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Tottenham Hotspur bounced back from a dull draw with Bournemouth by beating Arsenal 2-1 at home. 

Toby Alderweireld headed a late winner to clinch the victory in a hotly-contested north London derby.

Spurs had struggled for form beforehand, after they slumped to a disappointing defeat to Sheffield United, edged past Everton, and took away only a point from the Vitality Stadium.

However, the Lilywhites seem to have turned things around, as they came from behind to climb above their arch rivals into eighth in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho will know his side face an almost impossible task to reach the top four, as they are currently nine points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, with only three games remaining.

As it stands, a spot in the Europa League is still up for grabs, and he will be looking to make a statement when Spurs travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Transfer Tavern have put together a predicted starting lineup, which sees Mourinho mess around with the side that beat Arsenal, as Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn return.

It was obvious right from the start that Mourinho had set his team up completely differently when Spurs welcomed Arsenal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As Alasdair Gold pointed out, Moussa Sissoko was pushed out wide, while Lucas Moura started on the left.

Moura effectively played as a wing-back and the Portuguese worked out a way to neutralise Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin.

Dele Alli has missed the past three games after suffering a knee injury in training, and whether or not he will have recovered in time to meet the Magpies remains to be seen. Spurs also line up against Leicester City at the weekend and Mourinho may choose to rest him for the pivotal clash.

Working on the assumption that he will not be fit to face Newcastle, it is likely Spurs will stick to the 4-4-1-1 formation.

Eric Dier is in the middle of a four game ban, so Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld will renew their partnership in front of Hugo Lloris, while Ben Davies lines up alongside his teammates.

Serge Aurier’s brother Christopher was killed earlier this week and Mourinho has made it clear he will let him decide if he wants to play so soon after his brother’s murder.

As Kyle Walker-Peters is on loan at Southampton, Spurs do not have another designated right-back, and the head coach has been considering Gedson Fernandes, Oliver Skipp and Sissoko as possible alternatives.

Sissoko is the most experienced player out of the trio and he may get the nod on the right flank.

With a bigger game against the Foxes at the weekend, Mourinho may want to give Moura some time off. Both Steven Bergwijn and Erik Lamela could come into the side instead, with Lamela replacing Sissoko further up-field.

Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks have formed a promising partnership in the heart of the midfield and the duo worked hard in front of the two centre-backs. It is hard to imagine Mourinho will want to break the pair up, particularly as he is currently embroiled in a public spat with Tanguy Ndombele.

The club’s record signing has barely featured since the Premier League restart and stands to miss out once again when Tottenham take on the Toon, which doesn’t bode well for his future.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane was relieved to finally have a strike partner up front, and he will look to resume his healthy rivalry with Son Heung-min at the top of the pitch.

Tottenham fans, do you think this is how Mourinho will start against Newcastle? Let us know down below!

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has become embroiled in an inflammable relationship with Tanguy Ndombele that has resembled something straight out of a soap opera. 

The ever-demanding manager and the maverick midfielder have never seen eye-to-eye, and tensions have spilled out since the Premier League restart in June.

Ndombele has struggled to settle down under Mourinho and relations between the Spurs duo have become increasingly strained, amid interest from Barcelona and Inter Milan in the 23-year-old.

Inter are ready to offer the Frenchman a lifeline while Barca are trying to sort out a swap deal, despite the fact that Daniel Levy has already rebuffed their attempts to sign him so far. Contrary to some reports, Spurs have not held talks with Inter to sell Ndombele for a reduced fee.

According to the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, Levy will reportedly reject offers for the club’s record signing this summer. He has also ruled out using the six-cap French international as part of negotiations for player exchanges.

The Lilywhites insist that the defensive midfielder, who they signed from Lyon for £55m last year, needs time to adapt in the Premier League.

Levy is determined to give Ndombele another chance to become a success in north London, although it remains to be seen if Mourinho will feel the same way.

The Spurs manager has made it clear that he is concerned by his poor performances in training, which explains why he was an unused substitute for four out of a possible six league games before being dropped from the squad entirely for the final three fixtures.

At first, it seemed as though one of them would have to leave the club in order to resolve the situation, but Mourinho may have already changed his mind. The Portuguese recently claimed that the 23-year-old could still be a success at Spurs and cited Luka Modric’s early struggles at Real Madrid as an example.

Tottenham fans, do you think Mourinho should give Ndombele another chance? Let us know your views in the comments below!

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has given his views on Willian’s future as the Brazilian’s contract is ending with Chelsea at the end of the season.

Bent told talkSPORT that “Spurs would be in for him with the whole Mourinho factor, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal were interested, they want all of Chelsea’s leftovers – this is one I’d actually take, though!”

