TBR Football

Tottenham continued their perfect start to the 2025/26 campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City, in which Mohammed Kudus shone.

The £55m signing from West Ham helped Thomas Frank take the game to Pep Guardiola, playing a key role in driving Tottenham up the pitch with his close control and daring runs.

Mohammed Kudus was so impressive at the Etihad Stadium, that some Tottenham fans even brought a club legend in Heung-min Son into the conversation.

Tottenham fans hail Mohammed Kudus after win over Manchester City

One Tottenham fan was genuinely left stunned by how well the Ghana international performed against Manchester City, as another admitted they have not been this excited about a signing since Heung-min Son arrived from Bayer Leverkusen back in August 2015.

A post on X (previously known as Twitter) read: “I actually can’t believe how good Kudus is, haven’t been moved by a new player like this for years.”

The second Tottenham fan added: “Haven’t felt like this watching a new signing since Sonny.”

Son scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, captaining the north Londoners to the UEFA Europa League in his final competitive outing, so it speaks volumes that Kudus is already earning comparisons to a cult hero in N17.

Roy Keane actually questioned the signing of Kudus – calling it a “strange” deal.

A third Tottenham fan simply used the word “obscene” to describe what they were seeing from the Ghanaian.

Another highlighted the many impressive aspects of the 25-year-old’s game, posting: “Can hold up play in a low block and get past players with ease when we’re high up. He’s literally the DREAM.”

Furthermore, a fifth Spurs supporter opted to praise the man born in Accra for his work off the ball, writing: “Kudus out of possession does exactly what fans want to see. Never gives up, anticipates the play superbly and isn’t afraid to throw himself around when needed.”

Mohammed Kudus proved he was worth every penny of £55m fee with stunning display against Manchester City

£55m may have seemed like a lot for a player who scored just five goals in 32 Premier League appearances last season, but Kudus – who has struggled in training against Djed Spence – showed exactly why Tottenham paid such a fee by tearing Manchester City apart.

Sofascore shows that the Tottenham No.20 completed three successful dribbles against the Citizens, and also made three tackles as he helped Pedro Porro admirably when tracking back.

Kudus also kept possession well for Spurs by completing 14 of his 17 passes – a success rate of 82% – with one cross being delivered by the mercurial winger as well.

In terms of what you need your forward to do away to a side like Manchester City, Kudus ticked every single box for Frank – who will undoubtedly be delighted by what he saw.

Rayan Cherki made his first start for Manchester City as they took on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, and fans have reacted to the Frenchman’s performance.

Not a good day to be a Manchester City fan. Thomas Frank picked apart Pep Guardiola’s side in their own backyard.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Joao Palhinha gave Spurs their second win of the season, in what was a statement performance.

City, on the other hand, will want to forget about this one. As will new signing Rayan Cherki, whose poor performance was widely noted by fans.

Fans react to Rayan Cherki for Manchester City vs Tottenham

The former Lyon man was not at his best against Spurs, prompting plenty of reaction on X. Many fans suggested he doesn’t look suited to the Premier League.

One supporter wrote: “Cherki is not that good. When he’s far from the final third he’s so unathletic and easy to press. Sarr is literally eating him alive.”

Another fan added: “Shock – Cherki looks terrible when he’s not coming on against tired defenders in the 77th minute.”

Others were equally unimpressed. One claimed: “Cherki ain’t made for the Prem. Needs to get used to the speed of the game, keeps losing it on the edge of the box.”

Another wrote: “Invisible first half from Cherki. We’ll see more performances like this when he starts. He’s not built for this league.”

The criticism kept coming, with one supporter describing it as an “embarrassingly bad half,” before adding: “City fans will have you think he’s Messi levels.”

Another questioned his attitude, saying: “Cherki’s mentality has to be questioned. Pep has had to tell him off before for lack of work rate. Today he got to play centrally and completely flopped. Was lazy in finding space, didn’t demand the ball with any real vigour. Stinker & hooked, as they say.”

Cherki can’t be judged for Manchester City yet

The Frenchman didn’t have his finest performance, granted – but it was his first start, and only his second game.

