Tottenham Hotspur

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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It has been another entertaining year in the Premier League, so with 2025 just a matter of hours away let's take a look at the clubs that have topped the charts.

Manchester City became history makers in 2024 as they sealed their fourth successive Premier League title in May and their sixth in seven seasons.

Pep Guardiola's possession based football continued to dominate as they maintained the ball for an average of 64.5% per game and had a 90.6% passing accuracy over the year.

Brighton were the closest to matching their accuracy at 87.5% and Ange Postecoglou's similar high-risk football saw Tottenham retain 61.3% possession.

Under Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool scored 92 goals in 2024 which is three more than Arsenal and nine greater than City.

The Reds registered 741 shots in total, which is a stark contrast to Leicester City who recorded the least with 170. Albeit that is only since their promotion back to the top-flight in the summer.

Of those shots, 286 of Liverpool's were on target. But it is Thomas Frank's Brentford that have proven to be the most clinical.

The Bees had a conversion rare of 15.3% after scoring 62 goals in the Premier League. Yoane Wissa found the back of the net 17 times, while Bryan Mbuemo registered 12 goals.

From goal scoring to conceding - West Ham turned over the most goals with 79.

They should look to North London for tips on how to tighten up their defence as Arsenal proved to be the most solid across all aspects of their back line.

The Gunners conceded just 25 goals across the course of the year and kept an impressive 18 clean sheets.

Sean Dyche's Everton, renowned for being stubborn to break down, kept 14 clean sheets despite only winning eight of their 36 games.

All stats are supplied by Opta

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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The turn of the year represents a chance for Yang Min-hyeok to be registered by Tottenham ahead of a potential first team debut.

The 18-year-old winger has already been in London for two weeks, staying at the lodge at Spurs' training ground with his agent, taking English lessons and undergoing a physical programme put in place by his new club.

His first visit to Tottenham's modern 61,000-seater stadium was to watch the 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

But, after getting 12 goals and six assists in his maiden season at Gangwon FC, the question will be whether Min-hyeok is ready for the rigours of English football.

Part of those accompanying the teenager to London were staff from his former club, including CEO Byung-ji Kim, who was a legendary goalkeeper before running one of the K League's most progressive clubs.

When asked about Min-hyeok's arrival into North London, Kim cited the influence of captain and compatriot Son Heung-min: "Everyone knows Sonny is an icon in Korea. I know they spoke but I don't know exactly what was said. I just know we had a lot of clubs contacting us about Yang in and around April - not just Spurs - but he only had eyes for them.

"Despite him never visiting London, like all Koreans, Son had an impact on him. This is the most watched club in Korea."

Min-hyeok will now have to make the gargantuan leap from Korean football to Premier League-level.

It won't be easy, admits Kim, but he says the teenage attacker's personality will help him handle comparisons with Son and adapt, adding: "We knew his potential before he even made his debut for the club but what convinced me of his readiness was a good performance in pre-season against Russian side Dynamo Moscow, which for a 17-year-old, was exceptional.

"I think his creativity will immediately be an asset in the Premier League but he needs to bulk up physically and show he can perform the level of high sprints needed at Tottenham.

"But he is quick, can play on the left and the right, uses both feet and has similarities to Son but is more of a creator than goal scorer. If you met him, you'd see his personality is humble and a bit shy but on the pitch he is enthusiastic, competes very well and builds good relationships with his team-mates.

"What impressed me is that he thought only about football when in Korea, avoiding direct requests to be interviewed on big TV shows in Korea. That wasn't something we told him to do but he did it himself. I've told him English football is hard but to stay at this level for at least two or three years.

"I don't worry about him feeling the pressure of copying Son as he is a calm, level-headed person."

Min-hyeok is far from the first Korean to come to the Premier League, but along with Brentford's Kim Ji-soo, they are the first teenagers to directly leave the league for English football.

It is a positive trend, according to Kim, who met staff at Chelsea's academy, along with other executives from other clubs in European football on his trip, said: "English clubs are looking at our talent at a younger and younger age - as they do in South America, other European markets and in Africa.

"I use these trips to Europe to meet many people. We hope many Korean players come to Europe through Gangwon FC. It is a personal ambition of mine. We need to sell to Europe to get transfer fees and it is a win-win.

