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There was optimism around the fanbase when Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United in the summer. Despite being 17 for much of the 23/24 season, he had played a key part in Leeds’ season, and started the play-off final against Southampton in May. The acquisition made Gray the fourth most expensive 18-year old of all time.

Shoutout to Archie Gray amidst the tough hand given to him

What most fans assumed is that the teenager would play a fair chunk of games in midfield, whilst filling in at full-back if and when required. We are two days away from Christmas, and he has yet to start again in midfield.

He has come on in midfield a couple of times, whilst starting at right-back, left-back, and now as a central defender. All in a hugely makeshift backline + keeper, as well as even a makeshift midfield in front of him at times.

So, it is not just playing in defence that isn’t optimal. He is playing next to Radu Dragusin, who is clearly out of his depth. The only fit natural centre half. On the right side you have an absolutely shattered Pedro Porro, who is consistently out of position at the moment.

If the 18-year old played in a back four with Djed Spence (or a fresh Pedro Porro), one of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie next month – you would be able to see top performances, even at centre-half. There is being dropped into the deep end, and there is what Gray has had to endure this season.

Even in the Liverpool game, whilst not perfect – it’s pretty impossible to be when you concede six – there were still some good moments. For the second Mohamed Salah goal, he was unbelievably lucky. He did incredibly well to cut out a Cody Gakpo cross, that fell to Dominik Szoboszlai, whose shot was blocked by Gray, before falling to Salah. Poor guy.

Albeit poor opposition, he showed several good moments against Southampton, and made a brilliant intervention late on to keep the clean sheet in tact. He had another fairly good performance against Manchester United, with the goals not a lot to do with him.

Something Ange should consider is playing the England U21 international on the right, with Dragusin on the left. The Romanian defender is awful on the ball regardless, and playing Gray on the left side limits his angles somewhat. If they swapped, he would be able to carry it out of defence with greater ease.

Ideally, he will eventually be moved to central midfield, though this experience will help him in the future. You win or you learn in football. Would really love to see Gray and Pape Sarr patrolling the midfield together at some point.

Over in Spain, there was a final round of La Liga games before the winter break. Despite there being 38 games (Bundesliga has 34), the next round of fixtures will take place in mid-January.

With this final round of games, there were games for two Spurs loanees. On Saturday, Bryan Gil and his Girona side were in action at home to Real Valladolid. Meanwhile, on Sunday, Alejo Veliz and his RCD Espanyol side were in action away to Las Palmas.

Mixed weekend in Spain ahead of the annual winter break

We begin with Girona. For this game, manager Michel deployed Gil on the left in a 343 set up. Often, that would be as a number ten; but both the Tottenham loanee and his counterpart Yaser Asprilla were used very wide.

As for the collective, Gil’s side would get back to winning ways, as they dispatched their visitors with a 3-0 win. Former Spurs forward Arnaut Danjuma scored the third goal off the bench. Ex goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga started in goal, keeping a clean sheet.

Whilst he did not score or assist, it would still be a solid enough shift from Gil, who recorded; two shots, 65 touches, 33 accurate passes, 1/1 accurate long balls, 5/8 ground duels won, two fouls drawn, and two tackles. He was replaced after 83 minutes.

This win leaves Girona in 8th place heading into the winter break, with 25 points from their 18 games to date. Overall a pretty decent start to the season, considering all of the top players that they lost in the summer.

Meanwhile, Veliz was once again on the bench for Espanyol, as he continues to struggle for regular minutes of late. The striker did come off the bench, unlike in other recent games— but was unable to make an impact, and his side were condemned to a 1-0 defeat in the Canary Islands.

This defeat leaves Espanyol in 18th place in La Liga, with 15 points from their 18 games, as they continue to take up the final relegation spot. Real Valladolid are bottom of the league, with 12 points from 18 games — so Gil’s Girona side have done Espanyol a favour.

Next up after the break for Gil and Girona is an away game against Alaves, whilst Veliz and Espanyol are in action against Leganes. Both games are on the 11th of January, so there will be more of a preview closer to the time.

