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Aston Villa secured all three points in their latest Premier League outing this weekend

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Aston Villa won 2-1 away at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. They fell 1-0 down early on after Rodrigo Bentancur’s goal for the hosts. The Midlands outfit fought back though to earn an impressive three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Morgan Rogers levelled things up for the visitors before half-time with a thunderous strike. Emi Buendia then came off the bench after the interval to score a late winner. Unai Emery’s men held on for the victory and have kept their recent momentum going.

Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers hailed

Rogers managed to get his first goal of the season in the league for Aston Villa against Spurs. It has taken the England international a while to get going in this campaign to date. The attacker will now be eager to add to his tally over the coming weeks and months.

Sky Sports’ Andy Hinchcliffe was impressed by his goal against Thomas Frank’s side and said: “Villa have struggled to break Tottenham down but in Morgan Rogers they have an individual who can turn a game in a split second. The way he manipulates this ball out of his feet to take it away from the goalkeeper. The strike is simply stunning. There’s pace on it, there’s dip. No chance for the goalkeeper. You’ve got to close down a player as good as this, a player who is in form as well. You have got to get closer than that. You give him sight of your goal and you’re going to get punished. Wonderful strike.”

Rogers, 23, made the move to Villa Park in January 2024 and has since become one of their key players. He is under contract until 2030 and they will be looking to keep hold of him for as long as possible. The former Manchester City man has scored 18 goals in 81 matches in all competitions to date.

What now for Aston Villa?

Aston Villa are on a roll right now and have risen up to 11th in the Premier League table. They have 12 points on the board from their first eight fixtures. Next up is a trip to Holland on Thursday to play Go Ahead Eagles in the Europa League.

Speaking after their victory against Spurs, Emery has said: “I’m very, very proud of every Aston Villa supporter, they are here with us, they support us and they were helping us. And, of course, I’m very proud of the work we did today. The players focused on the match, 90 minutes strongly.

“Even when we were losing, we didn’t lose our gameplan and progressively got better, feeling better. It was really a very good win. As well, confidence is coming, the confidence we’ll need for the next matches. And, of course, we continue being humble in our way, but getting better and trying to build the team, build our structure in everything – tactically, individually as well – in the way we did, in the way we have to.”

He added: added: “Today, we showed, we did one step forward more in our idea for this year how we want to build the team and how we want to be successful. We started poorly but now, progressively, we are getting better and this victory is very, very, very important for our confidence and for the players as well, how they play, perform and compete.”

Emi Buendia scored a late winner for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur down in London on Sunday afternoon. The Midlands outfit won 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to keep their recent upturn in form going. Unai Emery’s side fell 1-0 down early on after Rodrigo Bentancur’s opener.

They levelled things up before half-time through attacker Morgan Rogers. The visitors then brought on Buendia to mix things up going forward. The ex-Norwich City man, who spent time away at Bayer Leverkusen last season, then managed to find the net to earn his team an impressive three points.

Aston Villa are on a roll at the moment and are carrying momentum. There is a feel-good factor around Villa Park again and their fans are travelling back home now in good spirits. Here is a look at their player ratings from their victory against Spurs in their latest Premier League outing...

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action this weekend with an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur

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Aston Villa have seen an upturn in form over recent weeks as they look to keep their momentum going. Unai Emery’s side won 2-1 at home to Burnley last time out before the international break. Forward Donyell Malen managed to get himself on the scoresheet twice against the Clarets to help his side secure a useful three points.

The Midlands club are currently positioned in 13th place in the Premier League table after their first seven fixtures. They have nine points on the board from their first seven fixtures and will be eager to continue climbing up the division over the coming weeks. Emery’s men should be in confident mood ahead of this weekend.

Chris Sutton and Paul Merson drop Aston Villa score predictions

Aston Villa are back in action on Sunday afternoon with an away trip to Tottenham Hotspur. Their upcoming opponents won 2-1 against Leeds United in their last game at Elland Road. Thomas Frank was lured away from Brentford by Spurs this past summer and his team sit 3rd in the division behind Arsenal and Liverpool.

