Premier League

Jean-Philippe Mateta made the difference as Crystal Palace beat Tottenham 1-0 to claim their first Premier League win of the season.

Coming off the back of three straight defeats, the pressure was on Oliver Glasner, and his team delivered the goods for their fans at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Their winner came in the 31st minute when Mateta latched onto Eberechi Eze’s clever flick and drilled in from close range.

While Brennan Johnson saw a shot hit the post for Spurs, Palace looked most likely to get the matches second goal, and Eze saw one ruled out for offside while Adam Wharton was thwarted by Guglielmo Vicario.

Palace were not made to pay for failing to add a second, however, as they claimed a morale-boosting result that takes them up to 17th, while Spurs are eighth after two defeats from their last three league matches.

More to follow...

Club reports

Palace report | Spurs report

Next Premier League fixtures

Key facts

Today’s 1-0 win was only Palace’s second win across their last 19 Premier League matches against Spurs (D2 L15), though both victories in that time have come at Selhurst Park whilst keeping a clean sheet.

Spurs have failed to win any of their four away London derby matches in the Premier League in 2024 (D1 L3), failing to score in three of those matches, whilst netting just one goal in total.

Palace have won two of their last six Premier League matches against fellow sides from London (D2 L2), as many victories as across their prior 18 such matches combined (D5 L11). Each of their last four London derby successes in the top-flight have come at home, whilst this was the first alongside a clean sheet since beating Arsenal 3-0 in April 2022.

Palace’s Mateta struck the winner in this match, with his 17th Premier League goal of 2024 – only Erling Haaland (24) and Cole Palmer (21) have netted more this calendar year.

An exciting prospect has emerged at Tottenham Hotspur who is making his full Premier League debut against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Mikey Moore, who only turned 17 in August, was selected in Spurs' Europa League line-up for the second time on Thursday night, as they defeated AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League.

"I think he's ready to play, to start a Premier League game for sure," said Postecoglou, in his press conference for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.

"He's very mature for a 17-year-old, he handles things really well, both positive and negative. He works hard every day and he's making an impact, at an age where it's very difficult to make an impact at this level."

Moore's admirers include the player who captained Spurs against AZ Alkmaar, James Maddison.

"From minute 45 to 65, I thought we had Neymar on the wing, " said Maddison, as he reflected on the teenager's sensational performance.

With Son Heung-min rated "unlikely" to be fit, Moore's dynamic display has raised the prospect of him starting against Palace.

That will excite the Spurs fans who already sing his name enthusiastically - but who exactly is this rising star?

Moore's beginnings

Moore was born in Southwark, south London, on 11 August 2007 and joined Spurs' academy at the age of seven.

Rapidly climbing through the ranks, Moore made a remarkable impact for the Under-18s during the 2022/23 season while still a schoolboy.

He played a crucial role in helping the team achieve an Under-18 and Under-17 Premier League Cup double, notably scoring a dazzling brace in the latter final against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, he impressively netted 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches for Spurs' Under-18s.

In April 2023, Moore became the youngest player to appear for Spurs' Under-21s since the formation of Premier League 2, making his debut as a 15-year-old against Manchester United.

Playing style and position

Moore's stellar performances in the academy have highlighted his exceptional dribbling, close ball control and technique, making him a nightmare for defenders, especially in tight spaces where he thrives in one-on-one situations.

He consistently creates chances for both himself and his team-mates, showcasing a superb weight of pass and a keen eye for goal.

Primarily operating as a winger, Moore favours the left flank but is also comfortable playing on the right. He also featured more centrally in the academy teams, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different attacking roles.

Moore's goal for Spurs U21s v Bristol Rovers

International recognition

Moore has represented England at various age groups and received his first call-up to the Under-19s at the start of this season.

He shone at the Under-17 European Championship in the summer, scoring four goals in the group stage, including a stunning solo effort against France and a long-range strike against Spain that helped the young Lions advance to the knockout stage.

Moore's brace for England U17s v France

Moore's goal for England U17s v Spain

Stepping up to the senior side

Moore became Spurs' youngest-ever player to appear in the Premier League - at the age of 16 years, nine months, and three days - when he made his first-team debut on 14 May 2024, as a substitute against Manchester City. He also came off the bench in the final match of the season against Sheffield United.

The teenager continued to make his mark at senior level in pre-season, scoring against Hearts, then registering an assist against Queens Park Rangers. He followed that up with a late winner against Vissel Kobe in Tokyo.

Spurs' confidence in Moore's potential was reflected when he signed his first professional contract with the club on 12 August 2024, just one day after his 17th birthday. A significant step in his promising career.

Moore's pre-season goal v Hearts

Impressing this season

After making his first appearance of the season off the bench in the final moments against Brentford, Moore more notably played the last 15 minutes in Spurs' impressive 3-0 victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford.

