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Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal Premier League campaign continued with a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home on Sunday.

Vitor Pereira’s side have been battling relegation throughout the season and moved to within two points of Spurs with their impressive victory at the weekend.

As you can see in the highlights above, the goals were largely down to poor defensive work from several Tottenham players, rather than them being cut open by quality play.

There is no hiding from the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s side have not been good enough defensively this season, as they have conceded 49 goals in 32 matches – more than any other traditional top-six side in the Premier League.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

As you can see in the graphic above, though, it was one of Tottenham’s attacking players – Dominic Solanke – who was one of the worst-rated performers against Wolves on Sunday.

The England international joined the club from Bournemouth for a reported fee of £55m, with a further £10m in potential add-ons, and has endured a frustrating first season in North London.

Why Dominic Solanke has been a flop for Spurs

For the money that was spent on him last year, Tottenham should expect instant quality from the 27-year-old marksman in his first year at the club.

Solanke arrived as an experienced player, aged 26 at the time of his move, with plenty of Premier League football under his belt for Bournemouth, which meant that he did not have to adjust to the league or the country in order to perform for Spurs.

Despite that, the English dud has failed to deliver goals on a consistent basis for Postecoglou, with a return of just 11 goals in 37 matches in all competitions.

The former Bournemouth star has averaged less than a goal every three games on average, which speaks to his lack of ruthlessness in the final third, and that has also been the case in the Premier League.

Starts

23

xG

9.92

Goals

7

Big chances missed

11

Minutes per goal

290

Assists

3

Duel success rate

39%

As you can see in the table above, Solanke has only scored seven goals in 23 Premier League outings for Spurs this term, underperforming his xG by roughly three goals.

A goal every 290 minutes and a negative xG differential for a £65m-rated, prime-aged, centre-forward is simply not good enough, which may be why the club are now reportedly looking to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

Spurs willing to spend big on Premier League star

According to a report from Spain, Spurs are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The outlet claims that there are six Premier League teams showing an interest in the Brazil international, who scored against Tottenham in the 4-2 win for his side on Sunday.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It reveals that Aston Villa, Spurs, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest are all eyeing up a swoop for the ex-Atletico Madrid star.

The report states that the Premier League sides are willing to spend big on the Brazilian dynamo, as they are prepared to pay £75m to land the impressive attacker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It does not, however, claim whether or not Wolves would be willing to part ways with him for £75m, or whether or not Cunha would be interested in joining Tottenham, or any of the other teams that are reportedly interested in him.

Spurs must, now, push to convince the forward to join them this summer because he could come in as the huge upgrade that they need on Solanke at the top end of the pitch.

Why Cunha would be a huge upgrade on Solanke

The £75m-rated star would improve Tottenham’s team based on his form for Wolves, who are currently below Spurs in the table, in the Premier League this season.

Cunha has scored 14 goals from 7.27 xG in the top-flight for the Old Gold, which means that he has scored twice as many goals as Solanke despite having fewer high-quality xG chances to find the back of the net.

This shows that he is a ruthless finisher who does not need many high-quality opportunities to score goals at Premier League level, which is not the case with the ex-Bournemouth forward.

As you can see from the goal above, which was described as “Bergkamp-esque” by pundit Ashley Williams, the Brazilian magician has immense quality in the final third and the capacity to score amazing goals.

These statistics, and the nature of his goals for Wolves, suggest that he would be an upgrade on Solanke as a goal threat, by offering a clinical presence in front of goal, rather than being as wasteful as the English flop has been.

Starts

23

24

xG

9.92

7.27

Goals

7

14

Big chances created

6

12

xA

1.15

4.58

Key passes per game

0.6

1.7

Assists

3

4

As you can see in the table above, Cunha has significantly outperformed the £65m Spurs signing, who has failed to offer consistent quality as either a scorer or a creator of goals in the top-flight this term.

These statistics suggest that the Wolves sensation would also provide more creativity at the top end of the pitch, given that he has created twice as many ‘big chances’ and more than three times as much xA for his teammates in just one more start.

Therefore, £75m – only £10m more than the deal agreed for Solanke – could be a bargain deal for Spurs if they manage to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window, because he has the potential to offer twice as much in front of goal, as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

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Cunha would arrive as a Premier League proven star, with room to grow still at the age of 25, and Daniel Levy must, now, push to get this deal done to bolster Postecoglou’s squad for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

Manchester United have now identified a new top target to replace Andre Onana this summer, amid concerns over the goalkeeper’s performances this season, according to a report.

