Tottenham Hotspur

First-half goals from Reiss Elliott-Parris and Oliver Boast proved enough to give our Under-18s victory over Derby County and send us through as group winners in the Under-18 Premier League Cup on Saturday.

Elliott-Parris finished off a good move involving Malachi Hardy and Miracle Adewole in the opening moments at Hotspur Way, before fellow striker Boast doubled our lead just prior to the interval of what was our third and final Group H fixture in the competition.

Derby pulled one back through Charlie Smith’s free kick in a scrappy second half, but we rode the game out to secure a 2-1 win and book our place in the quarter-finals.

With only the first-placed side from each four-team section progressing to the knockout stages, we knew we needed maximum points against the Rams to advance after Reading’s high-scoring win against Burnley earlier in the day – there had been a potential scenario at the start of the weekend where we could have finished level with Derby and possibly Reading too in all metrics had our match ended all square, with the clubs’ disciplinary records called upon to decide the winners in that eventuality.

But while Israel Green threatened on a handful of occasions in the first period for Derby – Blake Irow saving everything the winger threw at him – and with a large portion of the second period played out in our half, we were able to dig in and secure the victory.

Our opening goal after four minutes was a thing of beauty as centre-back Hardy – just back from England’s Under-17 World Cup campaign – struck a fine diagonal pass out to Adewole on the left, who took a superb first touch before delivering for Elliott-Parris to convert from close range. Boast dragged a shot across goal and wide just afterwards while Armend Muslika and Elliott-Parris also threatened, but we allowed the visitors to get a foothold in the contest and Green made inroads down their left flank on a handful of occasions, firing off-target before being denied three times by Irow before the first half was out.

Thankfully for us, though, a second goal on the stroke of half-time strengthened our position, Muslika and Tye Hall combining to set up Boast, who scored with a shot-on-the-turn from inside the box on the right.

The second period was gritty and Derby’s goal in the 66th minute – a low free-kick around the wall from Smith – represented the first real action of note at either end. The Rams had tried a handful of shots from distance before that, but a few minutes later it needed a superb save from Irow diving away to his right to prevent James Ward from firing the visitors level. Our defence remained firm, though, and with the rain closing in on a gloomy day, we made it to the final whistle to win the group with seven points from a possible nine.

‘We were up against it at times’

Interim Under-18s Coach Joe Staunton admitted the Rams gave us a tough examination, but was delighted to get through to the last eight.

“We’re really pleased to have qualified from the group – it’s one of the objectives that we set for the players, so we’re really pleased over the course of the three games we’ve managed to get ourselves into a position where we can have further matches in the competition,” he told SPURSPLAY.

“We started the game really well and scored a terrific goal which was testament to the start that we had. There were periods within the first half where we had to defend the penalty box quite well to keep ourselves in a 1-0 lead and to score a second goal so close to half-time gave us the best opportunity to go and take the game forwards. We were up against it at times in the second half and we had to ride our luck at times, but all credit to the lads because we’ve headed, blocked, tackled, defended set-pieces and managed to see the game out in the end.”

Our Subway Women’s League Cup group phase concludes on Sunday with a trip to Women’s Super League 2 side Bristol City.

Following last night’s result between Aston Villa and Birmingham City – which ended in a draw before the Blues won the penalty to claim the bonus point – we’ll need just a point from our visit to Robins High Performance Centre to progress to the quarter-final of the competition.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game…

What time does the match start?

We get underway at 3pm UK time.

How can I watch the game?

If you’re unable to attend the game, then supporter can watch action live on SPURSPLAY – make sure to subscribe to SPURSPLAY here.

Our Match Centrehere on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app will bring you full live text and audio commentary throughout the match.

Ahead of our clash with the Robins, we’ll be bringing you all the build-up via our live blog with any pre-match content.

Video highlights will be available on club channels after the full-time whistle, along with all post-match reaction.

Martin on his reflections on the Arsenal game after looking back this week…

“I thought we were good in the first half. We broke through their pressure well and progressed up the pitch effectively. There were moments where we could have been a little cleaner, but compared to previous performances against them, we knew we needed a reaction - and I certainly got that with and without the ball. In the second half, we could have been more proactive at times. We had chances where we needed to be more ruthless. We also need players to be braver and take shots instead of always looking to assist, but that comes with confidence and belief. Overall, I think we deserved a point and maybe could have nicked it at the end with a couple of chances and breakaways. But I was pleased with the response and felt the performance warranted something from the game.

