Spurs Odyssey

Many thanks to Declan Mulcahy for this report:-

Thursday 1 January 2026, 8:00pm

FA Premier League

Brentford (0) 0 Tottenham Hotspur (0) 0

Brentford (4-3-3): Keith Andrews

Subs not used: 12 H Valdimarsson, 2 A Hickey, 4 S van den Berg, 5 E Pinnock, 26 Y Konak, 24 M Damsgaard, 45 R Donovan

Booked: J Henderson (58 dissent)

Tottenham Hotspur:

Subs not used: 31 A Kinsky, 40 B Austin, 4 K Danso, 33 B Davies, 3 R Dragușin, 52 C Olusesi, 44 D Scarlett

Booked: Palhinha (60 foul on Yarmoliuk), Vicario (69 time wasting)

Gtech Community Stadium, Attendance: 17,141

Referee: Andy Madley

Assistants: Lee Betts, Simon Bennett

Fourth Official: Simon Hooper

VAR: Alex Chilowicz

Assistant VAR: Timothy Wood

No New Year's cheer for either side

Thanks to Cassim Patel for this picture

Prior to today Brentford had accumulated two-thirds of their points from home fixtures whereas Spurs had gained a similar ratio from their away matches. So in theory both sides should have been at their best today. Neither team rose to the occasion and it turned out to be a scoreless dull game.

Spurs made three changes from the team which beat Crystal Palace 1-0 away. Romero returned from suspension in place of Danso. Bergvall hadn't recovered from the injury which saw him substituted three days ago and was replaced by Joao Palhinha. Odobert was chosen over Kolo Muani. In the absence of Bergvall and Simons (suspended) there was very little creativity in the team. Johnson was expected to be available but there was no sign of him. (Ed:- A transfer to Crystal Palace looms)

Brentford made one change from the team which thumped Bournemouth 4-1 five days ago with Henderson replacing Jensen.

It was Thomas Frank's first return to the Gtech Community Stadium since moving to Spurs. He went out onto the pitch before the teams emerged and received a standing ovation.

Brentford won the first corner of the game after four minutes. Janelt's corner was parried by Vicario. Schade, who had scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth in the last game, put the ball in the net but was clearly offside. Brentford haven't scored a goal from a corner in the Premier League this season.

That was the only notable event of the first thirty minutes. Brentford had more of the ball but neither team created any clear-cut chances.

Richarlison created a chance for Gray but his shot was blocked. A Kayode long-throw into the Spurs box fell to Yarmoliuk but his attempt was high.

Richarlison tried a shot from outside the box which was off target and an Odobert effort was blocked.

Despite the lack of productivity neither side made any changes at half time.

The second half continued in a similar manner to the earlier period.

Kudus had two efforts, one too high and the other saved by Kelleher. Yarmoliuk crossed into Spurs box but Lewis-Potter's end-product was weak.

The two main events of the game happened within a minute of each other around the 56th minute. Romero and Thiago had an aerial challenge for a ball outside the Spurs box. Romero didn't make contact with the ball but did catch Thiago. He was the last defender. Referee Andy Madley didn't stop the game.

Spurs then countered and Archie Gray went down in the Brentford box in a sandwich between Collins and Schade. Again Madley allowed play to continue.

VAR reviewed both decisions and decided that there had been no obvious errors in either case. During the process Henderson was booked for dissent.

Romero committed a number of needless fouls in the second half. One of them set up Lewis-Potter for a free kick from a dangerous position but the Spurs wall did its job. Henderson set up a good opportunity for Janelt but Vicario saved his header. Janelt had scored for both sides previously in this fixture.

Each side only made two substitutions which is a fairly low number for a Premier League game. Frank didn't have many attacking options on the bench but did introduce Tel and Kolo Muani. None of the changes on either side had any impact on the game.

During the last quarter of the game it looked like both sides were content to settle for a point. Each side had a late opportunity. Vicario punched a cross away under pressure from Ajer. Richarlison had a late effort saved by Kelleher.

This was a dull game however Spurs and Brentford were far from the only guilty parties. There were four Premier League matches today and two Premier League "lows" were equalled.

This is the second time in Premier League history (after 29 April 1998) where at least four matches were played and only two goals were scored in total. It is also only the second time (after 11 April 2010) when there were three 0-0 draws in four games played.

Going into this game Spurs had four players on four bookings, Pedro Porro, Micky van der Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison who would have faced a one-game suspension had they been booked today. They weren't and as the half way point of nineteen games has been reached this jeopardy falls away.

The last time that Spurs were involved in a goalless draw was at home to AC Milan in the Champions League in March 2023. The last scoreless game in the Premier League featuring Spurs was this same fixture in April 2022, 138 games ago. In the seven seasons the teams have been in the same division Brentford have only won the home fixture on one occasion in March 1948 when they won 2-0 at Griffin Park the first season the teams had met in the league.

Spurs entertain Sunderland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. Hopefully Bergvall will return from injury to bring some creativity as Simons still has to serve one match of his three-game suspension.

There was a nice gesture at the end of the game when two Brentford supporters presented Thomas Frank with a gift. It was possibly a bottle of wine as he is known to have a taste for that beverage.

Follow @spursodyssey

. Spurs record in London Derby League matches since 1997

. Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers

. Read the preview for this game.

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here!

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 536

Submitted by Norman Giller

Tottenham go into the holiday and New Year programme with Thomas Frank just about avoiding the Christmas sack, while privately wondering whether he should strip Christian "Cuti" Romero of the club captaincy.

Despite Saturday's defeat by Liverpool, Spurs emerged from a helter-skelter match with a semblance of pride. They very nearly salvaged a point against the reigning Premier League champions after being reduced to nine men. But the stark reality is that this was Tottenham's 11th home defeat of 2025, and the Lewis family will have noted that it was the fifth setback at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for their under-fire Danish manager.

