Sports Mole

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly battle for the signature of Porto striker Samu Aghehowa during next summer's transfer window.

The Spain international made the move to Porto from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2024, and he has scored 36 goals and registered four assists in 57 matches for the Portuguese giants.

This season, Samu has nine goals and one assist in 12 appearances, and his future is currently the subject of much speculation, with a number of clubs said to be keen on his signature.

According to Correio da Manha, Chelsea are preparing to reignite their interest in the attacker, but the Blues are expected to face competition from their London rivals Tottenham.

The report claims that while there is a €100m (£88m) release clause in Samu's deal, it is likely that he will be allowed to leave the club for a figure in the region of €80m (£70m).

Chelsea, Spurs 'in competition' for Porto's Samu

There have been claims that Porto would be willing to discuss a big-money move for Samu in January due to their financial issues, but a deal is unlikely to take place until next summer.

Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa have also previously been credited with an interest in Samu, who is expected to be a part of the Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Chelsea were heavily linked with Samu in the summer of 2024 and had seemingly been close to signing him, only for a transfer to break down at the final moment.

Samu failed his medical test at Stamford Bridge, allegedly due to an ankle problem, which led to him returning to Atletico and then being sold to Porto, making the move to the club on a five-year deal.

Is Samu worth the potential £70m transfer fee?

Samu has shown his quality at Porto, and he has the tools required to become one of the best strikers in the world.

The attacker has managed six goals in 11 appearances in the Europa League, while his overall record in professional football is 63 goals and five assists in 129 outings, also including his time at Recreativo Granada, Alaves and Granada.

In the current climate, €80m (£70m) is not a lot of money for a player of Samu's ilk and potential, and it would therefore not be a surprise to see him move for a fee of that size during next summer's transfer window.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite during next summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils were heavily linked with Branthwaite during the summer of 2024, having at least two bids rejected by Everton for the Englishman, while Spurs are also believed to be long-term admirers.

The 23-year-old signed a new contract with the Toffees in July, with his current deal due to run until June 2030, but the defender has been unable to make a single appearance this term due to injury.

Branthwaite suffered a hamstring issue during pre-season and was forced to undergo an operation towards the end of October, but his return could occur before the end of the year.

According to CaughtOffside, Man United remain keen on the defender, but the Red Devils will face firm competition from Tottenham for the one-time England international.

Man United, Spurs to 'battle' for Everton's Branthwaite

The report claims that Spurs head coach Thomas Frank views Branthwaite as the 'perfect' defender for his side, and the Carlisle-born centre-back will be a leading target for the North London club in 2026.

Man United are also set to be in the market for a new centre-back, as there remain doubts surrounding Harry Maguire's future, with his contract due to expire next June.

The Red Devils are thought to have bid £45m plus £5m in add-ons for Branthwaite in 2024, but Everton continued to insist that he would not be allowed to leave for under £70m.

Everton are still thought to value the centre-back at £70m plus, so it would be a significant signing for Man United or Spurs from a financial point of view.

Man United vs. Tottenham: Which club will win the race?

Much is likely to depend on how each club performs this season, with Branthwaite certain to be attracted by the idea of playing Champions League football during the 2026-27 campaign.

Man United are currently eighth in the Premier League table, boasting 17 points from their first 10 matches of the season, while Spurs are fifth on 17 points, and the two teams will lock horns in North London on Saturday.

The Red Devils would fancy their chances of winning a head-to-head battle with Spurs, and the 20-time English champions may be able to finally secure a move for Branthwaite during next summer's transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has been dealt a fresh midfield selection blow ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Copenhagen in North London.

The Lilywhites were deservedly bested 1-0 by Chelsea in Saturday's Premier League London derby, where Lucas Bergvall was substituted with a concussion just seven minutes in.

The Sweden international is now expected to be sidelined until after the next national team break due to protocols, meaning that Frank could be deprived of no fewer than 10 players in midweek.

Mathys Tel is ineligible for the league phase, while all of Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Ben Davies (thigh), Kota Takai (thigh) and Archie Gray (calf) are still in the recovery room.

Xavi Simons was unsurprisingly introduced in place of Bergvall on Saturday before being taken off himself, but the Dutchman will surely be drafted back into the first XI for the visit of Copenhagen, likely in a central role thanks to a recent injury return.

