle thanks to Cristian Romero as they escaped with a point to ease some pressure on Thomas Frank.

An uneventful first 70 minutes was notable more for the ongoing lack of anything in terms of a threat from Spurs going forward, with only Randal Kolo Muani have any real urgency in attack.

But despite Guglielmo Vicario rebounding from his error against Fulham in the Tottenham goal he couldn’t keep a clean sheet, with Bruno Guimaraes firing a Nick Woltemade lay off into the far corner in the 71st minute.

Frank, facing questions over his Tottenham job, made a triple substitution and almost immediately equalised out of nowhere through two players already on the pitch, with Mohammed Kudus producing his first piece of attacking brilliance to cross for Romero to dive and head into the bottom corner ahead of Dan Burn.

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It was Spurs’ first attempt on target in the game in the 78th minute, but after climbing the mountain of actually troubling the opposition net Rodrigo Bentancur quickly threw it all away by conceding a slightly harsh, albeit totally needless, penalty for holding Burn at a corner, which Anthony Gordon converted.

But even more unexpectedly Romero again equalised, this time with an overhead kick, in the 95th minute, sparing Spurs a fourth-consecutive defeat and more problems for the manager.

Romero wows in captain’s performance

With Micky van de Ven surprisingly left on the bench by Frank in favour of Kevin Danso it was all the more crucial for Romero to stand up at St. James’ Park.

He takes the headlines for a stunning brace at the other end, both finished superbly despite the second coming off his shin.

The blunt Tottenham attackers could all take a few lessons from their captain, but a few crucial blocks in defence were also important.

Aside from the move for Guimaraes’ opener Spurs were never really pulled apart at the back, although Vicario made some good saves, which is a credit to the senior centre-back.

But with sack speculation ready to reach overdrive around Frank the Dane simply had to avoid defeat, and with so little attacking trust from the expensively-assembled Spurs forward options it really was invaluable for the manager to get two vital goals from his defender.

Thomas Frank to be furious with Bentancur

Had Spurs lost this Frank’s job may well have truly been on the line, not least thanks to the self-inflicted manner of the second Newcastle goal.

It seemed unlikely that Tottenham could muster one goal, let alone two, so having stolen a beauty from Romero’s header Frank will have been raging to see Bentancur concede a spot kick almost immediately.

It was hardly the worst foul ever but the Uruguayan had his back to where the ball was coming from throughout and made no attempt to do anything but impede Burn as the corner came in, with the Englishman’s huge size probably working in his favour given how awkward it made the entire thing look.

Bentancur hadn’t exactly been pulling up trees elsewhere with his overall performance, as he seemed to largely jog around in midfield without making much of an impact.

He was bailed out hugely by Romero’s late, late equaliser, but Frank might not trust him with the pressure on for a while either way.

Tottenham player ratings vs Newcastle

Guglielmo Vicario – 8

Pedro Porro – 5

Cristian Romero – 9 – Man of the Match

Kevin Danso – 6

Destiny Udogie – 6

Pape Matar Sarr (off for Gray ’87) – 6

Rodrigo Bentancur – 2

Lucas Bergvall (off for Simons ’77) – 6

Mohammed Kudus (off for Odobert ’87) – 6

Brennan Johnson (off for Tel ’77) – 4

Randal Kolo Muani (off for Richarlison ’77) – 6

Substitutes

Xavi Simons (on for Bergvall ’77) – 5

Mathys Tel (on for Johnson ’77) – 5

Richarlison (on for Kolo Muani ’77) – 4

Archie Gray (on for Sarr ’87) – 5

Wilson Odobert (on for Kudus ’87) – 6

Tottenham are heading towards a potentially pivotal period of their season, and that could include conducting business in the January transfer window.

Spurs harbour ambitions of qualifying for Europe once more in 2025/26, although their 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday saw Thomas Frank’s men drop down to 12th in a congested Premier League table.

The Lilywhites have now failed to win any of their previous four league matches, and as a result, Frank has been placed under pressure despite making a solid start to life in North London.

In some cases, supporters are right to question the Dane’s decision-making, but he also hasn’t been helped by individual errors.

