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Liverpool is down 1-0 in its League Cup semifinal versus Tottenham Hotspur and looks to Anfield for a second-leg boost on Wednesday.

The tournament’s all-time champions (10) are also the defending victors, having beaten Chelsea in the final last season despite a tremendous list of injuries.

MORE — League Cup history, winners, finals

That will be met with a nod and wink from Spurs supporters.

Lucas Bergvall gave Ange Postecoglou’s men a first-leg win against the odds, as Spurs were — and remain — injury-hit and were out-attempted 14-9 in North London.

How to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 3pm ET Wednesday

Venue: Anfield — Liverpool

TV Channel/Streaming: Paramount Plus

Liverpool team news, focus

The Reds are largely healthy, and Arne Slot can give the match his full focus with a trip to Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup next before next week’s Merseyside derby in the Premier League. He may split his “top unit” to some degree, but this will be a strong Liverpool looking to overcome a one-goal deficit.

QUESTIONABLE: Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh)

Tottenham Hotspur team news, focus

Spurs just can’t get closer to full health, as it seems like the minutes that have taxed their players during the first part of this long injury bug have worn down those who had to pick up the slack. Spurs best bet may be the defend but that goes against Postecoglou’s principles. Will being 90 minutes from a final change that?

OUT: Radu Dragusin (knee), Dominic Solanke (knee - MORE), Brennan Johnson (calf), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Guglielmo Vicario (fractured ankle - MORE), Wilson Odobert (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh), Cristian Romero (quad), James Maddison (undisclosed)

Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction

El Khannouss blasts Leicester in front of Spurs

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PL Update: Man City punish Chelsea

Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Earle, and Robbie Mustoe analyze an action-packed Saturday in Matchweek 23 where Man City came back to defeat Chelsea, Arsenal survived a scare at Wolves, Bournemouth stunned Forest, and more.

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Watch full-match highlights from Everton's trip down South to the Amex to take on Brighton in Matchweek 23.

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Did Lewis-Skelly deserve a red card v. Wolves?

Robbie Earle sounds off on Myles Lewis-Skelly's red card for Arsenal against Wolves in Matchweek 23.

Ange Postecoglou saw his Tottenham side lose 3-2 at Everton on Sunday, as Spurs remain 15th in the Premier League table after a run of five defeats in their last six league games.

Tottenham’s fans in the away end were chanting ‘we want Levy out’ as they shared their displeasure at the performance and the current situation with the squad.

Postecoglou’s side were undone after a sloppy start which saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Iliman Ndiaye ripping them to shreds and both scoring, then an own goal from Archie Gray rubbed further salt into the wounds after a woeful first half. Goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky kept the score down as Spurs could have been 5-0 down at half time to an Everton side not renowned for scoring goals.

Dejan Kulusevski pulled one back in the second half and even though Richarlison made it 3-2 late on, Tottenham couldn’t grab anything and they didn’t deserve to.

The Australian coach was seething on the sidelines throughout as he couldn’t believe what he was seeing, as Spurs’ Premier League record since they lost 4-1 to Chelsea in November 2023 now stands at 19 wins, seven draws and 24 defeats from 50 games.

Ange Postecoglou reaction after Tottenham lose at Everton; transfers, injuries, belief

Postecoglou didn’t hold back when assessing the poor performance, but he did distance himself from his future being linked with the injury crisis Tottenham are going through.

When asked if he was concerned his future is being impacted by the number of injuries and the lack of reinforcements in the transfer market, Postecoglou said he wasn’t focusing on that and said the club are trying their best to bring in new players.

“You know it’s more about getting the players help rather than me help,” Postecoglou told reporters. “I separate myself from that. This is not about me, but what is about me right now is I have the responsibility of the group of players I do have to try and get us through this. That is what we’ve got to focus on. For me to focus on anything else is abstaining myself from the responsibility I have. I’m just determined to get us out of this.”

Reflecting generally on the game, the Australian coach was clear that Spurs just weren’t good enough. Once again.

“It is a difficult result,” Postecoglou told our partners in the UK at Sky Sports. “We struggled to really get in the game in the first half and that gave Everton momentum. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb but the players certainly tried to claw the game back but we just fell short.

