BBC.com

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head  BBC.com

When Tottenham Hotspur suffered a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat four weeks ago, it was difficult to see anything but a messy end to the season for Ange Postecoglou.

Yet on Saturday his side recorded a third league win in a row with a 4-1 defeat of Ipswich Town at Portman Road - the first time Spurs have achieved the feat since December 2023.

The result not only boosted their aim of securing European football again next season, but showed what they are capable of when not ravaged by injuries.

"We're certainly in a good space, using these two weeks as well as we could to re-energise the team," said Postecoglou, whose side are 12th in the table and face a Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar.

"I just feel like we've got a really good opportunity in these next 10 days to be well equipped for what's ahead.

"What's ahead is obviously Europe, but also an opportunity to address our league position, which is obviously not good enough."

Winning is one thing, but the manner in which Tottenham picked apart Ipswich - and remained resolute at the other end - was impressive.

Brennan Johnson's two goals came against the run of play but were the result of superb wing play from Son Heung-min, while Djed Spence - with his first top-flight goal - and Dejan Kulusevski's strikes came when Spurs needed to kill off the game.

"I thought we did the hard things really well," added Postecoglou. "A couple of times in the first half we lost a bit of concentration in terms of the second ball and duels, disappointing goal we conceded, but aside from that I thought we handled that side of the game really well.

"I always felt we were a threat when we had the ball. Sonny [Son Heung-min] was unplayable in the first half and so good to get Brennan back in those areas where he's always a threat.

"All four of our goals were quality goals. We had to do the hard things, but the fruits of that labour was that our front third play was super exciting and clinical."

It's been a tough season for Tottenham Hotspur, but Saturday's win at Ipswich Town was the latest sign that things might be falling into place for Ange Postecoglou's side.

A third consecutive league win - the first time they have achieved that since December 2023 - was a well deserved product of Spurs' resilience and attacking efficiency.

A few months ago Spurs would have capitulated during an early Ipswich storm, but Postecoglou saw his side grow into the game and take their chances when they came.

Son Heung-Min was superb on the left flank and caused the hosts problems no-end, while Brennan Johnson rediscovered his scoring form of earlier in the season.

In goal, Guglielmo Vicario provided another reminder of how sorely he was missed during Spurs' run of seven Premier League games without a win.

With the likes of Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven set to return from injury in the coming weeks, Spurs look to be in a good position to finish the season strongly.

Post

Fulham 0-1 Crystal Palace

Marco Silva is looking rather pensive on the touchline.

They've only won one of their past six games at home before this one.

It hasn't necessarily been a happy hunting ground for them this season.

'Suddenly people are looking at Everton'

FT: Everton 2-2 Man Utd

Everton

Everton boss David Moyes speaking to TNT Sports: "I think it should have been more. When we were 2-0 up, we had chances to make it 3-0. We were up against a good side, I know they are not in a good place in the table. We did as well as we could do."

On the penalty decision: "I thought Ashley Young's jersey is undoubtedly pulled. I thought the on-field decision was correct and I was surprised that the referee was sent to VAR. It went against us today, we won't complain too much about it. That decision went against us."

"Today's result was a good result, we lost two points and gave away two poor goals but we played well in front of the crowd and overall I'm really pleased. Suddenly now people are looking at Everton a bit. More points, new stadium, hopefully, that will be in the Premier League."

'The situation we are in is very, very bad'

FT: Everton 2-2 Man Utd

Manchester United

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We started the game too late. Everton did very well in the first half. They have players that can play on the ball if they have space. We should have been more aggressive with the ball. They are very strong with long balls, second balls. We have to be much better on the ball. We can't wake up only when we are 2-0 down."

On scoring two goals from set pieces: "We need to score more from these situations. We need to be more aggressive and understand our positions when we attack. We scored from two set pieces today and obviously, it is really good but we need to improve a lot if we are going to get out of this situation. We need to be aware that the situation we are in is very, very bad."

On criticism from manager Ruben Amorim: "We are in a really bad position in the league, we are doing very bad. It's normal that he can say something that makes a headline because at Manchester United it is like that. I have been here a long time now and we have to realise how bad the situation is. We shouldn't need the manager to say something in order for us to improve to the standard that the manager demands."

