Tottenham Hotspur

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

They say you should not fall in love with a loan player.

Too late. I am already head over heels for Joao Palhinha.

Criticised by some fans for not progressing the ball enough, Palhinha demonstrates a different, but equally integral skill set.

Indeed, without the Portugal international's impressive ability to disrupt the opposition and confidently regain possession, Spurs would not have as many opportunities to move the ball up the pitch - and certainly nowhere near the number they had against West Ham on Saturday.

Palhinha won more duels (10) and made more tackles (five) than any other player against the Hammers.

What gives Palhinha the edge over his opponents is his strong ability to read the game and correctly predict the movement of others. Footballing intelligence, if you like.

His smart positioning puts him in the right place at the right time, and his calm and careful approach means he makes skilful interceptions - unlike the one he was on the receiving end of from Tomas Soucek.

It is important to remember that positive play looks different depending on your role and responsibilities. Palhinha may not play 40-yard diagonal defence-splitting passes, but he will successfully regain possession and redistribute to a team-mate who can.

He will block and redirect the opposition, limiting their options and protecting the defenders behind him, significantly increasing his team's chances of keeping a clean sheet.

He will disrupt play so expertly and with such seeming effortlessness, that his importance in the team could go unnoticed by some.

Much has been made of our attacking options this season, and although Palhinha is not shy in front of goal - as he proved against Manchester City - his defensive attributes are arguably what make him the sort of player we have been missing the most.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

Image source, Getty Images

Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Harry asked: I'm not a Tottenham fan but their Champions League run is something which I am excited to see given how they gained entry. How do you rate their chances of getting through the league stages? Do you think the new leadership and signings are ready?

Phil answered: If I was a Spurs fan, I would be very excited by new manager Thomas Frank and the early signs have been very promising, apart from the home loss to Bournemouth.

They have some very tough games, especially a trip to holders Paris St-Germain, but they played well against them in the Super Cup final so there should be no fear.

I'll say definitely play-off at the very least.

Follow Phil's Q&A and the rest of the day's football news on our daily live page

Image source, Getty Images

Opta's supercomputer has ranked Tottenham as the 13th-most likely team to win this season's Champions League.

The model estimates the probability of each match outcome (win, draw or loss) by using betting market odds and Opta power rankings. Both these areas are based on historical and recent team performances and the computer runs 10,000 simulations to create its predictions.

Image source, Opta

The Europa League winners win the Champions League trophy in just 1.1% of simulations.

Despite having to face an away trip to last season's champions Paris St-Germain in the league phase, Spurs have been given the fourth-most favourable draw according to Opta's rankings.

If they reach the knockout phases, the supercomputer gives Thomas Frank's side a 22.9% chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

They go on to reach the semi-final in 8.5% of simulations and the final in 2.8%.

Having sacked Ange Postecoglou after their European success in May, it means new boss Thomas Frank manages in Europe's top club competition for the first time in his career.

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has said he is "very happy" at the club and he "never" expressed his desire to leave, despite being heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid over the summer.

The 27-year-old Argentina centre-back had criticised the club's board for a lack of investment last season and posted a cryptic message supporting departing manager Ange Postecoglou and the "many obstacles" he overcame just an hour after Thomas Frank was appointed as his replacement.

However, Frank named Romero as his captain and he signed a new four-year deal in August to keep him at the club until 2029.

"I never said I wanted to leave the club," the World Cup winner said in a pre-match news conference before Spurs' Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday.

"Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say.

"I am very happy here, it is like a family. I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Always things can improve but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here."

On the team's performances so far under Frank, Romero added: "We always focus on our jobs and our work. We have a great manager. We have a great defensive coach. We always want to improve.

"If you take Bournemouth out, we've done well. We do our best no matter who we are playing against. It is always about increasing our performance and looking to improve."

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Villarreal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Frank confirmed Dominic Solanke is "not ready to be involved" but is "taking steps in the right direction so that's positive".

• Randal Kolo Muani is available: "If we needed him to play, he could play 90 minutes, but can he play at the intensity and the level that we want? But he's ready and he'll be involved, so that's the most important thing."

• On managing his first game in the Champions League, Frank said: "It's a fantastic opportunity and experience. It's a big thing. I'm hugely looking forward to it. I know it'll be special when we have that Champions League anthem playing. Now it's preparation, there's a few more cameras, but it's business as usual."

