Tottenham Hotspur

Guglielmo Vicario was the hero as we scrapped it out for a point as it ended goalless against AS Monaco in MD3 of the UEFA Champions League at Stade Louis II on Wednesday night.

The goalkeeper produced a string of saves - three right out of the top drawer - to keep the home side at bay. Indeed, eight of Monaco's 23 efforts were on target and Vicario saved them all to maintain our unbeaten record in the league phase of the competition.

The highlights were a tip around the post to deny Folarin Balogun in the first half and a point-blank block to keep out Jordan Teze's header in the second half.

Having soaked up all that pressure, we had the chance to snatch all three points in the final minute as Pape Matar Sarr broke away and squared for Brennan Johnson, who didn't get hold of his effort.

Instead, the scoreline represents our first goalless draw in 125 matches in all competitions - the last at home to Milan in the UCL Round of 16, second leg back in March, 2023.

Thomas Frank made three changes to the team that started against Villa on Sunday as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison came in for Djed Spence, Xavi Simons and the ineligible Mathys Tel. Micky van de Ven retained the captain's armband in the absence of Cristian Romero. Folarin Balogun replaced Mika Biereth up front in Monaco's only change.

The home side created the better chances in the first half but came up against Vicario in inspired form - fine saves to twice deny Balogun, the first was good, a one-on-one block in front of goal after 28 minutes, the second was better, quickly down to his left to tip around the post from close range eight minutes. Gray also blocked from Magnhnes Akliouche and Ansu Fati appeared caught between a shot and cross after breaking into the box from the left.

At the other end, Wilson Odobert and Mo Kudus probed away down both flanks and our best chances came from crosses. Van de Ven flew into the near post to meet Odobert's cross, but could keep his header on target and it was the same outcome when Kevin Danso climbed well to meet Kudus' cross just before half-time.

The pattern continued in the second half as the Ligue 1 side stepped up a gear. Vicario's first save of note of the half arrived on 67 minutes, turning away Aleksandr Golovin's curler. Thilo Kehrer then headed inches wide, arguably the best chance of the game.

Vicario's best save arrived on 74 minutes when he made himself big to make a reaction block from Teze's point-blank header. Takumi Minamino, the former Liverpool midfielder, arrived off the bench and had three chances of varying difficulty in as many minutes - failing to hit the target with all three.

Into the final minutes, Akliouche was just wide from distance and then the chance we'd waited for. Randal Kolo Muani sent Pape Matar Sarr away down the left, he rolled into Johnson, who somewhat scuffed his effort from 12 yards.

Sophie Jackson celebrated her debut for England Women’s Under-19s on Wednesday afternoon with a clean sheet in a 6-0 win at Estonia in the opening game of their UEFA U19 Euro qualifiers.

Our Academy graduate, who received her maiden call-up last week, started between the sticks for the Young Lionesses as they ran out comfortable winners in Tallinn, Estonia, to kick start round one of qualifying with a perfect start.

Although the young shot stopper wasn’t tested much in the contest, she was composed on the ball when asked and always looking to build up play from the back.

Lauren Smith’s side resume their round one of qualifying for next summer’s Under-19 European Championship on Saturday (25 October) as they face Greece in Tallin once again.

The Club will display the logo of international environmental protection initiative, Ant Forest, on the back of our match shirts for all remaining matches in this season’s UEFA Champions League, league phase - starting with tonight’s game away at AS Monaco.

Based in China, Ant Forest is recognised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and in 2019 was named amongst the UN Environmental Programme’s ‘Champions of the Earth’ – a flagship programme celebrating outstanding figures and organisations that have had a transformative impact on the environment.

Launched in 2016 by Ant Financial Services Group, Ant Forest is available via a mobile app and promotes greener lifestyles by inspiring users to reduce carbon emissions in their daily lives.

Users are encouraged to record their low-carbon footprint through daily actions like taking public transport, cycling, walking, recycling or paying utility bills online. For each action, they receive ‘green energy’ points and when they accumulate a certain number of points, an actual tree is planted. Users can view images of their trees in real-time via satellite.

The Ant Forest platform is also exploring innovative solutions to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of people across China by leveraging the power of digital technology.