Wilson Odobert was fit enough to come off the bench against Chelsea and is now a contender for a place on the left flank, while Richarlison could displace Randal Kolo Muani in the number nine role.

Rodrigo Bentancur escaped a possible red card for a crunching challenge on Reece James at the weekend, but the Uruguayan could be demoted either way, as Pape Sarr aims to partner Joao Palhinha.

Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence made headlines for the wrong reasons on Saturday, notably snubbing Frank at full time as the Dane tried to rally his troops to clap the fans.

Spence may have made way for a fit-again Destiny Udogie regardless, but Van de Ven should be retained alongside the returning Cristian Romero.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison

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Thomas Frank takes on his own on Tuesday evening, as Tottenham Hotspur host Danish titans Copenhagen in the league phase of the Champions League.

The Lilywhites have navigated their first three games of the competition without suffering defeat, while their Scandinavian foes are still searching for their first victory.

Match preview

Current Tottenham and former Arsenal battled hard in Spurs' third Champions League game of the season, which pitted the Lilywhites against Ligue 1 giants Monaco, who huffed and puffed but could now blow Guglielmo Vicario's door down.

The Italian thwarted Gunners academy graduate Folarin Balogun and his teammates time and time again at the Stade Louis-II, thus preserving Spurs' unbeaten start to this season's tournament as Frank's men made it five points from three continental matches.

Such a haul is good enough for a mid-table ranking in the 36-team table, although the 15th-placed Lilywhites are just one point off the top eight automatic qualification spots and often have little to fear at home in Europe.

Indeed, the Europa League winners have strung together a 21-game unbeaten run in continental matches at home - winning 17 of them - but Frank's men were met with a cacophony of boos rather than celebratory cheers the last time they took to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium turf.

Vicario's heroics could not spare Spurs from a deserved 1-0 London derby defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, when the Lilywhites were booed off the pitch after registering their lowest-ever Expected Goals total on record in a Premier League match.

Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence ignoring Frank's pleas to clap the fans at full time only added to the toxicity at Tottenham, who have now lost back-to-back games after their EFL Cup elimination to Newcastle United and have just three wins under their belt from their last 10 matches.

As Spurs bid to recover from back-to-back defeats in all competitions, Copenhagen are out to right the wrongs of successive Champions League losses, having been bested by Qarabag and Borussia Dortmund following a creditable opening draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

Jacob Neestrup's men were involved in a six-goal spectacular with Dortmund when the 2023-24 finalists visited the Parken Stadion on October 21, but four of those strikes - two scored by Felix Nmecha and two set up by Jobe Bellingham - went against them.

One of four teams with just one point on the board from three games, Copenhagen - who came through Qualifying to reach the proper tournament - are languishing in 32nd place in the standings, and the historical omens are not promising either.

Indeed, the Danish powerhouses have never beaten an English team away from home in any competition, and they boast just two wins from their last 21 away games in the Champions League proper - losing 15 of them.

However, Neestrup's side have earned a respectable two wins and one draw in domestic action since that Dortmund defeat - most recently edging out Fredericia 3-2 in Saturday's Superliga contest - but they sit five points behind leaders AGF having played a game more.

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Copenhagen Champions League form:

Copenhagen form (all competitions):

Team News

Tottenham's game plan was in tatters just seven minutes into their loss to Chelsea, as Lucas Bergvall came off prematurely due to a concussion and is now likely to be missing until after the next international break due to protocol.

The Swedish midfielder joins Yves Bissouma (ankle), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Ben Davies (thigh), Kota Takai (thigh) and Archie Gray (calf) in the Tottenham treatment room, while Mathys Tel is ineligible for the Champions League.

However, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie all returned from injuries as substitutes against Chelsea and are certainly candidates to come into the first XI on Tuesday, likely alongside Xavi Simons despite the Dutchman being brought on and then off again on Saturday.

Copenhagen are not in tip-top shape for Tuesday's game either, as Thomas Delaney (knock), Oliver Hojer (surgery), Magnus Mattsson (ACL), Rodrigo Huescas (knee) and Birger Meling (unspecified) are all on the sidelines.

To make matters worse, left-back Marcos Lopez was taken off with a reported injury at the weekend, while centre-back Gabriel Pereira was a late absentee due to illness.

