Tottenham Hotspur

The Dutch playmaker, who swapped Leipzig for north London in the summer, made his first league start since the beginning of March when Roberto De Zerbi drafted him in for the visit of our Head Coach's former side - and Xavi produced one his best displays in a Spurs shirt.

Playing just off the left but with the freedom to pop up in pockets across the pitch, the creative midfielder was everywhere for us and looked to make something happen every time he was on the ball.

It was no surprise that he ended up being involved in both of our goals - assisting the first with a delightful clipped ball over the top of the defence for Pedro Porro to head us in front in the first half, before he curled home from range to restore our lead in the second.

Our number seven could have even had another goal to his name in the first half had his precise effort shortly after the opener clipped the other side of the post.

Barely able to move come the end of the game as he tightened up with cramp, it was evident just how much he had given to the team across the 90 minutes.

So it was no surprise that he romped home with your votes for the Player of the Match crown in an exclusive poll ran on tottenhamhotspur.com and the our official app.

Taking 71 per cent of the vote, the Netherlands international stormed to the top of the chart, with Antonin Kinsky (eight per cent) and the returning Rodrigo Bentancur (seven per cent) his closest challengers.

In both scoring and assisting in the game, Xavi became our first player to complete that feat in multiple games in the Premier League this season.

Watch - Xavi's best moments against Brighton

Player of the Match | 2025/26

Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Spurs - Micky van de Ven

Spurs 3-0 Burnley - Richarlison

Manchester City 0-2 Spurs - Joao Palhinha

Spurs 0-1 AFC Bournemouth - Guglielmo Vicario

West Ham 0-3 Spurs - Lucas Bergvall

Spurs 1-0 Villarreal - Lucas Bergvall

Brighton 2-2 Spurs - Mohammed Kudus

Spurs 3-0 Doncaster Rovers - Joao Palhinha

Spurs 1-1 Wolves - Joao Palhinh

Bodo/Glimt 2-2 Spurs - Micky van de Ven

Leeds United 1-2 Spurs - Mohammed Kudus

Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa - Joao Palhinha & Mohammed Kudus

AS Monaco 0-0 Spurs - Guglielmo Vicario

Everton 0-3 Spurs - Micky van de Ven

Newcastle 2-0 Spurs - Brennan Johnson

Spurs 0-1 Chelsea - Guglielmo Vicario

Spurs 4-0 FC Copenhagen - Micky van de Ven

Spurs 2-2 Manchester United - Wilson Odobert

Arsenal 1-4 Spurs - Richarlison

PSG 5-3 Spurs - Randal Kolo Muani

Spurs 1-2 Fulham - Mohammed Kudus

Newcastle 2-2 Spurs - Cristian Romero

Spurs 2-0 Brentford - Xavi Simons

Spurs 3-0 Slavia Prague - Xavi Simons

Nottingham Forest 3-0 Spurs - Randal Kolo Muani

Spurs 1-2 Liverpool - Djed Spence

Crystal Palace 0-1 Spurs - Archie Gray

Brentford 0-0 Spurs - Micky van de Ven

Spurs 1-1 Sunderland - Ben Davies

Bournemouth 3-2 Spurs - Mathys Tel

Spurs 1-2 Aston Villa - Joao Palhinha

Spurs 1-2 West Ham - Cristian Romero

Spurs 2-0 Dortmund - Xavi Simons

Burnley 2-2 Spurs - Cristian Romero

Eintracht Frankfurt 0-2 Spurs - Xavi Simons

Spurs 2-2 Man City - Dominic Solanke

Manchester United 2-0 Spurs - Guglielmo Vicario

Spurs 1-2 Newcastle - Archie Gray

Spurs 1-4 Arsenal - Randal Kolo Muani

Fulham 2-1 Spurs - Richarlison

Spurs 1-3 Crystal Palace - Archie Gray

Atletico Madrid 5-2 Spurs - Pedro Porro

Liverpool 1-1 Spurs - Richarlison

Spurs 3-2 Atletico Madrid – Archie Gray

Spurs 0-3 Nottingham Forest – Archie Gray

Sunderland 1-0 Spurs – Antonin Kinsky

Spurs 2-2 Brighton – Xavi Simons

Player of the Match awards | 2025/26

The Dutch playmaker was central to what looked like being a crucial win in the Premier League until Brighton dug out a heartbreaking equaliser five minutes into the eight minutes of added time.

It was tough to take – not least for Xavi, who was at his best throughout, set up our opener for Pedro Porro on 39 minutes, hit the post and then fired home a beauty for 2-1 on 77 minutes, lifting the roof off in N17. Alas, it wasn’t to be as Georfinio Rutter provided the late, late show for Brighton to make it 2-2 on 95 minutes.

Speaking to us afterwards, Xavi said: “You could see the atmosphere in the stadium from the first minute. We, as players, we feel that as well.

