Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur defeated a woeful West Ham United 3-0 in a London derby demolition in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Despite an even first half on paper, with both sides mustering 0.27 expected goals (xG), Tottenham Hotspur were extremely unfortunate to not be ahead at the break, as Cristian Romero's header was controversially ruled out for a supposed foul by Micky van de Ven, leaving the game level at half-time.

However, Tottenham wasted no time in getting their lead in the second half when Pape Sarr headed home just two minutes after the restart, sparking an action-packed final 45 minutes.Â

Tomas Soucek received his marching orders less than 10 minutes later due to a reckless challenge, and Tottenham compounded West Ham's misery by doubling the lead just moments after, with Lucas Bergvall superbly finding the net with a looping header over Mads Hermansen.

A third was added minutes after the hour mark when Van de Ven made amends for his earlier foul by sweeping home with his weaker foot, adding the cherry on an outstanding 3-0 London derby victory for Tottenham Hotspur.Â

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Tottenham Hotspur appeared slightly timid in the opening 45 minutes, potentially aiming to find their feet again after a difficult defeat to Bournemouth before the international break, but they were certainly back in full flow in the second half.

Thomas Frank has already implemented a much stronger defensive foundation, though that is certainly helped by Spurs being able to name the same back four in all of their Premier League matches this season, and that has undoubtedly helped their performances going forward.

Sarr and Bergvall have been particularly impressive in the opening stages of this campaign, both making strong contributions in attacking and defensive areas of the pitch - only highlighted further by both getting on the scoresheet today.Â

While things look encouraging for Tottenham, the start of this season has brought about major concerns and worries for West Ham United.Â

The Hammers have now been hammered by two London rivals in Chelsea (5-1) and Tottenham Hotspur (3-0), while Sunderland have also secured a 3-0 win over Graham Potter's side.

Despite being just four matches into the new Premier League campaign, West Ham simply have to improve in the coming weeks if they are to have any chance of securing their top-flight survival, as all signs are currently pointing to the Hammers being one of the weakest teams in the division.

WEST HAM UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

Pape Sarr goal vs. West Ham United (47th min, West Ham United 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur)

Sarr heads Tottenham Hotspur into a deserved lead!

Xavi Simons whips an in-swinging corner towards the back post, where Bergvall is holding off El Hadji Malick Diouf to allow Sarr a free header at goal.Â

Sarr powerfully heads back across goal towards the far post, and his effort flies past Hermansen and numerous West Ham players into the net.Â

It goes from bad to worse for West Ham, Soucek receives his marching orders!

West Ham's midfielder tries to bring the ball down on his chest, but his touch is loose and forces Soucek to challenge for the ball.Â

Soucek lunges at the ball but catches Palhinha high on the leg with his studs, with the referee immediately producing the red card.

Lucas Bergvall goal vs. West Ham United (57th min, West Ham United 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur)

Tottenham rub salt in West Ham's wounds - Bergvall brilliantly adds a second just moments after the red card!

The ball is played back to Romero from the free kick, and the defender spots the run of Bergvall through the middle of the West Ham defence.

Romero's long pass perfectly finds Bergvall near the penalty spot, and the midfielder loops his header over Hermansen and into the back of the net.

Micky van de Ven goal vs. West Ham United (64th min, West Ham United 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur)

This is getting messy for West Ham now - Van de Ven scores Tottenham's third!

Tottenham are combining wonderfully down the right hand side, working the ball to Bergvall inside the West Ham penalty area, with the midfielder looking to dribble his way through the crowd.

Bergvall loses control with a heavy touch, but the ball drops perfectly for Van de Ven to sweep into the into bottom left corner with his weaker right foot.

MAN OF THE MATCH - LUCAS BERGVALL

On his 50th Tottenham Hotspur appearance, Bergvall marked the occasion with a goal, assist, a standout performance and the man-of-the-match award.

The midfielder not only scored a stunning header and registered the assist for Van de Ven's goal, but Bergvall also played a key role in allowing Sarr to have a free header at goal for Tottenham's first of the evening - blocking Diouf from being able to challenge.

Bergvall was much more than just his goal contributions, though, showing a maturity and ability that make him one of the most promising players in the division at just 19 years old.