"Also, when I was a player, my career goal was to play for the national team but when I talk to kids they just want to play in the Premier League or Champions League. I want them to realise their dreams."

Tottenham are unlikely to turn 28-year-old Germany forward Timo Werner's loan into a permanent deal, meaning he will return to RB Leipzig in the summer. (Bild - in German), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Christmas is boxed off.

We're almost through the confusing days before New Year and January is within touching distance.

And we need your help - what is Tottenham's New Year's resolution?

It could be a new player to sign, a tactical system to implement, an off-the-pitch matter or something else entirely.

Let us know

Image source, PA Media

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou and Spurs' inconsistent run of form:

"They've become far too predictable for all the wrong reasons.

"I'm listening to Ange talk at the moment and it just looks like he's lost something - he's lost a little spark. He looks and sounds a little bit to me now like a manager who is waiting to be put out of his misery.

"Now, I'd be more than happy for him to go out there and prove me wrong.

"It reads like a long list of excuses, he's downbeat, there's no energy in his press conferences, the sense of humour is gone and he sounds 'woe is me'.

"I know Tottenham have got a lot of injuries, but it's starting to look like that Carabao Cup semi-final - which unfortunately for them comes against Liverpool - is huge for him now.

"They are seven points off fifth already and 11 points off fourth, and you would have no confidence - even if they were playing well and at their best - for them to put a run of five consecutive victories together. They just haven't been able to do that under Postecoglou since those first few months when he first came in.

"They are in trouble - he is in trouble - but that cup could be the salvation for him. We've seen it before with managers. Maybe that will give the players and him that spark back."

Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Wolves, which finished in a 2-2 draw.

Here are some of your comments:

Spurs fans

Paul: While Spurs play this system, they will finish in the bottom half of the table. Ange Postecoglou didn't start with our best midfielder - he has no tactics with our other subs. Far too much space for the opposition, and Spurs players not doing enough work off the ball.

Dave: Just not quite good enough. The usual stand-out performance from Dejan Kulusevski and good work from Brennan Johnson and others - but overall we look tired and there's not much joy out there. Please, Mr. Levy, give Postecoglou a late Christmas gift of some new talent in January. Some new blood plus fit-again A-players will have us up the table and finishing strong. And it'll bring back the joy... please!

Ricky: The story of our season and a half under Postecogliu. We can't defend and when we don't convert the numerous chances that we create, we are unable to adapt our tactics so we can still close a game out. European qualification via the league is surely now beyond our grasp and likewise winning a cup with the brand of football he plays. Graham Potter, are you free?

Ian: I think we have made progress under Postecoglou, we play exciting football and the game management side will come. We've had a bad run of injuries and some of the squad not playing up to full potential. Given time I think he can get this right so that every year we are in the mix and winning trophies in an manner that we can enjoy.

Wolves fans

Nathan: We have our fight back. We have our composure back. We look like a team again and it's great to see again! Thank you, Vitor Pereira!

Dave: Very good point at Spurs. Joao Gomes was outstanding and the best player on the pitch. Matt Doherty excelled in defence and Goncalo Guedes looked very sharp when he came on. Spurs weren't great but a point away to one of the so-called 'big six' is not to be sniffed at.

Lee: Battled well and deserved a point. Andre and Gomes were excellent in midfield and we looked dangerous going forwards throughout. If we can add a solid centre-back who will organise and attack the ball from set-pieces, we should start to climb the table. Well done, Wolves.

Steve: What a game! Excellent performance by both teams but Wolves had the edge as they continue to regain confidence and show heart. The honeymoon is over but Wolves continue to make great strides forwards. Match by match, I have more belief.

Kelly Somers introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's six Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 0-2 Nottingham Forest

• West Ham United 0-5 Liverpool

Newcastle United are interested in £25m Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov, but they face competition for the 20-year-old Uzbekistan international from Premier League rivals Tottenham, Manchester City, Leicester City and Wolves. (Chronicle), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist

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Another day, another defensive injury for Tottenham to contend with.

Destiny Udogie was the latest player to limp out of the action for Spurs as he went down without another player near him.

