Sports Mole

​​​​​​Thomas Frank suffered his first Premier League defeat as Tottenham Hotspur head coach on Saturday as Bournemouth deservedly overcame the Lilywhites 1-0 in North London.

Prior to kickoff, Spurs paraded around their new £51.8m signing Xavi Simons on the pitch, but the mood among home fans was soon soured by an Evanilson opener inside the first five minutes.

In terms of a response from the Europa League winners, there was not one. Thomas Frank's out-of-sorts troops failed to muster a single shot in the first half - meanwhile, the Cherries had 10 - and the hosts were fortunate to only be 1-0 down when the half-time whistle blew.

The chances kept on coming thick and fast for Andoni Iraola's side - albeit without the second that their play deserved - and not until the 68th minute did Spurs have a shot on target; a Lucas Bergvall drive straight as Djordje Petrovic.

Late pressure from the hosts also amounted to nothing as Bournemouth made it back-to-back wins following their beating of Brentford last weekend, while Tottenham have missed the chance to temporarily rise to the top of the Premier League table.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Where is Simons when you need him?

Up until now, Tottenham had coped magnificently in the absence of creative hubs James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and the North London crowd finally had some off-field news to celebrate this week after the crushing Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze transfer snubs.

Frank's record against Bournemouth also spoke for itself - he had gone unbeaten in his previous six Premier League matches with the Cherries - but the Dane cut a frustrated figure today as his side were worryingly outfought, outwitted and outclassed.

It took over an hour for the Europa League winners to fire an attempt on target, whereas Iraola's side were peppering Guglielmo Vicario's goal with shot after shot, and the only complaint the visiting fans can have is that their side did not triumph by a bigger scoreline.

From the highs of beating Manchester City at the Etihad to the lows of being dominated on their own patch, Spurs are nothing if not consistently inconsistent, and the international break has ostensibly come at the perfect time for them.

TOTTENHAM VS. BOURNEMOUTH HIGHLIGHTS

And Tottenham's positive start counts for nought!

Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi picks out Evanilson with a defence-splitting pass; the Brazilian did well to get back onside in the left-hand side of the penalty area.

Evanilson's first touch is a controlled one and he lets fly with a left-footed strike, which balloons off of Cristian Romero's thigh, loops over Vicario and flies into the far side of the net.

MAN OF THE MATCH - MARCOS SENESI

The scoreline could have been a lot more embarrassing for Tottenham had Vicario not repelled the Cherries time and time again, and the Italian was the only Spurs player to come out of the contest with any credit.

However, Bournemouth centre-back Senesi was critical to the Cherries' success at both ends of the field, providing a sumptuous pass for Evanilson to fire in while making X at the other end of the field.

TOTTENHAM VS. BOURNEMOUTH MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 62%-38% Bournemouth

Shots: Tottenham 5-19 Bournemouth

Shots on target: Tottenham 1-6 Bournemouth

Corners: Tottenham 0-8 Bournemouth

Fouls: Tottenham 17-13 Bournemouth

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

A London derby away to West Ham United awaits Spurs on September 13 following the international break, three days before they collide with Villarreal in their opening Champions League battle.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have a South Coast clash to look forward to in exactly two weeks' time, as the Cherries travel to Bournemouth after the hiatus.

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RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons is reportedly on the verge of making the move to Tottenham Hotspur, having undergone a medical with Thomas Frank's side ahead of a €60m (£52m) switch.

Chelsea have been heavily linked with the Netherlands international this summer, with the Blues targeting both the 22-year-old and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.

However, Tottenham entered the race for Simons after spectacularly losing out to Arsenal for Eberechi Eze, and according to transfer expert David Ornstein, a move has now been agreed.

Ornstein claims that Spurs will pay €60m (£52m) for Simons, with personal terms already agreed, while he is said to have completed a medical with the North London club.

It is understood that only the final details need to be addressed before a deal can be announced, and he is set to become Tottenham's seventh signing of the summer transfer window.

Tottenham 'set to sign' Simons in £52m transfer

Considering what occurred with Eze, Tottenham supporters will be wary of celebrating too soon, with Chelsea making Simons one of their leading targets this summer.