What will concern the increasingly harassed-looking Frank most is that his skipper lost the plot at precisely the moment Spurs needed calm leadership. Romero's first booking - for angrily disputing Liverpool's second goal after he had been clearly pushed - was avoidable. Once on a yellow card, the Argentine knew he was walking a behavioural tightrope. Yet instead of showing discipline and restraint, he allowed emotion to take control and surrendered his right to remain on the pitch.

For many seasons I have watched the likes of Ron Burgess, Danny Blanchflower, Alan Mullery and Steve Perryman lead Tottenham with passion allied to responsibility - always setting the tone for how to compete without crossing the line.

Sadly, Romero - an exceptional centre-half - has a self-destruct button that is too easily pushed. If I were Thomas Frank, I would be giving serious thought to handing the captain's armband to his far more controlled defensive partner, Micky van de Ven.

As for the first dismissal in a match that took an hour to come to life, I thought VAR was right to upgrade the initial yellow card to a red for the enigmatic Xavi Simons. Those Spurs fans disputing the decision would surely have demanded a sending-off had such a reckless challenge been committed by a Liverpool player. What we continue to crave, however, is consistency - so players know exactly where the line is drawn.

Our guru Paul H. Smith provides his eyewitness account of this strange encounter HERE. Meanwhile, on behalf of Paul and the Spurs Odyssey team, may I wish every one of you the merriest of Christmases - and a New Year that is rather less "Spursy".

I found that quite a bruising sporting weekend. After Tottenham's self-inflicted ordeal against Liverpool, I stayed up to watch England's denouement in the Ashes in Adelaide, following Anthony Joshua's unlikely "triumph" on Strictly Come Dancing in Miami. My Child Bride, Joyce, remains convinced that I am quite barmy.

COYS.

Here we go with the 17th week of our quiz that tests your knowledge of Tottenham players and the club's history ...

Which Frenchman joined Spurs from Turf Moor in 2024, scored his first Premier League goal for Tottenham at West Ham and what number squad shirt does he wear?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 17. Deadline: midnight this Saturday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous 11 seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. This is when I lose what few friends I have.

This season's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2026, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week I asked: Who once played with Alf Ramsey for Tottenham and was selected by him in his first match as England manager, and what number Spurs shirt did he usually wear?

Answer: Ron Henry/No 3 (for those who answered Bobby Smith, he never played for Spurs with Alf Ramsey, who joined Ipswich as manager in 1955 while Bobby was still at Chelsea).

See you back here on Monday.

Follow @spursodyssey

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 535

Submitted by Norman Giller

It was Gerry Francis who said in 1997, when finally throwing in the towel, that managing Tottenham Hotspur was "the Impossible Job." After yesterday's spineless 3-0 capitulation at Nottingham Forest, Thomas Frank may already have that quote bookmarked - if not framed.

From the first whistle yesterday there was that sinking, unmistakable feeling known only to long-suffering Tottenham supporters: this was going to be a demanding afternoon. A yard short, a step slow, a side waiting for inspiration to arrive by special delivery.

Tottenham just never got started. The passing was sloppy, the movement static and the defending alarmingly generous. I strongly defended goalkeeper Vicario against the boo boys last week, but he hardly helped himself against Forest with some glaring errors that sapped the confidence.

Forest, meanwhile, looked like a team with a plan. They pressed with purpose, attacked with conviction and played as though the result actually mattered against a team consistent only in its inconsistency.

Those of us of a certain age will remember how Jimmy Greaves gathered the little matter of 25 goals against his 'rabbit' club Forest during his career, but Spurs were always second best yesterday ... as our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith reports HERE.

Most worrying of all is that Thomas Frank's better players are not playing like better players. Whether through fatigue, confusion or quiet dissent, too many performances suggested footballers going through the motions rather than buying into the mission. This is not a squad short of talent - it is a squad short of spark.

I have been, and remain, a chief cheerleader for Frank. But faith, like form, is not infinite - and displays like this one drain it rapidly.

His growing army of 'Doubting Thomases' were worried about his substitutions, particularly Ben Davies for the energetic Djed Spence. It felt like change for the sake of it, not change with intent.

The uncomfortable question arises: is the manager still dictating the game, or merely reacting to its slow, painful unravelling?

Frank is walking a tightrope and next up a friendly little home date with the reigning champions Liverpool on Saturday. We Spurs fans will greet that fixture with the gallows humour of people who have seen this film before - and know how it usually ends.

I remain convinced that if Daniel Levy was still in power, Thomas Frank would already be on his bike. Many supporters, bruised and weary, would greet his departure with weary acceptance rather than outrage.

But perhaps the Joe Lewis family prefer a different path. Perhaps they still believe that sacking a manager is not, in itself, a strategy. I admit I lean towards that view. Football could use a little more patience and a lot less panic.

Gerry Francis knew exactly what he was talking about all those years ago. Managing Tottenham is still 'the Impossible Job'.

Ask Thomas Frank for his view ... after the Liverpool match on Saturday.

COYS

Spurs select - A book to read and play

Just 10 shopping days to Christmas and a reminder that my 122nd book is available: Spurs Select, in which you are challenged to pick a Tottenham Team to Play for Your Life.

I shall be plugging the book on the always informative Spurs Show from today, and a donation for every book sold will be made to the Tottenham Tribute Trust, who help our old heroes that missed the gravy train.

Spurs Odyssey readers can save a fiver by ordering the book NOW from normangiller@gmail.com.

If you prefer, you can mention you'd like purchasing details when entering the Spurs Odyssey Quiz below. It's a book that you play as well as read and is guaranteed to revive memories of your most memorable matches. Please join me in playing the Selecting Game.

Here we go with the 16th week of our quiz that tests your knowledge of Tottenham players and the club's history ...

Who once played with Alf Ramsey for Tottenham and was selected by him in his first match as England manager, and what number Spurs shirt did he usually wear?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 16. Deadline: midnight this Saturday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous 11 seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. This is when I lose what few friends I have.

This season's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2026, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week I asked: Which England international started his career at The Dell and to which country did he first move after scoring 174 goals for Spurs?