“We couldn’t really take control of the game. We struggled to get any traction in terms of with and without the ball and that allowed to get in behind us. We had some chances where we probably should have capitalized early on, when the game was still in the balance, but in the end it wasn’t enough.”

Postecoglou went with a back three from the start and it didn’t work and he was asked about having to make so many changes in defense due to injuries.

“Obviously we are pretty stretched. We literally had 11 players fit enough to start the game with. That is on me trying to restructure a little bit. We weren’t in total control of our organization, particularly early on, and Everton capitalized on that and we paid the price for it. Radu [Dragusin] got a head knock, he’s got a pretty big cut so I had to take him off at half time and restructure,” Postecoglou added.

“Second half we had the fair share of the game. We started strongly and I thought Richarlison made a difference and a presence and Mikey Moore gave us something on the left.”

Asked if Tottenham are looking to make moves in the transfer market, Postecoglou said he has now problem with how the club are approaching it.

“There will be urgency but it doesn’t need me to say it, everybody can see that. I have no issue with the way the club are going about it, they are working hard and trying to find solutions for us,” Postecoglou said. “These players need help for sure and hopefully over the next 10 days we’ll find a solution for it... It’s really tricky, we’re not the only ones in the market for players. The club is working hard to find a solution for them.”

Is Posetcoglou’s faith in what he’s doing at Spurs wavering?

“No it doesn’t. If you look at the situation we’re in, it will eventually dissipate,” Postecoglou said. “I certainly hope and believe it will. We’ll give ourselves the opportunity to get consistency in performance and results. I certainly haven’t lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half that they haven’t either.”

Richarlison scores consolation goal v. Everton  NBC Sports

Everton are absolutely flying at half time against Tottenham.

WATCH LIVE – Everton v Tottenham

Below is everything you need for Everton v Tottenham.

How to watch Everton vs Tottenham live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 9am ET Sunday

Venue: Goodison Park — Liverpool

TV Channel: USA

Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com

Everton vs Tottenham score: 3-0

Calvert-Lewin 13', Ndiaye 30', Gray OG 52'

Everton vs Tottenham live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright

Calvert-Lewin flashes a shot wide

Spurs haven’t improved and Everton look the more likely to score.

Richarlison on for Dragusin at half time

Spurs are going for it. Richarlison is on for center back Dragusin. Gray has gone to center back with Richarlison going up top and Son on the left.

Half time: Everton 3-0 Tottenham

What a first half from Everton. David Moyes’ side are flying. Tottenham all over the place at the back and the goalkeeper is keeping the score down.

Gray deflects in a shot... Toffees in dreamland! — Everton 3-0 Tottenham

A corner is recycled and Tarkowski heads it back across goal and Gray deflects it in under pressure. The camera pans to Ange Postecoglou who is absolutely seething on the sidelines. Then Daniel Levy is shown in the stands and he has a face like thunder.

Kinsky saves well from Tarkowski

Excellent free kick whipped in by Lindstrom and Tarkowski has a free header on goal which Kinsky saves well at the near post. Tottenham’s goalkeeper is keeping the score down.

Brilliant goal from Ndiaye! — Everton 2-0 Tottenham

Iliman Ndiaye with a brilliant goal as he surges forward, shows a bit of a skill and lifts the ball home. Goodison goes wild!

Kinsky pushes Mangala’s shot on to the post!

Calvert-Lewin tees up Mangala and his low shot is going in but Kinsky pushes it onto the post and Calvert-Lewin can’t finish the rebound. Everton looking really dangerous but Spurs are all over the place at the back. Game is so open.

Calvert-Lewin makes a hash of a chance at the other end

One long ball forward and DCL is clean through. Such a poor touch at the crucial moment allows Kinsky to save. That was a big chance for Everton to double their lead.

Son should score! Such a poor finish

Kulusevski is in and he picks out Son who is unmarked, 12 yards out and has a clear shot at goal. But he scuffs his effort straight at Pickford and that is an easy save for the Everton goalkeeper. What a big chance for Spurs. You would expect Son to finish that. Ange can’t believe it.