Former Villa striker Chris Sutton, who also had spells with the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Norwich City and Celtic, has shared his score prediction ahead of the match, as per a report by BBC Sport: “After a slow start to the season, Aston Villa are on a good run of results with four straight wins now. I am still not convinced by their performances, though, and this will be a good test of where Unai Emery's side are really at and whether they have actually turned a corner or not. I don't watch Tottenham and feel like they will score a barrel-load of goals, but they have got a good balance to their team and I am backing them to find a way to win this. Sutton's prediction: 2-1.”

Meanwhile, ex-Villa man Paul Merson has said, via Sportskeeda: “Aston Villa are finally starting to find some form after that nightmare start. The draw against 10-man Sunderland must have stung them quite bad, but since then there has been a solid uptick in form. The only concern for Villa would be the lack of clean sheets, they are still conceding goals.

“Tottenham are doing really well under Thomas Frank. We all know they won't win the league, but I also feel they are going a bit under the radar at the moment. What stood out for me is how they produced a comeback against Brighton. You don't see the Spurs teams of the past doing that to be honest.”

He added: “I believe Villa can get something out of this game. If Unai Emery's team play to their full potential, I don't think there will be much to separate these two sides. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Aston Villa.”

Can Aston Villa keep their momentum going in the Premier League?

Aston Villa made a slow start to his term but seem to have found their feet now. They are proving to be harder to beat and are looking more of a threat in attack. Emery will get the chance to bring in some more new faces when the January transfer window opens up for business.

In the meantime, he is stuck with what he has currently got available at his disposal. They are having to juggle their domestic duties with their Europa League campaign as well. Villa have done well in that competition for far and have won their first two outings against Bologna and Feyenoord respectively as they gear up for upcoming tests against Go Ahead Eagles and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Speaking after their victory over Burnley, Emery said: “I’m so happy. We were sad the last [international] break we had. We were focused on carrying on and working on some things we needed to improve. We needed to add in the squad players we signed in the last moment [of the transfer window], and the players reacted fantastic. They responded on the field and in the training session, demanding a lot and being so, so demanding in the necessary tactical work individually. They did it.”

Aston Villa face Tottenham Hotspur in their upcoming Premier League clash following the international break

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Aston Villa will be itching to return to action following the international break. The Midlands outfit hit some form before a large chunk of their players jetted off around the world for duty with their respective countries. Unai Emery will be hoping that his team can rediscover the momentum they were starting to build for themselves.

They are back in action this weekend with an away trip to London to play Tottenham Hotspur. Donyell Malen scored twice for them last time out as they ran out 2-1 winners against Burnley at Villa Park. Emery’s men are currently sat in 13th place in the Premier League table.

Will Ollie Watkins be fit for Aston Villa against Tottenham Hotspur?

Ollie Watkins: Aston Villa need to make checks on striker Watkins ahead of their clash against Spurs. The attacker was taken off against Wales in England’s last outing after colliding with the goal post and has since been sent home. The Three Lions went on to win 3-0 at Wembley and he managed to get on the scoresheet along with Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka.

He won’t be featuring in their upcoming match away at Latvia and will instead be looking to get back up to speed. England boss manager Thomas Tuchel has recently shared this latest update regarding his situation: “Instead of scoring, he injured himself unfortunately. It was such a big chance, an easy second goal for him. He was unlucky to hit the goalpost. It was very painful for him still and it's just not possible for him to train and also not to play. So, we sent him home.”

