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Tottenham Hotspur have come under scrutiny following their 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Arsenal over the weekend.

Manager Thomas Frank has rightly borne most of the blame. His tactics have been questioned, and his constant chopping and changing is also an issue.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea have made more changes to their starting XI this season than Tottenham.

According to journalist Matt Law, Tottenham officials fear he is making life hard for himself by making too many changes to his team.

Some Spurs players reportedly also want the manager to focus on their strengths rather than the opposition.

The Tottenham hierarchy is backing Frank and will give him enough time to transmit his ideas. There are no plans to sack him.

Tottenham lacks identity

The deeper issue isn’t the rotation, it’s the absence of a clear, cohesive tactical identity.

Chopping and changing only becomes a problem when there’s nothing solid underpinning it, and Frank’s approach feels far too reactive.

Tottenham adjust to opponents instead of imposing themselves, drifting from game to game without a recognisable structure or attacking blueprint.

That is why the football looks muddled and why players are asking for a system that maximises their strengths rather than masks their weaknesses.

Until Tottenham define who they want to be on the pitch, no amount of team stability will fix the underlying drift.

Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze became the fourth player in history to score a hat-trick in the North London derby after helping the Gunners to a 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 27-year-old was in fine form against Spurs, and while his work ethic has impressed the coaches at Arsenal, patience has been required since his move from Crystal Palace.

Eze did not spend pre-season with the Gunners, which has made taking in all manager Mikel Arteta’s complex tactical instructions tricky.

The Spaniard’s instructions involve a lot of messages, and Arsenal staff believe Declan Rice also initially struggled with them in 2023, only taking his game to another level after Christmas when he had fully internalised the tactical demands of the Gunners boss.

One of many reasons that Arteta adores Jurrien Timber is because he got it all straight away, according to the Independent.

Arsenal academy graduate Max Dowman is said to be the same, but it is understandably rare.

Eze is starting to fully understand what Arteta wants from him, and staff believe the Spurs game was when things clicked for him.

He was free to play how he wanted at Palace as he was their most talented attacker and they played differently compared to Arsenal.

However, the England international needs to be absolutely efficient with attacking touches at the North London club as needlessly losing possession affects the structure of the team.

Eze has taken time to understand what Arteta demands of him, and his performance yesterday will be referenced for the rest of his career and afterwards.

Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday before a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Sunday.

The Gunners attacker will be looking forward to impressing in those games and maintaining his form going forward, which would not be a problem as long as he keeps doing what Arteta wants.

Tottenham Hotspur have now turned their attention to FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa in their search for a prolific goalscorer, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal yesterday, and manager Thomas Frank is desperate to bolster his attacking ranks in January.

Spurs have already been linked with Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo ahead of the winter transfer window.

However, they could look to sign a number 9 instead, with Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys and Richarlison all struggling in the absence of the injured Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham see Aghehowa as the perfect striker for their system and style of play under Frank and could soon launch a move for him.

However, it is unknown whether they have plans to pursue the 21-year-old in January or wait until the summer to have a realistic chance of landing him.

Aghehowa has nine goals and one assist in 15 appearances this term after ending last season with 27 goals and three assists in 45 games.

The 6ft 4in Spaniard has been involved in 40 goals since last term and could be perfect for Spurs.

His impressive form has earned him regular call-ups with his country of birth, with four caps to his name since his debut last year.

A move to the Premier League could appeal to Aghehowa, and Tottenham could do with such a player as they have not been able to replace the goals of Harry Kane since he left.

He has been in fine form in front of goal in the Portuguese top-flight but whether he can replicate it in the Premier League is another matter entirely.

Aghehowa is a very physical and strong player who should take to the Premier League like a duck to water, with his finishing, through balls and ability to play key passes some of the skills Spurs need in a forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to take on Arsenal in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

After collecting just one point from their last two Premier League games (D1, L1), Tottenham are hoping to get back to winning ways, although they have a daunting task ahead.

Tottenham have slipped down to eighth place in the Premier League table after Saturday’s fixtures, although a win against Arsenal will catapult them back into the top four.

However, they must achieve a feat they haven’t managed in 15 years – beating Arsenal at the Emirates.

After a dramatic 3-2 victory against the Gunners in November 2010, Spurs have failed to pick up a win on Arsenal’s turf in their following 14 attempts (D5, L9).