On the record-breaking attendance at Brisbane Road and the strong following away from home…

“The fans have really bought into what we’re trying to do and the direction we’re going. Even away from home they’ve supported us well. London City was a big turning point - from start to finish, we out-sang and out-cheered the home team. Then, against Arsenal, having over 7,000 in the ground was a great feeling for the players and for me. The visibility and connections are there, and we want to keep bringing those fans back and attracting new ones. It’s important for pushing the team and women’s football forward, and for generating bigger attendances.”

On Bristol City and what to expect…

“They’ve done well and recruited extremely well over the summer, and I expect they’ll strengthen again in January. I’ve worked with Charlotte (Head Coach) before, and many of her players have either been at WSL level or have been successful elsewhere - players like Sophie Ingle and Vicky Losada. They have young, hungry players in their frontline and they’re pushing the top end of the Championship. They’ve had a good run and they’ll want to derail us in this competition.

“Charlotte’s [Healy] teams are well organised and efficient. They like to play forward and be direct. Defensively, they’re resilient and tough to break down. They’ve played in two systems this season, so we need to be aware of that. It’ll be a tough game; she’s a good coach with good players and staff. We need to be prepared and take the game seriously.”

On whether he will rotate the squad for the competition…

“I’ll always put out the team I believe can win the game. I don’t take any competition lightly. I’m a serial winner - I want to win. Rotating for the sake of it doesn’t show respect to the opposition. The team that I feel will win the game will play. That builds competition within the squad and strengthens belief. If opportunities arise in the game for players to start or come on, I’ll take them - but only when it’s right.”

On whether he will be watching the Men’s north London derby after the game…

“Yes, absolutely. I watch all of the Men’s games and get to a lot of them in person. I have a lot of time for Thomas [Frank], his staff, and the players. They’re in a good position, and I think they’ll go into the derby with belief and confidence.”

On working with Charlotte Healy together at Manchester United…

“Charlotte is still early in her career in England, but she has huge potential. She’s hardworking and committed, and I respect her a lot. She sees the game well and understands how she wants to play. She can go a long way in the game.”

On Olivia Holdt’s recent performances…

“Olivia is very important - as is every player - but she brings something different. She’s a maverick: technically gifted, tactically smart, with outstanding vision. She draws pressure and creates space for others. She’s been a real force going forward and has created many chances. We need to keep helping her evolve. I believe in her ability and hope she continues to progress, including with the national team.”

On what difference winning this competition would make for the team…

“It would be huge. It would give belief not only to the players but also to the club, staff, supporters, and community - reinforcing that we belong at the latter stages of major competitions. Winning breeds confidence, and confidence can take you far. Whether it's this competition, the FA Cup, or the league, they all matter. If we’re willing to do the hard yards, we put ourselves in the best position to reach finals and win.”

Signe Gaupset First Day  Tottenham Hotspur

New signing Signe Gaupset spoke of her excitement for the next step in her career – and the role that Head Coach Martin Ho played in her move.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder will join us from SK Brann on 1 January, 2026, embarking on a new chapter in the early stages of her career - albeit one that is already very storied with success in both domestic and international football.

Since making her senior debut for the Bergen side at 16-years-old, she has gone on to win the Toppserien twice as well the Norwegian Cup, while shed was named the league’s Player of the Year for 2025.

Now she is set for a new challenge as she becomes a Lilywhite player this winter and reunite with Martin, who was her Head Coach at Brann for two years before his move to north London in the summer.

“When I have been speaking to people at the Club, the project and everything around it, it just seems really good. This is a good place for me to be a better footballer, to develop more and be as good as possible.

“I know him [Martin] as a coach and he is really good, so it has been important for me, and I kind of know what to expect. We worked really good together. He demands a lot, but I like that. I think he can get even more out of me.”

Asked about what we can expect from her on the pitch, she added: “I would say I’m an offensive player. I like to create in the final third, scoring goals and creating assists. But I just want to have fun. I feel it comes naturally – all I want to do is score and help the team to win, so you have to play forward.”

A creative and goalscoring playmaker, she has shone on the international stage, notably in Euro 2025, where she bagged a brace and registered an assist in a 3-0 win over Iceland – a moment which propelled her into the European spotlight.

“That was a really huge moment,” she told us, reflecting on her two goals at the tournament. “I would have never dreamed of doing something like that. It was really fun and great to have my family in the stands – it was special.