• More on his personal story: "I was manager of Brentford in the Championship at Griffin Park, a small, compact stadium, and on Tuesday we're playing in one of the best stadiums in the world, in front of our own fantastic fans. It's a European night and we know they'll be absolutely on it. It'll be so special."

• On how far can Spurs go in Europe: "I believe I have a fantastic squad and we would like to go as far as possible. I think the most important thing is that it's one game at a time."

• On the challenge posed by Tuesday's opponents: "Villarreal are a very good team. I've been very impressed when I've studied them, but we'll do everything we can to get a good start. It's going to be a good challenge."

Listen to live commentary of Spurs v Villarreal on Tuesday from 20:00 on BBC Radio 5 Live

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Daniel Levy's impact on Tottenham's financial security and whether he underachieved during his tenure as executive chairman have been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Tottenham' form'.

It cannot be disputed that Spurs are in a far stronger financial and infrastructural state thanks to Levy.

Forbes values Tottenham at $3.3bn (£2.25bn) - ranking them inside the top 10 most valuable clubs on the planet.

The stadium is the envy of the world, while the training ground is excellent - so much so that England use the facility when they are in town.

From that perspective, Levy's reign has been a resounding success.

Of course, football success, certainly for supporters, isn't measured on those parameters and the trophy haul under Levy's watch left plenty to be desired.

Two in nearly 25 years is a poor outcome for a club of Spurs' stature.

Levy's reputation for a reluctance to spend big in the transfer market is, for many, at the root of the club's on-pitch failures over the years. It is hard to absolve Levy of any blame.

Up until recently, his reluctance to meet Crystal Palace's conditions for Eberechi Eze saw Spurs lose out on the England international to Arsenal.

Of course, we don't know how much influence de facto owner Joe Lewis had on the apparent hesitancy to spend heavily on transfer fees. But to stay at the top, you have to push the boundaries of spending - Spurs, under Levy, didn't do that.

Will that change now with Levy gone and Lewis' involvement at Tottenham minimal? Well, the younger generation of the Lewis family, who will take the reins from Joe - the patriarch - are making all the right noises.

They say their priority is sporting success. Those are encouraging soundbites and if those promises are delivered then Tottenham could well compete for the top prizes.

As ever with these things, though, the proof will be in the pudding.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between West Ham and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

West Ham fans

Bill: Weak and naive and at the back, slow in midfield and our striker on the bench. It's hard to understand Graham Potter's tactics, let alone his strategy for the club. This is relegation form that has to change very quickly. Potter may be gone soon - his time is surely up?

Mark: Woeful defending for all three goals. Midfield are far to slow and no out-and-out attacker again. Potter hasn't a clue - time to get rid and get either Jose Mourinho or Nuno Espirito Santo in. But, the board won't do that because they like yes men.

Darren: I was optimistic about the appointment of Potter and wanted to give him time. But enough is enough - we are in a relegation battle. Our defensive frailties are clearly visible and he has no answers. Another dreadful performance, despite a bright first 20 minutes.

Dave: Another gutless, spineless performance under the direction of a clueless manager.

Spurs fans

Brian: Definite signs of improvement in this young squad with huge potential. Bergvall was a shining light, but so many positives to take from the game. Considering the injury list, players still getting up to fitness and learning the way Thomas Frank plays, I have high hopes for the team.

Matt: Positive early signs. Bit 'Spursy' in our result against Bournemouth but a good bounce back, especially after the international break. I feel we are starting to resemble a squad with depth. Lots of options for the season ahead.

Barry: When is a goal not a goal - when the correct decision is too difficult for the officials to have the courage to take it (this also applies to subsequent penalty appeal). But, justice was done.

Andy: Who'd have thought we would be set-piece specialists?! At the back, we really have two world-class centre-backs in Van de Ven and Romero; and, in midfield, it looks like our trio will be Palhinha, Sarr and Bergvall until Maddison comes back. However, there are still issues up front with none of the forwards scoring or looking like they are going to score. We don't have any natural finishers - even when Solanke comes back. Simons and Kudus look good on the flanks, but let's hope Kolo Muani in the middle is the answer.

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

The first game of the post-Daniel Levy era could hardly have gone much better for Tottenham.

While the sudden departure of the Premier League's longest-serving chairman had placed scrutiny on the club's ownership and operations off the pitch at boardroom level, back on the pitch, Spurs responded with a professional display.