Answer: Martin Chivers/Switzerland

See you back here on Monday.

Follow @spursodyssey

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here!

Spurs' record in Europe:- U.E.F.A Champions League P W D L F - A 58 24 14 20 100 - 82 (Finalists 2019) European Super Cup Finalists 2025 European Cup P W D L F - A 8 4 1 3 21 - 13 (Semi-Finalists 1962) European Cup Winners Cup P W D L F - A 33 20 5 8 65 - 34 (Winners 1963) UEFA Cup/Europa League P W D L F - A 168 98 40 30 343-147 (Winners 1972, 1984, 2025 Finalists 1974) Europa Conference League P W D L F - A 7 3 1 3 14 - 9 + Forfeited one game due to Covid - 09/12/21) Total P W D L F - A 274 149 61 64 541-285 . Champions League standings Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts 16. Spurs 5 2 2 1 10-7 3 8 31. Slavia 5 0 3 2 2-8 -6 3 Slavia Praha results to date:- Slavia Praha 2-2 Bodo/Glimt Inter 3-0 Slavia Praha Atalanta 0-0 Slavia Praha Slavia Praha 0-3 Arsenal Slavia Praha 0-0 Ath. Bilbao

Spurs must win this one!

Spurs host Czech league leaders Slavia Praha (Prague) tomorrow night in our sixth and last Champions League game of the year. We have two more of these league phase games to play in late January. Last year, 16 points were needed to finish in the top eight (qualifying automatically for the Round of 16). Realistically to reach such heights, we need to win all three of our remaining games, which is a big task and probably too much of a challenge.

Two wins in those last three games should enable us to finish in the second group of 8 teams and thus be seeded for the play-off round. We must take one game at a time though and first deal with Slavia, who are struggling in 31st place without a win, and seemingly heading for non-qualification.

Slavia are five points ahead of their City rivals - Sparta - after 18 league matches. They have one more domestic game before a winter break and then host Barcelona in January. Slavia's final Champions League game is in Cyprus against Pafos, who sit 24th at the time of writing.

Slavia have won the current version of their league eight times, seven of which have been this century, including last season. I suspect there is no correlation between their domestic form and that in Europe this season.

Our number two keeper Antonin Kinsky signed for us in January from Slavia Praha, and was born in Prague. No doubt he will be hoping for a start. Another former Slavia keeper - Radek Cerny - signed for us on loan in 2005, and played for us against his home side on St. Valentine's Day 2008, when we won 2-1 with goals by Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.

I have fond memories of trips to Prague in September 2006 and February 2008. We won both games and in fact won three of the four UEFA Cup matches when we met. The final game was drawn and preceded our successful League Cup Final against Chelsea in 2008.

Incidentally, after 5 years with QPR, Radek Cerny returned to finish his playing career with Slavia in 2013-14.

Slavia have managed just two goals in the five Champions League games they've played so far, both of which came in their first game against Bodo/Glimt. Both those goals were scored by Senegalese left-back Mbodji, who hasn't scored since. Praha's top league scorers are Tomas Chory and Mojmir Chytil, both of whom have seven to their name. Chytil has scored four goals in Slavia's last two games, one of which was from the penalty spot.

Czech international keeper Jindrich Stanek is the current choice in goal and has played in Slavia's last 5 games.

Tomorrow's big event being promoted since last weekend is the visit of Heung-min Son, who left in pre-season, after a farewell game in South Korea. "Sonny" will be saying a personal farewell to the fans before kick-off, so early arrival is recommended. Son has been in good form for his new team Los Angeles, scoring 12 goals since his arrival.

Spirits are high of course after our win on Saturday. Destiny Udogie missed the Brentford game through a slight muscular injury, and it has now been confirmed he will be out with a hamstring injury until the New Year. Tomorrow's game kicks off at 8pm and will be televised on TNT here in the UK. The players rotated out of Saturday's starting line-up were Danso, Bergvall, Sarr and Johnson. Neither Bergvall or Johnson got on the pitch, so might be involved tomorrow, although Johnson's fitness has been described as "touch and go". Wait and see is the answer. 83% of respondents on the Champions League site think we'll win and I am one of those. Play like we did against Brentford and I fancy us to score three!

Referee Benoit Bastien and his on-field team are from France. We have seen Monsieur Bastien once before in a 1-0 Europa League defeat away to K.A.A. Gent in February 2017. This referee is kept busy at home and in both European and International matches. He's not shy of issuing red cards with eight straight reds shown since March when he was in charge of Manchester United's win against Real Sociedad.

Follow @spursodyssey

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 533

Submitted by Norman Giller

Frankly, Thomas deserves that transfer window

Norman is suffering technical problems this week, so here's an image of him with Steve Perryman last season

Many Spurs supporters turned their anger for the defeat by Fulham on manager Thomas Frank, and the body language of his players suggests he has lost the dressing-room. If Dan "the axeman" Levy was still in power I believe Frank would have been counting his compensation by now, but I am hoping the Joe Lewis family have more patience and understanding.

In my view, Thomas deserves at least until the January transfer window to turn things around. First and foremost he must win the confidence and full support of his players. The way they gathered together at half-time after that bleak first-half clearly indicated they were looking for each others instructions and support rather than the guidance of their manager.

If ever there was a moment for Thomas Frank to steady the ship, it comes tomorrow night on Tyneside. St James' Park is not the place you would choose for a crisis-control mission, not with the Geordie crowd roaring like a jet engine and Newcastle rediscovering some of their swagger with that resounding victory at Everton.

But football has a funny habit of offering redemption in the most unlikely arenas.

For Frank, this is less about formations and more about foundations. The players need clarity, purpose and belief - and he needs to convince them he is the man to provide it.