Cherki possesses undeniable talent, and Pep Guardiola wouldn’t have signed him if he didn’t believe in his ability.

He’s already proven against the likes of Manchester United in the Europa League with Lyon that he can perform against English sides – so he deserves time.

Tottenham Hotspur have picked up a fantastic victory over Manchester City in the Premier League.

The mood around Spurs has not been great in recent days. Arsenal hijacked their move for Eberechi Eze, and that angered many supporters.

The last team you would want to face when you’re in a bad mood is Manchester City, but Spurs produced a brilliant performance at the Etihad.

Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 35th minute before Joao Palhinha doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Spurs supporters absolutely loved what they saw in the first half, and they’ve all been heaping praise on their new manager, Thomas Frank.

Tottenham fans think Thomas Frank is a big upgrade on Ange Postecoglou

Tottenham fans were divided when Daniel Levy sacked Ange Postecoglou just 16 days after he helped them win the Europa League title.

Many felt that it was harsh and that the Australian deserved another season, but that noise has disappeared now.

Spurs supporters are fully behind Frank and think he’s an upgrade on Postecoglou.

One Tottenham fan tweeted: “Thomas Frank is better than Ange. I’ve seen enough.”

Another wrote: “We look like a much better side in comparison to Ange’s side with arguably a worse team. We actually look okay defensively.”

“Long way to go, but this is night and day with Ange, we look properly set up. Proper solid performance,” said another.

Another Spurs supporter wrote: “Spurs look so much better this season, man. Ange had to go for real!”

“I feel so much safer with this structure than Ange’s,” tweeted another.

Tottenham fans shouldn’t get too excited about Thomas Frank just yet

Frank is doing a great job and deserves all the praise in the world.

The Dane’s pragmatic approach and structured setup make him a much more difficult side to beat than Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham were, and we do think he is an upgrade.

However, Spurs fans must remember that Postecoglou also started off brilliantly. They were unbeaten in their first 10 Premier League games of the season and looked incredible.

Things fell apart soon after, so the supporters must not get too excited just yet.

TBR Football understands that Everton have won the race for Tyler Dibling, but Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and RB Leipzig did make a late push.

TBR Football can reveal that Tyler Dibling shunned possible interest from Tottenham and RB Leipzig, and also a late approach from Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old has been a target for Everton for the last few weeks, with David Moyes pushing hard to land him.

Moyes played a major part in persuading Dibling that a move to Everton was the right move for him, and the teenager made it clear in recent days that a move to Merseyside was his preferred option.

Sources: Tyler Dibling chooses Everton over Tottenham and Crystal Palace

TBR Football can reveal that amid Everton winning the race for Dibling, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace also made approaches, alongside Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent for TBR Football, confirms this. He says: “Everton have agreed a deal worth £42million with £6million of that made up in add-ons.

“There was some interest in recent days from Spurs and Leipzig, more enquiries but we can confirm that Crystal Palace made a real push for him as they looked for options to replace Eberechi Eze.

“But Dibling made it clear that he wants to move Everton.”

Everton move a good one for Dibling

Dibling, as a young player, needs consistent game time to flourish, which he will get at Everton.

Everton looked weak in attack against Leeds United in their Premier League opener, so the introduction of a pacey, dynamic winger will be vital to their season.

To have the player wanting to play for the Toffees also can’t be underestimated. Tottenham and Palace are desirable locations, and Leipzig, so David Moyes has a player who genuinely wants to be there.

Tottenham are still hurting from the situation involving Eberechi Eze – but some good news could be on the horizon.

TBR Football understand Spurs enquired about Bilal El Khannouss after Arsenal swooped in and hijacked talks to sign the England international.

The Leicester No.11 is available for a fee of £32m.

Crystal Palace are believed to have already agreed this sum with Leicester, with El Khannouss keen to play under Oliver Glasner in SE25.

However, the deal is not done yet after Tottenham entered the race.

There has now been a fascinating development involving Bilal El Khannouss, after Leicester opted to leave the African attacker out of the squad for Saturday’s Championship clash against Charlton.