On Sunday afternoon, for the final Premier League game before Christmas, Spurs welcomed Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

For the task at hand, Ange opted for a line up of; Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Spence; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.

Spurs on the wrong side of another Kamikaze game at home

Within the first three minutes of the game, a loose pass from Forster was intercepted by Mohamed Salah, who dragged his shot into the side netting - but the warning signs were there.

Around ten minutes in, a ball in behind from Trent Alexander-Arnold found Salah, who was denied by Forster. The loose ball fell to Domink Szoboszlai, whose effort was very well blocked by Sarr.

Seven minutes or so later, Salah had two shots in quick succession following a cutback, with both being well blocked by Spence. Moments the later, the forward shifted the ball onto his right foot, before hitting the crossbar.

Midway through the first half, the expected goal came. From the right hand side, an inviting Alexander-Arnold cross was headed home by Luis Diaz to give the visitors a 1-0 lead. Cannot say it wasn't coming.

With ten minutes of the first half remaining, it was two. After a cross came in from the left, the ball fell to Alexis Mac Allister, who managed to nod in to double the visitors lead.

Soon before the interval, Spurs had a lifeline. After a collision and tangle of legs between Mac Allister and Kulusevski, the ball dropped to Maddison, who curled a lovely strike from inside the D, for his eighth Premier League goal of the season.

However, it would not be enough for a one goal deficit at half time. Alexander-Arnold played a long ball over the Spurs press, where Szoboszlai beat Dragusin the air, playing the ball into the path of Salah, who played it back to the Hungarian international in behind, keeping his composure when through on goal to make it 3-1.

Fewer than ten minutes into the second half, it was 4-1. After a quick counter, Gakpo squared the ball for Salah, which was cut out by Gray. The ball fell to Szoboszlai, whose shot was blocked by Gray again, but the ball fell to the Egyptian forward, who could not miss.

Very soon after, Szobozslai went through on goal, straight from an Alisson long ball, but dragged wide from an angle. In the aftermath, Ange introduced Bergvall and Johnson for Maddison and Sarr.

Sadly, it would get worse. On the hour mark, Liverpool once again attacked with ease, and there was Salah for his second goal of the game to make it 4-1.

With just under twenty minutes to go, Ange's side had a second. After Kulusevski found Solanke, the striker scooped a through ball back to the midfielder, via a slight deflection from Van Dijk - with the 24-year old raking a finish past Alisson.

We had played around 82 minutes when Spurs had three. After a ball came in, Johnson headed the ball across the box to Solanke, who showed great athleticism to turn and fire the ball into the back of the net. Great goal.

Any hope of a miracle was soon gone, however, as Diaz scored his second goal of the game from the right hand side to make it 6-3 to Arne Slot's side. That would be that, and Spurs were condemned to a defeat.

To wrap up the EFL, there was League Two action for Tottenham Hotspur loanee George Abbott and his Notts County side, as they hosted Bradford City on Saturday afternoon.

Fruitful afternoon at the office for side of Spurs teenager

For this game, having played as a number ten last time, the Tottenham teenager was moved deeper, playing next to captain Matt Palmer, as he so often has done this season.

After a goalless first 27 minutes or so, everything changed within five minutes. With 28 minutes on the clock, Alassana Jatta gave Stuart Maynard’s side the lead, with a finish from close range. Three minutes later, veteran David McGoldrick doubled the lead from near enough the same spot.

Then, just a minute later, Jatta got his second and Notts third goal of the game, with a finish from just inside the box. These three goals within five minutes of each other would be enough to give the Magpies the lead, with no goals after that for either team.

Safe to say this win was very much needed for everyone involved. Notts had not won a League Two game since the 26th of October, when they overcame Harrogate Town with a 1-0 win at home. They had picked up just one point from their previous four league outings.

As for Abbott on an individual level, not one of his standout performances, and without the usual feedback he gets from the Notts faithful. However, he did play the 90 minutes, and in a 3-0 win, so it nice to see Maynard once again show that faith and trust in him. The 19-year old has now clocked 1219 minutes in the league so far this season, as well as another 180 minutes in the FA Cup – where he scored his first ever senior goal.