However, according to journalist Matt Law, Chelsea have no desire to hijack the move, with the Blues never making a formal bid for Simons, and the club are currently looking to secure a deal for Garnacho.

Simons, who is believed to have agreed a seven-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, is set to leave Leipzig having scored 22 goals and registered 24 assists in 78 appearances in all competitions.

Last season, the Netherlands international managed 11 goals and eight assists in 33 club appearances, while he has started this campaign with one goal and one assist in two outings.

When could Simons make his Tottenham debut?

A deal for Simons will not be completed in time for him to be involved in Tottenham's Premier League contest at home to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.

However, the attacker would be in line to make his debut for Frank's side in their London derby with bitter rivals West Ham United, which will take place at the London Stadium on September 13.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly submitted an offer to sign Chelsea-linked Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.Â

Simons has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham's London rivals, Chelsea, who have been in talks over the Dutchman's signing.Â

However, the Blues are yet to agree a transfer and are currently focusing on a deal to sign Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho.Â

Chelsea are also showing an interest in Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, which has seemingly opened the door for Spurs to join the race for Simons's signature.

Spurs submit official Simons bid

According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Spurs have stepped up their interest with an official offer for the Netherlands international.Â

Tottenham have held direct talks with Leipzig on Thursday and are pushing to finalise a deal, especially as they will be wary of missing out on another attacking target following Eberechi Eze's recent snub.

The update claims that it is only a 'matter of time' until Tottenham reach an agreement with the German club.Â

Leipzig are believed to be demanding €70m (£60.5m) to part ways with a player who has a contract until the summer of 2027.Â

Meanwhile, Simons has travelled to London to sort his future ahead of the transfer deadline, with the attacker yet to make a final decision over his next move.Â

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea step up their pursuit or focus their efforts on signing Garnacho and Fermin in the final days of the window.

Why are Spurs chasing Simons?

Tottenham are keen to bolster Thomas Frank's attacking options following Son Heung-min's departure and a couple of key injuries.

James Maddison is set to miss the majority of the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury in pre-season.Â

Winger Dejan Kulusevski is sidelined with a knee problem and is expected to be out of action until the new year.Â

Simons would undoubtedly add quality to the final third ahead of Tottenham's return to Champions League action this season.Â

The 22-year-old has scored 22 goals and provided 24 assists in 78 competitive appearances during his time as a Leipzig player.Â

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has a fresh suspension concern to take into account for Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Cherries fell to a 2-0 defeat against Brentford in the second round of the EFL Cup in midweek, where right-back Julian Araujo was sent off in second-half injury time for a pair of bookable offences.

As red cards count across all competitions, Araujo will serve his one-match ban on Saturday, where he should be one of three absentees for the visitors as Enes Unal and Lewis Cook continue to battle back from knee injuries.

Thankfully for Iraola, Adam Smith is fit and raring to go so will be a straight swap for Araujo in the backline, where Marcos Senesi and Adrien Truffert will also return over James Hill and Julio Soler respectively.

Ryan Christie sported the captain's armband in midweek following his recovery from a groin injury, but the Scotsman should make way for Tyler Adams here, as the USA international joins forces with Alex Scott once again.

Iraola can also call upon Justin Kluivert after his return from a calf concern, but as the Dutchman started in midweek, he will likely return to the dugout as the Cherries boss completely alters his attacking quartet.

Eli Junior Kroupi and new signings Ben Doak and Amine Adli will make way too, as Antoine Semenyo, Evanilson, David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier operate as the front four.

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson

> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up for this game

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Tottenham Hotspur duo Brennan Johnson and Richarlison could both write a new chapter of club history in Saturday's Premier League showdown with Bournemouth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The pair combined for Spurs' first goal in their 2-0 win at Manchester City last weekend - Richarlison setting up Johnson to sweep home - and they are both looking to become the first Tottenham player(s) to score or assist in the opening three games of a Premier League campaign.

The rejuvenated Richarlison is all but guaranteed to keep Dominic Solanke at bay in the number nine position, while Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Pape Sarr should act as the Brazilian's supporting cast once again.

