Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur new boy Conor Gallagher will not be the answer to the Lilywhites' disastrous Premier League form following an underwhelming top-flight debut, an ex-Spurs midfielder has exclusively told Sports Mole.

The England international has immediately been drafted into Thomas Frank's first XI following his £34.7m arrival from Atletico Madrid, but he did not have the desired impact in Saturday's disappointing 2-2 stalemate with Burnley.

Gallagher created one chance and had one shot at Turf Moor - a big chance that was saved by Martin Dubravka - while losing possession 11 times and being dribbled past twice.

The ex-Chelsea man did win five of his eight ground duels, but his overall performance was perceived as underwhelming, as Tottenham's winless Premier League run stretched to five games.

Speaking to Sports Mole in association with Spreadex Sports, former Tottenham man Danny Murphy expressed his belief that Gallagher would not be the solution to Tottenham's attacking plight, as creativity is not his forte.

'Conor Gallagher will not be the answer for Tottenham'

“He is a super athletic, tenacious midfielder who gives his all. He's got super experience in the Premier League, good leadership qualities, was captain at Chelsea. He's a strong character. He'll bring some confidence and energy around the building.

“You could argue they have similar players when you think of Bergvall, Sarr, Bentancur, Palhinha. Maybe not Bentancur, but all the rest are ball-winning midfielders who can get about the pitch. Super athletes who can do the dirty work.

“Bentancur is probably the one out of all those I mentioned who is a bit more creative, as is Gray. But is he better than what we already had? I think there's an argument for that. He's more experienced than Bergvall and Sarr, so I think it's a good move.

“I like Gallagher, but I don't think he's going to be the answer Tottenham getting wins, because the creative element isn't really his strength.”

Gallagher was given a 5/10 rating by football.london for his performance in Spurs' 2-2 draw with Burnley, which left the Lilywhites in 14th place in the Premier League table, just eight points above the relegation zone.

What else do Tottenham need in the January transfer market?

Gallagher is one of two players to have come through the Tottenham door this month; the midfielder's signing preceded the arrival of Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos, but the teenager is viewed as more of a future prospect.

Frank still has Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie as left-back cover following Ben Davies's injury, but Tottenham are pressing ahead with plans to sign Liverpool's Andy Robertson, whom they have also reportedly struck a verbal agreement with.

The Scotsman boasts the second-most assists of any Premier League defender all time - only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold - but he is also unlikely to solve Spurs' creative issues on his own while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison recover from knee injuries.

However, Tottenham may be reluctant to sign another number 10 ahead of Maddison and Kulusevski's eventual comebacks, but more wide options would not go amiss after Mohammed Kudus's serious injury.

Manchester City's Savinho, Club Brugge's Christos Tzolis, RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche and West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville are all said to be on Spurs' shortlist, but moves for any member of the quintet in January will be difficult to pull off.

Tottenham Hotspur rescued a point against Burnley when they drew 2-2 at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Saturday.

Spurs dominated the opening stages in terms of possession, but they only managed to break the dealock seven minutes from half time, when Micky van de Ven blasted the ball home after a drop down from a corner.

However, the visitors went into the interval level with their hosts after Axel Tuanzebe converted Kyle Walker's cross.

The Clarets had to withstand pressure in the second half, but they took a late lead, when Lyle Foster converted from the middle of the box after seeing his initial effort blocked.

Spurs were destined for defeat before Cristian Romero headed home an equaliser in the 90th minute, though the result left them in 13th place with 28 points.

Burnley ended the afternoon in 19th place with 15 points, seven fewer than 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

The Premier League has increasingly become a division ruled by set pieces, and the first half of Burnley's clash with Tottenham emphasised the importance of dead-ball situations.

Thomas Frank had earned a positive win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, but much of the good faith amongst supporters will have vanished following his team's draw on Saturday.

Tottenham were once again blunt in attack, relying on their centre-backs to bail them out, and the Dane's approach to the final third continues to be concerning.

Considering Spurs could be 11 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool by the end of Saturday, the club may soon make a decision regarding Frank's position in the dugout.

Burnley's hopes of survival were slim prior to their clash against Spurs, and their failure to claim three points despite leading late on will have further damaged their chances.

Scott Parker's side look destined for relegation, and while he helped the Clarets earn promotion from the Championship last term, perhaps Burnley will look to make a change at the end of the season.