'Definitely a shirt pull on Young'

FT: Everton 2-2 Man Utd

Everton

Everton boss David Moyes speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We should have probably gone 3-0 up which would have made it harder for Manchester United to come back. We should have done better but the momentum went in Manchester United's favour at that time."

On the penalty: "There is definitely a shirt pull on Ashley Young. I was surprised it went to VAR. The referee made his decision. From our point of view, it went against us but I'm really pleased with the players."

On Idrissa Gueye's performance: "He's been doing great, he's played really, really well and he is keeping it going. He does a great job for the team."

On Everton's good run of form: "Us picking up points, a few games ago, we were in a relegation battle. We are still in it somehow but we have to make sure we get out of it. Today was a difficult game."

'It was clear for the referee to overturn the decision'

FT: Everton 2-2 Man Utd

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We were soft during the first half but we managed to recover. We didn't exist in the first half and I see different things during the week so that's why I was frustrated."

On scoring from set pieces: "Set pieces are really important, especially in this competition, so we have to improve in all areas."

On the penalty: "What I saw, it was a little bit of a soft touch. It was clear for the referee to overturn the decision."

Manchester United will face Spanish side Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League, while Tottenham will play AZ Alkmaar and Rangers meet Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce.

Should United advance, they will play Romanian league leaders FCSB or Lyon in the quarter-finals.

Spurs or Dutch side AZ Alkmaar will face Eintracht Frankfurt or Ajax in the last eight, while Rangers will meet Roma or Athletic Bilbao if they get past Turkish club Fenerbahce.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will face FC Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Conference League.

United, Spurs and Rangers are all away in the first leg of their last-16 ties on Thursday, 6 March. The return legs take place on 13 March.

Chelsea will travel to Denmark for the first leg against Copenhagen on 6 March, with the return at Stamford Bridge seven days later.

Ineos is in talks with Tottenham about an early exit from its sponsorship deal with the club.

The British petrochemical firm, which co-owns Manchester United, became one of Spurs' official partners in 2020 as the club's hand sanitiser supplier during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company also announced a multi-year deal to become Tottenham's official 4x4 vehicle partner in December 2022.

However, according to well-placed sources there is an option to terminate the contract at the end of this season and discussions - described as "amicable" - are under way.

The partnership pre-dates Ineos' $1.6bn (£1.25bn) purchase of a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024.

Ineos and Tottenham have both declined to comment.

James Maddison says he is doing his "talking on the pitch" in response to the critics who questioned him before he scored the winner as Tottenham beat Manchester United on Sunday.

Maddison was the only player following in after United keeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall's shot, allowing him to complete an easy tap-in to score the match's only goal.

He marked the strike with both a talking and shushing gesture celebration.

And after the match, without naming any individual critics, he told Sky Sports: "There was a little bit of outside noise this week.

"People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today."

This week, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane said on The Overlap podcast that Maddison "got relegated with Leicester and he'll get relegated with Spurs".

Keane also stressed that Maddison was a "talented player", but said those who thought his return would help Spurs break into the top six "were in cuckoo land".

The 28-year-old had been out of action since picking up a calf injury against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23.

His goal against United was his first in the Premier League since December and his 10th in all competitions this season.

Sandwiched between his talking and shushing gestures, Maddison also performed his usual darts throw celebration.

When asked about responding to criticism, he added: "You do see it and it is there. Especially when it's a big profile name.

"Nobody is more critical of myself than me. To be fair to the gaffer, he always talks about blocking out the outside noise, but sometimes it's difficult, you know. It is constantly in your face. Social media and WhatsApp, sending people's stuff."

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said it "doesn't surprise him" if Maddison responded to what people are saying about him, adding that he "threw a shot back over the bow".

Tottenham have missed playmaker Maddison's absence, losing three of the five games they have played while he has been sidelined in 2025.

"It's just great to have him back," said Postecoglou. "He is a quality player.

"If you just look at his goals return from midfield this year, it's still right up there."

Maddison has scored four goals in his last four starts in the Premier League, and is Spurs' leading scorer in the league this season. He has been directly involved in 13 goals in 23 league games (nine goals, four assists).

"He got frustrated when he got injured and to be honest we didn't think he would be back for a couple of weeks," added Postecoglou.

"But he has worked awfully hard in training and done everything right to make sure he was available."