As our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith reports HERE, the second half against Fulham flickered with signs of self-help among the squad, but Tottenham cannot rely on huddles and hope. They need leadership, conviction and a clear plan that everybody buys into. As my Quiz regulars know, they need the spirit of Dave Mackay but that is like looking for a bonus in a Budget...or the purpose and passion of my old mate Steve Perryman, who never knew the meaning of the word surrender. Those were the days, my friends.

Newcastle will come at us hard and fast, particularly down the flanks, and our defensive concentration must be unrecognisably sharper than it was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday. If Spurs allow the same space and confusion as they did in that dire first half, Eddie Howe's side will punish them without mercy.

But - and here is the eternal fascination of football - Tottenham have the talent to hurt Newcastle if they can only rediscover their front-foot identity. Perform with bravery and positivity and the tide can turn. Shrink into caution, and the night could feel very long indeed, particularly for Thomas Frank.

Tomorrow is not a season-defining match, but it is character-defining. A spirited, unified display would buy under-fire Thomas breathing space and rebuild trust with supporters who are rapidly losing faith. A limp repeat of Saturday, however, would deepen the fault lines and make that January deadline a date with destiny for Frank and his players.

I was in total agreement with Frank when he described the crowd booing Vicario as "unacceptable". I (patting myself on the back) have never jeered or booed a player in my life. They are just humans like the rest of us and deserve our full support and backing, even when an error is beyond stupid. How on earth does booing help anybody?

We now go into tomorrow's challenge with trepidation. Let's cheer and encourage all players wearing the Spurs shirt. They need every one of us behind them, not in their way.

Thomas Frank would call that as "acceptable."

COYS

Spurs select - A book to read and play

Just 24 shopping days to Christmas and another gentle reminder that my 122nd book has gone off to the Printer: Spurs Select, in which you are challenged to pick a Tottenham Team to Play for Your Life.

A donation for every book sold will be made to the Tottenham Tribute Trust, who help our old heroes that missed the gravy train.

Spurs Odyssey readers can save a fiver by ordering the book NOW. normangiller@gmail.com.

If you prefer, you can mention you'd like purchasing details when entering the Spurs Odyssey Quiz below. It's a book that you play as well as read and is guaranteed to revive memories of your most memorable matches. Please join me in playing the Selecting Game.

Here we go with the 14th week of our quiz that tests your knowledge of Tottenham players and the club's history ...

Who was born in Udine, has won five caps for his country and from which club did he join Spurs in 2023?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 14. Deadline: midnight this Saturday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous 11 seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. This is when I lose what few friends I have.

This season's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2026, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week I asked: Who won 22 caps for his country, wore the No 6 Tottenham shirt and against which team did he captain Spurs to victory in an FA Cup final at Wembley?

Answer: Dave Mackay/Chelsea

See you back here on Monday.

Follow @spursodyssey

PREMIER LEAGUE

SATURDAY 29TH NOVEMBER, 2025

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1(0) FULHAM 2(2)

Spurs scorer:-

Kudus, 59

Fulham scorers:-

Tete, 4

Wilson, 6

Attendance:- 60,546

Referee:- Stuart Attwell

Assistants:- Constantine Hatzidakis, Nick Hopton

Fourth official:- Michael Salisbury

VAR:- Andy Madley

Assistant VAR:- Sian Massey-Ellis

Teams:-

Spurs (4-2-2-2):- 1. Vicario; 23. Pedro Porro, 37. Van de Ven (Capt.), 13. Udogie (sub 11. Tel, 85); 14. Gray (sub 28. Odobert, 60), 6. Palhinha (sub 30. Bentancur, 60);20. Kudus, 15. Bergvall (sub 29. Sarr, 77); 39. Kolo-Muani, 9. Richarlison (sub 7. Xavi, 60)

Subs not used:- 31. Kinsky; 24. Spence, 33. Davies; 22. Johnson

Booked:- Van de Ven (dissent after foul on Anderson), Udogie (persistent fouling), Muani (foul on Tete)

Fulham (4-2-3-1):- 1. Leno; 2. Tete, 5. Andersen (Capt.), 3. Bassey, 30. Sessegnon; 17. Iwobi (sub 21. Castagne, 87), 16. Berge; 8. Wilson (sub 20. Lukic, 68), 24. King (sub 32. Smith-Rowe, 68), 19. Chukwueze (sub 22. Kevin, 81); 7. Jimenez

Subs not used:- 23. Lecomte; 15. Cuenca; 10. Cairney, 11. Traore;18. Kusi-Asare

Booked:- Jimenez (deliberate handball), Leno (time)

Spurs have the losing habit

In a league where just about any team (barring Wolves at the bottom) can beat any opponent, Spurs have lost for the third time in a week and have also lost their third consecutive London Derby. Thomas Frank's team have certainly got the losing habit and will probably slip into the bottom half of the table later today (Sunday).

If they are not careful, Spurs will become one of those teams incapable of beating anyone. They certainly can't win a home Premier League game at the moment.

Most fans will have had optimism about the game after a good performance in Paris on Wednesday. The formation was similar with three twos in front of the back four. Clearly that style is far too open and Fulham cracked the code within six minutes, scoring twice. It's a long time since Spurs have gone two down in such a short space of time, and I believe the first time in the Premier League era. There have been plenty of single early goals against us.

Vicario was sorely culpable for Fulham's second goal and was booed by his own fans when he next touched the ball. That's something I cannot recall happening before.

A good crowd turned out on a cold night for this anti-social kick-off time. They fans' patience is wearing very thin, as might that of the executive with regard to their recently appointed coach.

Fulham kicked off and played towards the South stand. They had the lead within two minutes when Chukwueze's ball from the left reached Kenny Tete in too much space. Tete scored his first goal in two years with a low driven shot which took a deflection and beat Vicario to his left.

Spurs woes increased dramatically. Vicario came way out of his area to the left touchline and instead of kicking into Row Z, he tried a short pass down the line and gifted the ball to Harry Wilson. Wilson accepted the offer and temptation of an unguarded goal and hit a left-footed shot from distance into the net. The stadium was in shock, but angry with Vicario, who was roundly booed when he next came outside his area to clear.