How Tottenham could line up

Thomas Frank was handed a massive boost this past week with five players returning to the fold and in contention to feature against Arsenal.

The Danish manager has admitted that he now has to make some tough choices, although Guglielmo Vicario is expected to retain his place between the sticks.

The manager may stick with Djed Spence at left back. Spence has been impressive for Spurs this season, although Destiny Udogie offers a better balance to the backline.

Spence, who has scored and provided an assist across his last two appearances, will likely get the nod once again, lining up alongside Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro.

Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr should add physicality to the midfield, while Wilson Odobert is handed a rare Premier League start on the left flank.

The 20-year-old hasn’t started for Spurs since last month’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

However, he has earned a chance to impress from the start after picking up a goal and an assist in his last two games.

He’ll be looking to cause the Arsenal backline plenty of problems alongside Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus while Richarlison leads the line.

Predicted XI;

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

They wanted the Ghana international last summer and have recently been credited with an interest in him.

Semenyo has a £65 million release clause in his contract, which can be activated during the winter transfer window.

“It is applicable immediately, so the January transfer window,” Ornstein said concerning his release clause.

“Some people suggested it was only available next summer, but no, in January it becomes live for a certain period of time.

“Which I imagine with these things is in around the first ten days of the window, and that gives a couple of weeks for Bournemouth to find a replacement.

“Bournemouth accept he wouldn’t have signed the new deal if they hadn’t agreed to this. My understanding is it is available to all clubs, not just certain suitors.”

Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham have all been heavily linked in recent days and weeks.

Spurs signed Semenyo’s international teammate Mohammed Kudus last summer, but remain keen on him and could make a move.

They need more depth in attack as they challenge in three competitions during the second half of the season, and signing the 25-year-old would be huge.

He has continued his brilliant form this term, bagging six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances. He tallied 13 goals and seven assists in 42 games last season.

Tottenham Hotspur have been without Dejan Kulusevski this season as they await his recovery from the surgery he had in May on his right patella.

Spurs have missed the Swedish playmaker who delivered 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances last term. He is edging closer to a return, according to Sweden manager Graham Potter.

Potter said (via Fotbollskanalen): “Dejan is taking steps forward. He was happy with where he is in his rehabilitation.

“It’s in Tottenham’s hands, and his. But he was feeling good when I last spoke to him, and I look forward to seeing him, maybe at Christmas or around New Year.

“But he is in a good place, and he was happy with his rehabilitation last time we spoke. Then he was ready to take the next step.

“But there is no stress involved. He will do his rehab in a good way, and if he does that, I am pretty sure we will see him on the pitch soon.”

Kulusevski has been a massive miss for Tottenham, as the team has lacked his inspiration.

Big-summer signing Xavi Simons was meant to fill the gap but has struggled to acclimatise to the intensity of the Premier League.

Spurs fans will be hoping to have Kulusevski back soon. He could unlock a new dimension in attack. However, they will also have to be patient with Kulusevski.

Fans cannot immediately expect him to start delivering the goods after missing over six months of action, including pre-season.

The 25-year-old will take time to build some steam, and Tottenham fans must exercise patience as he finds his groove.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Randal Kolo Muani has trained in a mask he had fitted to help protect his jaw ahead of the derby against Arsenal on Sunday, according to the Telegraph.

The Spurs forward had to wear a specially fitted mask to protect his jaw after his injury against Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the international break.

Muani did not require surgery in a boost for the Lilywhites but it remains to be seen whether or not the club and the player believe he could feature against the Gunners.

Initial reports had suggested that the Frenchman could miss up to eight weeks, but Tottenham could have him available even this weekend.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank could do with such a boost as getting a result against Arsenal would be huge.

Tottenham have the best record away from home in the Premier League this term, but beating the league leaders at Emirates Stadium will not come easy.

Muani’s return to training is good news, and a late call would likely be made on his availability for the game.

The likes of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son once played for Spurs wearing a mask, and the France international could get the green light and wear one against Arsenal if he is fit enough to play.

Tottenham need their best players for such a huge game, but they may opt not to risk the Frenchman if it is not safe for him to feature.

Frank will have to choose between Richarlison and Mathys Tel to lead the attack if Muani is not available, and the Spurs boss will be praying Dominic Solanke returns to action sooner rather than later.