Youssoufa Moukoko and Viktor Claesson are Neestrup's most likely front two, but keep an eye out for 17-year-old Viktor Dadason - the 2008-born striker netted off the bench against Dortmund to become the third-youngest scorer in Champions League history, only behind Ansu Fati and Lamine Yamal.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison

Copenhagen possible starting lineup:

Kotarski; Suzuki, Hatzidiakos, Garananga, Zague; Achouri, Lerager, Clem, Elyounoussi; Moukoko, Claesson

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Copenhagen

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Tottenham should not have travelled home from Monaco with a clean sheet, but with all of Frank's first-choice defensive options available again, Frank's men should exhibit more robustness at the back on Tuesday night.

The hosts' creative problems means that Copenhagen should not be blown away by any stretch, but the visitors have conceded multiple goals in three of their last five games, and Spurs therefore have our vote to atone for their recent errors in a professional win.

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

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On the back of a historically poor Premier League performance, Tottenham Hotspur host Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The Lilywhites were toothless to the extreme in Saturday's 1-0 loss to London derby rivals Chelsea, setting an unwanted club Expected Goals (xG) record in front of the home faithful.

Spurs also needed Guglielmo Vicario to bail them out in their last Champions League contest - a 0-0 draw with Monaco which left them 15th in the league-phase table.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Copenhagen, who have claimed just one point from their first three Champions League proper matches so far this term.

Lucas Bergvall

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Concussion

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Lucas Bergvall had to be withdrawn just seven minutes into the defeat to Chelsea due to a concussion, and as he will now follow the necessary protocols, he should not be back in action for Tottenham until after the international break.

Archie Gray

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Calf

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Archie Gray sustained a blow to his calf in the goalless stalemate with Monaco on UCL matchday three, and the youngster is also not anticipated to return this side of the national team hiatus.

Ben Davies

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Thigh

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Ben Davies suffered a thigh injury during Wales' World Cup 2026 Qualifying clash with Belgium last month, and it will be another few weeks at least before the Welshman is considered for selection.

Yves Bissouma

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Yves Bissouma had only just made his return from one problem before hurting his ankle in Mali colours last month, and the midfielder will be recovering from surgery for the foreseeable future.

Kota Takai

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Quadriceps

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Kota Takai sustained a thigh injury shortly after battling back from a foot problem, but he will soon rejoin team training and may finally come into contention for a belated first-team debut later this month.

Radu Dragusin

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Radu Dragusin has spent the past 10 months rehabilitating from an ACL injury, but he is now "fully integrated" into team training and is expected to play a friendly during the international break before a long-awaited Premier League return.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski is further behind than Dragusin in his recovery from last season's severe knee problem, and the Swede will not be considered for selection for another few weeks yet.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury:Â Knee

Possible return date:Â Unknown

James Maddison will be the last cab off the rank for Tottenham, as the playmaker tore his ACL in pre-season and is not expected to play a single minute of competitive football this term.

Dominic Solanke

Status:Â Out

Type of injury:Â Ankle

Possible return date:Â November 23 (vs. Arsenal)

Dominic Solanke needed an operation to correct a troublesome ankle injury, but his absence is not especially long-term, and he might be back in contention for the North London derby on November 23.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match, but Richarlison and Micky van de Ven are one yellow card away from a UCL ban.

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An extremely Tottenham Hotspur side set a new unwanted club Premier League record in their 1-0 loss to London rivals Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank sought a response to his side's 2-0 EFL Cup fourth-round defeat to Newcastle United in midweek, but his players were more toothless than ever up front.

A first-half Joao Pedro strike was all that was needed to settle a normally chaotic contest between the two capital clubs, and Chelsea have now triumphed in each of their last five matches with the Lilywhites in all competitions.

All of Xavi Simons, Randal Kolo Muani, Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison were unable to lay a glove on the Blues' defence, and a particularly damning statistic told the story of Spurs' day.

The Europa League champions generated a paltry 0.05 Expected Goals (xG) throughout the evening, their lowest on record in a Premier League game since such data became available in the 2012-13 season.

Tottenham set unwanted xG club record in Chelsea defeat

In none of Spurs' previous 503 Premier League matches since August 2012 had they totalled fewer Expected Goals, highlighting just how ineffective Frank's attacking forces were in the London derby.