He provided further evidence of his confidence by picking up the ball on the edge of the box and sending a curling effort just wide in the closing stages. After the match, the travelling fans chanted his name, highlighting his popularity already.

Moore's first start for the club, against Ferencvaros earlier this month, was also significant because it made him the youngest starter for an English club in the Europa League since 2009.

He was heavily involved in the build-up to both Spurs' goals and had more touches than any of the other attackers and midfielders, aside from Yves Bissouma, who was at the heart of his team's midfield.

Such a statistic reflects not only Moore's comfort and influence on the field, but also how much his senior team-mates trust him to contribute.

"It’s a big step but it is one I am ready to take," said Moore, after the match.

Football writer Tom Hancock looks at key stats and tactical points ahead of Matchweek 9.

Team analysis - Tottenham Hotspur

After watching his team blow a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break, Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou stated his desire to “change the perception” of his side.

Such change, the Australian boss said, would come from being “relentless in our approach” – something the north Londoners definitely were not in the second half at the Amex Stadium.

Thumping local rivals West Ham United 4-1 upon their return to Premier League action certainly suggested “relentless” – and Spurs equally showed great character in coming back from 1-0 down to make it three home league wins from four this season.

In all of those victories, Spurs have scored at least three goals, having beaten Everton 4-0 and defeated Brentford 3-1, and exerted the superiority of a top team.

Heading into another London derby, away to Crystal Palace on Sunday, Spurs sit seventh in the Premier League and trail leaders Liverpool by eight points – but are they, in fact, title contenders themselves?

A creative force

Eight matches into the 2024/25 campaign, Spurs are sitting pretty atop the Premier League Expected Goals (xG) chart.

Their non-penalty xG (NPxG) of 16.95 – they’ve not actually been awarded a penalty yet – is 2.09 greater than that of the second-ranked side, Chelsea, and 2.17 ahead of champions Manchester City. They’ve made their creativity count, too, scoring 18 goals – the second-most in the league behind City, with 19.

Spurs are averaging 2.11 NPxG per game, an increase of more than 10 per cent on their average at this stage last season, when they led the Premier League on goals scored ahead of arch-rivals Arsenal.

It’s important to note that we are still less than a quarter of the way into the current campaign, but Spurs have been exceptionally creative so far. Indeed, they boast the leading individual creator in the league right now: James Maddison, who has accumulated 3.6 Expected Assists (xA) in 615 minutes.

During Saturday’s triumph over West Ham, Postecoglou’s team chalked up 1.92 non-penalty xG to the Hammers’ 0.78. That was the continuation of a theme for Spurs: in all four of their Premier League wins this season, they’ve posted an NPxG figure at least TWICE as big as the opposition’s.

Spurs' non-penalty Expected Goals v opponents'

Opponent Result Spurs' NPxG Opp. NPxG Leicester D 1-1 1.18 1.05 Everton W 4-0 2.43 1.00 Newcastle L 2-1 1.26 1.83 Arsenal L 1-0 0.71 0.74 Brentford W 3-1 3.52 0.80 Man Utd* W 3-0 4.59 0.96 Brighton L 3-2 1.34 1.76 West Ham W 4-1 1.92 0.78

*Man Utd reduced to 10 men in 42nd minute

As the data above shows, when Spurs win, they win dominantly. If they can consistently show the relentless streak Postecoglou wants, they seem well-placed to climb the table based upon their underlying attacking numbers.

Making territorial gains count

Spurs' impressive xG output is the mark of a side consistently getting themselves into threatening positions – a fact underlined by their possession and touch data.

In the Premier League this season, only Man City have seen more of the ball, averaging 65.4 per cent possession to Spurs’ 61.9 per cent, or had more touches in the opposition box – 404 to Spurs’ 355.

It follows, then, that Spurs are taking among the highest number of shots in the league. Again, City are the only team to outrank them – albeit only marginally, having had 105 non-penalty attempts to Spurs’ 99 so far. And the team from the capital boast a higher NPxG per shot.

Ranking for NPxG per shot 2024/25

Team NPxG/shot (attempts) Team NPxG/shot (attempts) Chelsea 0.18 (80) Man Utd 0.14 (85) Spurs 0.17 (99) Fulham 0.14 (79) Aston Villa 0.17 (68) Bournemouth 0.13 (90) Brentford 0.17 (66) Nott'm Forest 0.13 (71) Southampton 0.17 (56) Everton 0.13 (65) Liverpool 0.16 (86) West Ham 0.12 (87) Newcastle 0.16 (67) Leicester 0.12 (61) Arsenal 0.15 (88) Crystal Palace 0.11 (73) Brighton 0.15 (78) Wolves 0.11 (64) Man City 0.14 (105) Ipswich 0.11 (54)

Despite averaging more than two goals a game, Spurs are being let down somewhat by their finishing, which feels strange to say but emphasises how terrifyingly devastating they could be.