Tottenham have been on a poor run and are 12th in the Premier League table, but a large part of their form can be attributed to a string of first-team injuries.

Postecoglou will be thankful he was able to start playmaker Maddison as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who impressed on his first game back since breaking his ankle in November.

Long-term absentees Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert were also fit enough to make the bench.

England international Chloe Kelly came off the bench to make her debut in a second spell at Arsenal as they thrashed north London rivals Tottenham.

It was Kelly's first game for the Gunners since joining on loan from Manchester City in dramatic fashion on deadline day in January.

It was also 2,815 days since her last Arsenal appearance after she graduated from their academy and spent three years with the first team between 2015 and 2018.

Kelly, 27, was given a standing ovation and a warm welcome by fans after an hour had been played, with her side already 4-0 up.

An own goal by Tottenham defender Clare Hunt put Arsenal ahead in the 15th minute, before Mariona Caldentey doubled the lead 20 minutes later.

Frida Maanum's 51st-minute strike then deflected in off Hunt, before Alessia Russo's effort seven minutes later and a stunning late hit from Emily Fox completed the rout.

The Gunners were relentless throughout, exploiting a poor defensive display from Tottenham and consolidating their third-place position in the Women's Super League table.

Tottenham have won just one of their last nine away WSL games and were heavily beaten by their neighbours on a disappointing afternoon for them at Emirates Stadium.

Kelly's fiery exit from City last month was well-documented as she took to social media to explain her unhappiness and desire for more game time, with Euro 2025 just months away.

England manager Sarina Wiegman did not name the forward in her squad this week for their Women's Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain on 21 and 26 February.

That came as little surprise and Kelly knows she will need to fight for a place in the Lionesses squad for this summer's Euros.

Making a first appearance in the WSL for two months was a step in doing that and Kelly was given the welcome she would have wanted as the crowd stood up and roared when her name was called out by the stadium announcer for her 61st-minute entrance.

Her task was simple – to play with freedom and enjoy the comfortable lead Arsenal had already built and she was able to do that, striking the crossbar late on.

Tottenham's defensive frailties have been exploited many times this season and it was no different at Emirates Stadium as the hosts enjoyed a fruitful afternoon throughout.

Kelly's England attacking team-mate Russo was a standout performer, terrorising Spurs centre-back Hunt and testing goalkeeper Lize Kop on numerous occasions.

Russo thought she had grabbed the opener but her header flicked inside the post off the hip of Hunt and went down as an own goal, before Caldentey and Maanum added to Arsenal's tally.

But Russo's moment eventually came when she finished off a counter-attacking move, teaming up with a lively Caitlin Foord, to add a deserved fourth goal, before Fox's sublime long-range effort in the 90th minute finished things off.

There was no stopping Arsenal's charge and Spurs offered very little to trouble them – their only notable chance coming in the 65th minute when Drew Spence's header forced a save from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

The result strengthened Arsenal's pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot and they will finish the weekend in third place, above rivals Manchester City.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Lauren James goes on a great run and plays through Ashley Lawrence on the edge of the box.

It's another blocked effort in the end. Elise Stenevik gets in the way.

'Arsenal dominant from first to last whistle'

FT: Arsenal 5-0 Tottenham

Tanya Oxtoby

Northern Ireland manager on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Arsenal have been dominant from the first to the last whistle. They were sensational today and I think you have to give all the credit to them. They're deserved winners.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

You may be starting to think this could be the game where Chelsea's unbeaten run finally ends, given the fact they haven't looked at their best so far.

Just remember that's happened quite a few times recently - particularly against West Ham and Aston Villa. Guess what happened? They won.

Everton have been toothless, will Chelsea find a way to make the most of controlling the possession?

FULL-TIME

Arsenal 5-0 Tottenham

It's all over! It's a five-star performance and five goals for the Gunners as their dominance in this fixture continues.

Renee Slegers side were utterly dominant and would have scored more were it not for the heroic interventions of Tottenham goalkeeper Lize Kops.

The home side barely put a foot wrong as Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, Alessia Russo and Emily Fox get on the scoresheet.

'Fabulous strike from Fox'

Arsenal 5-0 Tottenham

Tanya Oxtoby

Northern Ireland manager on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Brilliantly worked from Arsenal. What a strike into the top corner from Emily Fox.