WEST HAM UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession:Â West Ham United 28%-72% Tottenham Hotspur

Shots: West Ham United 5-10 Tottenham Hotspur

Shots on target: West Ham United 3-4 Tottenham Hotspur

Corners: West Ham United 1-5 Tottenham Hotspur

Fouls: West Ham United 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

West Ham United will have a week to rest and recover before facing off against Crystal Palace in the Premier League in another London Stadium fixture next Saturday.Â

Meanwhile, Tottenham will get their Champions League campaign underway midweek against Villarreal, followed by an away trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has made his stance over a Yves Bissouma transfer clear as the midfielder winds down his Spurs contract.

Mali international Bissouma has experienced a disrupted start to life under Frank, who firstly left the midfielder out of his squad for the UEFA Super Cup vs. Paris Saint-Germain as a disciplinary measure.

The 29-year-old has since struggled with an unspecified injury, is yet to make a single appearance for the Lilywhites this season, and he was left out of Frank's squad for the Champions League league phase.

Bissouma is now in the final 12 months of his deal with the Europa League winners, meaning that he can enter pre-contract talks with foreign clubs from January onwards before a potential free transfer in the summer of 2026.

Spurs could have recouped a portion of the £25.3m they spent on Bissouma by selling him during the summer transfer window, but the markets in all of Europe's big five European leagues and Turkey have now shut.

Frank expects Bissouma to remain at Tottenham amid transfer talk

The Saudi Pro League transfer window is still open until September 23, but Frank would be shocked to see Bissouma head elsewhere in the coming weeks.

"I will be surprised if anyone is leaving us now so yes he’s part of the squad," Frank said at his pre-game press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United.

Bissouma's stance over a late summer exit from the Lilywhites has supposedly also been revealed, but a new contract is seemingly still out of the question for the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, who is still on the same terms he penned upon his arrival in 2022.

The 29-year-old has made a century of appearances for the Lilywhites over the past three years, scoring just two goals and failing to provide a single assist.

Bissouma and Pape Sarr excelled as a midfield partnership in Ange Postecoglou's 2023-24 debut season, but the former has since been overshadowed by the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Bayern Munich loanee Joao Palhinha.

Frank responds to Bentancur Tottenham transfer question

As well as answering a question about Bissouma's future, Frank was quizzed on whether fellow midfielder Bentancur would sign a new contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Uruguay international is also due to become a free agent in 2026, although rumours of contract negotiations have begun to surface, as he has established himself as a key player for the club since joining from Juventus in 2022.

However, Frank was non-committal when asked about Bentancur's North London future, adding: "I think first and foremost, I'm very happy with Rodri.

"He's been a very good player for us, a top professional in every aspect. I'm happy with him, he's happy with being here. I know that for a fact. Let's see what's going to happen in the future."

Tottenham Hotspur will kick off their 2025-26 Champions League league phase campaign with a home fixture against La Liga outfit Villarreal on Tuesday night.

Spurs qualified for the competition courtesy of their Europa League success last season, while Villarreal finished fifth in Spain's top flight last term to secure a spot in the league phase.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into Tuesday's fixture.

What time does Tottenham vs. Villarreal kick off?

The Champions League league phase fixture will kick off at 8pm on Tuesday night.

Where is Tottenham vs. Villarreal being played?

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This will be the first time that Villarreal and Tottenham have locked horns, so history will be made on Tuesday, with the Yellow Submarine heading to the glorious stadium for the first time.

How to watch Tottenham vs. Villarreal in the UK

TV channels

The Champions League clash between Tottenham and Villarreal will not be shown on TV in the UK.

Online streaming

Amazon Prime Video will be showing the European contest between Tottenham and Villarreal.

New customers to Amazon can take out a free Prime subscription for 30 days; after that, it's £8.99 per month. You can also sign up for just Prime Video for £5.99 per month.

The app can be accessed across mobile, Fire TV, video game consoles, Virgin’s V6 TV Box, BT TV, TalkTalk TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and online, giving you plenty of options to tune into the European affair.

Highlights

Amazon Prime Video's official X account will show highlights of the major incidents, including the goals, during the contest in North London.

What is at stake for Tottenham and Villarreal on matchday one?