Guglielmo Vicario was slammed for his error during Tottenham’s loss to Fulham at the weekend, and the Italian could exit the club next year.

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Tottenham set £22m asking price for Guglielmo Vicario

According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan have kept Vicario on their transfer radar after failing to sign the Italian in the summer of 2023.

At the time, the Serie A giants were waiting to sell Andre Onana, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper’s late departure prevented sporting director Ausilio from making a move for Vicario.

Spurs, of course, benefited from Inter’s transfer blunder, although the 29-year-old has a desire to return to Italy after moving to England from Empoli.

Corriere dello Sport claim that Tottenham could demand around €25million (£22m) for their first-choice goalkeeper, and that would land them £5m in profit.

A decision to sell Vicario ultimately depends on whether Frank can locate a replacement, as it’s unlikely they’ll offload him midway through the season.

What Ange Postecoglou said about Vicario

Whilst Tony Cascarino blasted Vicario for his mistake against Fulham, there is perhaps a reason why the talented shot stopper hasn’t performed at his best.

Bryan King told Tottenham Hotspur News that Vicario isn’t enjoying Spurs training, which is impacting his performances on the pitch.

During Ange Postecoglou’s time in charge, though, the Italian mostly saved their blushes between the sticks, even when the opposition unloaded a barrage of attacks.

That is why Postecoglou recognised Vicario as ‘outstanding’, especially after their 2-1 win over Everton in December 2023.

“Vic was outstanding today with a couple of brilliant saves,” the Australian said via Tottenham’s official website. “He’s been brilliant from day one for us, and we haven’t always needed him like we did today.

“Other times, it’s probably one or two saves a game, if that, he’s been important in our build-up and in our organisation, but today we needed his goalkeeping. It wasn’t just the saves he makes. They’re so strong from corners and put so much pressure on the goalkeeper, and I thought he stood up really well.”

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan says the Eagles won’t be able to keep Oliver Glasner amid growing Tottenham links.

Rumours are intensifying over Tottenham sacking Thomas Frank after a poor string of results has left the Lilywhites scrambling for any remaining hope for success under the head coach.

Glasner has been linked with the Spurs job recently, and now it seems like all signs are pointing towards the Austrian replacing Frank at N17

In a recent update, Jordan has claimed it’s “obvious” that Glasner will leave Crystal Palace after contract concerns.

Simon Jordan is adamant that Oliver Glasner will leave Crystal Palace

The Lilywhites won’t struggle in luring a fresh head coach to N17, with Xavi reportedly high up on Tottenham’s list to replace Frank.

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Glasner has worked wonders with Crystal Palace, and after last season’s success, the Eagles have found themselves playing European football this campaign.

But with the 51-year-old’s contract expiring in the summer, Spurs could be set to make a cheap swoop for the Palace head coach.

On Tuesday, Jordan was discussing Glasner while on talkSPORT and suggested that the current Crystal Palace chairman, Steve Parish, will be to blame for letting the head coach go.

Jordan said: “I think Glasner is leaving. He’s on a four-year contract, and he’s got six or seven months left on that contract.

“It’s obvious he’s leaving, and it’s obvious that he’s not going to stay, and you’ve [Parish] have done nothing to help the situation.”

Palace sold Eberechi Eze in the summer, and Jordan is hinting that Parish has not done enough to convince Glasner that he will be backed beyond his remaining time left at the club.

Glasner would be a step in right direction for Spurs

Tottenham want to go big in the January transfer window, but initial plans may have now come to a halt following the uncertainty surrounding Frank.

There will be doubts over whether the head coach can turn results around, and if he doesn’t, the Lilywhites may very well turn their attention to Glasner.

Glasner has a glowing record at Crystal Palace, a much smaller club than Tottenham, and has arguably led the Eagles to overachieve in recent times.

He, unlike Frank, has shown his team plays with an identity, something that Spurs seem to lack at the moment.

Tottenham are expected to spend big in the January transfer window.

Antoine Semenyo is a major target for Spurs, with Bournemouth facing a £65million release clause in his contract at the start of the winter window.

Thomas Frank is under real pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and with injuries mounting, new signings are desperately needed.

That could see several new faces through the door, something that rarely happens midway through the season in North London.