“The first one was from a corner. I wasn’t marked and it was a good corner, so I volleyed the ball into the bottom corner. The second one was more shooting and hoping for the best. It was such a good experience to help the team as well.”

Our Premier League campaign resumes after the international break on Sunday afternoon with a trip to Arsenal (4.30pm UK).

Here's all you need to know ahead of the first competitive north London derby of the campaign...

What time does the match start?

The game begins at 4.30pm UK time.

How can I watch the game?

Supporters in the UK will be able to watch the action live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.

If you’re following us from overseas, check out our Spurs on TV page to see if the game is live in your area.

Our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app will bring you full live text and audio commentary throughout the match, while video highlights will be available on club channels from two hours after the full-time whistle, with a full match replay on SPURSPLAY from midnight.

What is the team news?

Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani and Pape Matar Sarr are all back in training and available for the derby on Sunday.

Lucas, Archie and Mo all missed game time prior to the international break while Randal was forced off against Manchester United last time out with a jaw injury, which will require him to wear a protective mask for a while.

Pape took a knock on international duty for Senegal but Thomas Frank reported on Friday that all five would be available to face the Gunners.

Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma remain sidelined.

After picking up an injury on duty for Brazil, defender Gabriel Magalhães misses out for Arsenal, joining Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres in the treatment room.

Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt after returning early from international duty with Italy.

Who is the referee?

Michael Oliver will referee the game on Sunday, assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring.

Michael Salisbury will be the fourth official, with Stuart Attwell and assistant Constantine Hatzidakis on VAR duties.

We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for Signe Gaupset to join us from SK Brann on 1 January, 2026, subject to international clearance and work permit.

The highly rated 20-year-old Norway international has agreed a long-term contract and will wear the number eight shirt.

Signe Gaupset, said: “When I have spoken to people at the Club, the project and everything around it, it just seems really good. This is a good place for me to be a better footballer, to develop more and be as good as possible.

“I know Martin [Ho] as a coach and I know what to expect. We worked really well together. He demands a lot, but I like that, I think he can get even more out of me.”

Our Head Coach Martin Ho, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Signe to Tottenham Hotspur and to bring a player of her calibre into our environment. She is a terrific person before anything else, and an exceptional footballer whose professionalism, ambition and personality will strengthen our squad.

“Signe offers genuine invention in possession, explosiveness in duels and a top-level ability to shift momentum in 1v1 moments. She has the intelligence to connect the game, the athleticism to drive forward with purpose, and the mentality to influence the standards around her. These are qualities that align fully with the identity we’re building and the demands of our style.

“A player with her potential naturally attracts attention, so we’re incredibly proud she chose our project and believes in the direction this team is going. We’re excited for everything she will bring to Tottenham Hotspur Women.”

An attacking midfielder that can operate centrally and in wide positions, Signe’s youth career was spent at Rival and Molde before joining IL Sandviken in 2021 – now known as SK Brann – where she made an instant impact in senior football, scoring on debut at 16 in a 2-0 win over Asane in the Norwegian Cup, and played 10 times in her maiden campaign.

Signe’s breakthrough moment came in 2022 when she inspired the Bergen side to claim the Norwegian Cup with a brace in a 3-1 win over Stabaek. The following season, under Martin Ho’s leadership, the young midfielder shone in the UEFA Women’s Champions League at just 18 years old, notably scoring a last-minute equaliser in a draw with Lyon in the group stage to help Brann progress to the knockouts for the very first time.

Comfortable operating with both feet, Signe contributed with seven goals in the 2024 season as Brann finished second in the table. Her best goalscoring campaign came this term in the Toppserien, netting 15 goals and registering 12 assists in 26 appearances to help them claim their second league title, and was named the league’s 2025 Player of the Year for her standout displays.

On the international stage, she made her senior debut for Norway against Croatia in February, 2024, before being named in Gemma Grainger’s squad for EURO 2025. She made three appearances in the tournament and bagged a brace against Iceland in the group stage, with her performances seeing her nominated for the Golden Girl Trophy.

Our Premier League campaign resumes on Sunday afternoon with a trip to Arsenal (4.30pm UK).

Here's how you can watch the first competitive north London derby of the campaign....

What time does the match start?

We get underway at 4.30pm UK time at Emirates Stadium.

How can I watch the game?

Sunday's match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Supporters based overseas are advised to check our Spurs on TV page to see if the game is live in your area.

As always, our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app will bring you full live text and audio commentary throughout the contest.