Since its launch, Ant Forest has attracted over 500 million users, planted 100 million real trees in Northwest China covering a total area of 112,000 hectares, and protected a total area of 12,000 hectares of conservation land. Ant Forest has also helped create around 400,000 job opportunities and RMB 60 million (USD 8.4 million) in income by working with farmers to plant trees, develop organic agricultural products, and connect them with e-commerce platforms.

Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer, said: “As a Club recognised as the greenest in the Premier League through our years of environmental action and advocacy, we are proud to provide a truly global, high-profile platform of Champions League football to raise awareness of an initiative that has had such a transformative, positive impact on nature and the lives of so many people.”

We can confirm the starting line-ups and substitutes for our UEFA Champions League matchday three encounter with AS Monaco at Stade Louis II (9pm local time, 8pm UK).

Thomas Frank has made three changes to the team that started against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison come into the team, with Djed Spence, Xavi Simons and the ineligible Mathys Tel making way.

Micky van de Ven continues as captain in the absence of Cristian Romero.

Here’s our full team…

Starting XI: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Danso, van de Ven (c), Gray, Bentancur, Palhinha, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert.

Substitutes: Kinsky, Austin, Spence, Byfield, Sarr, Olusesi, Xavi, Williams-Barnett, Johnson, Kolo Muani, Scarlett.

AS Monaco line up as follows…

Starting XI: Kohn, Kehrer (c), Salisu, Caio Henrique, Diatta, Teze, Coulibaly, Ouattara, Fati, Balogun, Akliouche.

Substitutes: Stawiecki, Lienard, Golovin, Mawissa, Biereth, Idumbo, Minamino, Ilenikhena, Michal, Bamba, Cabral.

Our Academy made it three wins out of three in the UEFA Youth League after an all-action 4-2 win at 10-man Monaco on Wednesday afternoon.

We dominated the first half-an-hour at the Ligue 1 side’s impressive training facility in La Turbie and took the lead through Oli Irow’s angled finish. At that stage, we looked good value to win but we seemed to lose our momentum in the run-up to half-time and conceded to Joan Tincres either side of the break as Monaco took the upper hand.

You sensed the game was in the balance by that point, both sides having squandered chances, but when Elijah Upson scored an excellent header from a corner to level things up just before the hour mark, we established control once more and got ourselves back in front when Luca Williams-Barnett set up Tynan Thompson to lash home for 3-2.

Monaco substitute Kenan Moulangou was dismissed for a second bookable offence just afterwards, with Leo Black’s subsequent thunderous strike from distance setting the seal on another impressive overall display in the south of France.

More to follow...

Tickets are now on sale to 2025/26 Women’s Season Ticket Holders until 5pm on Monday 27 October. Women’s Season Ticket Holders will be able to purchase up to two tickets per Client Reference Number.

Any remaining tickets will go on General Sale, subject to availability, from 10am on Tuesday 28 October.

Tickets for this fixture will be sent via email and will be sent no later than 5pm on Thursday 6 November.

Jess Naz has been added to the England squad for their upcoming international friendlies this month.

The forward will join Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad for their fixtures against Brazil in Manchester on Friday (October 25) before taking on Charlotte Grant’s and Clare Hunt’s Australia side at Pride Park on Tuesday 28 October.

Earning her first maiden call-up to the senior squad in May, 2024, our number seven has since earned six caps and returns to the England set-up for the first time since April.

The 25-year-old has been an ever-present in Martin Ho’s starting XI to date, featuring in all eight games across all competitions.

Embarking on a new adventure is always a daunting experience, let alone half-way through a campaign, but after a full pre-season under her belt – Josefine Rybrink has certainly embedded herself into life in north London.

After spending her entire career in Sweden, with spells at Kungsbacka, Kristianstad and BK Hacken, where she made over 100 appearances for Getingarna in all competitions, the versatile defender made the decision to move out of her native country and join us in January, 2025.

Thrown straight into the action as a Lilywhite, making her debut just a few days after her arrival before completing six games in total for the rest of the term, the 27-year-old then experienced her first full pre-season with the Club – and she feels that has helped her feel right at home now in England.