Calvert-Lewin with a lovely piece of play to finish — Everton 1-0 Tottenham

Everton win the ball back again and Gueye plays it in to Calvert-Lewin. He has so much to do but wriggles past Gray and gives Kinsky the eyes to slot home. There was a question of handball by Lindstrom in the build-up.

Kinsky denies Lindstrom

Everton win the ball back and Lindstrom has a pop which Kinsky pushes wide. Much better from the hosts.

Dominic Solanke injury update — Latest news

There were reports suggesting that Dominic Solanke has suffered a knee injury for Tottenham, which is the last thing they need right now. And Solanke was left out of the squad for the trip to Everton, with Ange Postecoglou confirming the injury happened in training.

Everton lineup

Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Mangala, Gueye; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin

Tottenham lineup

Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Gray, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Son, Maddison

Everton team news, focus

OUT: Armando Broja (ankle), Dwight McNeil (knee), Seamus Coleman (calf), Timothy Iroegbunam (ankle), James Garner (back), Youssef Chermiti (thigh)

Tottenham team news, focus

OUT: Destiny Udogie (thigh), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Cristian Romero (quad), Guglielmo Vicario (fractured ankle - MORE), Rodrigo Bentancur (concussion - MORE), Wilson Odobert (thigh), Ben Davies (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh)

Everton vs Tottenham prediction

At some point, one lucky thing is going to go Spurs’ way and the floodgates will open. Everton fans just know it’s going to happen against them. Everton 1-3 Tottenham.

Everton vs Tottenham preview

Postecoglou joked last week that he hopes to be the one benefiting from the rapid development of Spurs’ sensational 18-year-old duo of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall a few years down the road, but recent results have been such that he might simply be hoping to still be in charge when four key defensive starters return from injury in a few weeks. After winning just one of their last 10 games in the Premier League, Tottenham (24 points) sit 14th in the table, much closer to the relegation zone (8 points) than the top-four (14). Just one of Spurs’ 11 defeats this season (joint-most in club history after 21 games) has come by more than one goal, thus the 14th-place side that has lost more than half its games has a +11 goal difference, which is 5th-best in the PL. Positive regression, when?

As for Moyes, just imagine what a win might do for morale at Everton after losing three straight and going winless in their last six league games. The Toffees (17 points - 16th) have won just three games and scored just 15 goals this season (both 2nd-fewest in the PL), so Moyes could really use a new-manager bounce to put some space between his new (old) club and the relegation zone (currently just one point).

Tottenham Hotspur’s 25th-minute goal gave Spurs hope of a North London derby hope, but the final score line feels as expected as Arsenal won 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium against their historic and injury-hampered rivals.

Not that Arsenal aren’t missing players, as Bukayo Saka’s absence has been felt keenly around the red part of North London.

But Leandro Trossard got the job done and Raheem Sterling was also bright in going less than 90 minutes each at the Emirates.

For Spurs, two of their three midfielders were poor in the first half and that may just be the story of the final score. Ange Postecoglou yanked both of the players in question at the break.

Here are our player ratings from a truculent, haphazard, 115-yard game in North London.

Arsenal player ratings vs Tottenham out of 10

David Raya: 6 — Didn’t need to do much. Dropped one cross but it didn’t bite him.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (Off 87'): 8 — Tidy on the ball and aggressive when play came his way, the teenager won 4-of-5 duels.

Gabriel Magalhaes: 9 — Not an easy header from that angle at the back post to put Arsenal level — it went down as a Solanke own goal — and it came minutes after his terrific denial of a Djed Spence cross destined for a Dominic Solanke finish.

William Saliba: 8 — Had his prime Virgil van Dijk game, spraying long balls with style and deferring challengers to the other side of the pitch (where Gabriel was more than ready for them).

Jurrien Timber: 7.5 — Super solid in every aspect.

Thomas Partey: 7 — Held onto the ball and won 5-of-7 duels.

Declan Rice (Off 87'): 7.5 — His corner kick service continues to draw rave reviews, but it feels like a 7.5 rating is his base line. An elite game dictator.

Martin Odegaard: 8 — Just your ho-hum game with four created chances and 85% passing despite operating in the congested areas of the pitch.