This win propels his side back into the play-off spots, as they occupy 7th, the final position – with 31 points from their 20 games so far. Despite the recent form before this game, it has been a fairly productive start to the season for Notts so far. That too, and a very good season for Abbott individually.

Next up for his side is a League Two game against MK Dons on Boxing Day. It is a big one, as MK currently occupy 9th place, just two places and one point below Notts, whilst having a game in hand too. Kick off for that one is the traditional 15:00 GMT.

On Saturday afternoon, there was a clash of the Spurs loanees in League One. Matthew Craig and his Barnsley side were in action at home to Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient counterparts.Â

Find out how the duel between loanees ended up playing out

Despite having played just one minute of football since October, Craig was named in Darrell Clarke’s starting XI for this game. Meanwhile, Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley continued their run of starts under Richie Wellens.Â

In the battle of the loanees in midfield, it would be Donley who drew first blood. Just six minutes into the game, the teenager headed home at the back post from a corner, to give Orient the lead in the game.Â

Then, after 28 minutes, it was Donley’s turn to take a corner. He did just that, whipping in an inswinging ball, that was met by central defender Omar Beckles, who headed home to make it 2-0 to the O’s.Â

Eight minutes later, things would go from bad to worse for Craig. With Barnsley seriously struggling in the game, Clarke made a double substitution before half-time, and the 21-year old loanee was one of two players sacrificed.Â

However, it did not work. Six minutes into the second half, Orient had three. Having been go found by Donley, striker Charlie Kelman converted— making it one goal and two assists for the on loan Spurs man.

After 81 minutes, Donley was replaced after a really productive day at the office. In stoppage time, Orient would add one more to put the gloss on things with a whopping 4-0 win.Â

In goal, Keeley registered his fourth clean sheet in a row, with just the one save to make here. Perfect afternoon for the Spurs loanees at Orient.

This goal for Donley was his first ever in professional football. After the game, the midfielder joked at how Keeley kept reminding him he had scored more goals this season.

This win leaves Wellens side in 15th place in League One, with 25 points from 20 games. Meanwhile, Clarke’s side are in 9th place, with 30 points from 21. There was a time where Orient were in the bottom four, at the same time Barnsley were in the top six. Now, Clarke’s side are just five points ahead, having played a game more.Â

Next up is Boxing Day action for both games. Orient host Crawley Town at 13:00 GMT, whilst Barnsley travel to Bolton Wanderers for a 15:00 GMT kick off.Â

On Saturday afternoon, for the final weekend of fixtures before Christmas, there was the usual Championship slate. There were games for Spurs loanees and their sides - Dane Scarlett’s Oxford United, who were playing their first game in the post Des Buckingham era, as well as for Ashley Phillips’ Stoke City side.

How everything happened in the final games before Christmas

For Oxford, it could not have really been much of a harder game, as they travelled to West Yorkshire to play Leeds United at Elland Road. New manager Gary Rowett was in the stands for this one, as he takes his first game on Boxing Day.

For this game, interim manager Craig Short started with Scarlett on the substitutes bench, as he went with Wales international Mark Harris instead. The reality is, it was always going to be a long day chasing shadows for whoever got the nod up front, as the U’s were completely dominated all game, and condemned to a tough 4-0 defeat.

As for Scarlett himself, he played the final twelve minutes of the game, replacing Harris, when Leeds were already four goals to the good. Former Tottenham Hotspur central defender Joe Rodon played 90 minutes at centre-back for the hosts.

This defeat has left Oxford in the relegation zone for the first time this season, as they sit in 23rd place, with 18 points from their 21 games to date. They are only one point below Hull City in 21st, having played a game fewer, although the same can be said for Cardiff City in 22nd.

Elsewhere, for the first time since the 22nd of October, Phillips was not named in Stoke’s starting XI – ending a run of eleven consecutive games in the side, as they travelled to South Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday. This was despite manager Narcis Pelach moving to a three at the back formation.

It would be a tough afternoon for Stoke in his absence. Four minutes before the break, Wednesday had a man sent off for two bookable offences, as the sides went into half-time 0-0. However, the Potters could not make the man advantage count, in fact quite the opposite, and 10 man Wednesday would score twice to secure a 2-0 win.