With the Lewis family represented in the stands by Vivienne Lewis and her son-in-law Nick Beucher and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham also present, there was a chance for influential figures to enjoy watching Frank's side control proceedings for long periods.

Had Van de Ven not hauled home defender Kyle Walker-Peters to the floor, they would have gone ahead from Cristian Romero's first-half header, which was ruled out for the infringement.

Mohammed Kudus, who was roundly booed each time he touched the ball on his return to the club he left in the summer provided a useful outlet down the Tottenham right.

However, Sweden midfielder Bergvall stole the show having been reintroduced to the side, playing several lovely passes and taking the responsibility of initiating numerous attacks.

The 19-year-old completed 89% of his passes and capped an excellent display with both a goal and an assist for Van de Ven.

Pundits Ashley Williams and Shay Given join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

• Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

• West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Reuters

The first game of the post-Daniel Levy era could hardly have gone much better for Tottenham.

While the sudden departure of the Premier League's longest-serving chairman had placed scrutiny on the club's ownership and operations off the pitch at boardroom level, back on the pitch, Spurs responded with a professional display.

With the Lewis family represented in the stands by Vivienne Lewis and her son-in-law Nick Beucher and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham also present, there was a chance for influential figures to enjoy watching Frank's side control proceedings for long periods.

Had Van de Ven not hauled home defender Kyle Walker-Peters to the floor, they would have gone ahead from Cristian Romero's first-half header, which was ruled out for the infringement.

Mohammed Kudus, who was roundly booed each time he touched the ball on his return to the club he left in the summer provided a useful outlet down the Tottenham right.

However, Sweden midfielder Bergvall stole the show having been reintroduced to the side, playing several lovely passes and taking the responsibility of initiating numerous attacks.

The 19-year-old completed 89% of his passes and capped an excellent display with both a goal and an assist for Van de Ven.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory at West Ham: "Overall, it was a good performance. Besides two situations in the first half, we didn't give much away. We had some good crosses into the box, dominated and kept West Ham hemmed in.

"We scored a brilliant goal from a corner. The red card helps, of course, but I felt we were dominant in the game.

"We want to perform and win every game. We can't look too far ahead, but need to have that little think about it. We've been travelling a lot and all the players have done well.

"We need to do well in the Premier League and see if we can compete in all tournaments. I'm happy with the win, now it's all about the game on Tuesday [in the Champions League]."

On the red card: "I think it was the right decision. [Tomas] Soucek is a very honest player, a player I respect a lot. I don't think it was the intention [to hurt the opponent], but it was a red card."

On Spurs' second goal: "It was a fantastic pass [from Romero]. He practised that a little bit with Lucas [Bergvall] in training."

On Xavi Simons: "I thought he was really good, really promising. There's more to come. Excellent ball for the goal. He created something when he was on the ball. Randal [Kolo Muani] will get his time, he's just a little behind in terms of fitness."

Speaking to Sky Sports, Simons said: "I'm really happy with the win, and making my debut in the Premier League is such a special moment. It's always been a dream of mine to play on the biggest stage in the best league in the world. I'm with a magnificent team.

"Even teams who are struggling in the table have top players. Even [West Ham] today have top players. I'm trying to adapt as quickly as possible.

"Some of the guys have been with the national team. We've tried to talk a lot on the pitch. The games are coming so we have to adapt quickly to certain situations. In three days we have another game [in the Champions League]."

Did you know?

• Tottenham have won three of their four Premier League games this season (L1), keeping a clean sheet in each victory - it's as many clean sheets as they'd managed in their previous 26.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on West Ham's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

West Ham make one change to the side that won 3-0 in the Premier League at Nottingham Forest before the international break with Crysencio Summerville coming in for Niclas Fullkrug.

West Ham XI: Hermansen, Diouf, Kilman, Mavropanos, Walker-Peters, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Fernandes, Paqueta, Bowen, Summerville.

Subs: Areola, Julio, Wilson, Fullkrug, Guilherme, Magassa, Wan-Bissaka, Potts, Irving.

Tottenham hand Xavi Simons a debut as one of three changes from the side that started their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League before the September international matches.

Mathys Tel and Lucas Bergvall also start with Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison and Brennan Johnson on the bench along with deadline-day signing Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Van de Ven, Romero, Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Bergvall Simons, Tel, Kudus.

Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Richarlison, Udogie, Johnson, Odobert, Bentancur, Davies, Kolo Muani.