Expected return date: 19/10/2025

Aston Villa injury woes

Tyrone Mings: Aston Villa are without the defender due to a foot issue. The defender has made six league appearances so far this season. He has been with his current club since joining them back in 2019 from AFC Bournemouth. Expected return date: 23/10/2025

Emi Buendia: The attacking midfielder has enjoyed a new lease of life over recent times. He was loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen last winter after falling out of favour. The ex-Norwich City man has sustained a head injury recently and will need be assessed. Expected return date: 19/10/2025

Youri Tielemens: Aston Villa’s midfielder has suffered a setback on his road to recovery. He is set to remain in the treatment room for a further five weeks which is a blow. The 28-year-old is in the treatment room with a calf issue and probably won’t be seen until November now which isn’t ideal. Expected return date: 23/11/2025

Andrés Garcia: The 22-year-old winger has been struggling with his match fitness so far this term. It has taken him a while to get up to speed and Emery isn’t taking any risks with him. He moved over to England back in January and penned a long-term deal after catching the eye in his native Spain with Levante. Expected return to date: 19/10/2025

Aston Villa are back in Premier League action this weekend following the international break

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Aston Villa have seen an upturn in results over recent weeks following their slow start to the new season. They beat Burnley 2-1 at Villa Park last time out before the international break. Attacker Donyell Malen got himself on the scoresheet twice against the Clarets to help his side pick up a useful three points.

The Midlands outfit are positioned in 13th place in the Premier League table after two wins from their first seven fixtures. They are back in action this weekend as they look to keep their momentum going. Up next is an away trip down to London to play Tottenham Hotspur.

Aston Villa injury latest regarding Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa attacker Ollie Watkins was taken off in England’s last match against Wales after colliding with the goalpost. He managed to get himself on the scoresheet against Craig Bellamy’s side earlier in the game. Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka also bagged at Wembley as the Three Lions ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Watkins has since been sent home and won’t feature for his country against Latvia. Unai Emery will need to assess him over the coming days and decide whether he is fit to play against Spurs. Villa won’t want to take any risks with him and will only select him if he is fully available.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has recently shared this latest update regarding his situation: “Instead of scoring, he injured himself unfortunately. It was such a big chance, an easy second goal for him. He was unlucky to hit the goalpost. It was very painful for him still and it's just not possible for him to train and also not to play. So, we sent him home.”

What is Aston Villa’s best front three if Ollie Watkins is injured?

Aston Villa will have a decision to make on who to play in their front three against Spurs if Watkins is sidelined. Rogers should be in confident mood after his goal for England and will be looking to score some more goals in the league now. It has been a tough opening couple of months of the campaign for him.

Rogers, 23, is yet to find the net in the Premier League. Nevertheless, he still has plenty of time to turn things around and he should get the nod in the starting XI again against Thomas Frank’s side. He joined his current club back in January 2024 after catching the eye in the Championship with Middlesbrough and he has since become one of their most prized assets.

Evann Guessand was snapped up by Aston Villa in the last transfer window to bolster their attacking department. He gives them more competition and depth at the top end of the pitch. The forward was on the bench against Burnley but may well come back into the starting XI against Spurs.

The 24-year-old has taken a while to get going and will be hoping to get off the mark sooner rather than later. Prior to his transfer, he impressed with OGC Nice in Ligue 1 and fired 13 goals last term. As with many players from abroad, it takes time to adapt to life in England and fans need to be patient with him whilst he continues to find his feet.

Aston Villa’s swoop for Malen from Borussia Dortmund hasn’t quite gone to plan yet. The 26-year-old has struggled to truly make the impact he would have wanted to so far. However, his two goals against Burnley will have done him the world of good and he deserves to start against Spurs as he eyes more success in front of goal. Emery then has others to pick from off the bench like Emi Buendia and Harvey Elliott amid concerns over Watkins.

The latest injury updates from European hopefuls Tottenham and Aston Villa

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After winning all of their last four matches, things are finally beginning to look better for Aston Villa as they start to put the heartbreak of missing out on the Champions League and their subsequent PSR struggles behind them.