Man Utd star dropped after Lyon disaster

Onana had a point to prove heading into Man United’s Europa League clash against Lyon, having received heavy criticism from Nemanja Matic before the match, but the Cameroonian put in a very disappointing performance.

After making a major blunder, which allowed Rayan Cherki to bag a late equaliser, the goalkeeper received a 5.9 SofaScore match rating, the lowest of any player on the pitch, and he was subsequently dropped for the 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United.

Given that Altay Bayindir also failed to impress at St. James’ Park, Ruben Amorim has a selection dilemma heading into the second leg against Lyon on Thursday night, which is perhaps his side’s most crucial game of the season so far.

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However, Amorim’s lack of faith in his goalkeepers means it is now looking increasingly likely a new option will be brought in between the sticks this summer, and a new top target has now been identified.

According to a report from Spain, FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is the leading candidate to replace Onana, with Old Trafford chiefs now ramping up their pursuit of a new goalkeeper.

Costa’s impressive performances for club and country mean he has now been pinpointed as the Red Devils’ number one choice, most notably putting in some top displays for national side Portugal at Euro 2024.

The Portugal international is protected by a €75m (£64m) release clause, and Porto are unwilling to sanction his departure for a lower fee, so United will need to spend big to get a deal over the line this summer.

"Superman" Costa could be upgrade on Onana

The Porto shot-stopper put in some top displays at Euro 2024, while he has also impressed in a Porto shirt for quite some time, having been lauded as a “superman” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig after catching the eye in the Champions League.

Perhaps crucially, the 25-year-old appears to be competent in possession of the ball, given that he ranks in the 93rd percentile for touches per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Not only that, but the Porto academy graduate is particularly adept at saving penalties, recently denying Christian Eriksen from the spot in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark.

At 25-years-old, Costa may be about to enter his prime years, and his performances for both club and country indicate he could be a real upgrade on Onana, who is running out of time to save his Man United career.

Chelsea are now interested in signing another Inter Milan player alongside Marcus Thuram this summer, having left scouts impressed, according to a report.

Blues well-placed to win race for Thuram

As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, it is becoming apparent that one of the Blues’ main aims this summer will be to bring in a new striker, and a number of exciting targets have been identified.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has reportedly made it clear he wants to move to Stamford Bridge, while an offer has also been made for Real Madrid’s Endrick, with the west Londoners putting £59m on the table for the Brazilian.

Another striker on the shortlist is Inter Milan star Thuram, and there were suggestions last month that Enzo Maresca’s side could be well-placed to sign the Frenchman, having overtaken Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for his signature.

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A new striker may be of particular interest to Maresca, but a new report from The Boot Room has revealed the manager also intends to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch, and a new target has been identified.

Chelsea are now interested in signing Inter Milan defender Yann Aurel Bisseck, who is able to play at both centre-back and wing-back, with scouts being left impressed after watching him in action this season.

Marc Guehi remains the Blues’ top target, but Bisseck is now emerging as an alternative option, with the Blues undeterred by the fact he committed to a contract extension with Inter back in November.

Reports from elsewhere have detailed that Inter will not consider selling the 24-year-old for less than €40m – €50m (£34m – £43m) this summer, so the west Londoners may have to shell out a relatively large fee.

"Progressive" Bisseck could suit Maresca's system

Maresca is well-known for playing a possession-based style, which means his defenders need to be comfortable on the ball, and the Inter defender fits the bill in that regard, having received high praise for his passing ability from journalist Josh Bunting.

Not only that, but the German is also a threat going forward, displaying his ability to push forward into the opposition box when he scored against Verona earlier this season.

Bisseck could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, but bringing in a new striker should be the priority, given that Maresca is already well-stocked at centre-back, with the likes of Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana at his disposal.

Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for a “sensational” £50m striker, with Unai Emery looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Ollie Watkins.

Villa eyeing new striker amid Watkins' slow start

Watkins isn’t having the season he would’ve wanted ahead of the World Cup next summer, having scored just one goal in the Premier League thus far, and Donyell Malen has been doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Villa going forward as of late.