Both Tottenham and Villarreal will be aiming to make the perfect starts to their Champions League league phase campaign, and it is shaping up to be a very interesting clash in North London.

Tottenham will also face Bodo/Glimt, Monaco, Copenhagen, Paris Saint-Germain, Slavia Prague, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase of the tournament.

Villarreal, meanwhile, will face Juventus, Manchester City, Pafos FC, Dortmund, Copenhagen, Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen in the league phase of the competition.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank highlighted two "big, big things" that Daniel Levy did for the club as he reacted to the news of the chairman's exit.

When Spurs face West Ham United in Saturday's Premier League London derby, it will mark the first time since December 2000 that they have taken to the field without Levy overseeing operations in some shape or form, as the 63-year-old unexpectedly left the club last week.

Tottenham initially claimed that Levy stepped down from his position as executive chairman following a 24-year reign, but the much-maligned chief is now rumoured to have been removed from his position in the hope that a new era will deliver even greater sporting success.

During Levy's time in the Tottenham boardroom, the Lilywhites became Europa League and EFL Cup winners, as well as reaching the 2019 Champions League final and mounting a serious charge for Premier League glory under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, the 63-year-old was the subject of repeated verbal attacks from fans over Spurs' 17-year trophy drought and perceived failures in the transfer market, including the most recent window where deals for Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze fell through the cracks.

Frank reflects on Levy's two "big, big" achievements at Tottenham

Frank was inevitably asked about Levy's departure in his pre-game press conference on Friday, and the Dane paid special tribute to the 63-year-old for overseeing the construction of the club's "world-class" training centre and stadium.

"Daniel deserves massive praise," football.london quotes Frank as saying. "The things he's built, the success he's been a massive part of, you can't praise that enough.

"I think the two big, big things is he's actually laid I would say the foundation for the future in terms of this fantastic world-class training centre and of course a world-class stadium.

"Both those two we are at a top level so we can build from there to hopefully compete with the best clubs in the future. That is Daniel."

Frank was the 14th and final permanent head coach to be hired by Tottenham during the Levy era, joining in the summer following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, although their professional relationship was incredibly short-lived.

Frank reveals Levy conversation after Tottenham chairman's exit

Nevertheless, the Spurs boss confirmed that he had the chance to say goodbye and thank Levy for his efforts in North London, adding: "I've spoken to him. I've only of course known Daniel, but not known Daniel if that makes sense, I've known of him I would say.

"The last three months is where I've spent more time with him so it's been brief. I've said thank you. I know it's not only him appointing me but he had probably the decisive words so I can only appreciate that in every aspect.

"I'll always be appreciating of that, very pleased with that. I wish him all the best going forward."

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed the availability of Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons for Saturday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United.

The Lilywhites have parity to restore at the London Stadium after entering the international break on the back of a 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth, Frank's first top-flight defeat as Tottenham head coach.

Prior to that reverse to the Cherries, new signing Simons was presented to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium crowd, shortly before Paris Saint-Germain's Kolo Muani joined on loan on deadline day.

The pair are both in contention to make their competitive Spurs debuts in Saturday's derby, although Simons is unsurprisingly in with a better chance of earning some minutes owing to Kolo Muani's lack of football recently.

Speaking to reporters at his pre-game press conference - as quoted by football.london - Frank said: "Both are looking good. Both are in contention to be ready for the squad tomorrow.

Simons "further down the line" than Kolo Muani as Frank gives Spurs injury update

"Xavi for the natural reasons is further down the line. He started for the Netherlands the other day. Randal hasn't played for a while, last time was the Club World Cup."

If Kolo Muani is given the green light to make an appearance on Saturday, the France international would be an alternative option to Richarlison up front in the absence of Dominic Solanke, who has been struggling with an ankle problem.

Frank confirmed that Spurs' record signing would remain out for the weekend, but all players who represented their countries during the international break returned unscathed.

"Everyone is fine, everyone returned from international duties well," Frank added. "That's always positive, very happy about that. Everybody seems to be in a good place. Dom will not be available still. Don't expect it to be too long, but he will not be available for this game."

Solanke joins James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (foot) and Radu Dragusin (ACL) in the Tottenham medical bay, but there was no word on whether Yves Bissouma would be back from a knock.