Leandro Trossard (Off 77'): 8 — One of his more composed games with the ball, scoring a great goal and managing 10 touches in the Spurs’ box.

Raheem Sterling (Off 61'): 7.5 — In a one-hour long fight with Djed Spence, who was up for the challenge. Sterling was stuck into 14 challenges in his 61 minutes.

Kai Havertz: 6.5 — An inconclusive 90. Full of effort but more would’ve been expected from the center forward in this one.

Subs

Gabriel Martinelli (On 61'): 6 — Ineffective, missed a chance to score.

Kieran Tierney (On 77'): 6.5 — Had little to do.

Mikel Merino (On 87'): — N/A

Oleksandr Zinchenko (On 87'): — N/A

Tottenham player ratings at Arsenal out of 10

Antonin Kinsky: 6 — Blocked from reaching Rice’s corner kick on Gabriel’s goal.

Djed Spence: 7 — His fight with Sterling was excellent, as was his outside-of-the-boot cross to Solanke that was denied by Gabriel.

Radu Dragusin: 5 — You want better from him with the ball, and definitely want better marking Gabriel on the own goal. He is, to be fair, playing every minute, every game, next to a teenage midfielder.

Archie Gray: 6 — Hard to dock him too many points given he’s still not a center back.

Pedro Porro: 6 — Busy going forward and smacked the post late but was sloppy with the final ball.

Yves Bissouma (Off HT): 5 — Gave the ball away on Trossard’s goal and struggled overall.

Pape Sarr (Off HT): 4.5 — Could’ve done a lot more to help his defenders after Bissouma’s giveaway on Trossard’s goal.

Lucas Bergvall: 7.5 — Maybe the bright light of the team, and showed fire in clashing with Lewis-Skelly.

Dejan Kulusevski: 6.5 — Starved of the ball and lost the lion’s share of his duels. A rare off day.

Heung-min Son (Off 79'): 7 — Got a decent deflection for his goal but you can’t score if you don’t shoot.

Dominic Solanke: 6 — Twenty-four touches in 90 minutes, as he was starved of the ball and was the hard luck own goal provider.

LONDON — Arsenal vs Tottenham always delivers drama and this north London derby was no different, as the Gunners fought back to win 2-1.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are now just four points off Premier League leaders Liverpool (who have a game in-hand) and they were deserved winners as they should have won by more. Ange Postecoglou’s injury-hit Tottenham took an unlikely lead through Heung-min Son but never had any control in this game.

Below is a look at what we learned from yet another wild Arsenal vs Tottenham clash.

Arsenal’s midfield trio dominate Tottenham

The chances just kept on coming for Arsenal and that was because Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, and Martin Odegaard swarmed all over Tottenham from the first whistle until the last. They set the press and Spurs couldn’t handle it. Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma were taken off at halftime and that didn’t change things. After Arsenal’s disappointment of the last 10 days with cup defeats, dropped points at Brighton, and clunky attacking play, the Gunners needed their leaders in midfield to step up. Their display was relentless and set the tone for a deserved derby day win which has reignited belief Arsenal are back in the title race for real. Even if they’re struggling to finish chances they’re still creating them and this midfield pressure from such an experienced trio was the reason they dominated the game. Arsenal now have the same number of points they had after 21 games last season. They are the only Premier League team still unbeaten at home, have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League, and are now unbeaten in their last 11 league games. The next step is to finish off more chances. If they can do that then Liverpool will be very worried.

Even with injuries, Spurs have such a long way to go

We all know there is an asterisk next to Tottenham’s name right now given all of their defensive injuries. But this wasn’t good enough and they are now 19 points behind Arsenal after a run of one win in their last nine Premier League games. Spurs wilted in the pressure of the North London derby and this was a reminder of just how far they have to go even when Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven return to the team. Spurs should still be patient with Ange Postecoglou, however — it took Mikel Arteta five years to get Arsenal to this point. There were plenty of dodgy moments along the way for Arsenal and Arteta too. But Tottenham have now lost seven of the last nine North London derbies and haven’t won at Arsenal in the league in 14 years. This performance showcased that even when everyone is fully fit for Spurs, they are still well off the levels a fired-up Arsenal can reach. It was a sobering night for the Spurs fans in the away end as they had very little to cheer about at the Emirates.