Indeed, Malen is in a rich vein of form at the moment, having scored a brace to secure a 2-1 victory against Young Boys in the Europa League, following on from an impressive cameo against Leeds United, assisting Morgan Rogers’ equalising goal.

However, given that Malen isn’t an out-and-out striker, Emery wants to bring in a more traditional centre-forward in the January transfer window, with one of the Premier League’s breakout stars recently being identified as a target.

That is according to a report from The Mirror, which states Aston Villa are now lining up a January move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago, although it could be a costly operation, with a £50m fee being touted.

Emery is a big fan of the striker, having been keen to bring in a new forward since last summer, while Villa may also need to refresh their forward line due to concerns over Watkins’ form.

Thiago could be "sensational" Watkins heir

It is perhaps a little early to lose faith in the England international, as he is still only 29, but it is important to plan for the future, and the Brentford star has emerged as one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League this season, scoring 11 goals in 13 outings.

Most recently, the Brazilian bagged a brace to ensure his side overcame Burnley in a 3-1 victory, and he is now behind only Manchester City star Erling Haaland in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews has been left impressed by the 24-year-old’s performances too, saying: “He has been pretty good, hasn’t he? He is growing in stature and confidence and he has been pretty sensational this season,”

Thiago is at the right age to be a long-term success at Villa Park, and having proven himself in the Premier League, Aston Villa should undoubtedly launch a January move.

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Emery has never really managed to replace Jhon Duran since the striker signed for Al-Nassr back in January, and with the Villans looking to compete in both the Premier League and Europe, it would certainly be beneficial to bring in another striker this winter.

Chelsea are in conversation with the representatives of a defender as midfielder Moises Caicedo offers his opinion on the potential transfer, according to a new report.

Chelsea play Bournemouth after Leeds United blow

Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon desperately seeking a response to their shock midweek defeat at Leeds, with Enzo Maresca’s title credentials under scrutiny after a damaging loss that left them nine points adrift of Arsenal.

The Blues suffered a humiliating 3-1 loss at Elland Road on Wednesday, falling two goals behind by halftime before Pedro Neto’s second-half strike proved insufficient.

The defeat represented their second loss to newly-promoted opposition this season, raising fresh doubts about their ability to maintain consistency and challenge Mikel Arteta for the Premier League.

Bournemouth present a challenge despite their own recent struggles.

The Cherries have endured a miserable November without a single victory, collecting just one point from four games while conceding 12 goals.

Tuesday’s narrow 1-0 home defeat to Everton extended their winless streak to five matches and marked their first loss at the Vitality Stadium all campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side have plummeted from second to 14th during this barren spell, though they remain only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with significant room for optimism.

The hosts have collected 14 of their 19 Premier League points on home soil this season, establishing the Vitality as a fortress until Everton’s breakthrough.

Chelsea arrive as clear favourites based on superior stats and historical dominance, having won 15 of 23 meetings between the two clubs.

However, the visitors face selection headaches, with Caicedo still serving his suspension after picking up five yellow cards.

The Ecuadorian’s absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role protecting the defence, and Caicedo’s presence was sorely missed against Leeds.

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Chelsea boast the division’s best away attacking record with 15 goals in seven games, averaging over two goals per match. Yet, their vulnerability without Caicedo was exposed ruthlessly by Leeds, with the midfield lacking its usual protection.

While the £150,000-per-week star continues to sit out, he’s at least making himself useful in other ways.

Chelsea hold talks with Joel Ordonez as Moises Caicedo offers opinion

That is according to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, who report on Chelsea’s serious interest in Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea have renewed contact with Ordonez’s representatives in recent weeks as they intensify their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with Caicedo also offering behind-the-scenes ‘thoughts’ about his former Independiente del Valle teammate.

The west Londoners are said to have tracked him since before his 2023 move to Belgium, maintaining long-standing interest in the player.

Caicedo and Ordonez developed their friendship during their time together at Independiente’s famed South American academy, and have remained close through international duty.

The Chelsea midfielder now appears to be playing agent, giving his verdict on Ordonez to the club’s hierarchy.

Liverpool represent significant competition for Ordonez’s signature, though.