The former England international went on to talk about Arsenal’s front line, with the likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette and Pepe, in addition to promising youngsters; Nketiah, Saka and Martinelli. He feels like Willian may stunt the growth of youth players and may have an impact on their game time which is currently given by Mikel Arteta.

“Their right-hand side has been a problem, they’ve tried Steven Bergwijn and they’ve tried Lucas Moura out there and it hasn’t quite worked” – Bent said on Spurs’ current forward options.

It would make sense for the 31-year-old to reunite with former manager Jose Mourinho if they can secure him on a decent contract, though the question must be asked as to whether or not Chelsea would sell the winger to one of their main Premier League rivals aiming for the top.

It has been reported that Chelsea are prepared to give Willian a two-year contract extension, though the Brazilian is looking to commit for his long-term future through to 2024. Bent agrees that Chelsea should give him a three-year contract, and sees no issue.

Verdict

If Spurs can sign the proven Premier League winger, he would certainly add a different dynamic to their front three which they have been lacking for years. Willian would complement the left-side of Son Heung-min and Harry Kane through the centre for sure, and this would free up space in the middle for the likes of Moura and Bergwijn.

As Bent said, it would not make sense for the Gunners to sign the Brazilian as they already have the quality up top and he would hinder the youngster’s chances of playing.

According to an update courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio via Milan News, Serie A giants AC Milan are still interested in a swoop for Tottenham star Serge Aurier – with the six-time Champions League winners showing a firm interest. 

Aurier, who started 31 Premier League games under Jose Mourinho over 2019/2020, often warrants mixed reviews from supporters – especially given the Ivorian’s debatably inconsistent runs of form.

Despite this, the 27-year-old defender is a proven tough-tackler in the top flight, averaging the most challenges per 90 out of any Tottenham player last campaign bar Japhet Tanganga according to WhoScored. 

His stats also show that he crosses more often than star player Son Heung-min, with all these variables potentially enticing Milan into contemplating a move.

Currently valued at £14.4 million by Transfermarkt, chairman Daniel Levy will arguably want more bang for his buck, especially considering the Lilywhites paid £23 million to secure his signature back in 2017.

Now, with Milan’s interest, Levy could have a chance to pocket at least some of the transfer fee which brought Aurier to north London – and Tuttosport via Milan Live claim the club are looking for a long term replacement for Davide Calabria.

The Italian giants have already turned down two offers for the defender as they hold out for a suitable offer, but once their business there has been concluded, it looks as if they will turn full attention to Aurier as a successor.

Whether or not Spurs sell the right-back remains to be seen, but increased reports suggest it could be an option for Levy to balance the books.

Spurs fans, is it time for Aurier to go? Join the discussion by commenting below…

After an enjoying an impressive season with Sevilla, it’s been no surprise to see Sergio Reguilon being linked with a big-money in this summer transfer window.

The Real Madrid ace spent the 2019/2020 campaign on loan in Seville, being a part of the side that went on to knock out Manchester United on their way to another Europa League triumph.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Red Devils, and Tottenham, are both interested in signing him on a permanent basis, and if Jose Mourinho was watching Reguilon during Spain’s clash with Ukraine on Sunday, then he would have been very impressed.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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Spain ran out 4-0 winners on the day, and whilst the likes of Sergio Ramos and Ansu Fati are surely the talk of the town for their goal-scoring performances, Reguilon enjoying a barn-storming game at left-back.

As per Whoscored, his 8.05 match rating was only behind Ramos and Fati, and when you look at some of the underlying numbers behind his performance, it’s easy to see why.

He had 100 touches of the ball, whilst his pass accuracy was at an astounding 95.7%. And as those watching the final stages of the Europa League saw, Reguilon’s impact in the final third of the pitch is huge, and he came out with his full skill-set against Ukraine.

He sent in seven crosses, provided four key passes, and had three shots himself, two of which found the target, whilst he also came up with an assist as well.

Reguilon could give Spurs a huge upgrade on Ben Davies at left-back, with the Wales international barely providing anything offensively last season for the north London side, picking up just one assist.

With Matt Doherty arriving to reinforce Mourinho’s team on the right-hand side, the priority for Daniel Levy must surely be to do the same for the opposite flank with the signing of Reguilon.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is determined to sort out new contracts for a number of players who are approaching the end of their current deals at Turf Moor.

No fewer than 15 members of the Clarets’ first team squad are into the final year of their current contracts and the 49-year-old is keen to get several of those tied down in addition to exploring potential new signings.