There's no saving that and it's a fabulous strike.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Catarina Macario turns on the edge of the box and tries to shoot, but her effort is blocked.

Chelsea are upping the tempo now to try to find a way through.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Chelsea have dominated - they have had 70% possession so far - but Everton are doing a decent job of holding them back.

The hosts' biggest threat so far came from a set piece.

GOAL - Arsenal 5-0 Tottenham

Emily Fox (90 mins)

Emily Fox had never before scored in the WSL, but she's just pinged one in to the top corner from 25 yards out. What an incredible way to score your first goal, and to cap off a perfect day for Arsenal.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Chelsea are ramping up the pressure here. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Mayra Ramirez knock the ball around on the right, Ashley Lawrence tries to swing it in but the ball's cleared.

Everton's problem is that they lack an outlet when they try and counter-attack.

'Slegers will have to fit all these players in'

Arsenal 4-0 Tottenham

Lindsay Johnson

Former England defender on BBC Two

Since those changes with Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly coming on, Arsenal have not looked that fluid as before.

Blackstenius went into that number nine role and Alessia Russo is in the number 10, but I think you get the best out of Russo when she is in the central area. It's about how you fit all these players into this team for Renee Slegers.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Everton

Chelsea think they've scored, but the officials say no.

It looks like the ball might have been bundled over in a crowd of bodies at the goalmouth on a set-piece, but the goal isn't given.

An idealistic manager under pressure. An underperforming, injury-hit team closer to the relegation zone than the top four. An increasingly frustrated, protesting fanbase...

Mid-table Tottenham and Manchester United meet in the Premier League on Sunday (16:30 GMT), with both clubs fitting that checklist of mediocrity and needing victory to jumpstart some momentum in hugely disappointing seasons.

United head to Tottenham 14th in the league, having won 10 and lost eight of head coach Ruben Amorim's 20 matches in charge.

Ange Postecoglou's Spurs are 15th, picking up just four points from their past eight league games and being knocked out of both domestic cups.

One of Tottenham's rare high points of a difficult season was a comprehensive 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the league, and they also beat United 4-3 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Spurs are unbeaten in their past four Premier League games against United (won two, drawn two) and the Red Devils have conceded at least twice in all those games.

The build-up to Sunday's game is also expected to include a march and sit-down protest from supporter group Change for Tottenham against the Spurs ownership and chairman Daniel Levy.

Amorim and Postecoglou have been criticised for sticking rigidly to their distinctive footballing philosophies - and so were asked by the media on Friday about each other's struggles.

Amorim said he was a "huge fan" of Australian Postecoglou, and had "sympathy" for him "because he is a good guy, a good coach and he wants to play football in the right way".

Amorim added: "But, we are not winning games and I understand the connection with me and Ange - we have the same problems.

"With all due respect, I am at a bigger club, with bigger pressure. It is important for a coach to follow his principles."

Postecoglou backed his Manchester United counterpart, who replaced Erik ten Hag this season, saying the club would "absolutely see progress" if they stick with Amorim for "two years".

"Manchester United have scouted him and identified him by looking at the way he does business. You bring him in with a purpose," said Postecoglou.

"We all get judged on results, I get that. If you are in my position or where Ruben is now, you are going to get scrutiny - but I don't think that means you are not coaching or managing well.

"All managerial jobs are tough but, that Manchester United one has a bit extra on it, I reckon."

It was revealed this week Manchester United are considering a second round of redundancies among staff, potentially more than 100.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has instigated a series of cost-cutting and revenue-driving measures at the club, including raising the price of some tickets to £66.

Club officials have repeatedly stressed the measures are being taken to help ensure United do not breach the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), while also providing funds to plough back into Amorim's squad.

Amorim acknowledged the responsibility for sorting out club finances also rests with his first team.

"People are losing their jobs," he said. "I think it is really important for us in the first team, coaches and players, not to ignore that.

"The biggest problem is the football team. We spend the money. We are not winning and we are not in the Champions League so the revenues are not the same.

"Now we have to be careful with the finances. We cannot rebuild the team the way we would like.

"We acknowledge the problem and we have to change that.

"The first thing we should do is beat Tottenham. That is a small step to try and help these people, to try not to push the ticket prices higher. We are responsible for that."