There are eight games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Crystal Palace v Sunderland

• Everton v Aston Villa - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Wolves - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• West Ham v Tottenham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Brentford v Chelsea (20:00)

Kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

For West Ham to go to Nottingham Forest and win 3-0 was an incredible result - I never saw that coming, so fair play to those of you who did [out of more than 54,000 predictions by BBC readers, only 1,435 backed the Hammers to win and just 53 of you got the exact scoreline].

Now it is about Graham Potter's side backing it up, but I don't think they will. I never really fancy West Ham at home the same way I do with other teams because their fans always seem edgy at London Stadium.

Tottenham have a point to prove too after their surprise home defeat by Bournemouth. I didn't think that would happen either, but Thomas Frank's teams are usually so well balanced and I am expecting them to bounce back.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist

West Ham United return to Premier League action with a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. BBC Sport looks at the key talking points before the encounter.

Hammers head coach Graham Potter remains under pressure despite producing the best result of his eight-month tenure prior to the international break.

The Hammers' surprise 3-0 victory at Nottingham Forest was even more of a shock given that the last time they scored a Premier League goal at the City Ground was in 1996.

Potter is now vying to win back-to-back Premier League matches for just the second time as West Ham boss, with his side defeating Arsenal 1-0 away and Leicester City 2-0 at home back in February.

That triumph over the Foxes was West Ham's last at London Stadium. The Irons have collected just three points from a possible 18 on home soil since that day, a dismal run which includes a 1-1 draw with Ange Postecoglou's Spurs.

Saturday's game marks the start of a new era for Tottenham who, for the first time in almost 25 years, will play a Premier League match without executive chairman Daniel Levy at the helm.

Levy's final managerial hire, Thomas Frank, started life at the club with back-to-back league wins but his honeymoon period ended abruptly two weeks ago after a 1-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.

It took until the 54th minute for Spurs to muster an effort on goal and they attempted just five in the entire match – 15 fewer than their opponents.

Frank's side will require a far better showing if they are to get something from London Stadium. Tottenham's last victory at the ground was in November 2019 and they are winless in five previous visits, drawing three and losing two.

New signing Xavi Simons was introduced to the fans before their last Premier League outing and could provide the necessary creative spark as Spurs look to return to winning ways.

The 22-year-old Dutchman was directly involved in 19 goals at RB Leipzig in 2024-25 despite missing 15 games with an ankle injury. He's contributed 43 goals and 32 assists over the past three seasons and should be involved for the first time this weekend.

Listen to West Ham v Tottenham commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live on Saturday

You can also listen to 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play west Ham v Tottenham".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Sean Byrne
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at London Stadium (kick-off 17:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• On how his players are after the international break: "Everyone is fine. Everyone returned well. Everyone is in a good place."

• However, he confirmed striker Dominic Solanke remains out: "I don't expect it to be too long but he won't be available for this game."

• On if new signings Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani will make their debuts: "Both of them are looking good. Both are in contention for the squad. Xavi, for natural reasons, is further down the line as he has played for Holland and a few games for RB Leipzig. Randal hasn't played since the Club World Cup and didn't really train at PSG so he is not as fit as Xavi."

• On his plans for the duo: "I have some ideas. It is still a team I'm learning. It's one thing to look from the outside - it's another to feel them. Xavi, I see mainly as a 10 or a left-side player. Kolo, I see as a striker or he can play on either wing."

• On selecting his Champions League squad: "That was an extremely difficult decision. I also think in many ways it was a bit unfair. The Uefa lists are not big enough. The load is getting more and more [on the players]. We need a bigger squad. I can't understand why we need to limit ourselves."

• On deciding to exclude £30m Mathys Tel: "I needed to name it before I really knew Matty. I think the way he handled it was extremely mature. It was really impressive."

• On Daniel Levy's departure: "He deserves huge praise. One of the longest-serving chairman in the Premier League ever. He has laid the foundations for the future in terms of the world-class training centre and stadium."

• On if he has spoken to Levy: "I have. It has been brief. I said thank you. I can only appreciate that in every aspect. I wish him all the best going forward."

• On a local derby with West Ham: "I'm very excited. I know it means a lot to the fans. We will go there and do everything we can to win the game. We're facing a West Ham team that may not have had the best start but they got a really good result at Nottingham [Forest]. I have a big respect for Graham Potter and his staff. I know the game against West Ham will be extremely difficult. They will raise their level but we will be ready for it."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of West Ham v Tottenham on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 BST on Saturday