There was to be no way back for Spurs, especially as they were outplayed on the first half with Fulham finding space and energy, coupled with good passing to feet. Spurs' style was hit and hope and full of inaccuracy and incapability.

If Spurs had played in the first half as energetically as they did the second, they might have done better, but it was too little, too late.

Things so nearly got worse for Spurs when Vicario punched out an Iwobi cross to the feet of Chukwueze, whose shot hit the outside of the keeper's right post.

Richarlison had a weak header picked up by Leno after a long ball from the right. Anderson went down dramatically when fouled by Bergvall in the Fulham area, but referee Stuart Attwell was happy to just have words with the Spurs man. Richarlison did win a corner on the right after a move which started with a good tackle by Danso in his own half. A cross by Kudus caused some confusion in the Fulham defence and Spurs had another corner.

Kudus hit a short pass to Archie Gray who tried a shot from distance, but that passed wide across goal.

Micky van de Ven came to our rescue after Chukwueze had bettered both Pedro Porro and our keeper before Captain Micky recovered with a brilliant tackle. Micky wasn't happy later with more histrionics from his opposite number and was booked for perhaps his reaction, rather than the foul.

David Pleat was the half-time guest, plugging his new book, and joined by Clive Allen, reflecting on events of nearly forty years ago when goals did come easily to Clive, and Spurs.

Spurs kicked off and looked far more lively in the second half. In particular, Muani impressed with his efforts. Kudus was now getting the better of former Spur Ryan Sessegnon.

Udogie took an early booking. Leno punched a Kudus cross away from under his crossbar. Muani nearly scored with a near post header after a Pedro Porro cross but hit the side netting.

It was Kudus who reduced the deficit with an excellent left-footed shot high into Leno's top left corner after Bergvall's pass from the middle. Leno might have got a touch, but it was not enough.

Frank made a triple substitution of Gray, Richarlison and Palhinha with Odobert, Xavi Simons and Bentancur.

Muani had another effort go close after a Kudus cross, and Xavi had a shot blocked after a successful Kudus-Pedro Porro combination. From the corner Bergvall's header was cleared off the line. Odobert headed over after good play by Kudu and Bentancur.

Fulham started to get forward again and Jimenez was booked for a diving effort at the back post where he pushed the attempt wide with his hand. Danso took a long throw and after Udogie's pass, Muani went close with a clever back-heeled attempt.

That was as close as we came, and Fulham celebrated their first away win of the season.

Our next game is another midweek trip to Newcastle on Tuesday. I don't fancy our chances.

Follow @spursodyssey

. Spurs record in London Derby League matches since 1997

. Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers

. Read the preview for this game.

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here!

. Last season's game - Spurs 1 Fulham 1, 01.12.24

. Premier League Matchday 13 - last year

. See the current injury list for all Premier League Teams

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here!

Full Record of Spurs -v- Fulham Premier Pl W D L For-Ag Pts Home 18 11 5 2 30 -11 38 Away 18 8 3 7 24 -23 27 =========================================== Total(Prem) 36 19 8 9 54 -33 65 1.8 Pts per game =========================================== Football Lge Home(Div 1) 11 8 3 0 28 - 13 19 Away(Div 1) 11 6 4 1 17 - 12 16 =========================================== Total(Div 1) 22 14 7 1 45 - 25 35 =========================================== Football Lge Home(Div 2) 11 4 6 1 13 - 8 14 Away(Div 2) 11 4 5 2 20 - 16 13 =========================================== Total(Div 2) 22 8 11 3 33 - 24 27 =========================================== Total(Prem) 36 19 8 9 54 -33 65 Total(Div 1) 22 14 7 1 45 - 25 35 Total(Div 2) 22 8 11 3 33 - 24 27 =========================================== Grand Total 80 41 26 13 132 - 83 127 =========================================== Last Six Premier League results:- Spurs - WLWLDL Leeds 1-2 Spurs Spurs 1-2 A. Villa Everton 0-3 Spurs Spurs 0-1 Chelsea Spurs 2-2 Man Utd Arsenal 4-1 Spurs Fulham - LLLWLW B'mouth 3-1 Fulham Fulham 0-1 Arsenal Newcastle 2-1 Fulham Fulham 3-0 Wolves Everton 2-0 Fulham Fulham 1-0 S'derland Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts 9. Spurs 12 5 3 4 20-14 6 18 15. Fulham 12 4 2 6 13-16 -3 14

Time to stop the rot!

Despite the arrival of Thomas Frank, last week's disgraceful defeat at the other end of Seven Sisters Road means that Spurs have now taken 37 points from their last 38 games in the Premier League (won ten, lost 21). The trend to show relegation form despite the change of coach continues. It's time to stop the rot!

We fans so desperately need to see a home win, not experienced in the league since the opening day of the season. Our form in London derbies is also awful having now lost 14 of our last 23 such games in the Premier League. Our last win over Fulham was over two years ago in October 2023. Marco Silva's team won't make it easy, and despite their lowly league position, a win would put them among the gathering of teams with similar point totals.

Fulham's recent league form has not been good, but they only lost 1-0 to Arsenal. Silva was frustrated at his team's lack of transfer activity in summer and their one major signing was that of Kevin, a forward from Shakhtar Donetsk. Kevin cost £34.5 million and was described as "a young and versatile talent with exceptional pace and we believe he can be an important addition". He's made three league starts and three substitute appearances so far.

Fulham have made it to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals by beating lower league opposition, but now, like us, they face a trip to Newcastle. We'll be back at St. James' Park on Tuesday night in a busy pre-Christmas schedule.

Marco Silva confirmed last week that forward Rodrigo Muniz will be out until around February with a thigh injury. The Brazilian underwent surgery two weeks ago. Muniz has been a regular goalscorer over the last two years. Fulham have also been missing their attack-minded left back Antonee Robinson since late September.

Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham have shared 24 different players over the 33 years of the Premier League since its inaugural season in 1992-93.