Myles Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal’s next academy star

The 18-year-old local lad was probably Arsenal’s standout player in the derby and was applauded time and time again for his brilliant defensive actions. Myles Lewis-Skelly is physically robust and the way he locked down Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson down the right was hugely impressive. He tracked back on multiple occasions and won the ball when he looked like the second favorite to do so. He also has the ability to keep the ball and pick the right pass when he wins it back. Riccardo Calafiori was supposed to be Arsenal’s first-choice left back but Lewis-Skelly has clearly overtaken him. He’s the next star from Arsenal’s famed academy and he will be in the first team for some time. He was given a standing ovation as he whipped up the crowd with a smile on his face when he was subbed off late on, while Arsenal’s fans sang, ‘He’s one of our own!’ MLS thrived in the cauldron of derby day.

LONDON — Arsenal have turned the game on its head just before half time against Tottenham, as a wild north London derby is delivering drama.

WATCH – Arsenal v Tottenham

Can Arsenal get back in the title race properly? Will Tottenham salvage at least a top six finish this season? This is a huge game.

Here’s everything you need for Arsenal vs Tottenham.

How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 3pm ET Wednesday (January 15)

Venue: Emirates Stadium — London

TV Channel: Peacock

Streaming: Premier League on Peacock

Arsenal vs Tottenham score: 2-1

Solanke OG 40', Trossard 44'; Son 25'

Arsenal vs Tottenham live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright at Emirates Stadium

Teenager Lewis-Skelly is having a game

Huge roars for 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly from the home fans here after some wonderful, determined defending. The 18-year-old is showing so much maturity, strength and his positioning has been really good at left back. Tottenham trying to target him but they can’t get past him.

Martinelli on for Sterling

A nice ripple of applause here for Sterling, who has worked hard but the ball just wouldn’t drop for him in the box. A great effort from Sterling who hasn’t played much this season. Martinelli feels like the closer Arsenal need in this situation. Big cheer from the home fans when the Brazilian came on.

Arsenal miss two big chances

Arsenal should have their crucial third goal. Havertz heads straight at Kinsky. Then he and Sterling can’t make the most of Arsenal winning the ball back on the edge of Spurs’ box. Will Arsenal rue these missed chances? The home fans in front of me are not happy with those couple of passages of play.

Brilliant atmosphere here, but can Arsenal find a crucial third?

The home fans are kicking every single ball with their players and creating a huge amount of noise. Exactly what Arteta asked for. But there’s still a nervousness too. Arsenal are dominating but it’s only 2-1. It feels like Tottenham will create at least a couple of big chances given their cavalier half-time changes. Arsenal have to get this third goal.

Havertz heads a corner wide

Another brilliant corner from Arsenal as Odegaard whips it into the near post and Havertz heads it just wide. This game has really opened up. Spurs have gone for it and Arsenal will get plenty of chances on the counter.

Maddison, Johnson on at half time

Double substitution for Spurs at half time. Maddison and Johnson on for Sarr and Bissouma. Spurs have gone all-out attack. Bergvall the holding midfielder with Kulusevski alongside him. It’s full Angeball.

Half time: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham

What a first half! Spurs went ahead against the run of play but Arsenal roared back with Gabriel’s header deflected in, then Trossard’s low strike putting them ahead. Incredible drama.

Trossard’s low shot flies in! Chaos! — Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham

They’ve turned it around! Trossard’s low shot flies into the bottom corner. This place has gone bonkers. Kinsky probably should do better with that. The noise in this place!

Gabriel heads against Solanke and it goes in at the back post! — Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham

Yet another goal from a set-piece. Although should the corner have been one? No. The ball hit Trossard last before it went out. The corner goes to the back post and Gabriel’s header hits Solanke and goes in. What noise when that went in!

Stunned atmosphere here at the Emirates

Nobody can quite believe Tottenham are ahead! Arsenal were so dominant early on but didn’t take their chances and Spurs have made them pay. Tottenham growing in confidence a little after that goal from Son. Talk about your captain turning up at the big moment. That is just Son’s third goal in his last 12 Premier League games.