The Lilywhites only mustered three attempts all evening - one of which was on target - whereas Chelsea had 15 shots and nine on target while fashioning 2.92 xG at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As was the case against Monaco in the Champions League, Spurs largely had Guglielmo Vicario to thank for the one-goal scoreline, as the Italy international made eight saves and prevented 2.17 goals in North London.

The manner of the defeat and emotion of the occasion was too much for two of his defenders to take, though, as Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven appeared to snub Frank entirely when he tried to persuade the pair to clap the fans at full time.

Spence and Van de Ven stormed past their manager towards the tunnel, leaving Frank to look back on them bewildered for several seconds before eventually making his way further onto the pitch.

Spurs 0-1 Chelsea: Thomas Frank explains Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence incident

Frank was inevitably asked about the incident in his post-match press conference, but the Dane side-stepped the question and played down the snub, saying: "All the players are of course frustrated," as quoted by football.london.

"They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that. I think it is about which is difficult to be consistent in good times and in bad times.

"That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that. I understand why you ask the question, but I think that is one of the small issues.

"We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence who are doing everything they can. They perform very well so far this season and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don’t think it is a big problem."

Tottenham now sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table and have won just two of their last eight games in all competitions ahead of Tuesday's Champions League battle with Copenhagen.

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Hoping to climb into the top eight of the Champions League, out-of-form Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Copenhagen to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.

Thomas Frank's Spurs are currently 15th in the competition and have gone unbeaten so far, but they come into this clash on the back of consecutive domestic defeats, including a 1-0 loss against bitter rivals Chelsea on Saturday.

As for Byens Hold, they reside in 32nd place, and having earned just a single point from their three matches to date, they will be desperate to avoid losing yet again.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details you need to know about how to catch Tuesday's Champions League clash.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Copenhagen kick off?

The Lilywhites kick off against Copenhagen at 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 4 for those in the UK.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Copenhagen being played?

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Copenhagen in the UK

TV channels

Viewers can see this game live on the TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate TV channels.

Streaming

The match will also be available to stream via Discovery+ if fans have purchased the subscription option that includes the TNT Sports add-on.

Discovery+ with TNT Sports is also accessible via the Amazon Prime Video app.

Highlights

Key events will be posted on the FootballOnTNT X (formerly Twitter) account, while highlights will be uploaded to the TNT Sports Football YouTube channel after full time.

Who will win Tottenham Hotspur vs. Copenhagen?

Tottenham are unbeaten in the Champions League this term after taking all three points in a 1-0 victory against Villarreal on matchday one, before a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt and a rare goalless stalemate with Monaco on October 22.

That decline in results occurred as part of a wider pattern that has led to Frank's side winning just one of their last five games across all competitions, losing three and drawing the other.

Additionally, while playing at home would typically benefit a club in strife, the Lilywhites have lost back-to-back matches on their own turf ahead of this fixture, being defeated 2-1 by Aston Villa on October 19 and 1-0 by Chelsea at the weekend.

As for Jacob Neestrup's Copenhagen, they commendably kicked off their Champions League campaign by drawing 2-2 with Bayer Leverkusen, but they have since failed to collect a single point after losing 2-0 to Qarabag at the start of last month and 4-2 against Borussia Dortmund on October 21.

However, the Danish Superliga champions bounced back from a five-game winless run by earning consecutive victories prior to this continental clash, including a 3-2 triumph over Fredericia on Saturday.

With that in mind, Spurs will be desperate to get back on track but they may be low on confidence, in contrast to their resurgent opponents, so expect to see a closer contest than the disparity between the respective clubs' leagues would suggest.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has opted to leave Estevao Willian on the substitutes' bench for Saturday's Premier League fixture at Tottenham Hotspur.

After impressing alongside Jamie Gittens against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, both wingers had been in contention to start in North London.

Instead, the pair have been kept in reserve with Ajejandro Garnacho being recalled despite an indifferent start to life with the Blues.

Maresca has instead taken the opportunity to recall Malo Gusto, who will either play at right-back or in centre-midfield with Reece James taking the other role.

Wesley Fofana has got the nod ahead of Josh Acheampong in the centre of defence, while Joao Pedro has been named in the number nine position.