Addressing the contracts situation to Lancashire Live, Dyche said: “There’s more to come. We have to make sure we’re safeguarding in house as well as looking outside of what we do. And that has to be looked at, quite obviously, and we are doing.

“In house is important as well because we think we’ve got some very good players here and I think it works on two levels. It works in the sense of rewarding them for what they’ve done, and continue to do, and also safeguarding the club for the football business, operating in the Premier League, and the business side, where we should remain strong.”

Burnley have made some progress in terms of contract renewals, taking up an option on Ben Mee to keep him at the club until 2022 and securing a new deal for Bailey Peacock-Farrell (as per  Lancashire Live).

However, a plethora of players are just over nine months away from coming to the end of their current deals, including several first team regulars at Turf Moor. Jay Rodriguez, Ashley Westwood, Jack Cork, Charlie Taylor, Phil Bardsley and Erik Pieters, all of whom made more than 20 Premier League appearances last season, will all be out of contract next July as things stand.

Only nine members of Dyche’s current squad are contracted beyond next summer, although key players such as Mee, James Tarkowski, Dwight McNeil, Chris Wood and Nick Pope are among that number (as per TransferMarkt).

Burnley saw Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and Joe Hart all leave the club at the end of June after they were unable to agree short-term renewals to keep them with the Clarets until the end of the delayed 2019/20 season, so Dyche may be understandably wary of a similar situation arising once more.

With just 24 players, Burnley have the joint-smallest squad in the Premier League as it is, so tying down key personnel to new deals ought to be a matter of priority.

Indeed, as Dyche has hinted, the more players that are committed to new contracts, the lesser the need becomes to splurge in a transfer market which has been affected by circumstances arising from the global pandemic.

Burnley fans, which players’ contracts need to be addressed as a matter of urgency? Have your say by commenting below!

Crystal Palace will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday having lost to Everton last weekend.

The Eagles have taken everyone by surprise after making a strong start to the season despite the fact that Roy Hodgson has been so short of defenders due to an early injury crisis.

Hodgson’s side got off to a great start by thrashing Southampton at Selhurst Park, before beating Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United at Old Trafford, so they will be hoping to get back on track against the Blues.

Here is the lineup we are predicting to start at Stamford Bridge…

Injuries have played their part so far this season, with nine of his starting XI playing three Premier League games in a row.

Cheikhou Kouyate has had to move from the midfield to help out at the back, starting alongside Scott Dann until the Englishman suffered an injury and was replaced by Mamadou Sakho.

It is highly likely Vicente Guaita will start between the sticks, as the Spaniard has settled into life at Selhurst Park in front of a back four.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Although the scoreline suggests otherwise, Kouyate and Sakho managed to handle in-form Everton striker Dominic Calvert Lewin pretty well for the most part, albeit a few minor blips here and there.

They will most likely be joined by Tyrick Mitchell and Joel Ward either side of them, with Patrick van Aanholt still missing through injury.

Hamilton academy graduates James McArthur and James McCarthy will probably continue their partnership in the heart of the midfield with Andros Townsend playing on the right wing.

Michy Batshuayi is ineligible to face his parent club but £28.08m man Christian Benteke could be in line to earn a surprise call-up from the bench as his physicality could cause the Blues even more problems at the back. Hodgson confirmed Benteke is available for selection last week.

This means that Jordan Ayew may miss out as he has failed to find the back of the next so far.

Meanwhile Jeffrey Schlupp should be in contention to start after missing last week with a niggle, he could replace Eberechi Eze who didn’t enjoy an easy time against Everton, losing possession 14 times.

AND in other news, Spurs signing Benteke smacks of desperation…

Tottenham Hotspur may have clinched the signing of Carlos Vinicius from Benfica, but have they missed a trick with another mooted target?

What’s the word?

According to Bild’s head of football Christian Falk, Spurs have recently had a bid rejected for Bayer Leverkusen striker Lucas Alario, who Jose Mourinho wants as a backup to Harry Kane.

He claims that Rudi Voller abruptly put an end to the north Londoners pursuit of the 27-year-old. He’s currently valued at just €15m (£13.5) on CIES Football Observatory.

Meanwhile, it appears Spurs are set to land Vinicius on a season-long loan, paying £2.7m upfront with an option to buy of around £38m, as per Sky Sports.

Missed a trick?

It’s no secret that Mourinho has needed a second striker ever since his appointment last November and whilst the prolific 25-year-old is an astute option to bring in on loan, could Daniel Levy regret not pushing for Alario?

The Leverkusen frontman is held in high regard by many – he’s been likened to Robert Lewandowski by teammate Sven Bender, claiming: ” I think Lucas is a similar type of forward to Robert. Obviously, he’s only starting out but he has everything needed to become a top striker.”