Leicester leave Bilal El Khannouss out after Tottenham submit enquiry

The Morocco international is nowhere to be seen – not even on the bench – as Leicester take on Charlton at The Valley.

El Khannouss – who Newcastle also like – is not believed to be injured.

The 21-year-old has already featured in both Championship games so far this season for Leicester.

El Khannouss has done well, providing two assists in his two Championship appearances, so it would be strange for Marti Cifuentes to drop the Moroccan from his side completely unless it was related to a potential exit.

The Spaniard was, however, unhappy with how the Tottenham target performed in the last Championship outing away at Preston, where the Foxes suffered a 2-1 defeat.

El Khannouss was withdrawn at the interval, with Cifuentes telling reporters after the final whistle: “I wasn’t very happy with Bilal’s performance. With players of this quality, I always expect a lot.

“I was not happy with the whole performance in the first half, about the whole team, so it’s not just about Bilal, but usually I’m more demanding with the best players and Bilal is a fantastic player.”

The fact El Khannouss has now been dropped completely serves to suggest Cifuentes may feel his head has been turned by interest elsewhere – although that is mere speculation on our part.

Where Bilal El Khannouss could play under Thomas Frank

If El Khannouss really is on his way to Tottenham after being left out at The Valley, he can offer Thomas Frank an exciting option in central attacking midfield.

Spurs wanted Eze to play the No.10 role after losing James Maddison to injury, and fortunately, the man born in Strombeek is a natural in that area.

El Khannouss could also provide an option out on the left for Frank, having previously scored one goal and assisting a further two in three games as a left-sided midfielder.

Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal.

The England international has been one of the biggest names in the transfer window in recent weeks after it became clear that he would be on the move.

Arsenal showed interest in Eze very early in the summer, but the Gunners’ focus had shifted to an out-and-out left winger after Ethan Nwaneri extended his contract.

That opened the door for Tottenham to land Eze, but after Kai Havertz’s injury, Arsenal pounced and pipped their local rivals to the Crystal Palace star’s signature.

David Ornstein: What Tottenham were ready to do after hearing about Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze hijack

Eberechi Eze had been on Tottenham’s radar for many years.

Spurs have constantly been linked with a move to sign him over the last few windows, but for one reason or another, no move materialised.

However, earlier in August, TBR Football confirmed, as reported by many others, that Tottenham were close to signing Eze for just over £60 million, including add-ons.

That would’ve been brilliant for Daniel Levy, considering that the value of Eze’s release clause was set at £68 million.

David Ornstein has now revealed that Tottenham were actually ready to increase their offer to the release clause value after finding out that Arsenal were attempting a hijack.

Unfortunately for them, it was too late, as the Gunners were prepared to match that, and Eze chose Arsenal over Spurs.

Ornstein said on The Athletic FC podcast: “What is clear is that Tottenham went to a really far extent on this. They even were prepared to go to the release clause sort of value when it emerged that Arsenal were in.

“But by this point, Arsenal were prepared to match that, and the player wanted Arsenal.

“That’s the crucial factor in this because in that sense, Tottenham couldn’t have done much more other than, yeah, with hindsight, they could have wrapped it up quicker.

“But the player, ultimately, if he really wanted to join another team, Tottenham aren’t going to go to an unreasonable level to convince someone that deep down doesn’t want to be there.”

Tottenham fans are right to blame Daniel Levy for missing out on Eberechi Eze

Tottenham were in a one-horse race to sign Eze for over a week.

Arsenal were content with their options in attacking midfield when Havertz was fit, and Spurs could’ve wrapped up the deal at that stage.

Daniel Levy, however, tried to drive the price down from the value of Eze’s release clause, and that delayed everything.

Tottenham fans are right to criticise Levy, and their anger will go up even more after hearing some of Ornstein’s comments above.

If Levy was prepared to pay the value of the release clause after Arsenal started their hijack attempt, why didn’t he just do it a week before when nobody else was in the race?

It is a real shame for Tottenham fans that they have missed out on Eze, but Arsenal supporters are absolutely delighted – and rightly so!