Video highlights will be available on club channels from two hours after the full-time whistle, with a full match replay on SPURSPLAY from midnight.

All Season Ticket Holders can now apply online or by submitting an application form, which can be obtained from the Ticket Office, no later than 5pm on Monday 24 November.

Digital Tickets

For this fixture we will be issuing our allocation as digital tickets.

As for home games, a link will be sent to the assigned supporter via email to download their ticket to their Apple/Google Wallet. This link will be sent to the individual successful Season Ticket Holder and not to the lead applicant.

Any supporter who is successful with their application and who does not have a compatible device will be able to submit a request to receive a paper ticket. These requests will be monitored, and the ticket may only be available to collect on the day of the fixture at Selhurst Park on production of photographic ID.

Thomas Frank spoke to the media at Hotspur Way on Friday, ahead of the first north London derby of the season at the Emirates on Sunday (4.30pm UK).

Here’s what he had to say...

What's the latest on Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani? Also, how is Dominic Solanke?

Thomas: “Pape trained today, he's ready, available. Lucas trained today, ready, available. Kolo Muani, yes, trained today, available. Of course, he will have a mask that he will need to play with. Dom is not ready yet. I think he also had an article recently where he spoke about it. We are very, as I said, aware that when we put him out there, we want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that there is no setback going forward. I'm confident he will soon be ready, but I will not put a time frame on it.”

When you took this job, did you know about the importance of this rivalry and how excited are you?

Thomas: “Super excited. Of course, before I stepped into the club, of course, I knew about the north London derby, but it's when you are in it, you sense it and feel that this is important. You feel it from the fans, you feel it from the staff members, the players, the people that have been working here for years. This is the big one. I always say the next game is the most important game and we always have that, but I'm very, very, very aware there are two games in a year that are even more important - and this is the first of them. We are ready, we are up for it, we are looking forward to it and we will do everything we can to win.”

Mikel Arteta was appointed six years ago - do you envisage it taking six years to get the squad you want here, or could it be done in less?

Thomas: “I think it's a good example of a club that sticks to the process. I know it's Mikel in charge, me in charge, but there are so many more people working, but sticking to what we believe in over a longer period. I think six years... it’s very rarely you get that wrong in football. I also think it's fair to say that it took probably three seasons for Arteta, so the fourth season, that's where he competed now, is in the seventh season. So, he's really, really ready to compete in his fourth season. So, that's how you should see it. And then we know the difference between having ultimate success to win something or not is like ‘this’ - and you need margins, but the process is the most important thing.”

You have a book coming out soon - can you tell us about the day where you had meetings with Chelsea and Manchester United?

Thomas: “Yeah, I think you're, of course, very aware that when you decide to make a book, there will be things in it that can be interesting. That's definitely one of the things that day… it was a special day, but I think it was the context of what is it I wanted to do the next step or can't choose everything, stay long for Brentford, do something else and then there was this special day with meeting with two big clubs. That is history. I'm here now, another massive club. I'm very happy here and I'm looking forward to Sunday.”

Spurs are unbeaten away this season, yet have only won once (in the PL) at the Emirates - how do you balance the confidence of the recent form with the reality of that history?

Thomas: “I think I definitely look more into our, how can you say, away form. I’m very confident in the team going into the game on Sunday. Big respect against a good team. Currently we can't run away from that, even though we don't like it, but Arsenal are at the top of the table, quite a distance. They've been good for a few years, but we need to do everything we can to turn that around. It's one game on Sunday, one game where I'm convinced that we will compete and we’ll do everything we can to beat them.”

Arsenal have scored most goals from set-pieces this season - how does that challenge motivate you?

Thomas: “That's a big challenge. I think we hold the record of the fewest goals conceded from set-pieces. So, that's not a bad stat either. There's no doubt that one of the battles we need to win in this game, to win the game, is the set-piece battle. Can we win that battle? If we can, we're halfway there. They're strong, we're strong. That will be a battle in itself. Then there's a lot of other battles, the high pressure, the defending, the building up and all that, but the set-pieces will be a battle.”

What is the key to creating chances against a defence that’s been so hard to open up?

Thomas: “Yeah, they've been good. We trust that we can score goals there. I think it's also fair to say on the road we've been quite good to do that. I think the more we can make them a little bit disorganised, which will be a challenge, the better. That's what we'll try to do.”

Can I ask about three defenders – Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies and Kota Takai? Where are they all at in their fitness levels?