“It was really nice for me to get a proper pre-season with the girls, and to have that time to reset and restart,” she said, speaking exclusively in the official matchday programme against Birmingham City. “It has been really nice, having those weeks of training and pre-season games.

“Coming in late in January, I only had a few months with the team and staff but it was filled with so many games and not a chance to really take time to settle. So, for me, it was really important to get a full pre-season - to get to know everyone better, build relationships with the staff and the girls. That time was really important for me.”

And ultimately that opportunity to forge relationships and feel more settled at the Club has helped the Sweden international to be part of a strong defence in the opening weeks of the Barclays Women’s Super League season.

Showcasing her versatility across the backline, predominately featuring at right-back, Josefine started in three of our opening four games in the WSL, helping us to preserve clean sheets in our first two matches – and Martin Ho was quick to praise the defender’s impact in the early parts of the season.

“It’s been a bit unorthodox with her in that position but, when you break that position down for her, it probably helps her see football in a different way,” Martin said, speaking ahead of our clash with Manchester City last month.

“Her ability with the ball is really good, she’s calm, composed and she’s very selective in how she plays and plays forward. Then, defensively, she’s got a bit of experience behind her, she’s progressive when she’s up close and switched on with the tactical side of the game.”

Reflecting on the campaign so far, she added: “It’s been good. It has gone really fast so far, but it’s been good - and intense, too. I feel like we’re taking steps every game we play and we’re going in the right direction every week. You can see that progress in the games as well.

“I think our mentality has been really strong. Protecting our goal is our main focus as defenders and everyone’s been eager to keep clean sheets. It’s something we all take pride in - from the forwards to the backline. Everyone contributes defensively and no matter who’s playing, we’ve all been doing a really good job.”

Following in the footsteps of her international team-mates – Amanda Nilden and Matilda Vinberg – Josefine becomes the latest Swedish player to step foot in the WSL – a dream that she always aspired to.

“It’s been a dream for a long time,” Josefine said. “The league’s been growing every year and seeing other Swedish players come here inspired me. Having the opportunity to play in the WSL - and for Spurs - has always been a dream.”

Now with over 200 senior appearances in her career, 146 of those coming in the Swedish top flight, Josefine was always destined to step out on the pitch as a youngster with her family being a key part in her journey – although she did explore a few other sports when growing up.

“I’ve always loved football,” she said. “My family is very sporty - my sister and brother both played football, so I’ve been playing sports since I was about five or six and I’ve loved it ever since.

“I played tennis, floorball, which is like hockey but indoors and not on ice - and handball, too. My family’s always been into sports, so it was natural to try everything when I was little, but football was always the one for me.”

Moving away from Sweden for the first time earlier this year to London, our number 16 has also been eager to feel right at home in the capital, spending large parts of her days off by heading into the city to explore – although she admitted there’s still plenty more to come in the next few months.

“I’ve realised how big London actually is,” she said, jokingly. “I love going into the centre on my days off with the girls and exploring new places. I really like the London life. I still have a few more places to visit! The girls have recommended places like Kensington - I’ve heard it’s really nice, but I haven’t been yet. That’ll be my next mission!”

"Monaco have just changed their manager and are missing some key players tonight, especially in midfield. However, a France international winger, a loanee from Barcelona and two ex-Arsenal strikers mean they do have firepower up front..."

Rob Daly, official club commentator, presenter and pundit

New face in the dugout...

Tonight’s hosts sacked head coach Adi Hütter during the international break after a run of just one win in five games. That’s despite the late rally to earn a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in their last Champions League outing - thanks to Eric Dier’s late penalty. Sébastien Pocognoli has arrived since - the man who guided Union Saint-Gilloise to league glory in Belgium last season. In his own words, the 38-year-old likes to dominate the game 'with and without the ball, with high pressing, counter-pressing, but also with control in possession'. Childhood friend Kevin Mirallas, formerly of Everton, is one of his assistants - while Pocognoli likes to play in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

Making a midfield...

A problem the new manager has, however, is the lack of available midfield options to bring that system to the principality just yet. Captain Denis Zakaria is currently in the middle of a two-month absence due to an adductor injury. Paul Pogba was expected to be available for the weekend game with Angers, but a minor thigh issue saw him miss that and tonight - having recently returned from his 18-month ban from football. Plus, Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara, international team-mate of Pape Matar Sarr, has been out for 13 games with an ankle issue.