“What I can say is that we are really working hard to get through this situation. New manager has come in, so we have to adapt on things, but what I can say, we're going in the right direction and we're going to work hard for sure. The fans were fantastic, and we have to keep working because we have to get through this.”

Reflecting further on the match, Xavi added: “We started really good, really aggressive as well. We wanted to play football, as the coach said, and enjoy the game.

“New coach coming in, new idea of playing football. It's a coach that really wants the ball, especially for me, it's something I really like and I think I can put my best game on it. Improving day by day with the ball is most important. Today we tried, and obviously, having that late goal... yeah, it hurts.”

The last 16 tie with the Foxes will take place at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium this Friday (24 April), kick-off 7pm UK.

As always, tickets are available in advance via Stevenage’s ticketing website or at the ground on the night, priced at £7 for adults, £5 for concessions and under-21s, and £2 for under-12s (when accompanied by an adult).

Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, extra time and then penalties if needed will take place to determine who advances to the quarter-finals.

Supporters unable to make it to Stevenage to attend the game in person will be able to watch the match live on SPURSPLAY.

We saw the best of the Dutch playmaker in our 2-2 draw against Brighton on Saturday.

Always looking to get on the ball and make things happen, Xavi provided the cross for Pedro Porro to open the scoring, hit the post moments later and then pinged home one of the goals of the season from 20 yards for a 2-1 lead, sparking scenes of jubilation in the stands. Unfortunately, maximum points were snatched away as Brighton levelled in the 95th minute.

Roberto had spells AC Milan and Napoli and won titles with CFR Cluj in Romania in his time as a professional before taking the first steps of his coaching career at Darfo Boario in Italy in 2013 and was delighted to see Xavi have such an influence in another vital game.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY afterwards, Roberto told us: “He’s lucky to work with me - not because I'm good, because I was number 10.

“What he thinks now, I thought 20 years ago. So, we have a special connection. I have a special connection with all number 10s I work with. I love a number 10. A number 10 has to understand that he has to score and he has to make assists, not just play to be nice to the people – goals and assists.”

Asked about Xavi’s performance in his post-match press conference, Roberto said: “He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."

We gave ourselves the worst possible start at Motspur Park as Kayleigh Stead fired the home side into the lead after just two minutes and in truth, we had to weather plenty of pressure for the remainder of the first period but remained defensively strong to keep them at bay.

With the deficit still at one heading into the second half, we needed a moment of quality to find the leveller and that came just before the hour mark, Ruby Gaitely’s excellent strike from distance finding the back of the net. However, with 12 minutes left to play, we were dealt a sucker-punch when Stella Gandee Morgan reinstated Fulham’s lead and ultimately earn her side a spot in the showpiece final against AFC Wimbledon.

While it wasn’t the result our young side wanted on the afternoon, there was plenty of positives to take from the competition, overcoming two senior opponents and going toe-to-toe with a soon-to-be tier three side in Fulham.

More details to follow...

The 20-year-old forward, who has spent the last few months back at his boyhood club after representing Doncaster Rovers during the first half of the campaign, saw his side cement an automatic promotion spot after Notts County’s defeat to Barnet on Saturday afternoon.

That result meant Bromley will play League One football for the first time in their history next season. Currently top of the fourth tier, they’ll secure the League Two title if they can hold onto that position for the remaining two matches of 2025/26.

Damola was a late substitute for the Ravens in their most recent game, a goalless home draw with Cambridge United on Thursday night. He’s made 11 appearances for Andy Woodman’s side so far.

Damola became the second of our on-loan players to see their side secure promotion this weekend after Yang Min-Hyeok’s Coventry City drew 1-1 at Blackburn Rovers on Friday evening to rubber-stamp their return to the Premier League. The Sky Blues currently lead the Championship standings and cannot mathematically finish any lower than second, meaning they’ll go up automatically after a 25-year absence from the top flight. Yang has made four appearances in all competitions for Frank Lampard’s side, but hasn’t featured for them since February.

Elsewhere, Yusuf Akhamrich scored for Bristol Rovers for the second game running to secure them maximum points at Tranmere Rovers in League Two on Saturday afternoon.

The attacking midfielder stepped off the bench in the 78th minute with the score at 1-1 at Prenton Park, and fired home six minutes later to ensure his side ran out 2-1 winners.

Yusuf has now scored six goals in 17 appearances for Bristol Rovers, who have won their last seven League Two matches in a row.

Here's what he had to say...

Roberto, your first point as Tottenham manager, but did that feel like a defeat?

Roberto: "Yeah, yes, because we played a good game. Brighton is a very good team. In this moment, they are playing very well, but I think we deserve to win the game, especially if you consider we conceded a goal in extra time when losing one ball in our possession. Anyway, I'm very proud for the performance of my players. I'm very proud because they gave, all of them, their best, with the right mentality, with the right blood, with the right character. We played well with the ball. We played maybe better in the first half without the ball, because in the second half we suffered too much with the ball possession, but in the first half, we regained a lot of ball. When we scored with Pedro Porro, we regained the ball very high, and I'm disappointed just for the result, for my players and for the fans, because it was an incredible atmosphere today. In a very tough situation, a very difficult moment, but the stadium was great, It was amazing."