Son’s deflected volley flies in! — Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

Oh wow. That was coming! A corner is cleared to the edge of the box and Heung-min Son’s volley deflects into the bottom corner. After all of that early pressure from Arsenal it’s Tottenham who take the lead.

Tottenham go close twice!

First Djed Spence flies down the left wing and crosses for Solanke but Gabriel makes a great last-ditch touch to knock it out for a corner. Raya then makes a brilliant save to deny Kulusevski as the corner drops to him at the near post. Tottenham have been totally outplayed but almost score twice.

Havertz shuts down Kinsky and almost wins the ball back

Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has looked pretty solid early on but Havertz catches him on the ball and almost grabs it. But the Spurs goalkeeper recovers the ball. Scary moment for Tottenham. It’s one-way traffic here. The home fans are loving it and roaring their team on. Not much noise from the away end yet.

Fast start from Arsenal as Sterling comes close

A brilliant start from Arsenal and they’re in as the ball is squared to Sterling, but Gray just gets to the ball with Kinsky out of his goal. Moments later Odegaard sets up a chance with a lovely flick. Arsenal are flying. They’re whipping in free kicks and corners galore. Odegaard is dictating the tempo. Spurs can’t get out of their own half.

Bukayo Saka is watching on the sidelines on crutches

Bukayo Saka is out on the side of the pitch on crutches watching his Arsenal teammates warm up. He is also watching Spurs’ back four warm-up very closely. Such a shame Saka is missing a game this huge due to injury.

Music is blaring, players are going through their paces, fog rolling in

The atmosphere is building very nicely here at the Emirates. Music is blaring over the speakers, both sets of players are going through their paces on the pitch and a layer of fog is descending over the top of the stands. It’s all very dramatic. And the game hasn’t even started yet!

Welcome to north London!

It’s a lovely winter evening here in north London. You don’t even need to zip up your jacket! But it will be nice and heated on the pitch as Arsenal and Tottenham collide at a pivotal stage for both. Can Arsenal get their title hopes back on track and close the gap to Liverpool? Will Spurs grab a huge win as their injury-hit side continues to improve?

The team news is intriguing with teenager Lewis-Skelly starting at left back for Arsenal, while Raheem Sterling comes in on the right wing and Gabriel Martinelli is on the bench. Tottenham have gone with their usual back four right now of Porro, Dragusin, Gray and Spence, while Bergvall starts in a central attacking role with Kulusevski and Son either side of him supporting Solanke.

Arsenal lineup

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard

Tottenham lineup

Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Bergvall, Son; Solanke

Arsenal team news, focus

The ACL injury Gabriel Jesus suffered against Man United in the FA Cup is set to keep him out for some time as Arsenal are down to one striker in Kai Havertz. Arteta has to find the right balance in attack with Martinelli and Trossard struggling for form out wide and Sterling just coming back from injury. Don’t be surprised if Arteta tries to plays either Jorginho or Declan Rice in a more advanced role to try and get them going in attack and the entire team further up the pitch.

OUT: Gabriel Jesus (ruptured ACL), Bukayo Saka (hamstring - MORE), Ethan Nwaneri (muscular - MORE), Ben White (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Riccardo Calafiori (knee)

Tottenham team news, focus

Ange Postecoglou’s patched-up side got through a tough outing at fifth-tier Tamworth in the FA Cup on Sunday, but only just as they needed extra time. Kulusevski, Son and Solanke all started on the bench for that game and will start at Arsenal. Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin have been improving as a pair and individually at center back, while new goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky looks like a really solid buy and has settled in very quickly.

OUT: Timo Werner (hamstring), Rodrigo Bentancur (concussion - MORE), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Cristian Romero (quad), Guglielmo Vicario (fractured ankle - MORE), Wilson Odobert (thigh), Ben Davies (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Fraser Forster (illness)

Arsenal vs Tottenham prediction

This game so often ends in a draw and that’s a good bet here. Arsenal will have to come out and attack and that will leave gaps for Spurs on the break. Given that Spurs have a more positive feel about them right now, go for a draw. Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham.