There is a possibility that Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard could be available for the Tottenham Hotspur game on Sunday, according to Hand of Arsenal.

Hand of Arsenal is a Gunners account and insider famous for breaking some major transfer news about the North London club and is followed by the likes of Dharmesh Sheth, Charles Watts, Miguel Delaney, Fabrizio Romano and Sami Mokbel on X.

They have proven to be a trusted source concerning all things Arsenal, and they have claimed this afternoon that it will be a late call for the Norwegian.

Odegaard has not played for the Emirates Stadium club since he was withdrawn against West Ham United on October 4.

He has missed seven games across all competitions for Arsenal since then and was not included in the Norway squad for the last round of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 26-year-old was not spotted in training yesterday and had appeared to be out of the North London derby.

However, Odegaard could get to play against Spurs and manager Mikel Arteta will be keeping his cards close to his chest in his press conference tomorrow.

The Gunners boss is not one to reveal the whole truth concerning the availability of injured players, and everyone will have to wait to see what happens on Sunday.

Sweden international striker Viktor Gyokeres remains a doubt for the game, while Germany international attacker Kai Havertz is out following a relapse.

Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli could be available for the game, with the latter spotted in training yesterday.

Arsenal will look to pick up all three points against Tottenham as they look to consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League table with a much-needed win.

Having Odegaard and others back for such a crucial game will be a huge boost for Arteta, and the Arsenal boss will be hoping for more injury boosts ahead of the festive fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has revealed that he is slowly edging closer to a comeback from a long-term injury.

The 28-year-old has played just three games for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium club this term, with his last appearance coming in the 2-0 win over Manchester City on August 23.

The Athletic claimed Solanke will not be available when Arsenal host Spurs on Sunday or for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Tottenham play next on November 29 when they host Fulham, and should the game come too early for him, a December return is guaranteed.

“It’s been very difficult,” Solanke told The Athletic earlier this month concerning his recovery.

“At first, I didn’t think I would be out for too long but we didn’t really understand the extent of the injury. I was trying to get back as quickly as I could but it didn’t happen, so I had to have surgery. Since then, I have been working to get back.

“I’m not putting a timeline on it because I’ve been telling everyone ‘I’m going to be back soon’ for the last few months. I’m taking it day by day but hopefully I won’t be much longer.”

Spurs have struggled in front of goal in the absence of Solanke, with Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Mathys Tel failing to step up.

The Netherlands international centre-back Micky van de Ven has been Tottenham’s highest goalscorer across all competitions so far in 2025-26, with six goals to his name.

That speaks volumes and Solanke will be raring to go once he returns to action as he dreams of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Tottenham striker was an unused substitute in manager Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia earlier this year in March.

The next international break is in March 2026 and Solanke has to make that squad if he wants to be at the tournament in June, and he has around three or four months of action to prove himself.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to hand midfielder Yves Bissouma a new contract to prevent him from leaving for free next summer, according to the Daily Mail.

His current deal with Tottenham expires at the end of the season, and the club is ready to exercise the one-year option to preserve his value if they cannot sell in January.

However, it is worth noting that Spurs activated this clause in Son Heung-Min’s contract before his eventual departure in July.

All signs point to Bissouma never playing for Spurs again, but they want insurance.

The 29-year-old was poor last season, and many expected he would be sold this summer, but he stuck around because clubs weren’t willing to take the punt on him.

He failed to convince Spurs boss Thomas Frank this season and angered the Danish tactician by coming late to one too many team meetings.

He was dropped for the Super Cup final and has been injured since, leaving him unable to feature for the North London club.

Tottenham will listen to offers for Bissouma in January, with Fulham showing interest in signing him, although they will be disappointed they couldn’t snap him up for free.

Still, the decision to trigger the extension carries its own risks.

Bissouma attracted virtually no serious suitors when Spurs were prepared to offload him for a modest £10 million, and there is no guarantee that the situation has changed.

If clubs were unwilling to gamble on him at that price, they may be even more hesitant now, given his recent form, disciplinary issues, and injury record.

Tottenham may hope the extra year protects his value, but it could just as easily leave them saddled with a high-earning squad player they cannot shift.

With Bissouma on a sizeable salary and little evidence of a market developing for him, Spurs could find themselves stuck with an unwanted asset.