Villa have started their Europa League campaign in the exact manner you would expect a team led by a four-time winner to approach it. While they are also now up to 12th in the Premier League table after victories over Fulham and Burnley, leaving them within three points of a European position at this early stage.

Unai Emery’s side still have a bit of work to do if they are to be viewed in the same way as they were towards the end of last season when they went toe to toe with Paris Saint-Germain but the signs are positive and they can really start to think about Europe again if they can pick up all three points against a Tottenham side that have looked rejuvenated under new boss Thomas Frank.

Both sides know that a victory could play an important role in the race for European qualification in seven months time and it’s likely that the finest margins, including injuries could play a role in deciding this contest. With that in mind, we take a look at the early injury news from both the Tottenham and Aston Villa camps ahead of what promises to be an intriguing spectacle in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur injury news

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be without playmaker James Maddison for almost the entirety of the season after he sustained a damaging ACL injury. He’s unlikely to kick a ball until at least May, and would need a miraculous recovery to get back into contention for the World Cup in North America.

Maddison is joined in the treatment room by Dejan Kulusevski. The Swede has been a big miss for club and country in recent months with a knee issue, and won’t be back until mid-November. Dominic Solanke also misses out with a foot injury. He’s struggled with numerous issues throughout the campaign and is unlikely to play again until next month.

Yves Bissouma, who was heavily linked with a move away after failing to make the Champions League squad, also misses out. He’s not featured competitively since the Europa League final win and is currently nursing a knee injury, with no timeline on his recovery currently determined.

Randal Kolo Muani, who has had an injury-ravaged start to his Tottenham career, is a doubt with a thigh injury but is now showing positive signs of recovery. The same applies to Kota Takai, who is training with his new teammates after recovering from a foot problem. Defender Radu Dragusin, who sustained an ACL injury, is believed to be close to a return but this fixture is still expected to come too soon as he continues his rehab.

Aston Villa injury news

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is sweating over the fitness of four first team stars heading into the Tottenham match. Midfielder Emi Buendia, who is starting to rediscover his best form, is believed to be nursing a face injury but could still be available by the weekend.

The same applies to Andres Garcia, who is lacking match sharpness, and Tyrone Mings, who has a foot problem.

Ollie Watkins collided with the post whilst playing for England against Wales, and is out of the squad to take on Latvia. It makes him a fresh doubt for the weekend.

Youri Tielemans has missed a number of matches with a calf injury and it’s not yet clear if he’s fit enough to return to training.

Wolves may look to bring in new faces in their bid to avoid relegation

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Wolverhampton Wanderers remain bottom of the Premier League table but will have taken heart from a spirited performance at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Vitor Pereira’s side came mightily close to picking up all three points thanks to a scrappy Santiago Bueno goal early in the second half, but Spurs rallied and equalised through Joao Palhinha deep in stoppage time.

While it was a devastating end to the game for the Old Gold, who remain rooted to the bottom with just one solitary point, the result represented a step forward in a game from which they may not have expected anything.

The task at hand remains a difficult one. Pereira will more than aware that positive results in upcoming fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunderland and Burnley could prevent them from having a mountain to climb as we approach the winter period. He may decide to look to the future in January and secure a potentially game-changing transfer.

Wolves should target Diogo Leite free transfer signing

Wolves would be smart to secure a free signing in January in the shape of Union Berlin centre-back Diogo Leite. The 26-year-old Bundesliga star sees his contract run out in 2026 and so would be available to sign on a pre-contract agreement from January onwards.

Though this would mean he would not be available to play for Wolves until next season, he could prove a very astute buy if Wolves were to survive in the top flight this campaign. Signed for just €7.5 million (£6.5m) from Porto in 2023, Leite has seen his profile increase in Germany. The Portuguese is viewed as one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga, averaging 2.26 tackles per 90 and 60 touches per game.