Thomas: “Yeah, Radu, very happy. He's probably been at it for a couple of weeks now, full training, full in, everything. With the team, played his first 45 minutes in nine months, something like that, last Wednesday, very happy with that. He trained fully today. Now he's definitely getting very close to being able to be selected, it's just a matter of performance and probably just a few more game minutes to be fully available. Kota and Ben both trained with the team today, first time so that's also positive.”

How far away is Archie Gray?

Thomas: “He trained with the team as well.”

So, you’re getting to the stage now where you're actually getting bodies back...

Thomas: “Yeah, exactly. Now I need to make difficult decisions!”

Brennan Johnson scored a lovely goal in the international break - how important is that for him?

Thomas: “I think every player is a confidence player. Some need it more than others, but everyone needs that confidence. We all know if we are a little bit more confident, it's easier to turn forward, to play forward, to run forward, to trust yourself, don't even think, it's just intuitive when you make your decision or your movement. Very happy for him. I think Brennan has had some very positive performances - Copenhagen - all the positive things in them, United, now comes on the back of a good game for Wales.”

You spoke about the United and Chelsea talks on the same day. How different was the Spurs conversation you had later on?

Thomas: “In a way, they are a little bit similar. You speak to people and present what you would like to bring to the club. So, there's a lot of similarities in that sense.”

The perception of the north London derby is probably one of the best in the league. There's chaos, drama, red cards - now you're going to be in the thick of it. What is your perception of the derby before you take it on?

Thomas: “The interesting thing is that probably both Mikel and I would like a little bit more of a controlled game, but it will probably end up absolutely madhouse - very, very enjoyable to watch for the outside people or fans. I expect a difficult game, of course, but a game that can go anywhere. Everything can happen in that game. In games like that, everything also evens out a little bit more because it's so competitive. The atmosphere in the stadium, it doesn't matter if we play away or at home, is intense. So, just really looking forward to it. I know we'll be ready and we're looking forward to it.”

Do you just think, 'I'm going to have to embrace the chaos' or will a 0-0 draw will be a good result? How will you go into it as a manager?

Thomas: “I’ll definitely embrace controlled chaos or chaos we like to create, if that makes sense, because I think chaos is also good. You can also be too disruptive, too fixed, stop-start. So, we need a bit of chaos. I think we all need that. Chaos is transitions. Chaos is high pressure, you win it. Chaos is set pieces, second phase. And all those elements are areas we would, of course, like to exploit if we can in that situation. And by the way, we never go for a 0-0. Maybe it will end 0-0, but we will always try to win. Always, always, always.”

What makes the two set piece coaches – Andreas Georgson and Nicholas Jover at Arsenal - stand out as probably the best set piece coaches in the league?

Thomas: “That's very simple - I educated both of them in Brentford! They were both in Brentford. I worked with Nicolas for maybe almost three years, I think, very good guy, good coach. Same with Andreas. I worked with him also in Brentford and now again here. I think maybe some of it is actually the bit we did in Brentford where we really laser-focused on it and really used a lot of time, made both of them to excel to a high level.”

Is Mo Kudus available?

Thomas: “He trained today as well. So that was good.”

You played three at the back a lot of times in your previous matches against Arsenal – what is about that formation against Arsenal in particular that you liked in those games?

Thomas: “I think back then, as I said, it was a little bit different. What I did in the first three years in the Premier League with Brentford was more or less as a go-to. We played a 3-5-2 against the top six teams. But I actually changed that last year to play more 4-2-3-1 like we do now. So, it's not just especially against Arsenal, it's against Liverpool, City and Tottenham.”

Have you sat down with Vinai Venkatesham – someone who knows Arsenal very well – and taken any nuggets from him?

Thomas: “No, not really. I have the biggest respect for Vinai. I think he's a top CEO in many ways. Of course, when you are CEO in a football club, you are also speaking about football stuff, but Vinai is a clever guy, so you also know when not to speak about football or when to speak about football. I think this is one of those moments.”

Do you already sense that there are certain players that probably aren't going to be here in the long run and you will need to move them on?

Thomas: “I think it's natural. If I'm here in six years' time, it will be a completely different squad. It's just natural. Some will be sold, some will develop, some will maybe not develop as much as you want to. So, I think that's a natural thing. It's not like I'm going to say and take my decision on him and him needing to leave now, but of course during the Spring we'll look into that, which is natural in terms of developing a squad.”