This makes it eight games in a row without a win for Phillips’ side, with just four points in that time. They now find themselves in 19th place in the Championship, with 22 points from 22 games, having played more games than four of the five teams below them.

Next up for Oxford is a big game at home to Cardiff, whilst Stoke now have Leeds themselves – albeit at home. Both games are on boxing day – with Scarlett’s side kicking off at 15:00 GMT, and Phillips’ side at 20:00 GMT.

Tottenham Hotspur’s journey under Ange Postecoglou has been a topic of much discussion this season.

The Australian’s arrival was met with optimism, but after a mixed bag of results, there’s already speculation about his future at the club.

Although Postecoglou has shown potential, the pressure to deliver results in the Premier League is intense, and many fans are wondering how long the club will stick with him.

With Spurs still struggling to find consistent form, whispers are growing about potential replacements.

There’s speculation that Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham could be shorter than expected, and if that’s the case, the big question is who might step in to take over at N17.

Recent reports suggest that one name has emerged as a possible candidate, someone whose managerial style has garnered respect across the Premier League.

Tottenham linked with Brentford boss Thomas Frank

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has earned praise for his smart tactics and knack for getting the best out of his players.

According to TEAMTalk, Tottenham’s hierarchy is keeping an eye on the Danish coach, with some even claiming that the club had previously explored the idea of bringing him in.

Frank’s stock has been rising, particularly after his success in keeping Brentford competitive in the Premier League, and it seems that Spurs are keen to see what he could achieve with a higher calibre of players.

Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has weighed in on the conversation, strongly backing Frank as the ideal candidate for Tottenham.

Molby, who shares a nationality with Frank, believes that the 50-year-old could get the best out of Spurs' underperforming attackers.

"I no longer have any doubts, he is the right man for Tottenham. The squad they have suits Thomas Frank 100%. “Look at the players and the way Thomas Frank plays. I think it’s perfect."

"All the offensive quality he has at Brentford, he gets a lot out of it. At Tottenham, he will have even better attacking qualities if he gets there so try to think what he can get out of those boys. I would go so far as to say that even Timo Werner would be able to get going again."

Molby went further, suggesting that even players who have struggled to find form at Spurs in recent years, such as Timo Werner, could see their careers rejuvenated under Frank’s guidance.

Postecoglou’s future still secure for now

While the debate around Frank’s potential appointment continues, it’s important to note that Tottenham’s current stance on Postecoglou appears unwavering.

Leading football journalist David Ornstein recently reported that sources within the club have made it clear that there is no intention to part ways with Postecoglou.

Tottenham see him as the long-term solution and remain committed to the Australian’s project, believing he is the right man to challenge for silverware in the future.

It’s clear that, despite the rumblings of potential managerial changes, Postecoglou’s position is secure for the time being.

It is getting to that time of the year where many links start appearing ahead of the January transfer window, both outgoings and incomings. We have already seen many players linked to Spurs over the last couple of weeks. Players like John Victor from Botafogo, as well as Milan Skriniar from PSG.

We have also seen players linked with a move away from the club, such as a return back to Fluminense for Richarlison. That said, we can probably, and hopefully, expect more outs than in this window.

Another player that has already been linked is David Hancko from Feyenoord. However he is not the only player from the Rotterdam club to be mentioned in the same sentence as Spurs. According to reports, versatile Dutch international Quinten Timber has been “attracting interest” from Tottenham.

Spurs linked with versatile player from the Netherlands

The 23-year old is an extremely versatile player. Per transfermarkt, he has played; 144 games as a central midfielder, 38 as a defensive midfielder, 28 as an attacking midfielder, 12 as a left winger, 12 as a right-back, 10 as a centre-back, and eight as a right-winger.

The cynics reading may think “jack of all trades, master of none”, but this extreme versatility can surely only be done by very talented players. Furthermore, despite playing in a number of positions, it is clear he has been good enough to lock one down – not doing so often being a criticism of versatile players.

This type of player could be so, so useful for Spurs. For any team, but especially here. He would be able to add quality into the midfield, but also add genuine depth in other positions. We have seen the injury crisis at centre half, or how shattered Pedro Porro looks at right-back. This would be killing several birds with one stone.