The Old Gold have struggled at the back so far this season, with Pereira going so far to change his entire defence between their most recent Premier League fixtures against Leeds United and Spurs. Leite would certainly elevate his central defensive options, should Pereira be able to secure the signing of his fellow countryman ahead of what is likely to be a host of clubs around Europe.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall and praised for his versatility across defensive systems, Leite also offers a mixture of physicality and composure, both on and off the ball, which would help him adapt easily to the Premier League. He would slot in with ease alongside multiple other Portuguese speakers in the Wanderers squad, and could be a major signing.

What next for Wolves after late blow at Tottenham?

Wolves head coach Pereira praised his side despite the late blow they were dealt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, believing his players are “mentally stronger” as they approach an important set of fixtures in October.

Pereira told BBC Sport: "We deserved the three points and almost in the end it's difficult to accept. I'm trying to come back but it's difficult. We controlled the game in the second half. The spirit was there. Everything was there but the last minute, it's football.

"It's difficult to come to this stadium and play this way. The first half we had some problems but the second half my team were the best team on the pitch. Keeping this spirit, two games in a row without losing, we played very well against Everton. Tactically and mentally we are in conditions to compete. We are on the same page. I believe we'll get points.

"They are working well, all of them, fighting for the position. We need to find our balance, give some confidence for the first XI. When they came from the bench they showed the spirit we have in this team. Mentally we are stronger. We [him and the owner] talk every day, if we have something to talk, we talk."

Vitor Pereira reserved special praise for a hard-working player after Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Wolves’ head coach headed home to the West Midlands both proud and frustrated by his side’s performance after conceding a last-gasp equaliser. Santiago Bueno’s first-ever Wolves goal opened the scoring but Joao Palhinha thumped home in the 94th minute to share the spoils.

Although it was backs to the wall for Wanderers for much of the first half, Pereira’s side - shifting to a back five after starting with a four - were ambitious and adventurous in the second period. Bueno’s goal was deserved and Wolves remained positive for the rest of the second 45 and were unfortunate to concede so late on.

Four Wolves players stand out at Tottenham

As much as it was heartbreaking to give up two points at the death, there was plenty to be proud of from a Wolves perspective. Santi Bueno’s goal was a reward for his superb defending throughout, Sam Johnstone had another solid game between the sticks and Ladislav Krejci continued his fine settling-in period.

But there was another player who didn’t have the most glamorous game yet stood out. Marshall Munetsi, so often one of the hardest-working players in this squad, ran his socks off in North London. The Zimbabwean hardly left a blade of grass untouched and his efforts didn’t go unnoticed.

Pereira describes Wolves star as ‘an animal’

Birmingham World asked Pereira about Munetsi in the post-match press conference, pointing out his versatility and capability to play in an array of systems — a handy tool allowing the boss to be pragmatic.

“Munetsi, I tell you… when we look for footballers, technique is one thing, but football is not only about technique. Football is about tactical spirit, physicality; Munetsi is like an animal. Running and running and running,” Pereira said.

“If he plays five minutes, he gives us everything. If he plays 90 minutes or he plays extra time, I know what I can expect from him. For us, this is the kind of player – a very honest player giving everything for the club – that we need to support.”

Then, when asked whether Munetsi exudes the personality and identity Pereira wants from his Wolves side as a whole, the manager added: “Of course, of course. We need it.

“I like to see good football, I enjoy football. But, I enjoy also the spirit. When they go there and they fight and I go to the fight with this kind of player. “Today, we went to the fight with fighters, with ambition, personality and just missing the last minute. But it’s football.”

Wolves, looking to build on their performance at Spurs, are next in action on Sunday, October 5 as they play host to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge and will be difficult to beat, but Pereira will be confident his players can kick on and claim their first league victory sooner rather than later.

Player ratings from Wolverhampton Wanderers’ agonising 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers earned their first Premier League point of the season but were left heartbroken by a last-gasp Joao Palhinha goal in a 1-1 draw away at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening.