It remains to be seen how long a hamstring injury keeps him out.

Udogie joins Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero on the treatment table.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou acknowledged after the draw with Wolves that centre-back Radu Dragusin played against Wolves despite not being fully fit.

Goalkeeper Fraser Forster also required lengthy treatment on the pitch against Wolves and with Guglielmo Vicario likely to be missing for sometime yet Spurs will hope that it's nothing serious.

Either way, the problems at the back are continuing to mount up for Postecoglou, who might have his hand might be forced in January or face the prospect of throwing some untried youngsters into the side.

There's no light at the end of the tunnel just yet on the injury front.

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Tottenham have failed to win in five successive home Premier League games (D2 L3) for the first time since October 2008 (a run of eight), in what were Juande Ramos' final eight games in charge.

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Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaking to PLP: "A disappointing outcome. It's a game we should have put to bed a lot earlier. We had opportunities to get a third and at 2-1 they were not really creating much. Obviously they score and it's a disappointing outcome.

"We had opportunities to kill the game off but didn't do that. We paid the price. We have a tired group of players at the moment and we are lacking a bit of sharpness in the areas we need. They are trying hard."

On fan frustration: "I am not tuned into the fans, but I would not be surprised if they are frustrated and disappointed with the way things are going at the moment. That's up to me to fix."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Wolves' display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday, and we will bring you every moment.

• Leicester v Man City (14:30)

• Crystal Palace v Southampton

• Everton v Nottingham Forest - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Fulham v Bournemouth

• Tottenham v Wolves

• West Ham v Liverpool (17:15) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Ange Postecoglou sounded a bit deflated after Tottenham's defeat at Nottingham Forest. While I still think he has brought so much to the Premier League, you cannot deny he needs a positive result or two.

It definitely does not help that he is so short of fit centre-backs at the moment and, overall, says this is the worst injury crisis he has ever faced as a manager.

Ange is just going to have to get on with it, but this game looks a lot tougher than it might have done a couple of weeks ago.

Wolves have won their first two matches under new manager Vitor Pereira and, after shipping a load of goals under Gary O'Neil, they kept two clean sheets too.

I am still backing Spurs here though, despite their defensive issues. They did not score against Forest but had some decent chances and, at home, I think they will find a way to win.

Emma-Jean's prediction: 3-1

Tottenham are very unpredictable but, when they play well, they really shine.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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Vitor Pereira has praised Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou and his style of play, as he prepares to take his Wolves side to face Spurs on Sunday.

"I love it. I appreciate it a lot because we competed against each other in Asia," Pereira said.." We played each other in the Asian Champions League two or three times.

"He is a manager with different ideas, very offensive ideas and it means they are a team that can score a lot of goals. We need to be at our best level to compete with them.

"The game will be very hard for us."

Pereira has had a perfect start to his Wolves tenure, winning both his games in charge and was manager of Shanghai SIPG when Postecoglou was at Yokohama Marinos.

Of his counterpart's management, Pereira said: "They had an incredible team. The style of play was, in my opinion, something special - very different.

"He did a fantastic job in Japan and now we face each other in England - the world of football. The country of football."

The Wolves boss also refused to add to the growing pressure surrounding Postecoglou, and was more keen to speak about his own philosophy, "I want to win games but play good football.

"Football for me is not just about results - it is about having an idea and to make others believe in your way of playing.

"At this moment I'm trying to create identity but it's not the style of Vitor Pereira - it's the style of Wolves.

"It's something we need to embrace - our game, our style."

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Tottenham have lost each of their past three Premier League meetings with Wolves, their longest losing run against them in their league history.

Wolves have won both of their Premier League games under Vítor Pereira – no manager has ever won each of his first three top-flight games in charge of the club.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Wolves (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• It is "a bit early to tell" whether Radu Dragusin will be involved against Wolves after hurting his ankle against Nottingham Forest.

• Unfortunately, Ben Davies will be out for "another couple of weeks" after a setback in his recovery from injury.

• Asked about the defensive options available to him, Postecoglou said: "Not many. We're in a tough spot - we have been for a while. We've been getting through it for quite a while now and keeping our fingers crossed that we don't get more issues. It's another test for us, but whatever we need to deal with, we'll deal with and get ready for Sunday."