Having said that, Frank will have his fingers crossed for change.

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Tottenham set for rare January transfer window

Dan Plumley believes that Spurs’ spending in January will depend on where they are after Christmas, with an expected spend unlike them at this time of year.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, the football finance expert revealed that money is no issue for the Lewis family; it’s whether they are prepared to spend it.

“They don’t tend to spend in January; it would be unlike them,” Plumley said.

“Again, the situation is different at the club this year than in previous years, and there is that inconsistency with them that we keep coming back to; they look like they’re on a run, and then they’ll chuck in a couple of horrible performances.

“They’re still in the Champions League, that is a big factor, that will dictate the state of play in the January window and of course, where Tottenham are in the Premier League.

“You’ve got to be in and around that top four, and if they’re not, that might be when we see them dip into their pockets.

“Spurs can spend, there’s no doubt, we’ve said that numerous times, which is why they’re linked with the likes of Antoine Semenyo.

“The money is not an issue at this stage, it’s are they prepared to spend it? That will depend on where they are in the mix after Christmas and where they can realistically finish this season.”

How are Tottenham performing?

Out of the Carabao Cup, eyes are on the Premier League and Champions League for Spurs.

Ahead of Tottenham facing Newcastle at St James’ Park on 2 December, the Lilywhites sit 12th in the Premier League, six points behind Aston Villa in fourth.

With Spurs also two points adrift of the top eight in the Champions League, Frank needs to prove himself worthy of more financial backing in January, before it is too late.

Six games separate Tottenham and January, and it may take winning them all to secure heavy financial backing in the transfer window; only time will tell.

Michael Carrick has been installed as the favourite to take charge of Leicester City if they sack Marti Cifuentes in the coming days.

Carrick, who made 75 total appearances for Tottenham between 2004 and 2006, has been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough at the end of last season.

After Ange Postecoglou was axed by Daniel Levy in the summer, Carrick was briefly a candidate to be the new Tottenham boss before Thomas Frank took over.

Carrick was also listed in the running to take charge at Celtic after Brendan Rodgers left the Scottish champions in October.

Michael Carrick bookies’ favourite to be new Leicester manager

The 44-year-old former England midfielder is now in pole position to take charge at Leicester as their form continues to worsen in the Championship.

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According to Football Insider on Tuesday, Leicester have given Cifuentes an ultimatum – secure a favourable result against Derby this weekend or go.

The Foxes are currently 16th in the Championship and have won just three of their last 14 league fixtures, most recently a 3-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Sheffield United.

One major bookmaker has opened the market on who could replace Cifuentes, with Carrick installed as the 6/4 favourite.

Former Rangers and Southampton manager Russell Martin (2/1) and ex-Spurs striker Robbie Keane, who is impressing in charge at Ferencvaros (4/1) are also in the running.

Gary O’Neil (5/1), Kevin Muscat (6/1) and Martin O’Neill (8/1) are slight outsiders in comparison to the front-runners.

What’s been said about Michael Carrick’s managerial career?

Middlesbrough appointed Carrick as their manager in October 2022 when they were 21st in the Championship table.

He managed to oversee an impressive rise up the standings, achieving a fourth-placed finish before Boro lost to Coventry in the play-off semi-finals.

Unfortunately for Carrick, it was all downhill from there as they finished eighth the following season before slumping to 10th last term before he was axed.

Carrick’s Middlesbrough record:

Ex-Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho previously said Carrick “has qualities that we believe can make him a good coach” when the former midfielder was a coach alongside him at Manchester United.

Middlesbrough’s previous director of football Kieran Scott said Carrick is “calculated” and “calm”, while Vincent Kompany said: “His brain and the way he thinks is definitely something that makes him stand out, not just as a manager, but also when he was a player as well.

“I understand why people will put the two of us together, but I think it’s difficult to draw comparisons between us because we are all on our own trajectory. I look at Michael Carrick and I am impressed with what he is doing.”

Tottenham Women have been told that the signing of Signe Gaupest is a massive step in the right direction for the club.

Tottenham recently confirmed the signing of Gaupest from SK Brann, who will arrive at Hotspur Way this January.