Scorer of Tottenham's second at the Etihad following a James Trafford howler, Joao Palhinha is primed to start alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield once again, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are immovable behind them.

Destiny Udogie's knee issue might settle down in time for him to be involved, but Djed Spence is in no position to relinquish his spot at left-back and should reprise his role either way.

The former Middlesbrough man, Pedro Porro and Guglielmo Vicario will complete an unchanged XI for the Lilywhites, who have apparently seen Yves Bissouma's move to Galatasaray thrown into doubt due to concerns over his physical condition.

The Mali international is a doubt for this fixture due to a knock anyway, while Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (ACL), James Maddison (ACL), Kota Takai (foot) and Bryan Gil (knee) will play no part.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Richarlison

> Click here to see how Bournemouth could line up for this game

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Top spot in the Premier League table is there for the taking for Tottenham Hotspur when they welcome Bournemouth to their North London home on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Frank masterminded a terrific 2-0 triumph at Manchester City last weekend, while the Cherries are reeling from a second-round EFL Cup exit at the hands of Brentford.

Match preview

Death, taxes, and Tottenham winning at the Etihad. Last Saturday's early kickoff pitted two teams who could hardly have enjoyed more perfect opening matches against each other, but the ruthlessness that City displayed at Wolverhampton Wanderers eluded them in front of their own fans.

Brennan Johnson's brilliant breakaway goal preceded a horror moment from James Trafford, whose inexplicable pass out from the back led to Joao Palhinha firing in Spurs' second, and Frank's dogged defence calmly kept Erling Haaland and co at bay in the second 45.

Joining the most elite of elite managerial clubs, Frank - who also led Brentford to an extraordinary Etihad triumph in 2022 - is now just the third manager in history to beat Pep Guardiola away from home with two different clubs, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Only trailing bitter foes Arsenal on goal difference in second place, Spurs will climb to the summit with just one point against Bournemouth, although the Lilywhites faithful will undoubtedly view a draw as a defeat owing to Frank's wonderful start to life at the club so far.

Victory in the capital would see Spurs open a Premier League campaign with three successive wins for just the fourth time ever, while only once before have they earned three straight wins and three straight clean sheets at the start of a Premier League season - under Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021-22.

Speaking of wins and clean sheets, upcoming foes Bournemouth atoned for their defensive mishaps against Liverpool with a staunch display against Wolves, who had no answer to Marcus Tavernier's early goal and Toti's sending-off in a 1-0 defeat to the Cherries last weekend.

However, delight soon turned to despair for Andoni Iraola's men in midweek, as Brentford paid a visit of the second round of the EFL Cup and left with their name in the hat for the third round, as Fabio Carvalho and Igor Thiago struck either side of the half-time whistle.

A premature knockout exit means that one potential path to European football has been blocked off for Iraola's side, but as intimidating as Saturday's trip may be, Bournemouth can draw upon inspiration from their recent dealings in the capital.

Indeed, the Cherries have gone unbeaten in their last six Premier League games away to London clubs - albeit while drawing five of them - and they have failed to score in just one of their 16 top-flight matches on the road.

Iraola's side also collected a praiseworthy four points from a possible six against Tottenham in the 2024-25 season, although they squandered a 2-0 lead at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to draw 2-2, as now ex-captain Son Heung-min stole a point from the penalty spot late on.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Bournemouth Premier League form:

Bournemouth form (all competitions):

Team News

Yet to make an appearance this season due to both a knock and disciplinary concerns, Yves Bissouma was thought to have been closing in on a transfer to Galatasaray, but it has now been reported that a deal could fall through due to worries about his physical condition.

Either way, the Mali international will likely sit this one out alongside Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Radu Dragusin (ACL), James Maddison (ACL), Kota Takai (foot) and Bryan Gil (knee), while Destiny Udogie (knee) and Manor Solomon (calf) are touch and go.

However, Frank should stick with a winning formula barring any late fitness concerns, as Richarlison and Johnson both seek a slice of history; the pair could become the first-ever Spurs players to register a goal or assist in the opening three games of a Premier League season.

As far as Bournemouth are concerned, right-back Julian Araujo was dismissed for two bookable offences in the EFL Cup loss to Brentford, meaning that he will serve a one-match ban this weekend.