Arne Slot’s side have monitored him closely over the past year as they desperately seek solutions to their defensive crisis. The Reds initially prioritised Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but understand he will not depart Selhurst Park during January, forcing them to explore alternative options.

Crucially, both Club Brugge and Ordonez himself are open to a winter transfer, with England emerging as the most likely destination.

Fresh discussions between the player’s camp and Chelsea have taken place recently, building on months of established communication channels, but Man City and Tottenham are also keen.

City and Spurs have shown admiration for Ordonez, closely assessing him in recent weeks as they evaluate their own defensive requirements.

However, Chelsea and Liverpool currently lead the race after laying more groundwork, and perhaps Caicedo’s presence could prove key here in the race for Ordonez’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with numerous elite-level wingers, many of whom have given the supporters memories to last a lifetime in the final third.

Heung-min Son joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen way back in the summer of 2015, making himself a cult hero in North London – after racking up over 400 appearances in North London.

The South Korean international captained the Lilywhites last season, leading them to European glory and subsequently helping them end their near-two-decade wait for silverware.

Gareth Bale was another, scoring countless strikes off the right-hand flank, even leaving in a club-record £85m deal to join Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013.

The Welshman is arguably one of the most talented players to ever grace the Premier League, with current boss Thomas Frank no doubt wishing he had a player of his calibre at his disposal.

However, one of Bale’s compatriots has ultimately failed to reach the levels many expected, which has brought his long-term future in North London into huge question.

Brennan Johnson’s decline at Spurs in the last 12 months

Brennan Johnson has endured somewhat of a rollercoaster spell in his two years at Spurs, with many being taken by surprise by his performances in North London.

The winger originally joined in a £47.5m deal from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, with many supporters raising eyebrows at the nature of the transfer fee.

His spell at the club certainly didn’t get off to the best start in 2023/24, with the 24-year-old only scoring five times in his 32 appearances during his debut year.

The early stages of 2024/25 weren’t much better for the youngster, with his dismal displays leading to unacceptable abuse from a selection of supporters on social media.

In turn, Johnson deactivated all of his accounts, allowing him to focus on his football and subsequently shutting up his doubters – ending the year on 18 goals across all competitions.

He was also responsible for the biggest goal in the Lilywhites’ recent history, as he poked home the winning goal in the Europa League triumph against Manchester United back in May.

Frank’s arrival during the same period should have handed the winger the perfect chance to build on his success, but so far, he’s endured a huge drop-off in form, with his numbers massively suffering as a result.

Johnson averaged a superb 2.2 shots per 90 in the Premier League last season, but in the first 11 outings of the new campaign, he’s only been able to post an average of 0.96 per 90.

Such a drop is a 56% decline in the space of just a matter of months, showcasing that the player is currently suffering from a huge lack of confidence in North London.

He’s also seen a significant drop in terms of his touches in the opposition box per 90, with the Welshman also unable to get himself into threatening positions on a consistent basis.

Last season, the 24-year-old averaged a total of 5.9 touches in the 18-yard box per 90, but at present, he’s only notching a total of 2.6 – a drop of around 57%.

The Spurs star who can end Johnson’s Spurs career

After Son’s departure to join LAFC in the summer window, Spurs and Frank have massively lacked the depth and quality needed on the left-hand side of the attack.

Over the last few weeks, the Dane has utilised various players in such a role to try and bridge the gap between now and the upcoming January transfer window.

Richarlison operated in such a role in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, with the Brazilian struggling to adapt to operating in a somewhat unfamiliar position.

Johnson himself has even filled the void over the last couple of months, but like the aforementioned star, he’s been unable to nail such a role down as his own.

His performances in such an area will no doubt have contributed to his recent slump in form, with the Welshman being kicked out of his right-sided role after Mohammed Kudus’ arrival.

However, the 24-year-old could find his career in North London over the coming months, especially if winger Wilson Odobert is able to build up a strong run of starts in the first team.

The Frenchman joined the Lilywhites in a £25m deal from Burnley last summer, but has often had to bide his time for an impact in the first-team over the last 18 months.

The 20-year-old only made a total of 16 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites last season, but still managed to net his first top-flight goal against West Ham United.

Odobert, who’s been described as “a mixture of Barcola and Aaron Lennon” by one Sky Sports analyst, also managed to net two goals during the Europa League-winning campaign, managing to provide the goods when called upon by Ange Postecoglou.