Tottenham Hotspur have had a frustrating summer transfer window, with the North London club missing out on a number of key targets.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank has been keen to add creativity to his squad, especially due to injuries ruling both Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison out for prolonged periods of time.

Eberechi Eze is set to join Arsenal, despite Tottenham previously being confident of a deal, while Spurs also missed out on Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the summer.

However, if Tottenham want to make a splash in the transfer market and sign a player that could make a real difference to their fortunes this season, hijacking the deal of one of their fiercest rivals would be a masterstroke.

Signing Xavi Simons could be Tottenham’s Eden Hazard moment

Chelsea have agreed to sign Xavi Simons, with the Netherlands international giving the tick of approval on personal terms, TBR Football has revealed.

However, with Tottenham’s neighbours yet to convince Red Bull Leipzig to part with the talented midfielder and sort a transfer fee, there is a golden opportunity for Spurs to steal a march on their Premier League rivals.

Simons looks destined to leave the Bundesliga side this summer and while Chelsea appears the most likely destination, plenty of other teams have also been linked with the Dutch playmaker also.

Chelsea have generally conducted their business quickly this summer and the fact that a deal for Simons has seemingly stalled provides an opportunity for Tottenham.

Simons could be Tottenham superstar

While Tottenham would need to spend a sizeable fee and convince Simons he would be better to join them than Chelsea, the 28-times capped Netherlands international would be a superstar for Frank’s men.

Spurs have a history of having deals gazumped at the 11th hour, with losing out on Eze having the feel of Eden Hazard in 2012 – when Tottenham had a deal agreed for the winger, before he changed his mind and joined Chelsea instead.

For Simons, a move to Tottenham could be a better option.

While Chelsea have Cole Palmer as their main creative player and someone who will surely start when fit, Simons would walk into the Tottenham team.

Chelsea have strengthened considerably in attacking areas over the summer and a starting role at Stamford Bridge would not be guaranteed for Simons.

Frank would look to build a team around the Dutch star, who would play Champions League football at Spurs and join his international team-mate Micky van der Ven at N17.

While hijacking a deal for Simons appears unlikely, if Tottenham moved quickly and threw everything to get the creative star, it would avenge the negative feelings of missing out on Eze and be a landmark signing.

Despite taking Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, Tottenham have still endured a difficult summer.

Spurs have just missed out on Eberechi Eze when the Londoner seemed destined to join Tottenham, with Arsenal of all clubs pipping Thomas Frank to the England international.

Manchester City are also digging their heels in over Savinho – another attacker Tottenham want to sign.

Maghnes Akliouche has been named as an alternative option for Tottenham – according to the Telegraph – after setbacks with Eze and Savinho, but West Ham could make a deal for the Monaco No.11 difficult.

West Ham bid for Soungoutou Magassa, and it might make Monaco tougher on Tottenham

Fabrizio Romano now claims that West Ham have made a €20m (£17.3m) bid for Soungoutou Magassa – with Graham Potter desperate for a new central midfielder.

Talks are now said to be advancing between West Ham and Monaco, and with an extra £17.3m in the bank, the French outfit could be more reluctant to sell Akliouche to Tottenham.

Politically, Monaco fans might also kick up a fuss if Akliouche is sold just days after Magassa – ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline – so there are numerous reasons why this development could become a problem for Spurs.

Most likely attacking signing for Tottenham as summer transfer window nears an end

Frank is presumably becoming a bit agitated at the moment, with only Kudus and Kota Takai arriving on permanent deals this summer – and the addition of Joao Palhinha on loan.

Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel cannot exactly be counted as additions – seeing as they were on loan last season.

At this moment in time, our opinion would be that Savinho is most likely to join Tottenham.

As aforesaid, Manchester City are holding firm in negotiations, although TBR Football understand Spurs do still believe a deal for Savinho is possible – and the Brazil international is keen on the move.

It could cost Tottenham as much as £69m to sign the South American – roughly the same fee that would have been spent on Eze – so it is clear the money is there for a deal.

Tottenham Hotspur are now working on other transfer targets after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who is set to join Arsenal.