Arsenal vs Tottenham preview

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are struggling with injuries and form as they lost at home to both Newcastle and Manchester United in the League Cup semifinal first leg and FA Cup third round respectively over the last week. The latter defeat was on penalty kicks after Arsenal had played up a player for most of the second half and the whole of extra time but just couldn’t find a way to score. Arteta has also seen injuries continue to pile up and Arsenal’s attacking unit is missing its star in Bukayo Saka and is severely lacking in confidence. Still, despite those setbacks they are Liverpool’s main Premier League title contenders and they can cut the gap to Liverpool to just four points with a win. All is not lost but the Gunners need a big win to get back on track.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou’s thoughts eventually swung to testy after Spurs dodged historic embarrassment on Sunday when they finally made the most of the ball in a 3-0 extra time defeat of Tamworth at the Lamb Ground in an FA Cup third round match.

Postecoglou began praising both Tamworth’s efforts and his team’s persistence, but question four was about a change in performance following a midweek win over Liverpool and his demeanor changed.

“As far as I’m aware, we’re through to the next round and that was the objective of today.”

Spurs dominated the match at the National League side, as expected, as many of the familiar names started against the Lambs.

But it took a Tamworth own goal in the first period of extra time to put Spurs in front before Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson both fired home in the second frame.

But in a weekend that saw Manchester City clobber Salford City 8-0, Chelsea snap Morecambe 5-0, and Brighton beat up Norwich City 4-0, this was not expected by Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou reaction — What did Tottenham boss say after Spurs pushed to limit at Tamworth in FA Cup?

“Look it was a challenging game, as we expected it to be. Credit to Tamworth they made it hard for us. With the surface, it was always going to be a matter of us staying calm and being persistent in our football. We needed a goal. Their keeper pulled off a couple of good saves. We had a couple of chances we should’ve done better with but in the end we got the job done.”

What did he say before extra time? “Just stay calm and stay persistent. We knew we’d finish strong. You could see they were tiring a fair bit which would mean more space for us to play in and that’s what happened.”

Sense of relief? “It’s a game a football. You go into it knowing — every game of football there’s trepidation you could slip up because of the challenges. We had some challenges today but for the most part the boys kept their heads, handled it well. It’s very easy to lose your head on a day like this when things aren’t going your way and you realize the consequences.”

From beating Liverpool to this: “I don’t think there’s a swing in level of performance, it’s just a game of football. It’s a great leveler. It’s difficult to score goals, doesn’t matter who you are playing against. As far as I’m aware, we’re through to the next round and that was the objective of today.”

The eyes of the football world will be trained on The Lamb Ground on Sunday as the 5,000 capacity, 500-seat ground plays host to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup third-round match.

Yes, the 16th-place team in the National League, below the four-division Football League that houses the top-tier Premier League, will host Ange Postecoglou’s side — a regular European contributor with top-end talent.

The largely English team are led by manager Andy Peaks, though New York City-born striker Chris Wreh, 28, is in the side.

The long shot upset bid is made a bit more possible by Spurs’ long injury list and their midweek scrap with Liverpool in an FA Cup semifinal first leg.

Postecoglou says Spurs will not be caught off guard in their bid to silence the Lambs’ FA Cup run.

“I’ve got no doubt the attitude of the players and I think all along the boys have a great understanding of every game’s importance and we certainly will go into Sunday’s game with the same sort of mindset of making sure that we do things we can control, play our football, put a real big emphasis on the things that we do really well,” he said, via football.london.

How to watch Tamworth vs Tottenham live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 7:30am ET Saturday (January 12)

Venue: The Lamb Ground — Staffordshire

TV Channel/Streaming: ESPN+

Tamworth team news, focus

The American forward Wreh has three goals this season and is not the Lambs’ biggest threat. Thirty-year-old Dan Creaney has eight goals to pace the side. It’ll be the biggest game of many of the Lambs’ careers, and goalkeeper Jas Singh will likely have a busy one.

Tottenham team news, focus

Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner came off the bench for Spurs, so they could well start this game. And Postecoglou said he expects to see Mikey Moore on the pitch for “some game time.”

Tamworth vs Tottenham prediction