Of those 24, only one made over 100 Premier League appearance for both Spurs and Fulham: former Wales winger Simon Davies joined Spurs from Peterborough United, making his debut in the top flight for them in April 2000. After 121 top-flight games for Spurs, he joined Everton before spending six seasons at Fulham to finish off his career, making 137 appearances for the Cottagers.

Joao Palhinha made the most tackles in each of the two seasons he was with Fulham. He won more than anyone else in the first and came second on the list in season two. Before last weekend's games, Palhinha was again the No 1 ranked player for tackles made and won.

Ryan Sessegnon is another player who has recently played for both sides and last week made his 100th Premier League appearance. 38 of those were for Spurs for whom he scored two league goals, plus his first Spurs goal in the Champions League away to Bayern Munich in 2019.

Ryan has scored 2 league goals this season to add to the four he scored last season. One of those goals was against us in the 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in March. That was Marco Silva's 200th Premier League match, becoming the second Portuguese coach to reach this milestone after Jose Mourinho.

Last year's home game was played on the same Matchday 13 weekend, and was described by Spurs Odyssey reporter Declan Mulcahy as "A dull draw on a dreary day". That game followed a 2-2 home draw in the Europa League against Roma, and an exciting 4-0 away win against Manchester City. Brennan Johnson scored in all three games and will be hoping for a chance tomorrow night (8pm - SKY). Johnson had opened the scoring after 54 minutes, but Tom Cairney levelled the scores 13 minutes later. Cairney was sent off late in the game for a dangerous tackle on the much-missed Deki Kulusevski. 34-year-old Cairney has made just one league start this season and 6 substitute appearances.

We certainly do not want a draw off any nature in this game. Home fans are desperate to see us win a home league game and for the team to climb back into the top four reckoning.

Romero is suspended following his fifth booking last Sunday. Kevin Danso will no doubt step in. Radu Dragusin is not yet match fit. With the addition of Matthys Tel, who as not registered for Champions League football, the squad will otherwise be the same as for Wednesday night in Paris. Thomas Frank has said that Kolo Muani is fit, as he demonstrated against his home club, scoring his first two Spurs goals.

It's difficult to predict any Thomas Frank Spurs team, with so many changes from match to match. As for tomorrow's score, I'll go for a 3-1 home win. Fingers crossed!

Did you know? (1) - Both Terry Dyson and Cliff Jones, who were part of the Spurs 1960-61 Double squad, subsequently had short spells with Fulham after leaving Spurs.

Did you know? (2) - Luka Modric's last competitive game for Spurs was in the final game of the 2011-12 season when we won 2-0 and finished fourth. Unfortunately, we missed out on what should have been a second Champions League season because Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on penalties and took our place. Luka went to Real Madrid for 13 trophy-winning seasons, and at the age of 40 is currently playing for Milan!

Stuart Attwell is our match referee this week. This is his 24th Spurs game, but he first refereed us in January 2010. Last season the only time we saw him in the middle was for our league cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool, which we won. Mr Attwell has had charge of 8 Premier League games this season, plus a Europa Conference League game in Slovakia.

. Spurs record in London Derby League matches since 1997

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NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 530

Submitted by Norman Giller

Perhaps it was something to do with my meds, but while watching Spurs steamrollered yet again by the Chelsea juggernaut my mind kept turning to a song Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan used to sing together: "Passing Strangers." You would have thought the players had never met before.

And what made it all more painful, unforgivable even, is that Tottenham accepted their defeat - as they had at Newcastle - with barely a whimper.

It was when the final whistle blew that things became almost like a traditional Christmas pantomime. This is when the more vociferous of our fans would have turned on the dethroned Daniel Levy as their panto villain, but instead aimed their higher and higher ire at the players.

I quite understood VdV and Spence's reluctance to obey Thomas Frank's instructions to applaud a lynch mob who were in the mood to string them up from the nearest crossbar.

But can you imagine them ignoring Bill Nicholson like that? The brief snippet suggested that our Thomas is not yet in full command, which is a worry.

Those of us of a certain age will be wondering whatever happened to the spirit of Mackay? Can you imagine Dave surrendering the points to that lot from Stamford Bridge without a roll up of the sleeves and a touch of the Battle of Bannockburn defiance? Bravehearts we weren't.

Everybody is wondering what sort of players Spurs can bring in during the January transfer window to turn things around. What nobody is mentioning is that what they need is a LEADER, a Mackay, a Mullery, a Perryman, somebody who can brandish a fist, bark a command and make eleven men feel like twelve. Somebody who cares.

Micky van de Ven could yet be that man, but he went into his shell on Saturday after being the player mainly responsible for gifting Chelsea a lead they never looked like losing. In fact 4-0 would have been a more realistic scoreline, which would really have given my 'flu bug the Blues.

Our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith gives an eyewitness account of the sorry surrender HERE, and provides the stats that tell the sad story of Chelsea's humiliating hold over Spurs.

Like me, Paul was perplexed by Tottenham's lack of bite and fight, and there were huge question marks over the anonymous performances of Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. But it's pointless picking out individuals. Our home form is the problem and only the rekindling of the spirit of Mackay can solve it. We need a team of Bravehearts. Home, sour home.

It would take a Guy Fawkes bonfire to rid us of the Chelsea curse ... but first there's another vital Champions League date tomorrow against Copenhagen followed by two 'easy' Premier League encounters with Man United and then at Ars-cough-enal, oh, yes, and then a little date with PSG in Europe.

I'm going back to bed.

COYS!

Spurs select - A book to read and play

Just 52 days to Christmas and a reminder that my 122nd book has gone off to the Printer: Spurs Select, in which you are challenged to pick a Tottenham Team to Play for Your Life. A donation for every book sold will be made to the Tottenham Tribute Trust, who help our old heroes who missed the gravy train.