Eze had agreed to join Tottenham, but on Wednesday, Arsenal came out of nowhere and have managed to hijack the move for the 27-year-old.

Arsenal have now agreed a deal for Eze and the winger is now expected to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium instead.

Daniel Levy is now frantically moving on Spurs’ search for alternative targets after missing out on the club’s number one target.

The Lilywhites have now identified a player who they deem to be the ‘perfect candidate’ and Brennan Johnson could actually play a key role in helping his move.

Brennan Johnson must convince Morgan Rogers to join Tottenham

Johnson should get involved in Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Morgan Rogers, with the Lilywhites now looking at the Aston Villa midfielder.

Tottenham have started making calls for Rogers as the club views the player as their ‘dream target’ after missing out on Eze.

A deal for the 23-year-old is seen as almost ‘very difficult’ by some people in football, but Spurs are still considering a move.

In a bid to convince the player about a move to North London, Tottenham should have Rogers’ very close friend, Johnson, in his ear.

The Premier League duo played together during a loan spell at Lincoln City, in which both players flourished in League One.

The Villa star has previously spoken about his friendship, telling Sky Sports back in February: “It’s crazy how things come back around and stuff and yeah, I knew of him when I went there but I didn’t know him at all and then we got so close and then bonded so well and to see both of us do well is ideal.

Tottenham fans would love to see Rogers signed and the duo reunited in N17.

The midfielder also explained how the pair still remain in regular contact, adding: “We still speak all the time, so it’s really nice when friends do well and you meet on a path and you see where it takes you and yeah, it’s immense pride.”

The former Manchester City academy star recently won the PFA Young Player of the Year award following an excellent campaign.

Last season, Rogers managed 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions and would represent an incredible signing if Spurs were to pull it off.

Brennan Johnson and Morgan Rogers’ record together

Johnson and Rogers played 26 times together during their loan spell at Lincoln, in which they combined on four occasions.

Johnson often alternated between playing in the number ten role and out on the right, meanwhile, Rogers was out on the left.

Under Frank, the pair could well switch roles, with Rogers most likely to be played in the number ten and Johnson out on the left.

The Welsh winger scored from playing left wing against Burnley on Saturday, as he continued where he left off from last season.

TBR Football can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur have initiated new contacts to sign Nico Paz after they missed out on Eberechi Eze.

The Argentine has been on Spurs’ radar for several months, with TBR revealing in February that Tottenham scouts were impressed by Paz.

Eze chose Arsenal over Spurs even though Thomas Frank’s side tried very hard to get him. Since that rejection, Tottenham have been exploring other options.

One of them is Paz of Como.

Nico Paz was one of Como’s standout players in the Serie A last season.

The Argentina international, hailed as a ‘very skilful’ player by The Scouting App, impressed everyone under Cesc Fabregas in Italy last term, and his performances have caught the eye of other big clubs.

Tottenham are one of them, and after their initial enquiry proved to be unsuccessful earlier this month, they tried again.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, can reveal that Spurs initiated fresh contacts with Paz’s representatives and Real Madrid in the last 24 hours.

However, as TBR confirmed over a week ago, Real Madrid, who own 50 per cent of Paz’s rights, have not changed their stance, and the only move they would be open to, if any, is a straight loan.

Bailey told TBR: “The problem for any club wanting Paz is that Real currently have a buy-back clause of around €10 million (£8.6m). If they allowed him to leave Como, they would insist on a similar arrangement with that new club.

“So, in theory, if he performed well at Spurs, they would lose him for virtually nothing at the end of the deal.

“As it stands, Spurs would not do that.”

Lionel Messi has raved about Tottenham target Nico Paz

Paz was barely a month old when Lionel Messi made his debut for Barcelona in October 2004.

Now 20, he can proudly say that he has shared the pitch with his legendary compatriot on two occasions, the first of which came when Argentina smashed Bolivia 6-0.

Paz even assisted Messi in that game.

After the win, Messi hailed Paz by saying: “Nico Paz has an incredible mindset, and that’s why he’s where he is”.