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Tottenham were beaten 2-1 at home by Liverpool in a chaotic match that saw the hosts finish with nine men.

A terrible first half wasn’t going anywhere until Xavi Simons was sent off shortly after the half-hour for a studs-up challenge on Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman was late on his compatriot and after a VAR review which made it look all the worst in slow-motion John Brooks upgraded his initial booking to a red card.

Things went from bad to worse for Thomas Frank when Alexander Isak put the visitors ahead on 56 minutes after Cristian Romero had booted a clearance straight into an attacker, as the Swede combined with Florian Wirtz to fire past the onrushing Guglielmo Vicario despite the attentions of Micky van de Ven. The record Premier League signing went off injured as a result.

Tottenham then fell apart from there as Hugo Ekitike doubled the lead less than 10 minutes later, beating Romero in the air to loop a deflected Jeremie Frimpong into the far corner.

But Richarlison pulled one back off the bench when he swept one home during a penalty area scramble moments after coming on for the anonymous Randal Kolo Muani to spark a wild finish, but Romero completed his self-destruction when he was also sent off in nine minutes of added time for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate on the ground.

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Xavi Simons progress thrown out the window

Simons’ disappointing start to life at Tottenham was a key complaint through the early months of the season, after Spurs has hijacked Chelsea’s move for him in the summer.

But Simons suddenly looked to have turned a corner in the win over Brentford a fortnight ago, followed up by another decent performance in the Champions League against Slavia Prague.

However, any progress that the former RB Leipzig man had made has now be categorically squandered after his red card opened the door for a struggling Liverpool to take full advantage.

His challenge on international teammate Van Dijk was mistimed more than malicious, and he may have been slightly unfortunate to have caught him quite so strongly, but it seemed to have ruined this game as a contest and threw away any opportunity for a morale-boosting result for Frank against a similarly embattled manager in Arne Slot.

The huge frustration for Simons was that statistically he wasn’t too bad prior to being dismissed, and while the overall level of quality from both teams was pretty dismal he was at least showing some intent, but that was all thrown away with a major error that will compounded by suspension.

Romero leads Spurs in wrong direction in nightmare half

Simons can at least just about argue that he is a young player – 22 – in a new league, even if he is now months into his Spurs career and proving a major disappointment for his transfer fee.

Romero on the other hand is a 27-year-old World Cup winner in the middle of his fifth Premier League campaign, and the club captain.

Romero hauled Tottenham to a point at Newcastle at the start of the month, but the example he led with against Liverpool was a terrible one.

With Spurs just about holding it together a man down he hit a careless pass straight into Alexis Mac Allister and ran out of position attempting to rectify the error, leaving acres of space for Wirtz to assist the opener.

And then was the man beaten by Ekitike to make it two. He scored both at St. James’ Park but was at fault for conceding both here, and his head-loss at the end won’t inspire any teammates positively.

Even then he wasn’t finished, and somehow managed to beat Simon in a race to the bottom on the day, getting himself sent off needlessly in added time just as Richarlison had sparked an unlikely revival. An incredible afternoon where the captain seemed to do everything he could to sabotage his own side.

Richarlison transforms ragged Spurs

Richarlison has been subject to much criticism during Tottenham‘s struggles this season and often that is justified.

But it is a measure of how poor Spurs have been so often under Frank that the Brazilian has probably been unfairly targeted.

He is maddeningly inconsistent at times but numerous other attacking teammates are often equally ineffective, and he has at least now scored seven Premier League goals this season, and transformed the game when he came on here.

He was in the right place at the right time to take the one golden opportunity that presented itself, and immediately put Liverpool on the back foot. It was easy to forget Kolo Muani was even on the pitch in the second half but Richarlison made sure you couldn’t miss him.

Running around enraging the visitors and still getting booked by Brooks after the final whistle, he certainly cared about trying to get something from this game where that can’t easily be said for everyone in White. Were it not for Romero’s catastrophic contributions the introduction of Richarlison might have been enough to get at least a point.

Tottenham player ratings vs Liverpool

Guglielmo Vicario – 5

Pedro Porro – 6

Cristian Romero – 1

Micky van de Ven – 6

Djed Spence – 7

Rodrigo Bentancur – 5

Archie Gray (off for Palhinha ’71) – 5

Lucas Bergvall (off for Odobert ’71) – 6

Mohammed Kudus (off for Johnson ’58) – 6

Xavi Simons – 2

Randal Kolo Muani (off for Richarlison ’80) – 5

Substitutions

Brennan Johnson (on for Kudus ’58) – 6

Wilson Odobert (on for Bergvall ’71) – 7

Joao Palhinha (on for Gray ’71) – 6

Richarlison (on for Kolo Muani ’80) – 8 – Man of the Match

Xavi Simons gave Tottenham a mountain to climb in the 2-1 loss against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.

Thomas Frank hosted Arne Slot’s team at home on 20 December, with the North London outfit looking to get back to winning ways after losing to Nottingham Forest.

Simons has had a slow start to life at Spurs, but the former RB Leipzig midfielder has put in decent performances in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old had an evening to forget, though, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after being sent off in the 33rd minute.

Xavi Simons challenge on Virgil van Dijk really bad in Tottenham vs Liverpool

Andy Townsend believes Simons’ challenge on Virgil van Dijk was right on the cusp of being a red card.

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While John Brooks initially showed the Netherlands international a yellow card for the foul on his compatriot, VAR recommended an on-field review.

The midfielder can arguably have no complaints about the decision after dangling his leg and catching the centre-back with his studs.

Speaking on the World Feed on 20 December, Townsend said: “It’s not a good challenge at all from Simons. That’s a shocker. That’s a really bad one. Only he knows how much contact he wanted to apply there. But I tell you, that’s a really bad challenge. Absolutely deserving of a yellow. I think that’s right on the cusp.”

Liverpool were seen as slight favourites against Spurs, but Simons’ red card undoubtedly made things more challenging in N17, with the Reds scoring two quick goals after the break.

While the North London outfit showed glimpses of quality and fight after Richarlison’s goal, it wasn’t enough, as Cristian Romero also saw red.

ENIC to get on phone at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Frank risks getting sacked at Tottenham, with the North London outfit’s Premier League form not up to standard.

Spurs hired the former Brentford boss after Ange Postecoglou’s woeful domestic record last season, but improvements are still needed in N17.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see ENIC get on the phone to enquire with potential replacements for the Danish head coach.

The mood among the fanbase is starting to get sour, and it remains to be seen how long the owners will remain patient with Frank.

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.