BURNLEY VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tottenham play a corner short from the right before eventually swinging it towards the back post, and Burnley only manage to clear the ball to Micky van de Ven on the penalty spot, where the defender blasts his shot into the bottom-right corner.

A great strike!

Burnley prepare a throw in as they would corner, and a short throw finds its way back to Kyle Walker, who whips in a curled cross from the right to Axel Tuanzebe, and he races ahead of Tottenham's defence to place the ball low into the right of the net.

Burnley are level!

Van De Ven lunges to challenge Jaidon Anthony but overcommits and allows the winger to cut inside on the edge of the box, and the forward passes to Lyle Foster, who needs two attempts to find the back of the net from a central area.

Burnley ahead!

Wilson Odobert whips in a cross from the right, and Cristian Romero head the ball into the middle of the goal past Martin Dubravka.

Spurs find an equaliser!

MAN OF THE MATCH - MAXIME ESTEVE

Maxime Esteve was key for Burnley, with the centre-back winning nine of his 10 duels, including six of his six ground duels.

The defender also made the most clearances of any player on the pitch, and though he did not end up on the winning side, he was still excellent from an individual perspective.

BURNLEY VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession: Burnley 37%-63% Tottenham Hotspur

Shots: Burnley 9-18 Tottenham Hotspur

Shots on target: Burnley 4-11 Tottenham Hotspur

Corners: Burnley 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Fouls: Burnley 8-9 Tottenham Hotspur

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Burnley will travel to play Sunderland in the Premier League on February 2, before hosting West Ham United on February 7.

Tottenham Hotspur play Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday in their final game in the Champions League's league phase, with the Londoners then set to host Manchester City on February 1 in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium left them on the verge of a top-eight finish.

Spurs quickly took the lead through Cristian Romero, who managed to swipe into the left side of the net after a low cross into middle of the box.

Tottenham's evening was made considerably easier when Dortmund wing-back Daniel Svensson was sent off before the half-hour mark for accidentally catching Wilson Odobert high on his leg.

Dominic Solanke doubled the hosts' lead with less than 10 minutes remaining in the first half after he converted a cross from Odobert.

The second half was considerably less eventful, with Spurs holding on to claim three points, and the result leaves them in fourth place with 14 points.

Dortmund end the evening in 12th place with 11 points, two points from the top eight with just one game remaining.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Thomas Frank was in desperate need of a victory, and while his team were aided by the fact BVB were reduced to 10 men early on, Spurs were undoubtedly the better side when the visitors had 11 players on the pitch.

Tottenham's composed performance must be seen positively, especially when considering only 16 points were needed to finish in the top eight last term.

The win will mean little if Spurs fail to get the better of Eintracht Frankfurt next week, and anything other than three points would put Frank back under pressure.

Dortmund produced little before they received a red card, and they were understandably nullified in the second half, and they can have few complaints with the result.

Niko Kovac's side will find it difficult to qualify for the round of 16 automatically, and the prospect of a two-legged playoff tie is undoubtedly concerning.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. Borussia Dortmund HIGHLIGHTS

Cristian Romero goal vs. Borussia Dortmund (14th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Borussia Dortmund)

Pedro Porro's corner finds its way to Wilson Odobert after an initial clearance, and the winger drives with the ball down the right side of the six-yard box before cutting back to Cristian Romero, who swipes the ball low into the net.

A great start for Spurs!

Daniel Svensson tries to win the ball as he turns, but his tackle lands high on Odobert's leg, and the referee is sent to the monitor to review the incident.

Svensson is sent off!

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Borussia Dortmund (38th min, Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Borussia Dortmund)

Odobert has the ball on the right flank and he crosses to Dominic Solanke, who tries to strike the ball but sees it bounce off him three times before trickling onto the post and into the back of the net.

A fortunate finish, but Spurs lead 2-0!

MAN OF THE MATCH - WILSON ODOBERT

Wilson Odobert was involved in everything positive for Tottenham, producing two assists on the night against BVB.

The forward was also at the scene when Svensson was sent off, and his influence was clear for all to see.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. BORUSSIA DORTMUND MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 54%-46% Borussia Dortmund

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 16-6 Borussia Dortmund

Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 Borussia Dortmund

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Borussia Dortmund

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 14-12 Borussia Dortmund

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham Hotspur will resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday against Burnley, with their next game on January 28 in Europe against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Borussia Dortmund are set to face Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday before playing Inter Milan in the Champions League four days later.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shown interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, and the Reds must prioritise securing his contract extension.