The long-serving Adam Smith will be a straight swap for Araujo in defence, but the latter should be just one of three absentees for the visitors on Saturday alongside Enes Unal and Lewis Cook, both of whom are out until after the international break with knee injuries.

Iraola offered starts to the likes of Ben Doak, Amine Adli and Eli Junior Kroupi in midweek, but the Cherries boss will now revert to the attacking quartet of Tavernier, Antoine Semenyo, David Brooks and Evanilson as his new signings return to the reserves bench.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Sarr, Johnson; Richarlison

Bournemouth possible starting lineup:

Petrovic; Smith, Diakite, Senesi, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Bournemouth

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With Semenyo in the side, Bournemouth always pose a threat going forwards, and the Cherries are seldom kept at bay in Premier League away matches.

However, a consolation strike is surely all that Iraola's men can hope for, as a well-rested and well-motivated Spurs side should claim top spot in the table - for approximately 24 hours at least.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Previews by email

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Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to record a third consecutive victory at the beginning of the 2025-26 Premier League season when they host Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.Â

Spurs followed up a 3-0 opening-day win over Burnley with a superb 2-0 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, leaving them with a flawless record after two matchdays.Â

Meanwhile, the Cherries were beaten 4-2 by Liverpool on the opening day before narrowly beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, though they have since lost 2-0 to Brentford in the EFL Cup second round.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into the Premier League encounter.Â

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth kick off?

The Premier League clash will kick off a 3pm local time on Saturday afternoon.Â

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth being played?

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,850.Â

Tottenham have a strong home record against Bournemouth in recent history, with six wins, one draw and only one defeat in their last eight home meetings.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth in the UK

TV channels

Unfortunately for UK fans, the game will not be available for live broadcast due to the 3pm blackout rule.Â

Online streaming

With the match not eligible for live coverage, none of the UK broadcasters will be showing the game on their online platforms.Â

Highlights

Sky Sports will release highlights on their dedicated sports app, as well as on their social media and YouTube channels.Â

Alternatively, UK viewers can catch the highlights of the game on Match of the Day, which will start at 10:20pm on BBC One, with the game's highlight package also available on the iPlayer from 8pm on the same day.

Who will win Tottenham Hotspur vs. Bournemouth?

Tottenham Hotspur have made a sensational start under Thomas Frank at the beginning of the new campaign, with back-to-back Premier League wins, including keeping clean sheets in both matches.Â

Alongside their return to home ground on Saturday, where they have dominated recent meetings with the Cherries, Spurs will be supremely confident of securing another three points.Â

Thomas Frank will take charge of his third Premier League game in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout on Saturday when they welcome Bournemouth to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The former Brentford manager has made an excellent start to life with the Lilywhites, collecting six points from a possible six, including a highlight 2-0 victory against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last time out.

Frank's side have also kept two clean sheets while scoring five goals of their own in their first two league matches, an impressive feat considering that the Londoners have been without a number of key players such as Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Ahead of this weekend's clash, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Doubt

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â September 13 (vs. West Ham United)

Left-back Destiny Udogie was a key part of Ange Postecolgou's setup during his two seasons at Spurs, and he will be keen to re-establish himself as a regular when he returns to action after the international break.

Frank explained that the 22-year-old has returned to training, but this weekend may come too soon as Udogie needs to build fitness after missing much of pre-season.

Manor Solomon

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Calf

Possible return date:Â September 13 (vs. West Ham)

Winger Manor Solomon was on loan at Leeds United in 2024-25, helping the Peacocks to earn promotion back to the Premier League and win the Championship.

He has now returned to training, but it remains to be seen whether he will be part of Frank's plans in the long term given that the club have an abundance of attacking talent, and he could depart on loan before the transfer window shuts.

Bryan Gil

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â September 13 (vs. West Ham)

One of a number of Spurs players dealing with a knee issue, Bryan Gil has been in and out of the side since his arrival in the capital, and he unfortunately suffered a knee injury that required surgery when he was on loan at Girona last season.

The Spanish forward could be a useful squad option once he recovers, though he will not be ready until at least the middle of next month.