Santi Bueno’s 54th-minute opener was so nearly enough to earn a famous victory in North London but Palhinha’s clinical strike deep in second half stoppage time shared the spoils at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was backs to the wall for Wolves in the first half, but it was level going into the interval. Mohammed Kudus went closest for Spurs, twice, as he saw a close-range header tipped onto the bar by Sam Johnstone and was denied an opening goal by the lineman’s flag. Wanderers’ only real chance of the first period came from the final touch as Matt Doherty glanced the woodwork from an Arias corner.

Wolves took a surprise lead after the break as Santi Bueno poked home from close range when Spurs failed to clear away from a terrific Arias corner. Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario punched the ball straight into teammate Palhinha and Bueno reacted quickest to convert, sending the travelling Molineux faithful into a frenzy on the opposite side.

Once Tottenham went behind, they strangely looked as if they were the ones defending a lead. Wolves enjoyed several spells of sustained possession and arguably looked the likeliest to score as Hugo Bueno had a drilled strike saved and the likes of Munetsi and Jackson Tchatchoua often charged forward on the transition.

But Spurs, motivated by the fourth official signalling six minutes of added time, upped the ante when it mattered and restored parity with one of the last kicks of the game. Mathys Tel’s cross was cushioned down by Pape Matar Sarr and Palhinha struck purely first time, finding the bottom right-hand corner to give Johnstone no chance.

Pereira and Wolves have been doubted plenty at the start of this season, and rightfully so given their hideous start, but the players fought hard as a unit to earn an important point. It will feel like a defeat given how late Spurs scored, but it’s a point nonetheless.

Wolves goalkeeper and defence ratings vs Spurs

Sam Johnstone - Given the nod ahead of Jose Sa, Johnstone proved his manager right as he made a heroic save in the first half to stop Kudus’ header from point-blank range. The former England international was also commanding when defending set pieces. He’ll be devastated to have conceded so late, but he was never stopping that. 7

Matt Doherty (off 46’) - ‘Doc’ was hooked at half time after a tricky first period up against Udogie and Simons. The experienced defender was booked for a clumsy late challenge on Udogie and it was too risky for him to continue. Doherty did make one outstanding sliding tackle to stop a low Udogie cross, though. 6

Santi Bueno - Santi opened his Wolves account with the crucial opening goal and it was well-earned as he was sublime defensively. The Uruguayan made several terrific sliding tackles and he was strong in the air. He’ll be another feeling hard done-by. 8*

Ladislav Krejci - Wolves’ summer signing put in another decent display, even if he wasn’t as imperious as he was against Everton. Krejci’s presence makes the defence look so much more comfortable, both in and out of possession. 7

Hugo Bueno - The Spaniard had a mixed game up against Kudus as he let the Spurs number 20 inside on a few too many occasions in the first half but jockeyed him well in the second. Bueno also made several important interceptions to stop counter-attacks. Bueno, who saw a decent shot saved in the second half, was positive with his forward passing but lacked with his crossing. 7

Wolves midfield and attack ratings vs Spurs

Andre - Assured again at the base of midfield, Andre won three or four tackles throughout and did well to pass and dribble out under pressure on several occasions. 7

Joao Gomes (off 63’) - Frustrated to come off when he did but protected against a potential incoming second yellow card, Gomes was composed when on the ball. His booking for wiping out Simons was sloppy, though, and he didn’t win enough of his duels (just 2/9 overall). 6

Marshall Munetsi - Munetsi marshalled Wolves in all areas - pardon the shameless pun - as he ran his socks off to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm in a demanding box-to-box midfield role. The Zimbabwean also did superbly when defending corners as he headed away five or six in total. 8

Jhon Arias (off 90+2’) - The Colombian couldn’t hit a barn door with his first flurry of set pieces but it was corner which led to the goal, whipped into the danger zone. Arias lacked with his decision-making in open play but worked hard to try and get involved in his fluid attacking midfield role. 6