However, since Frank’s arrival during the off-season, he’s only made three starts in the Premier League, whilst also making just seven appearances off the bench.

He’s only appeared for a total of 379 league minutes to date, with the manager desperately needing to show more faith in the youngster in the months ahead.

Frank did allow Odobert the chance to shine against United on Saturday, with the Frenchman taking full advantage of the chance handed his way by the manager.

He registered an assist for Richarlison after coming on at the break to replace compatriot Randal Kolo Muani, who was replaced at the break after fracturing his jaw.

Minutes played

45

Touches

25

Passes completed

100%

Chances created

3

Dribbles completed

2

Crosses completed

2

Duels won

100%

Fouls drawn

1

Despite only featuring for 45 minutes, Odobert did manage to complete the most dribbles of any player on the pitch (2), whilst also creating the most chances (3).

He also managed to complete 100% of the passes he attempted, with such a cameo showcasing to the manager why he should he starting in North London on a regular basis.

As a result, Johnson will certainly be lucky to maintain his starting role, with the Welshman now extremely likely to drop down to the substitutes bench in the coming games.

Given his mammoth sum, the hierarchy may now look to cash in on his services in the winter to try and avoid losing a whole heap on their £47.5m investment for his signature.

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Tim Sherwood has told Thomas Frank to “abandon” taking players around the pitch to thank supporters, after Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence appeared to snub the Tottenham manager following the defeat to Chelsea.

Frank defended Van de Ven and Spence after they appeared to ignore him and walk down the tunnel following a 1-0 home defeat on Saturday.

Joao Pedro struck in the 34th minute to help Chelsea inflict more pain on toothless Spurs with a fifth consecutive victory over their London rivals, and Frank’s team were booed off after they produced only one shot on target all game.

Jamie O'Hara was fuming at two Spurs stars against Chelsea

The Lilywhites’ form at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been a serious issue under multiple managers, with the club now on 41 home league defeats since moving there in 2019. To put that into perspective, Arsenal have lost just seven more (48) in their ground, which was opened in 2006.

Van de Ven and Spence headed towards the tunnel at full-time as Frank seemingly requested they thank the home support, an issue the manager tried to sweep aside post-match.

The trend of players walking around the ground to thank supporters regardless of result is not one that’s struck a chord with former boss Sherwood however, who told Frank to “abandon” the ritual and referenced Jurgen Klopp’s influence at Liverpool.

“When you’re the manager at Tottenham and you lose at home, an emotional game, to one of your London rivals. They were very poor on the day. Some of the players are not going to be greeted with applause from the fans,” Sherwood told Sky Sports on Monday.

“At Brentford the bar is lower, you can do that, you can walk around and they’ll clap you off being very polite. Tottenham fans aren’t gonna be that polite.

“The only problem he’s got is it’s two of his best players. Van de Ven and Spence are the best players Tottenham have at the moment. So it would be very difficult to cut your nose off to spite your face with them two.”

He ended by comparing Frank’s gesture to Klopp’s time at Liverpool, when the German famously thanked fans after a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Anfield.

“You have to abandon that, it’s a new thing… It’s spread over the last five years, Jurgen Klopp was very big on it. I remember the game when they scored a last minute goal against West Brom, and he took everyone up. Some of the players must have thought ‘we’re Liverpool, we’re playing at Anfield and he’s taking us there’.

“But after a result like that, I’ve been there, Tottenham fans are not having that sort of performance.”

Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign an in-form Serie A striker in the January transfer window.

Dyche "disappointed" by VAR call

On a night that saw Nottingham Forest edge past Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Jesus’ second-half effort, it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines. Once again, the technology was at the centre of the controversy after Dan Ndoye was adjudged to have been interfering with play in an offside position for what many believed to be Jesus’ initial opener.

It’s the type of call which has split opinions in recent weeks and the type that Sean Dyche didn’t understand – telling reporters at full-time: “Well, I’m the only manager who ever mentions why they (referees) go over to the screen. It’s funny how it goes against us, that was interesting.

“Managers in the old days could lose a job on a bad decision. At least now it gives you a better chance of everyone, in theory, having similar decisions. There’s always going to be tough decisions, even with VAR.