Frank names four centre-midfielders in Spurs XI against Chelsea

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank has taken the decision to name four central-midfielders in his Spurs XI.

Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall have been recalled to the team despite Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur also keeping their spots.

Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons are the players to drop out of team, with Bergvall expected to line up in the final third.

While Cristian Romero has returned to the squad after injury, Frank has avoided the temptation of selecting the Argentina international.

A possibility of starting with a back three had been suggested, but Spurs appear to be lining up with a back four unless Palhinha is deployed in a deeper role.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Vicario; Pedro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Bentancur; Bergvall, Kudus; Kolo Muani

Subs: Kinsky, Xavi, Richarlison, Tel, Udogie, Romero, Johnson, Odobert, Scarlett

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Pedro

Subs: Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Acheampong, Hato, Lavia, Santos, Estevao, Gittens, George

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Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur duo Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are available to face Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League.

Romero picked up a minor adductor injury during warm-up ahead of the Aston Villa clash, and not only missed the game, but also remained absent against Monaco and Everton.Â

Left-back Udogie has not played since October 4 and has missed Spurs' last four games in all competitions due to knee issues, but like Romero, he has also recovered fully.Â

Frank, however, has refused to give a definite answer as to whether they will be in the starting line-up, but suggested that he will make the final decision after consulting with the medical team.Â

Change in formation if Romero returns?Â

Ahead of the match, the Spurs boss told reporters: "I am very aware of trying to be able to take the best possible decisions. In the end, I will get a lot of information from the medical and performance staff, but in the end, it's always on me.

"If a player breaks down, then it's on me. I take decisions, I get all of the information, and then I need to take a difficult, brave or easy choice.

"If he [Romero] was fit enough, he'd have been involved Wednesday [Carabao Cup loss at Newcastle], so he's ready to be involved tomorrow and let's see how much."

In the absence of Romero, Frank has used Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven at the back in the 3-0 win against Everton, while Joao Palhinha came in place of the Dutchman in the 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United.Â

Danso was superb against the Toffees, and therefore Romero's return could open a lot of tactical possibilities for Frank, including a switch to a back five, a system which could cause Chelsea problems.Â

Djed Spence has started in seven Premier League games this season, but Udogie could replace him in the starting XI in the crucial London derby.Â

Spurs injury update on trioÂ

Frank has confirmed that Wilson Odobert, who missed Tottenham's last two games, is also in contention to face the Blues.Â

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke is not yet ready to return to training anytime soon, after the striker underwent a minor ankle surgery, and he is likely to return after the November international break.Â

Spurs have badly missed Dejan Kulusevski this season, and the Swedish winger is not yet on the grass following his knee surgery in the summer.Â

Chelsea will be hoping to extend an unusual Thomas Frank streak when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

The Blues make the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sitting in ninth position in the Premier League table, six places behind Spurs who have the opportunity to progress into second.

However, there are just three points separating the two London rivals ahead of a match that could prove pivotal for the remainder of the campaign.

Spurs are viewed as the favourites to overcome Enzo Maresca's side, despite their indifferent record on home territory during 2025-26.

That said, if Spurs emerge victorious this weekend, it will see Frank record a career first in games against Chelsea.

What can Thomas Frank achieve against Chelsea?

The Dane possesses a terrific head-to-head record with Chelsea with three wins, three draws and two defeats coming in eight Premier League fixtures as Brentford head coach.

Nevertheless, each of his three triumphs have come at Stamford Bridge, subsequently meaning that Frank has failed to record a home Premier League victory against the West Londoners.

That record coincides with Chelsea having put together the strongest record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Premier League fixtures since 2019.

Incredibly, Chelsea have won five of their six top-flight games at the stadium, their solitary defeat coming by a 2-0 scoreline in February 2023.

Ahead of Saturday's showdown, that represents Spurs' only victory over Chelsea in the last 13 Premier League matches between the sides.

Goals from set-pieces in Spurs, Chelsea game guaranteed?

While Arsenal have scored the most goals from corners in this season's Premier League with seven, Chelsea and Spurs are next on the list with six and five respectively.

Spurs are also second in this particular list when extended over the last two seasons at a time when Chelsea's lack of height may prove to be an issue.

As it stands, 29.4% of Spurs' goals in the 2025-26 Premier League have come from headers.

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