After progressing through the youth ranks at Liverpool, Jones has made over 205 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring 19 goals.

The 24-year-old has cemented his position as one of the first-choice starters under Arne Slot this season, with the midfielder starting in nine of the last 10 matches.

With his outstanding ball retention ability and picking the right passes, Jones has developed a strong connection with Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike this season.

The England international is in his final 18 months of his contract at Anfield, and Liverpool must secure his long-term future at the earliest.

Tottenham in the hunt for Curtis Jones?

Paul Joyce of The Times mentions Tottenham's long-term interest in Jones and floats the idea that the Scouser would jump ship to a club where he would be a guaranteed starter.

It is unclear whether Spurs would be interested in a move for the Reds midfielder in January, although their recent signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid suggests they may have solved their midfield problems.

Liverpool are unlikely to do any major business this month, and selling Jones is definitely off the list, unless any potential suitor comes up with ridiculous money that is too hard to refuse.

Last season, Jones featured regularly in the Slot, and in the 2025-26 campaign, he is likely to make more appearances, especially if the Reds progress further in the Champions League.

Interest from Spurs should not be taken too seriously at this stage, but Liverpool must tie him down on a long-term contract, along with the imperious Dominik Szoboszlai, who has held talks over a new deal.

Another massive summer rebuild on the cards?

© Imago / RHR-Foto

Despite spending almost £450m six months back, Liverpool find themselves in a strange position where they need to spend heavily again in the next summer window.

The Reds will need to sign a new centre-back, with Ibrahima Konate reportedly failing to reach a contract extension at Anfield, and Joe Gomez not being trusted enough due to injury issues.

Andy Robertson could leave the club next summer for free, and the Reds may look to sign a new left-back, although they can reintegrate Kostas Tsimikas after he returns from loan.

It is also unclear about Mohamed Salah's future after his outburst before he left for AFCON, and even if he stays on, Liverpool should look to sign a potential long-term replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mathys Tel is reportedly wanted by Paris FC before the end of the window.

The 20-year-old's suffered a major blow in his Spurs career earlier this week, with dramatic selection news emerging.

It is said that Tel has been dropped from Tottenham's Champions League squad ahead of the 2026 schedule in the European competition.

With striker Dominic Solanke returning from injury, the Frenchman has been deemed surplus to requirements on the continental stage.

Since making the permanent move from Bayern Munich in July 2025, Tel has scored three goals in 20 appearances for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham outcast Tel wanted by Paris?

According to transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Tottenham could be waving goodbye to the services of Tel this month.

The report claims that Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC are eyeing up an ambitious move for the 20-year-old Frenchman.

It is understood that Tel is keen to depart the North London club this winter following his latest Champions League setback.

It is believed that Les Parisiens have made the addition of the ex-Bayern Munich star their key priority this January.

Looking to upset the established order at the top of Ligue 1, Paris are also supposedly considering a swoop for Edin Dzeko.

Tel's Tottenham nightmare

Tel has featured on rare occasions from the start of Premier League matches for Spurs this term, despite the club's injury crisis.

Even with Richarlison now sidelined for a few weeks, the Lilywhites are still snubbing the qualities of the Frenchman.

As a result, it is no surprise to find out that Tel wants his footballing future to lie elsewhere, with a move to the French capital on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur should look to Arsenal's example as a reason not to dismiss Thomas Frank, and there is only one way that the Dane leaves before the end of the season, an ex-Spurs midfielder has exclusively told Sports Mole.

Frank has faced repeated calls to lose his job in the wake of Tottenham's humbling 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League last weekend - Spurs' third loss in a row in all tournaments and one that left them 14th in the table.

The Lilywhites are now 10 points clear of the relegation zone and a whopping 23 adrift of leaders Arsenal, leading to internal discussions about Frank's future, but he will take charge of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

The former Brentford boss has repeatedly stressed that he feels supported by the powers-that-be, and he has had to navigate around selection crises for much of the season; as many as 12 players will miss Tuesday's game through injury, suspension or ineligibility.

However, former Tottenham man Danny Murphy told Sports Mole - in association with Spreadex Sports - that Frank needs to be given the benefit of the doubt, just as Mikel Arteta was during Arsenal's 2020-21 plight.