Frank can join exclusive Spurs club in West Ham game

Home was not where the heart was for Tottenham last time out, but Lilywhites boss Frank masterminded a magnificent 2-0 win at Manchester City in his first away game as Spurs head coach.

The Dane could now join an exclusive club of Tottenham head coaches, as he is aiming to become just the third Spurs manager to win both of his first two top-flight away matches after Tim Sherwood and Ossie Ardiles.

During the 2013-14 season, Sherwood oversaw a 2-1 victory at Manchester United and 3-1 triumph over Swansea City in his first two away games, although an FA Cup defeat at Arsenal was sandwiched in between those two results.

Twenty years earlier, in the 1993-94 campaign, Ardiles's Tottenham beat Newcastle United and Liverpool away from home in their first two away matches of the Premier League season, before losing their third at Aston Villa.

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is prepared to fight for his future in North London despite being linked with a move away from the club.

Bissouma made 44 competitive appearances in Ange Postecoglou's final season in charge, but he is yet to feature under new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford head coach opted to leave Bissouma out of the squad for last month's UEFA Super Cup due to persistent lateness.Â

After failing to impress the new boss, Bissouma has been linked with a move away from the North London club, even after the transfer window closed in the UK on September 1.

Bissouma makes key decision over Tottenham future

A recent report claimed that the 29-year-old could leave on loan, with the window still open in a number of countries, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia.Â

However, according to The Sun, the Mali international is not willing to give up on his Tottenham career just yet.Â

Bissouma, who is out of contract next summer, is 'determined' to force his way into Frank's lineup once he returns to full fitness.Â

The Spurs midfielder has not been in training due to a physical issue, but he is hoping to return to action in the near future.Â

Can Bissouma be a regular fixture under Frank?

Bissouma has been the subject of disciplinary action from Postecoglou and Frank, so he has work to do to convince the latter that he can be a dependable member of the squad moving forward.Â

Frank can currently call upon Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Joao Palhinha and Archie Gray as his central midfield options, leaving Bissouma well down the pecking order at Tottenham.

The fact that Bissouma has been left out of the squad for the Champions League league phase suggests that he does not feature heavily in Frank's plans.

As a result, it is difficult to see how Bissouma becomes an important player this season, unless injuries create the opportunity for him to stake his claim.Â

Nottingham Forest head coach Ange Postecoglou and former Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed that he "knew" he would be sacked by the Lilywhites before the Europa League final.

The Australian is back in the Premier League just a few months on from being given the boot by the North London giants, despite leading them to their first trophy in 17 years and a place in the Champions League for 2025-26.

However, ending a 17-year silverware drought was not enough to make up for a 17th-placed Premier League finish for Postecoglou, who was fired after overseeing Tottenham's worst-ever season in the competition.

The former Celtic treble winner will soon return to the capital, though, as his first assignment as Forest head coach comes away to former derby rivals Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.

Reflecting on his time in charge of Tottenham, Postecoglou told reporters at his pre-game press conference that he anticipated the axe even before the 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United, which ultimately made no difference to his future.

Postecoglou "knew" Tottenham sack was coming before Europa League final

"It wasn't great," Postecoglou said. "I knew it was coming, so it wasn't a surprise, that was the one thing. I knew it was coming a fair way before the final.

"But we won it, we had the parade, so it was a great three days and I didn't want to tarnish that. But after that I kinda knew it was done. So from my perspective, you have a chance to process that.

"Whether I feel it was unjust, other people make those decisions. They make those determinations, that's up to them. You'd have to ask them their reasoning for it."

Postecoglou was the 13th of 14 different head coaches at Tottenham during the Daniel Levy era, which recently ended abruptly when Spurs' former executive chairman was supposedly removed from his position after a 24-year reign.

Spurs initially stated that Levy stepped down from his post, but the 63-year-old is now understood to have been replaced in the hope that a new regime will elevate Tottenham to even greater trophy-winning heights under CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

Postecoglou comments on Daniel Levy Tottenham exit

Postecoglou was unsurprisingly asked for his take on Levy's departure, and he revealed that he saw little of the chairman while at Hotspur Way, adding: "I don't think this is kind of the forum for me to speak about that at length.