Hwang Hee-chan (off 46’) - Hwang was pretty anonymous in the first half as he completed just nine passes and made only 19 touches. Although his pace gave Wolves a slight outlet, he ultimately couldn’t threaten. 5

Jorgen Strand Larsen (off 83’) - The striker was hardly involved, in truth, but it was positive to see him play 83 minutes as he steps up his sharpness following his Achilles tendon injury. 6

Wolves subs ratings vs Spurs

Jackson Tchatchoua (on 46’) - Energetic down the right, Tchatchoua was a handy out-ball and he made several great interceptions. 7

Emmanuel Agbadou (on 46’) - Dropped in favour of Krejci, Agbadou came on for the second half as Pereira changed to a back three. The Ivorian looked shaky in a few instances as he scuffed the ball back to Johnstone. He defended okay at times but still isn’t at his best. 6

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (on 64’) - Bellegarde threw himself about and worked hard to help Wolves keep possession for a decent period. The Haiti international won all six of his ground duels. 7

Dele Alli is now a free agent, with both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion linked

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With Dele Alli a free agent once again, the time has come for the almost-yearly reminders of what could have been for the former England international.

Once thought of as the next Steven Gerrard, Alli appeared to have the world at his feet as a teenager. He notched 51 Premier League goals for Tottenham Hotspur and was crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year twice before his career began to go downhill from the age of just 23.

Now aged 29, Alli has seen fruitless spells with Everton, Besiktas and Como and is now looking for a fresh start to reignite his career after seeing his contract terminated by the Serie A club managed by Cesc Fabregas, with several EFL outfits linked with a move.

Three Championship clubs have stepped forward to compete for Alli’s signature according to Mail Sport, including Birmingham City. But for both player and club, this may not be the right move to make at this delicate stage of Alli’s career.

Dele Alli to Birmingham would be a PR stunt - not a footballing move

It is somewhat frustrating to see that two of the three clubs linked with Alli are Birmingham and Wrexham. This screams PR move from both clubs, a transfer motivated more by TV viewing figures and social media engagements than by anything on the pitch.

With a focus put on Blues for the moment - where would Alli even fit in Chris Davies’ side? Jay Stansfield has been starting just behind the striker when fit, while the likes of Paik Seung-ho and Willum Thor Willumsson have ensured that Wolves loanee midfielder Tommy Doyle has had to settle for a place amongst the substitutes thus far. The squad already has expensive back-ups for almost every position.

Alli has played nine minutes of competitive football since February 2023 following significant injury problems, and a move by Birmingham for the former England international would be a significant risk. By the time Blues are even able to get him match fit, they would be in such a crucial stage of the season that it may not even be worth risking him in case things go wrong.

As summed up rather nicely by Mail Sport, Alli is a natural fit for ‘Documentary Land’. Tom Brady and co.’s role in his rejuvenation would make great viewing in Built In Birmingham: Brady & The Blues. But that does not mean it is the right move for the club or for the player himself. A player who, as he opened up about in 2023, has been through a lot in his life. Having a camera thrust in his face as he struggles to get himself fit may not be the answer if he is to truly get his career back on track.

West Brom move to reunite with Ryan Mason could be the right choice

The third side linked with a move for free agent Alli, according to Mail Sport, is West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies have made a strong start to the Championship season, appear a more stable project and have one key draw for Alli in the shape of former team-mate Ryan Mason.

The 34-year-old former Spurs player was appointed Baggies head coach over the summer and has racked up 10 points from 12 so far with his new club. The ceiling Alli could reach at The Hawthorns is high and there would still be high stakes, but certainly less scrutiny. He would still need to compete for a spot with the likes of in-form Isaac Price and Jayson Molumby, which is no easy task.

There is certainly a player within Alli who could achieve great things at Championship level. It is important that the 29-year-old is given the right environment to find this version of himself, or else another year or two of his career could easily fall by the wayside. This next move for Alli could ultimately prove a very crucial decision.