Danny Murphy: 'Spurs fans need to cut Thomas Frank some slack'

“He needs to be cut a bit of slack," Murphy said. "I understand the frustration because the level of Tottenham's performances has been really poor - their home form especially, which is where you get the fans on board. It's not even losing games, it's the level of performance that's been bad. Lack of creativity, lack of goals.

“I understand the frustration, but there are reasons why. They have had some of their best players injured - Maddison, Kulusevski, Simons has taken time to adapt, so you've got to take that into consideration. I think the only way he goes is if they have a real opportunity to bring somebody in who they think is really capable of doing the job long-term.

“There's no point in getting rid of him and appointing someone quickly who's not necessarily right for the job. They could do an interim, but if you listen to most Tottenham fans, it seems a lot of them would have [Mauricio] Pochettino back.

“But there is always a chance that a manager, given some time, improves things. I remember Arteta getting criticism at Arsenal and fans demanding he be gone - he's brought the club to a position where they're just wonderfully competitive and look a hell of a good side.

“I wouldn't get rid. I'd give him the opportunity to turn things around. At least in the summer, your options are more widespread as a club anyway.”

Should Tottenham sack Thomas Frank?

Tottenham fans are not ignorant to their team's injury situation, and one wonders where the club might be had Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke been fit and firing for the whole season.

When both Ange Postecoglou and Frank have failed to get the best out of this group of players - at least domestically - that may hint at deeper struggles within the playing squad or higher up in the club, rather than with the manager.

However, Frank is presiding over an extremely toxic atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, at a time when numerous managers are available, from Xavi and Gareth Southgate to the newly-unemployed Ruben Amorim, Enzo Maresca and Xabi Alonso.

A defeat coupled with a spirited performance on Tuesday should not lead to Frank being handed his P45, but a defeat coupled with a pitiful performance may prove to be the final straw.

Thomas Frank could be offered a Premier League lifeline if he is sacked by Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

The 52-year-old ended his successful six-year spell in charge of Brentford to become Spurs head coach in the summer, replacing Ange Postecoglou and penning a contract until 2028.

However, Frank has only won 34.38% of his 32 games as Tottenham boss (W11 D9 L12), with pressure growing on the Dane following a miserable run of just three wins in 15 matches across all competitions.

Frank was met with boos and "you are getting sacked in the morning" chants from Spurs supporters following the club’s disappointing 2-1 Premier League defeat at home to relegation-threatened rivals West Ham United last weekend, leaving his side languishing in 14th place in the table.

On Monday, Frank insisted that he is still “feeling the trust” of the club’s board, including CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, after a productive meeting over his future.

Crystal Palace eye Frank as Glasner successor

However, failure to secure a positive result in Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund could force the leadership to reconsider their stance on Frank before this weekend’s Premier League trip to Burnley.

Should Frank be relieved of his duties in the near future, Football Insider reports that Crystal Palace will plan to offer the Dane the chance to become their new manager in the summer.

The Eagles are on the lookout for a successor to Oliver Glasner, who announced at the end of last week that he will not renew his contract at Selhurst Park and will leave the club at the end of the season.

It has been suggested that Glasner could be sacked by Palace after he launched a scathing attack on the club’s board in the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Sunderland.

Glasner said that his squad is being “abandoned completely" by Palace’s hierarchy and chairman Steve Parish was left ‘bemused and angered’ over the Austrian’s criticism of the club’s transfer strategy, including the timing of Marc Guehi’s sale to Manchester City.

Glasner set to remain at Palace until summer despite sack suggestions

Glasner would be in line for a payout if Crystal Palace decide to sack the 51-year-old before his contract runs out in the summer.

However, it is understood that the Eagles would like to see Glasner see out his contract and they remain confident that he can turn the club's underwhelming form - 10 games without a win in all competitions - around after holding internal discussions.

Frank is expected to remain on Palace’s managerial radar until the summer, while at least three more names have already been identified as possible replacements for Glasner.

A recent report claims that Getafe boss Jose Bordalas, Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez and Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town could all be ‘considered’ for the Palace job this summer.

Palace currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, six points behind the top six, while they will soon resume their Conference League campaign against Zrinjski Mostar in a two-legged knockout round playoff.

Thomas Frank has commented on the intense boos from the Tottenham Hotspur supporters after Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat against West Ham United.