Yves Bissouma

Status: Doubt

Type of injury:Â Knock

Possible return date:Â September 13 (vs. West Ham)

Yves Bissouma has been the subject of transfer speculation after reports of disciplinary issues at Tottenham, including repeated lateness, but the talented midfielder will be a miss on Saturday.Â

Kota Takai

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Foot

Possible return date:Â September 13 (vs. West Ham)

Young centre-back Kota Takai is yet to make his debut for Spurs after signing from Kawasaki Frontale following a foot injury that has sidelined him since July, and the severity of his plantar fascia issue is being assessed.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date:Â October 19 (vs. Aston Villa)

Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin has shown glimspes of his potential since his arrival from Genoa, but he has missed almost the entirety of 2025 after suffering a cruciate ligament in January.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 29 (vs. Fulham)

One of the most creative players in the Premier League, Dejan Kulusevski has been vital to Tottenham since his arrival from Juventus, but the versatile 25-year-old attacker remains out with a knee injury that he picked up towards the end of the 2024-25 season.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Cruciate Ligament

Possible return date:Â April 11, 2026 (vs. Sunderland)

Having just come back from a different injury, James Maddison was preparing for a fresh start and a new campaign under a new manager, but he suffered a heartbreaking cruciate ligament injury moments after being substituted on against Newcastle United in an early-August pre-season clash.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to rival Chelsea for RB Leipzig winger Xavi Simons in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.Â

Spurs are badly in need of bolstering their attacking department after the departure of Son Heung-Min and the ACL injury to James Maddison.Â

The north London club made a concrete approach to sign Eberechi Eze, but he moved to Arsenal instead.Â

Spurs also failed in their approach to sign Nico Paz from Como, and they could miss out on Piero Hincapie, who is reportedly being chased by Arsenal.Â

Tottenham eye move for Simons?Â

According to a report from the Telegraph, Spurs have entered discussions to sign Simons from Leipzig.Â

Chelsea have been in talks with the 22-year-old attacker for the past few weeks, but the Blues have failed to secure an agreement.Â

Enzo Maresca needs to offload the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku before proceeding with the potential signings of Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.Â

The report claims that there is optimism that Simons could move to north London, despite his apparent interest in joining Chelsea.Â

Can Spurs hijack Chelsea deal for Simons?Â

After missing out on so many targets, Spurs are desperate to land at least one new attacking midfielder before the close of the window.Â

Tottenham can offer the former Paris Saint-Germain winger Champions League football this season if he wants to leave Leipzig and join them.Â

The German club value him at around £60m, and meeting that price should not be a problem for Spurs, considering they were willing to pay a similar amount for the likes of Eze, Paz or Morgan Gibbs-White.Â

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the 'final stages' of negotiations with Turkish club Galatasaray to offload midfielder Yves Bissouma.Â

The 28-year-old has not been included in Spurs' match-day squads this season, and he was expected to leave the club following the arrival of Joao Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich.Â

Thomas Frank earlier dropped Bissouma from the travelling squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain due to persistent lateness, and it became clear that his time at the club is coming to an end.Â

The midfielder joined Spurs from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has made 100 appearances in all competitions.Â

The Mali international started only 16 games in the Premier League during the 2024-25 campaign but played the full 90 minutes in the Europa League final against Manchester United.Â

Bissouma heading to Turkey?Â

According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Bissouma has already agreed personal terms with Gala, and the two clubs are close to reaching a deal.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs further added that it will be a loan deal with the obligation to sign him permanently next summer.Â

West Ham United reportedly showed interest in signing the Spurs midfielder in recent weeks, and he would have been an ideal fit for the Hammers.Â

However, Galatasaray moved quickly ahead of other suitors, with head coach Okan Buruk looking to build a strong squad to defend their league title and do well in the Champions League.

Spurs need to bolster their attacking midfield areasÂ

Bissouma was already behind Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr in the midfield pecking order, and Frank probably will not need any more central midfielders as a replacement, now that he has Palhinha as another option.Â

Spurs need more depth and quality in their attacking midfield areas following the ACL injury to James Maddison, and this is where the north London club have been left frustrated.Â