Furthermore, the Norway international joined them for a record fee, which was the third time the Lilywhites had broken their transfer record in recent history.

Indeed, the Lewis family are determined to prioritise Spurs’ sporting success, and it seems that they’re doing a grand job thus far.

Signe Gaupest expected to transform Tottenham Women

Gaupest is considered one of the most talented stars of her generation, and remarkably, Tottenham Women managed to sign her.

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Her relationship with Martin Ho from his time at Brann likely helped, but the club’s sporting vision must’ve played a role.

As a result, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Spurs expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham not only believes that she’s a great signing, but represents a change that’s for the better.

“I think they paid £378,000 to make this signing of a 20-year-old from the Norwegian League who, by all accounts, is a very good player,” Wenham said.

“The fact that she worked with the manager previously gives Tottenham a head start over the other clubs there. Many supporters of the Women’s Super League who follow the game regularly pointed out that she is an outstanding signing and one they expected to go to a Real Madrid or a Manchester United or that level in the WSL.

“If Spurs are going to continue adding players of quality, my argument has always been £378,000, that’s 12 weeks of Yves Bissouma’s wages. He’s not kicked the ball for us this season. It makes a massive, massive difference to the Women’s team and gives them a real opportunity to battle on.”

Martin Ho deserves all the praise

Ho replaced Robert Vilahamn with the intention of improving the Lilywhites’ sporting results.

Ho mentioned his plan to transform Tottenham Women, and he seems to have started well.

Indeed, the Lillywhites are fifth in the WSL, having lost just two of their last five games, which include a draw against Arsenal and wins over Liverpool and Birmingham City Women.

His limited managerial experience as a first-team coach in England posed a question when he landed at Hotspur Way. But as it stands, Ho is continuing to prove the doubters wrong.

Tottenham will face competition from Aston Villa in their pursuit of 17-year-old midfield prodigy Nathan De Cat.

Tottenham are keen to arm Thomas Frank with reinforcements this winter after a difficult start to the season.

Spurs’ 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and later 2-1 home loss to Fulham in the Premier League mean the Lilywhites are winless in four domestic games.

Change is needed at Hotspur Way, and it could come in the form of a greatly appreciated rising star.

Johan Lange pushing hard for Nathan De Cat

Tottenham are actively pursuing De Cat, with sporting director Johan Lange pushing hard for the 17-year-old, according to CaughtOffside on 30 November.

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While Anderlecht’s official stance remains firm, that the midfielder will stay until at least the summer of 2027, it is understood the Belgian giants are willing to negotiate if the right offer arrives.

Indeed, Unai Emery’s side are extremely interested in the youngster and are ready to offer up to £22m upfront, with additional bonuses and a sell-on clause to tempt Anderlecht into early discussions.

Meanwhile, Brighton have made enquiries for the talented midfielder through intermediaries. As a result, this will definitely be one to watch moving forward.

Should Tottenham pursue Nathan De Cat?

There is an argument to be made that Tottenham lack experience within their team.

As a result, recruiting a youngster who’ll not doubt take time to reveal his best form will do little to aid their immediate issues.

However, take Luka Vuskovic, for example.

Vuskovic was loaned to Hamburg over the summer and has been named Rookie Player of the Month two times in a row.

There is no doubt that the 18-year-old will return to Spurs and immediately make an impact, and De Cat could follow a similar trajectory.

When looking at talents like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s Senny Mayulu dominating in Europe, it is clear that the best talents will perform regardless of age.

De Cat has already established himself as a regular in Anderlecht’s first team and has featured prominently for Belgium’s Under-19 side.

His deep-lying playmaking style has also earned him comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri. Furthermore, the rising star has made 16 league appearances for Anderlecht in the Jupiler Pro League this season.

As a result, with his undeniable talent and growing experience, De Cat could make a fine long-term investment for the Lilywhites.

Thomas Frank is coming under increased scrutiny at Tottenham.

Fulham secured a 2-1 away to Tottenham last time out, contributing to the toxic atmosphere surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The North London faithful piled in on Guglielmo Vicario after his shocking mistake against Fulham put the Lilywhites two down after just six minutes.