The loss was Spurs' ninth of the 2025-26 season, leaving the North London club 14th in the Premier League table after 22 gameweeks.

The capital club have won just one of their last eight across all competitions, losing five, and the fans ran out of patience with the Danish manager during the game, chanting "you are getting sacked in the morning" at the former Brentford boss.

Rumours swirled after the defeat that Frank was on the brink of getting the sack at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the manager remains in situ for the time being.

Frank "feeling the trust" after meeting with Spurs board

Frank revealed on Monday that he held a productive lunch meeting with influential figures, including CEO Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange.

The head coach insisted that he still feels the backing and support of his employers despite the mounting external scrutiny on his position.

"I've just been feeling the trust along the way. I've said that every press meeting, that there's backing and support," he said via Sky Sports News. "I had lunch with Nick [Beucher] and Vinai [Venkatesham, CEO] and Johan [Lange, sporting director] today, so all good.

"I know it's part of the media circus and the only focus I have is to do everything I can for us to win against Dortmund.

"I've said many times and I'll say it again, as long as we win football matches and make sure we win enough of them, then everyone will support us.

"It's not about me, it's about supporting the team, supporting the players."

Despite their domestic struggles, Spurs are 11th in the league phase of the 36-team Champions League, positioned just a point behind Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid — between sixth and eighth — ahead of the penultimate matchday in Europe.

The above source suggests that while meetings were held at board level to discuss Frank's future, he will lead the team in Europe this week, although the 52-year-old will have to deal with a plethora of injuries.

Spurs down to bare bones for Dortmund European clash

The task for the under-fire manager is complicated by a severe injury crisis that has left the squad down to the bare bones.

Only 11 senior players are currently fit and available for selection for the visit of the Bundesliga giants, including primary defenders Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro.

Forward options are limited to Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert as the club faces a race against time to recover key starters.

A failure to secure a positive result against Dortmund could force the leadership to reconsider their stance before the weekend trip to Burnley.

Clinging onto his Tottenham Hotspur job by a thread, Thomas Frank must secure a positive result against Borussia Dortmund in Tuesday's Champions League clash if he is to earn a stay of execution.

The Lilywhites have lost each of their last three games in all competitions but sit in a respectable 11th place in the 36-team league-phase table, trailing 10th-placed BVB on goals scored, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM vs. BORUSSIA DORTMUND

TOTTENHAM

Out: Micky van de Ven (suspended), Conor Gallagher (ineligible), Radu Dragusin (ineligible), Yves Bissouma (ineligible), Ben Davies (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Richarlison (thigh), Mathys Tel (ineligible), Joao Palhinha (knock)

Doubtful: Pape Sarr (AFCON)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Out: Marcel Sabitzer (calf)

Doubtful: None

Thomas Frank may be without as many as 15 players for Tottenham Hotspur's showdown with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

Frank heads into the Champions League fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium allegedly on the brink of losing his job in the dugout.

Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham United was greeted by a cacophony of boos from Spurs supporters who have it clear that they want the Dane to be sacked.

Reports on Monday morning have indicated that Frank will remain in charge for the game with the Bundesliga giants.

Nevertheless, Frank finds himself in a position where he will be without at least half of the Spurs first-team squad.

© Imago / IMAGO / News Images

Which 15 players could Spurs be missing for Dortmund game?

Most notably, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison are all long-term injury absentees.

Joao Palhinha is an obvious injury doubt after missing the defeat to West Ham with a knock.

As per The Standard, Xavi Simons was seen hobbling after that fixture and is seemingly facing a race against time to be available.

Ben Davies suffered what appeared to be a knee injury in that game and will be unavailable, while Archie Gray also suffered knocks versus the Hammers.

Only 48 hours would have passed between Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations triumph and Dortmund taking to the pitch in North London, making it highly unlikely that Pape Matar Sarr will come under consideration.

New signing Conor Gallagher is ineligible until the knockout phase due to squad registration rules, which also keep the likes of Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Dominic Solanke out of the equation.

Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven is serving a one-match suspension for collecting three yellow cards during the League Phase.

© Imago / Focus Images

Where do Spurs sit in League Phase table?

Although pressure is intensifying on Frank, Spurs have collected 11 points from their six League Phase fixtures, leaving them in 11th place with two matches remaining.

While Spurs are all but assured of a top-24 spot, they realistically need to defeat both Dortmund and fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt to have a chance of direct qualification for the last 16.