Other absentees...

Eric Dier, deployed at centre-back since his arrival from Bayern Munich, can’t help make Pocognoli’s back three a reality due to an injury of his own. Even first-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is unavailable at the moment. “We look at the last game they played and then a lot of games from Union,” said Thomas Frank yesterday, on trying to work out what to expect from a side with a new boss. “We have, I think, a good idea of what they want.” Pocognoli went with a 4-2-3-1 system for the weekend 1-1 draw at Angers, conceding an equaliser five minutes from time - but the match provided a reminder of the attacking threats they possess.

Monaco's forward options...

Right-winger Maghnes Akliouche is a major threat cutting in on to his left foot to shoot. The 23-year-old came to the fore after his excellent winning goal against Barcelona last season doing just that - and has since broken into the France squad. They have two former Arsenal strikers on their books too - London-born Danish international Mika Biereth scored 13 times in 19 games last season after joining in January and relishes the physical side of the game. Folarin Balogun, meanwhile, came on at the weekend to collect a pass between centre-back and full-back to thump home the opening goal against Angers. There’s also Ansu Fati who, despite a challenging Brighton loan in 23/24, has shone with six goals in six games - mostly as a sub (321 minutes of football) as he works his way up to full fitness.

Spurs selection...

Given Monaco’s midfield issues, with full-back Jordan Teze starting as one of the holding two at the weekend, it will be interesting to see how Thomas Frank makes up his side tonight. Sarr and Lucas Bergvall may well be pushing for starts to freshen things up after both were used substitutes in the Villa defeat. Randal Kolo Muani made his Premier League debut at the weekend as he continues to return from a dead leg - and, as a player with great Ligue 1 experience with PSG and Nantes, it could be a good stage for him to get more minutes. There will have to be a change up front with Mathys Tel unavailable in the Champions League - a chance that could be taken up by Richarlison. At the back, however, there is less room for manoeuvring – with Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie joining Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai on the absentee list.

Watch | Thomas Frank and Kevin Danso pre-match in Monaco...

Kevin Danso has some fond memories at AS Monaco’s Stade Louis II and is determined to make more in tonight’s UEFA Champions League encounter.

Having spent over three seasons with Ligue 1 side RC Lens prior to joining Spurs – initially on loan – in February 2025, the centre-back – who is fluent in French – returns to the stadium where he made his full competitive debut for his former club and helped keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 away win.

Now part of a different team and competition as we make the trip to the French Riviera for Matchday Three in the League Phase, Kevin is hoping for the same outcome this time around to come away with three points but is wary of Monaco’s attacking threats.

When asked how it felt to be back at the place he made his maiden start in French football, the 27-year-old said: “Very, very good. It’s where I made my full debut in France. Good memories as well, we won that match, so hopefully that’s something we can do tomorrow night.

“[Monaco are a] Very good team. Offensively, they have a lot of creative players in their ranks, not just starters, players off the bench as well. We have to be strong defensively, like I feel we have been this season. Then we need to create, score and it’s a game we can definitely win.”

The Austria international has featured in both Champions League outings – off the bench to help see out the 1-0 win over Villarreal and a full shift in the 2-2 draw at Bodo/Glimt – yet has mainly been used as a substitute across his four Premier League appearances so far.

His first league start came in our 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last time out when he stepped in for Cristian Romero at the last minute after our captain picked up an unfortunate injury in the warm-up.

Despite the disappointing result, Kevin delivered a solid defensive display to limit our opponent to few clearcut chances with Villa scoring twice from outside the box to administer only our second league defeat this term.

Likely to start against Monaco with Cuti not travelling due to his minor injury, Kevin is always ready to step in to do the job required and is determined to use this opportunity to bounce back in the best possible way.

“That’s the aim, we want to get a clean sheet, win the game, take the three points home with us to put the result against Villa to bed,” he added.

“It’s very important [to be ready to play]. It’s part of being a professional, preparing the best way possible as you never know what’s going to happen in a game of football. That’s why I’m always going to be prepared to do the job that needs to be done.”