Having made his debut earlier in the year, Timber has made five appearances for the Netherlands senior team, and played with Micky van de Ven at U21 level – with the two players separated by only two months.

One player separated by even less time is Timber’s twin brother, Jurrien, who most of you will be aware is already pitched up in North London. This potential deal would certainly make for even more interesting North London derbies. In fairness, living with, or near his twin brother could make a move to Spurs very appealing.

The injury issues that Tottenham Hotspur have, particularly in central defence, are pretty well documented by now. First choice pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both currently injured, and will be for a while. Third choice Ben Davies is also out, though should be back sooner.

As good as Romero and van de Ven are, it is not a case of saying “well they’ll be back at some point”. They are two players with longstanding injury issues, and Spurs must sign adequate cover.

Club looking at versatile defender from Eredivise giants

According to a report from TBR Football, they are looking to do just that— as they show interest in David Hancko of Feyenoord. The report further says he is “one of several centre-backs who Spurs are interested in signing”, and that they are “keen to find” a left sided back up for van de Ven.

It is interesting that they say that, given Davies feels like he has been more reliable stepping in than Radu Dragusin, who has covered the right side. The current injury for the Welshman is an anomaly for his career so far.

Nevertheless, Hancko is a solid player, and would be a good addition. In addition to being good cover as the left sided centre back, the Slovakia international also has experience at left back, and could help give Destiny Udogie some more rest.

Just in the last week, the defender played, and scored, as a central defender in an Eredivise game against Heracles — before playing at left-back, and assisting, in a cup game against MVV Maastricht.

Back in 2022, Hancko joined the Dutch giants from Sparta Praha, and helped them to the Eredivise title in his first season under Arne Slot. In the 23/24 season, Feyenoord actually got two more points than their title winning season, but PSV’s historic year meant they had to settle for second place.

Funnily enough, the recently turned 27-year old is not the only Slovakian to be linked to the club, with Milan Skriniar of Paris Saint Germain also mentioned as a potential target— more than four years since it looked like he could have been heading to N17 during lockdown.

Regardless of what happens, it does seem like the club are ready to be active in the January transfer window, thank goodness. This sort of transfer could have been made in the summer, but better late than never as they say.

According to recent reports from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Paris Saint Germain defender Milan Skriniar, and are a “leading candidate” to sign him.

Spurs linked with a move for 29 year old central defender

Fans may remember the transfer saga with Skriniar, then at Inter Milan, back in 2020. At the time, the defender was out of the starting XI at Inter, and they were willing to listen to offers. Spurs signed Joe Rodon from Swansea instead, whilst Skriniar made his way back into the team, and helped win the 20/21 Serie A title.Â

The Slovakian international swapped Milan for Paris in the summer of 2023, as he joined PSG on a free transfer. However, he started just 17 Ligue 1 games last time out, and has only totalled 381 minutes in the league so far this season. Furthermore, he has been an unused sub for all six of their Champions League games.Â

Last summer, Skriniar was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, but a deal could not be agreed, and they moved to sign a defender from elsewhere. However, with his game time deteriorating even further, he could look to move this window.Â

When linked in 2020, the now 29-year old would have been a good signing — a great box defender, he would have been great for the style of play under Jose Mourinho, with his role being a lot more simplified.Â

However, the defender was not the quickest then, and he certainly isn’t now. In an Ange side, where he will be playing on the half way line, this feels very similar to Radu Dragusin. Fine defenders, but not suited to playing in a high line.Â

The reason he had lost his place in the Inter side, thus allowing negotiations with Spurs, was because Antonio Conte was not sure on his channel defending as a right sided centre back. Imagine what it would be like under Ange.Â

Furthermore, with the defender turning 30 in February, he doesn’t really fit the age profile that Spurs have used to recruit since Ange Postecoglu took charge.

Elsewhere, Skriniar has also been linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side, where he could potentially partner former Spurs central defender, Davinson Sanchez.

Let’s wait and see if anything more comes of these links, but it does feel like a bit of a strange fit.