Spurs Odyssey readers can save a fiver by ordering the book NOW. If you are interested please contact me at normangiller@gmail.com ... or mention you would like details when entering the Spurs Odyssey Quiz below. It's a book that you play as well as read and is guaranteed to revive memories of your most memorable matches. Please join me in playing the Selecting Game.

Here we go with the 11th week of our quiz that tests your knowledge of Tottenham players and the club's history ...

Who has won 46 caps for his country, came to London from Ajax and against which club did he score his first goal for Spurs after signing from West Ham?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 11. Deadline: midnight this Saturday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rules are the same as in the previous 11 seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. This is when I lose what few friends I have.

This season's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2026, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week I asked: Which player won nine England caps before becoming a renowned coach at Tottenham after winning Second and First Division medals with them, and against which team was he twice on the losing Spurs side in FA Cup semi-finals?

Answer: Eddie Baily/Blackpool

See you back here on Monday.

COYS!

Follow @spursodyssey

NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 529

Submitted by Norman Giller

I was in my sick bed watching Tottenham dismantle Everton at their sparkling new home, and I celebrated stand-in skipper Micky van de Ven's second goal so enthusiastically that my wife thought I was having a fit.

Medical bulletin: I will survive a condition brought on by a change of statin. Spurs bulletin: Just what the doctor ordered in nailing third place but it has to be mentioned that it's that team in red powerfully leading the table.

So much to cheer in this performance, particularly Micky's goals, a Rolls Royce display from Bentancur and another untouchable goalkeeping exhibition from Vicario. There are a lot of Spurs fans out there who owe the Italian an apology after rubbing it in that 'Vic' is not the right man for the No 1 Tottenham jersey.

I leave the match details HERE to our Spurs Odyssey man Declan Mulcahy, but - spoiler alert - it was hardly a classic, mainly because of the atrocious, rain-swept conditions.

Tottenham, defiantly led by VdV, were sharper than Everton at the set-pieces and the defence remained unbowed, thanks mainly to three superb saves by Vicario to add to his gallery of greatness in Monaco.

It is quite obvious that Thomas Frank has cut the risk factor since taking over from the positive but sometimes naive Postecoglou. This more mature approach from Spurs has made them formidable opponents, as poster boy Jack Grealish discovered as he kept being forced into blind alleys. All they have to do is play as well at home as on their journeys!

This was not a vintage performance from Spurs, but they became the first team to win at Everton's new headquarters by playing with their heads as well as their hearts, which was not always the case under Ange when they often gave an impersonation of headless chickens.

Next it's Newcastle in the League Cup on Wednesday. The Geordies are never an easy nut to crack at the fortress that is St James' Park, but there's no question that Tottenham have been playing with more bite and belief away from home.

The likeable, modest Frank has introduced extra discipline and determination that has resulted in the best away record in the Premier League - so we live in hope up there in Geordieland.

Now I must get myself fit to give Spurs my full support. Carry On Nurse.

COYS!

Spurs select - A book to read and play

Just a reminder that my 122nd book is about to go off to the Printer: Spurs Select, in which you are challenged to pick a Tottenham Team to Play for Your Life. A donation for every book sold will be made to the Tottenham Tribute Trust, who help our old heroes who missed the gravy train.

Spurs Odyssey readers can save a fiver by ordering the book NOW. If you are interested please contact me at normangiller@gmail.com ... or mention you would like details when entering the Spurs Odyssey Quiz below. It's a book that you play as well as read and is guaranteed to revive memories of your most memorable matches. Please join me in playing the Selecting Game.

Here we go with the tenth week of our quiz that tests your knowledge of Tottenham players and the club's history ...

Which player won nine England caps before becoming a reenowned coach at Tottenham after winning Second and First Division medals with them, and against which team was he twice on the losing Spurs side in FA Cup semi-finals?

Please email your answer to me at soqleague@gmail.com and make the subject heading Quiz Week 10. Deadline: midnight this Saturday. I will do my best to respond to all who take part.

The rles are the same as in the previous 11 seasons. I ask a two-pronged question with three points at stake - two for identifying the player and one for the supplementary question. In the closing weeks of the competition I break the logjam of all-knowing Spurs-history experts with a real stinker of a tie-breaking poser that is based on opinion rather than fact. This is when I lose what few friends I have.

This season's main prize will be a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion 2026, plus three signed books to be revealed at a later date.

Last week I asked: Who appeared in FA Cup final teams in 1967, 1978, 1979 and 1980, and with which club did he start his Football League career before joining Spurs in 1964?

Answer: Pat Jennings/Watford

See you back here on Monday. COYS!

Follow @spursodyssey

PREMIER LEAGUE

SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER, 2025

(2pm)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1(1) ASTON VILLA 2(1)

Spurs scorer:-

Bentancur, 5

Villa scorers:-

Rogers, 37

Buendia, 77

Attendance:- 61,291

Referee:- Simon Hooper

Assistants:- Adrian Holmes, Simon Long

Fourth official:- Anthony Taylor

VAR:- Paul Tierney

Assistant VAR:- Lee Betts

Teams:-

Spurs (4-2-3-1):- 1. Vicario; 23. Pedro Porro, 4. Danso, 37. Van de Ven (Capt.), 24. Spence (sub 22. Johnson, 86); 6. Palhinha, 30. Bentancur (sub 29. Sarr, 86); 20. Kudus , 7. Xavi Simons (sub 15. Bergvall, 79), 28. Odobert (sub 39. Kolo Muani, 79); 11. Tel (sub 9. Richarlison, 60)

Subs not used:- 31. Kinsky; 67. Byfield; 14. Gray

Booked:- Van de Ven (foul on Rogers), Danso (foul on Digne)

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):- 23. Martinez; 2. Cash, 4. Konsa, 14. Pau Torres, 12. Digne (sub 22. Maatsen, 82); 24. Onana (sub 6. Barkley, 82); 29. Guessand (sub 10. Buendia, 61), 27. Rogers, 7. McGinn (Capt.); 17. Malen (sub 11. Watkins, 61)

Subs not used:- 40. Bizot; 3. Lindelof, 26. Bogarde; 9. Elliott, 19. Sancho

No bookings

Frank and Spurs setting new worrying trends

Before the international break, Spurs finally ended the depressing run of losing their games preceding such occasions when beating Leeds at Elland Road. Perhaps they are now starting a new run of defeats after the international break.