• He said that he has never experienced having so many players unavailable at any one time during his managerial career.

• On if the current squad situation will affect the club's transfer strategy in January: "I still think you can be disciplined. I've said it'll depend a lot on where we're at when the window opens and we're getting close to that now so we've got a clearer picture. It's not just about bringing anybody in, but there's certainly a need for us to reinforce if we can."

• Postecoglou said he "hasn't felt anything but support" from the Spurs fanbase and he "still feels the support is there" despite losing four of the past five Premier League games.

• He added: "I'll keep doing what I think is the right thing to get success for this club. That doesn't change. The task is difficult because of our situation but, like most things that are fairly difficult to traverse, it's only temporary, we'll get through it and we'll come out stronger."

• On Wolves: "Another good game for us and a good challenge for us. They have a new manager in Vitor Pereira who I know pretty well because we crossed paths in Asia a couple of times. They have some quality players who can hurt you, we saw that last year."

• On his overall feeling before the final match of 2025: "It's an important game for us back at home. We're getting through this period as best as we can but we certainly need to go out there, play our football and get a result to make sure we get some momentum going into the new year."

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

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We asked for your thoughts after Thursday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Matt: Definitely looking very solid. Never worried now when the opposition are attacking. Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo along with Ola Aina and Neco Williams are so strong at the back, leaving Mats Sels with very little to do, which is a goalkeeper's dream. The target now is to keep this squad of players and sign them on longer contracts. Every one of these players will go down in history as part of Forest's best Premier League side. Thirty years ago this season (1994-95), we finished third and that was the season that made me a Forest supporter.

Tim: It's time Forest started getting due notice. Breaking Brentford's long home record, now shutting down free-scoring Spurs. Everyone points out the rapid-fire counter-attacking tactics, but few teams can stop it. Forest are a brilliantly coached and organized organisation. Long may it last!

Abbott: After all the early-season chatter about tactics, one-off displays, punching above our weight and being a surprise package, it's now just plain and simple - we're just a good team. That's it... the sleeping giant is stirring in the Forest of Nottingham.

Dave: Rock solid at the back, clever, quick and incisive on the break - Forest are a joy to watch and set up perfectly to win matches. Nuno, the chairman, the players and the fans are all on the same page. Reminds me of the Brian Clough days.

Spurs fans

Alan: Fair play to Forest - they did a number on us and took their goal well. We didn't play that badly but we don't have the players to play a high line, yet we continue to do so and lo and behold we keep shipping goals. I get Ange Postecoglou's philosophy but if we don't start winning soon we are going to be bang in trouble.

Mob: Ninth loss from 18 games played. Another poor performance today where we struggled to break down a team playing a low block. Team performance was once again poor. We didn't look like we were going to score, period! It's pretty much a rinse-and-repeat situation, with the same one-dimensional tactics. Ange is out of his depth, and any optimism I had is well and truly gone.

Richard: Weak, stale, devoid of direction and leadership. We looked very ordinary, lacking any true star power, or even an in-form player. The Forest game was not about Ange's tactics; rather it was all about the skill level of our players and their ability to win a tackle and make an accurate, productive pass.

Neil: Seen all too often. Lack of desire among the players - no heart and no drive. It's clear they don't believe in what he's trying to do. Ange has no tactical insight to change the game - stubborn. Now's the time for change.

Image source, Getty Images

Joe Hart told Match of the Day about the approach his former manager Ange Postecoglou will have towards his Tottenham players after a fourth defeat in five Premier League games: 'It's definitely a difficult moment as a team - Ange requires everyone to be singing from the same hymn sheet.

"It will be analytical - the meetings pre and post-match are very important in the way he works with his team. He's not necessarily one to sit down and have conversations but the pre and post are so important.

"There will be the 'dreaded ring' going round you when things are going wrong in those meeting rooms, so Spurs players are going to have to take it on the chin and take harsh criticism.

"Ultimately, he's going to want them purring, playing the good football we know they're capable of but just more consistently."

Watch Match of the Day on iPlayer

Highlights and analysis from Boxing Day's eight Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.