Whilst Alario has even drawn comparisons to former Mourinho great, the explosive Didier Drogba, with Goal.com adding: “Alario is an all-round striker in the mould of a Didier Drogba because while he is not as physically strong as the Ivorian, he is adept at holding up the ball and also good in the air.”

Despite being a backup in Germany, the Argentinian still provided seven goals in just 11 starts, and even averaged 2.1 shots and 1.9 aerials won per game, via WhoScored.

He seems like the perfect foil for Kane whereas Vinicius, who bagged 24 times last season, would surely be chomping at the bit to start each and every week.

That situation would leave Mourinho in a pickle, so perhaps the Spurs chairman has missed a trick by not going back in for Alario.

AND in other news, Mourinho heading for unforgivable mistake over £64m “freak of a talent”…

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies could have been the solution to one of Jose Mourinho’s long lasting problems.

The Welsh defender excelled on international duty in midweek, proving his versatility in a three-at-the-back system, showing his Spurs boss exactly what he should do after missing out on Milan Skriniar.

Joe Rodon has been another name on the shortlist and it does seem as though he will be the final summer arrival in north London. However, could Spurs have avoided splashing out on the Welshman given they already have Davies?

Spurs had the second-worst defensive record of any top seven side last season and are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season, so centre-back is an area that needs work.

However, instead of getting Rodon in, Mourinho should have looked to Davies to resolve that issue.

Per SofaScore, the 27-year-old recorded two clearances, one key pass and one interception whilst he also won seven of 11 duels and made 88% of his 67 passes.

The €20-rated (£18m) ace played on the left side of a back three with Rodon next to him and that’s something that could be replicated in N17.

Mourinho has Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga and Rodon for the two other spots in the middle. It could also unleash summer arrivals Sergio Reguilon and Matt Doherty at their natural wing-back position too.

Gareth Bale is a big fan of his international teammate too, lauding him nearly a year ago, he said: “Ben has been fantastic since he has come in, he has been a consistent performer. He keeps improving every year and we are lucky to have him in the squad with us.”

Despite summer chases for Skriniar and Rodon, the solution may have been right under Mourinho’s nose, but it seems he wasn’t brave enough to test it out with the Premier League’s return this week.

Dier could be Spurs’ own Conor Coady as a former midfielder himself, dictating play in the middle of the back three whilst Sanchez and Davies offer valuable pace either side.

It could have paid serious dividends and saved Daniel Levy a few quid too.

AND in other news, Mourinho has a “future CAPTAIN” after recent form…

One of West Brom’s reported summer transfer targets has spoken out about his failed move to the Hawthorns this week, and it’s rather damning…

What’s the word?

Speaking to Belgian outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis revealed that the Baggies had offered him “crazy” wages to make the switch, he said:

“Wages were not the problem. The wages were crazy. And I have also played enough international matches [to obtain a work permit]. The problem was that it was a loan and with the [option to buy] clause in the contract. West Brom was a good deal. If they stayed in the Premier League, they would have bought me. Then I would have been playing in the Premier League for at least two years.”

According to other reports during the window, the 22-year-old commanded an asking price of around €20m (£18m), which isn’t too dissimilar to the deal Albion struck with Huddersfield for Karlan Grant.

Clearly, though, the Belgian league champions wanted the finances upfront.

Inexcusable error?

Forwards signed from the Belgian Pro League have often struggled to get to grips with the Premier League, as seen with Wesley Moraes and Mbwana Samatta, who have both failed to hit the ground running up the road at arch-rivals Aston Villa.

However, Dennis could have been the exception.

Last season, the Nigerian international bagged nine goals in all competitions, which includes an incredible brace against Real Madrid in the Champions League. There aren’t any players within the Albion ranks that can boast such a feat.

It led to Gary Lineker dubbing him “Dennis the Menace” on Twitter whilst he’s even been tipped to become the next Jadon Sancho and been lauded as the ‘Nigerian Neymar.’

That form has continued into the current campaign where he has scored on the elite stage once again, scoring against Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the Baggies linger near the bottom of the Premier League table without a win so far this season.

The emerging forward is averaging two shots and 1.7 dribbles per game, via WhoScored which suggests that he’d have been the perfect fit under Slaven Bilic – someone who can drop deep to bring others into play as well as being lethal in front of the sticks.

You can’t help but feel that sporting and technical director Luke Dowling has made one inexcusable error here as he shouldn’t have tried to be too clever with a deal for a player that’s done it at the very top.

Grant is a good signing nonetheless, but his experience topped out at the Championship until his blank debut on Monday night.

AND in other news, Baggies may have just unearthed their next Harvey Barnes…