"I didn't have a great deal of interaction with Daniel, that's the reality of it. I tend to get on with my daily business and do what I need to do.

"He was there for a long time, he invested a hell of a lot in that football club in terms of building it up to where it was. I guess he appointed me so I've got to be thankful for that. Hopefully I repaid it by providing a trophy they hadn't had for a very long time."

Postecoglou also detailed how he wants his Forest side to play ahead of Saturday's taxing trip to Arsenal, whom they have not beaten away from home in any competition since 1989.

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation on the top-flight scene for the Lilywhites since securing a move to North London in the summer of 2023.

Van de Ven was a key part of Ange Postecoglou's squad last season, when Spurs ended a 17-year trophy drought to lift the Europa League.

Courtesy of a solitary Brennan Johnson goal in the final, Tottenham secured the European crown at the expense of Manchester United.

Since making the switch from Wolfsburg just over two years ago, Van de Ven has played 55 matches for Spurs, scoring four goals.

Real Madrid 'unwilling to pay' Van de Ven asking price

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, a La Liga giant is keen on securing the highly-rated services of Tottenham defender Van de Ven.

The report claims that 13-time European champions Real Madrid are interested in bringing the Dutchman to the Bernabeu.

It is understood that Europa League holders Tottenham value centre-back Van de Ven at just under £70m in the current market.

At this moment, Xabi Alonso's men are unwilling to fork out the asking price for the defender, despite their fondness of his talents.

Van de Ven is known to be happy in North London, with Spurs only looking to part ways with the player if an excellent offer arrives.

What makes Van de Ven so good?

Standing out during the opening few months of his spell in the Premier League, Van de Ven is unusually quick in recoveries for a player of his height.

That allowed Postecoglou's side to play with a high line and push up the pitch, pressuring opposition and forcing mistakes at the back.

Tottenham Hotspur new boys Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani should both be in contention to make their Premier League debuts in Saturday's London derby away to West Ham United.

The former was presented to the Lilywhites faithful before their 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth last time out, shortly before Kolo Muani's loan arrival from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day.

Brennan Johnson's spot on the left and Pape Sarr's spot in the middle could both come under threat from Simons, and the former may have to cede his place to the Dutchman owing to Sarr's early influence in the Tottenham XI.

However, Richarlison is primed to keep his place up front over Kolo Muani, who may find himself sat alongside Dominic Solanke on the bench if the £65m man can shake off an ankle concern.

Elsewhere in attack, Mohammed Kudus should be a nailed-on starter against his former club, while the double pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur should remain untouched.

Fresh from making his senior England debut, Djed Spence ought to continue in a settled backline also comprising Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario, despite Destiny Udogie's return to fitness.

Kota Takai (foot), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL) and Radu Dragusin (ACL) will play no part in this one, and it remains to be seen if Yves Bissouma can battle back from an unspecified concern.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

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

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

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West Ham United manager Graham Potter has an attacking headache to solve for Saturday's Premier League London derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium.

The Hammers entered the international break on the back of a brilliant 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, although they have now lost number nine Niclas Fullkrug for the next few weeks due to a calf strain.

Callum Wilson has certainly put his name in the hat for a start in Fullkrug's place, having wrapped up the scoring off the bench against Forest, although the Englishman was not the most super of super subs last time out.

Indeed, Crysencio Summerville provided an assist and won a penalty after coming on in the 82nd minute of that match; no other player has ever managed to achieve both of those contributions in a Premier League game after being brought on so late.

Mateus Fernandes caught the eye before being replaced by Summerville too, though, so Potter may very well shift Jarrod Bowen into a centre-forward role to fit Fernandes, Summerville and Lucas Paqueta in the same starting lineup.

The Irons coach should otherwise have no reason to tinker with a winning formula, as new signing Igor Julio is kept waiting for his first appearance, while Kyle Walker-Peters fends off the threat of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in defence.

The hosts recently welcomed 40-year-old shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski back to the club on a short-term deal, but Mads Hermansen should retain his spot in between the sticks for now.

West Ham United possible starting lineup:

Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf; Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Fernandes, Paqueta, Summerville; Bowen

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

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