Maybe that Leeds result influenced Frank in his original team selection, as it featured just one change (Spence for Udogie). Sadly "Cuti" Romero was injured in the warm-up and had to be replaced by Kevin Danso. He did a pretty good job of covering, but his persistent long throw tactic became more and more wearing throughout the game. They brought no reward and the time taken in preparation (use of a towel in the pouring rain) led to Spurs wasting their own time.

Thomas Frank has now faced Unai Emery's Villa side six times (five of those were as Brentford coach) and failed to win. Villa have now won five of their last seven Premier League games against Spurs and nine of their last eleven games after the international break.

Perhaps the most worrying statistic for Spurs home fans is our home record in recent Premier League games. We won our first against Burnley this season, then lost at home to Bournemouth (a match also refereed by today's official Simon Hooper), before being thankful for Palhinha's late equaliser against Wolves.

Since beating Villa 4-1 here last November, Spurs have won just three of eighteen home league games since. No wonder Spurs were booed off the pitch. Our next visitors will be Chelsea in two weeks' time. We all know the difficulty of beating that opposition.

It had all started so well today. After the pre-match ritual of "Can't Smile" and the trumpet-led "Oh when the Spurs," centre-forward Matthys Tel won a corner through high pressing and determination. Following that corner, Kudus crossed deep from the left, Palhinha headed the ball back into the middle from beyond the far post, and Bentancur finished off with a powerful right-footed strike that was deflected past Martinez.

Thereafter, there was little goalmouth action of note. Spurs were being marked tightly in the middle. Kudus excited with his runs, but was more often than not double marked, as Digne struggled on his own. Spurs favoured attacking down the flanks and Odobert got one or two decent crosses into the middle.

Villa seemed to have more control on the ball, and too often too much space. Their equaliser came out of the blue, but Spurs had been threatened more often than they worried Martinez.

Spurs desperately miss their creative players. Xavi did not see enough of the ball. We missed Bergvall, whose flowing running play can be so influential. When he did get on in, late in the second half, it came after about ten minutes of hesitation and late briefing on the touchline. Football is too technical sometimes. I remember when Harry Redknapp told Pavlyuchenko to "...run about a bit!"

It looked as if Kudus had given us an early 2-0 lead after he challenged and won the ball before beating Martinez, but he had been flagged offside.

Inevitably, Matty Cash was booed with every touch and jeered when anything went wrong for him.

Odobert tried to reach a curving cross by Pedro Porro, but the ball went out of play for a goal kick. Spence won a corner in a battle with Digne, but Martinez claimed Kudus's ball with ease.

Micky van de Ven was shown one of two yellow cards for his foul on England international Morgan Rogers. Danso showed he has the pace and defensive ability of his partner at the back when Villa broke out. Odobert received a good ball from Pedro Porro, but his cross/shot was not held by Martinez but cleared with Tel threatening. Vicario parried a Villa cross in similar fashion and Spurs cleared.

However, Spurs conceded an equaliser when Guessand passed inside from the right. Xavi was on Rogers, but after getting a rebound the Villa player beat Vicario with a dipping shot from 25 yards. Spurs had been trying to play out, and I feel perhaps Vicario had been expecting Spurs to clear, and perhaps lost concentration.

My neighbour in the stadium suggested that there had been widespread newspaper publicity suggesting that Spurs would be looking for a new keeper in January. I see a lot of newspaper reports plus other sources and have heard nothing of the sort.

The closest we came to scoring before the break was after a free kick on the right and a ball to Odobert, who crossed into the area where Van de Ven headed over.

Spurs kicked off the second half, playing towards the south wall. Danso made a great tackle on Digne in the box and Digne went down screaming, receiving lengthy treatment before moaning when the referee insisted he went off behind the goal-line and was made to walk all the way around the pitch. He was able to run back his position.

Pedro Porro threaded a good ball inside Digne for Kudus to race forward and cross, after which Palhinha's shot from the edge of the box was tipped wide by Martinez. After a short corner and a cross, Bentancur's downward header was saved, but ultimately Spurs were flagged offside.

Donyell Malen, who scored both Villa's goals in their win over Burnley two weeks ago, hit the side netting with a left footed shot after taking McGinn's pass. Palhinha hit a poor shot wide after taking a pass from Xavi. Spurs had been threatening a little but lacked the end product. Richarlison replaced Tel but fared no better.

Danso was shown the only other yellow card of the day after a foul on Digne. Spurs fell behind to another sucker punch goal, which was only Villa's second shot on target. Villa had had a corner on the right, taken by Digne who was still on that side when the ball came back to him in too much space. He passed inside to substitute Buendia, who hit a low shot through the area beating Vicario to his right. Buendia - once of Norwich - missed the entire 23/24 season with an ACL injury and has scored in three of his last four games.

Pedro Porro threaded a good ball down the right channel for Bergvall, who got to the bye-line before crossing. This led to excitement in the box, but Bergvall had been offside.

There were seven minutes of added time. Spurs' best chances came after another good ball by Pedro Porro and a cross by Kudus. Palhinha fed Kolo Muani, but he missed his kick. Another chance fell to another substitute Johnson after Kudus crossed again, but Brennan's shot was high and wide.

This game had been the "hors d'oeuvre" to Liverpool's home game against Manchester United. Nobody expected a United win and Liverpool have now lost four consecutive games for the first time in eleven years and are only one point ahead of us. What is depressing is that the team from the other end of Seven Sisters Road are three points clear at the top.

Next up for Spurs is a midweek Champions League trip to Monaco.

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. Squad numbers,appearances,bookings & goalscorers

. Read the preview for this game.

. All the Spurs Stats you could hope for here!