“Tonight I’m bound to say he (Dan Ndoye) doesn’t impede anyone. He doesn’t. He just stands still. He’s not trying to deflect it in or anything like that.

“I’m bound to say I’m disappointed in it. I don’t think the keeper would have saved it. But you never know, these keepers are so agile. He’s a good keeper as well, so he might have. But I’m bound to say that I’m aggrieved.”

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Eventually, the decision did not prove costly as Forest picked up three points for the fourth time in their last five games in all competitions – highlighting Dyche’s impact.

Evangelos Marinakis will be most relieved that his managerial call is finally working out after already sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier this season. The Greek owner, with relegation fears eased, now has the chance to strengthen Dyche’s side in January.

Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pellegrino

As reported by Calcio Mercato and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Mateo Pellegrino from Serie A side Parma in 2026. The Tricky Trees are joined by Tottenham and West Ham United in the race, but could yet get one over on the two London clubs.

With Jesus still finding consistency and Chris Wood yet to match last season’s outstanding form, Dyche could certainly do with a player of Pellegrino’s talent.

The Parma striker has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far and is reportedly unlikely to come cheap if Forest want to make their move in the January transfer window.

Minutes

579

1,100

Goals

1

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

2.3

1.9

It’s easy to see why Premier League sides are interested in Pellegrino. Compared to Jesus, the 6’3 forward has outperformed his expected goals by just over two and is on course for an impressive Serie A season.

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has heaped praise on a Spurs star who was a “real handful” against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, alongside player of the match Xavi Simons.

Spurs’ commanding 4-0 victory marked the perfect bounce back from their bitterly disappointing 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the London derby just days earlier.

After an extremely lacklustre performance against their rivals, which was followed by Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence snubbing Frank’s attempt at a handshake after the final whistle, Spurs responded on the European stage in style.

From the off, Tottenham seized control — dominating possession and creating chances.

Xavi Simons

8.1

Micky van de Ven

8.1

Wilson Odobert

7.9

Pedro Porro

7.8

Randal Kolo Muani

7.6

via WhoScored

The team pressed Copenhagen high, denying them space and time to settle, and it wasn’t long before their pressure paid off.

One of the night’s highlights was van de Ven’s superb solo goal, which had shades of Son Heung-min’s famous Puskas winner against Burnley in 2019, and it was the perfect apology to Frank after the Dutchman’s post-Chelsea controversy.

The centre-back picked up the ball deep in Tottenham’s own half and drove forward with purpose, evading challenges and slicing through Copenhagen’s midfield before cooly slotting past the keeper in what was a world-class piece of quality and sure-fire contender for this season’s Puskas Award.

The standout performer, however, was Xavi Simons — whose man of the match display encapsulated what was a fantastic evening for the Lilywhites.

The 22-year-old has been widely criticised for his slow start to life at the club since joining Tottenham in a deal which could be worth a grand-total of £125 million, when factoring in wages, agent’s fees and other add-ons over a potential seven-year deal.

However, Simons ran the show against Copenhagen, chalking up his first assist since making his Premier League debut away to West Ham, and he could’ve had even more to show for his efforts.

Fellow summer signing Randal Kolo Muani missed a gaping free header from Simons’ exceptional cross on the half-turn which almost certainly should’ve been converted, which was after the Frenchman failed to take advantage of another close-range set-up from his teammate to make it 2-0.

Thomas Frank praises misfiring Kolo Muani after Tottenham win

That being said, Kolo Muani, after working his way back to fitness from a dead leg, is also beginning to impress.

The PSG loanee showcased why he should be considered Spurs’ new first-choice striker, at least until Dominic Solanke returns from injury, and Frank had plenty to say about Kolo Muani after the match.

Tottenham’s head coach admitted that the 26-year-old is still not ‘fully firing’ after their 4-0 rout of Copenhagen, but was adamant that Kolo Muani proved to be a “real handful” for Spurs overall.

Even if he did fail to score multiple chances that were put on a plate for him by Simons, Kolo Muani did assist Wilson Odobert with what was a phenomenal piece of composure.

The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt star took the ball down from a lofty height with deft control before laying it off to Odobert, who duly doubled the home side’s lead, and that is perhaps a sign of things to come.

Richarlison could, and perhaps should, be worried — especially after missing a last-minute penalty against Copenhagen as Solanke nears his long-awaited return.