Vicario appears unhappy at Tottenham as supporters continue to express their frustration with the goalkeeper and Frank.

Many want the Dane gone, but former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has sprung to his defence even after a difficult campaign so far.

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Harry Redknapp urges Tottenham to stand by Thomas Frank

Frank has been linked with the sack at Tottenham after a far from ideal start to life in N17 since his move from Brentford in the summer.

The N17 outfit have gone without a Premier League win in four, last securing victory away to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Form at home has been a serious issue, and with the defeat against Fulham, there is very little reason for positivity among supporters.

That wasn’t helped when Frank slammed sections of Spurs fans for their negative reviews inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Even with that and a poor run of form, Redknapp told talkSPORT on 2 December that Tottenham should continue to back the head coach moving forward.

He said: “He needs time, Tottenham can’t keep chopping managers every time they lose a few games. Last year, they finished 17th, or whatever it was. Apart from winning the European competition, it was a shocking season.

“He hasn’t got a magic wand, it takes time. What they are is a team I think will finish sixth, seventh or eighth, something like that this year. They’re going to have ups and downs, but right now, there are more downs than ups.

“Certainly, at home, it’s been disappointing. You need to give Thomas Frank time for sure. I didn’t see it coming that they would have such a bad run, the home form has really been disastrous.“

Frank walking on thin ice at Tottenham

Redknapp may want the ex-Brentford boss to stick around, but the Lilywhites can’t afford to be patient for patience’s sake.

It is very rare for a manager to have such a bad start and then turn things around in a highly dramatic fashion.

Mikel Arteta has done so at Arsenal, but the likes of Manchester United have failed to do so ever since Sir Alex Ferguson departed in 2013.

If the results don’t start to turn around for Frank, the hierarchy in North London will have little choice but to move the manager on after just months in charge.

If that were to happen, neither Frank nor Redknapp could have any real complaints.

‘It’s my job’ – Thomas Frank sends new message to Tottenham fans after his latest criticism

Thomas Frank has addressed Tottenham fans once again after criticising those who decided to boo the players during their 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

Tottenham supporters vented their frustrations at Guglielmo Vicario after the Italian goalkeeper was directly at fault for the Cottagers’ second goal.

Vicario raced out of his goal to clear the ball away, but gave it straight back to Marco Silva’s side, with Harry Wilson curling into an empty net.

After the game, Pedro Porro also hit out at the fans who had booed, taking to social media to voice his displeasure at the reaction.

Thomas Frank makes plea to Tottenham fans

In his post-match interview, Frank defended Vicario for his mistake, as well as slamming the supporters who had chosen to hurl abuse at the shot-stopper.

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To be fair to Vicario, he has been far from the issue at Spurs, preventing 2.63 goals already this season and also making 39 saves from his 13 appearances, via Sofascore.

The Dane only angered fans further with his comments, though, with many believing they have the right to voice their displeasure as paying ticket-holders.

Ahead of Tottenham’s trip to Newcastle on 2 December, Frank has clarified what he said immediately after the defeat to Fulham.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference before the clash with the Magpies, he said: “I completely understand the frustration. If we don’t win, there will always be frustration. We have not won much at home this season, and also last, so the frustration can grow.

“It’s my job to do what we can to have calm. We are nothing without the fans. Tottenham Hotspur is nothing without the fans.

“My point was that during matches, we need each other. Afterwards, the booing can be fair. During, we need to make it a fortress and to do that, we need to be together.”

Tottenham fans have right to be angry

It is no surprise that Tottenham supporters are becoming frustrated with their team, as their home form has been abysmal.

So far this season, the North London outfit have just one Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the opening day triumph over Burnley, and have picked up only five points in total.

Spurs have the second-worst home record in the top-flight, only ahead of Wolves, who currently sit rock bottom of the table with zero wins.

Frank is coming under increasing sack pressure as a result of his side’s shortcomings, and now the supporters are beginning to turn as well.

Having the worst points-per-match average of any club so far in his career (1.38), it has not started well for Frank at Spurs, and picking up simple home wins has to be bread and butter for a club like this.

The former Brentford boss now has to fix the situation immediately, otherwise his time at Tottenham could be over very quickly.