Before the game you said you wanted Xavi Simons to score more, to assist more - he did both - how impressed were you with him?

Roberto: "He played very well, a great game. I think he can play better and better, because a player like this, he needs to feel confidence from the manager, and I stay here to transfer all the confidence he needs, because I was a player, I was number 10, and I think I know what he thinks, because I thought the same when I was a player. I think I'm lucky to have this player on my team, but also he's lucky because with number 10, I can understand better than other coaches."

Both of the goals you conceded were in extra time of the half - does that show an anxiety the players have?

Roberto: "I don't know. I didn't think like this. The first goal of Mitoma was incredible. The second goal, the ball possession was for us, because Danso - he played another fantastic game - but the ball was with Danso, he lost the ball and then we conceded a goal. I prefer to make mistakes with the personality to play, than to concede a goal without personality, without courage. Now we need courage, now we need to win the game and to win the game, we have to be positive and to play football with the ball and not stay just to defend with 11 players and go in counter-attack."

Do you feel more confident now?

Roberto: "Yes, I always thought and believed in the quality of the players. They played a good game, I think we can play better than today with much more quality and more calm, especially when we are in possession, but in this moment we need this spirit, this attitude and this mentality. It is not finished yet. We have another five games. It is tough. Every one of us knows it is a tough moment, a difficult situation, but we have another five games and 15 points. This team is able to win five games in a row. Now, it is difficult to hear my words, but if you watch the players and analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. Not to be arrogant, because I am not arrogant, especially now, but we have the qualities enough to fight and win games in a row."

How do you lift the players - they looked distraught at the end...

Roberto: "No, no. They have to follow me and listen to me. I am proud of their performance. They have to be stronger, focused and come to training ground on Monday afternoon with a smile otherwise they go home. I have no time to see negative people or to see sad players or sad assistants. No. We are lucky because we are working at a big club, a big stadium, we are working in Premier League and we have the qualities, the right qualities to win the game, so we have to be positive. I don’t like the people who cry and who thinks in negative way."

Is that the way you want see the team play from now on?

Roberto: “Yes, absolutely. They have to play like this and have to play showing what they are able to do on the pitch - enjoy with the ball, enjoy when they come to the training ground and to feel in confidence. I have to be good to transfer what I think and what I believe in my players because it is the truth and to prepare game by game."

For our penultimate home game of the season, we are back in N17 for the final time this term – having already faced Chelsea and Everton in north London – as we take on Manchester United on Sunday 26 April (kick-off 12noon UK).

Currently sitting fifth in the standings, we know that a victory would still see us match our best-ever points tally in England’s top flight (32 from 2021/22 campaign) while it will confirm our spot in the top five of the table with two games left to play.

So, as we look to finish the campaign on a high, why not head down to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to support Martin Ho’s side.

Since yesterday’s fixture against Brighton, which took place during the Premier League’s No Room For Racism weekend, Kevin Danso has been, and continues to be, subject to significant and abhorrent racist abuse on social media.

We have heard and seen vile, dehumanising racism. Behaviour that is without doubt a criminal offence. It will not be tolerated.

The club is taking immediate action. We are reporting all identified content to the Metropolitan Police and to the appropriate authorities in the country where perpetrators reside, as well as to relevant social media platforms. We will push for the strongest possible action against each and every person we identify.

Kevin has our complete and unconditional support as a player and as a person. No one at this club will ever stand alone in the face of this.

Nothing about form or league position can ever excuse or explain racist abuse. There is no connection between performance on the pitch and the right to target a player with discrimination. Criticism of performances is part of the game. Racism is not.

We work with specialist third parties dedicated to monitoring online abuse, investigating incidents and identifying perpetrators.

Abusers could face custodial sentences, football banning orders, criminal records, fines, community orders or police-mandated educational programmes. We have successfully secured criminal convictions following abuse of our staff and players, including individuals based overseas, and we have also issued indefinite Club bans.

We call on X, Instagram and all platforms to act quickly and decisively when racist abuse is reported. We also encourage anyone who sees abuse of this kind to report it directly to us at report@tottenhamhotspur.com so we can take the strongest possible action.

There is no place for racism at Tottenham Hotspur. There is no place for racism in football.

Jamaica needed a win against Guyana in the early hours of this morning and they made no mistake of that, running out as 2-0 winners to seal their spot at this year’s finals.

The experienced midfielder started the game as Khadija Shaw opened the scoring for their nation after just eight minutes. Shania Hayles then doubled their lead in the closing stages of the match, earning a perfect record in their qualifying group.

The Concacaf Championship finals will take place in November, 2026, with the Reggae Girlz set to face Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.