They have scored from only nine of their 29 big chances, giving them a below-average big-chance conversion rate of 31.03 per cent. But their two primary goal threats on paper, captain Son Heung-min and headline summer signing Dominic Solanke, have both had slightly injury-disrupted starts to the campaign.

Son has converted two of his three big chances in the Premier League this season, having put away a rather clinical 12 out of 19 in 2023/24. And, while Solanke has only scored from two of eight big chances in his six league outings for Spurs so far, he posted a big-chance conversion rate of 50 per cent for AFC Bournemouth in the league last season.

That said, it’s not as though Spurs are over-reliant on Son and Solanke. They have had eight different scorers in 2024/25, the joint-highest number in the Premier League, with six of those netting at least twice: Son (three), Brennan Johnson (three), Solanke (two), Dejan Kulusevski (two), Maddison (two) and Yves Bissouma (two).

Clubs with most different scorers 2024/25

No. of scorers Spurs, Brighton, Bournemouth 8 Arsenal, Fulham 7 Liverpool, Man City, Brentford, Leicester, West Ham 6

Keeping things tight

Quite a lot has been made of Spurs’ perceived defensive weakness, but does that narrative really hold up? Let’s take a look at the underlying numbers once again.

For starters, only four Premier League teams have a lower figure for Expected Goals Against (xGA) than Spurs’ 8.9 this season, with only Liverpool at 6.2 being significantly more miserly than Postecoglou’s men by that telling metric.

Spurs’ actual tally of nine goals conceded is none too shabby either. It’s bettered only by Arsenal (eight), Newcastle United (eight) and Nottingham Forest (six), and it would be even lower if not for some frustrating individual lapses at the back.

A case in point was Johnson’s slow reaction to Mohammed Kudus’s movement before he scored West Ham’s opener last weekend.

But that’s rather nitpicking, and Spurs appear more defensively sound than they did last season, when they gave up 64.5 xG and conceded 61 goals en route to finishing fifth.

Building a fortress at home

At home, they have already restricted the opposition to 1.0 xG or lower on four occasions this campaign, as many as they did in the whole of last season.

It’s not quite taken on fortress status yet – Spurs have lost three of their last 10 home league games – but the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a difficult place to go, and a difficult place to create chances and score goals.

Are Spurs the real deal? There are still some creases that need to be ironed out, but the underlying numbers point to one of the most well-rounded teams in the Premier League right now.

Big tests are coming up in the form of Aston Villa, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool between now and Christmas. But all of those are home fixtures, an opportunity for Spurs to add a moat and drawbridge to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, perhaps.

The signs are promising – and perceptions do change.

The Scout analyses the early-season statistics to help managers in Fantasy Premier League determine the best way to invest in Tottenham Hotspur's free-scoring attack.

Spurs’ 4-1 win over West Ham United in Gameweek 8 showed just why managers should own at least one of their attackers in Fantasy.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have scored at least three goals in four of their eight matches this season, with their midfielders enjoying the most success.

James Maddison (£7.6m) is the leading scorer among a quartet of Spurs midfielders who have produced at least 30 points. The playmaker’s two goals and four assists have earned him 43 points, with only three blanks to his name so far.

Son Heung-min’s (£9.9m) return from injury last weekend has made him the most-bought player in Gameweek 9, with over 237,000 managers bringing him in.

The South Korean has three goals and two assists in six appearances, with his 6.8 points per match (ppm) more than any team-mate.

Son has been left out of Spurs' squad for their UEFA Europa League match at home to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday due to suffering some soreness after returning from a hamstring injury last weekend.

Nonetheless, it’s Brennan Johnson (£6.7m) who is Spurs’ most-popular midfielder in Fantasy. Owned by almost 10 per cent of managers, the Welshman has scored in seven of his last eight appearances for club and country.

Dominic Solanke’s (£7.7m) position as a forward in Fantasy means he’s their most-owned attacker, though, with 13 per cent selecting the England international.

Although he frustrated those backers with a blank against the Hammers, that was his only failure to register a goal or an assist over the last four Gameweeks.

Dejan Kulusevski (£6.2m) has matched Solanke’s two goals and an assist, and with both of those strikes arriving across the last three Gameweeks, the Swede cannot be ruled out of the conversation.

Spurs attackers' stats compared 24/25

Player G+A Owned Pts Pts per match Maddison 6 6.7% 43 5.4 Son 6 7.0% 41 6.8 Johnson 5 9.7% 38 4.8 Kulusevski 3 2.6% 33 4.1 Solanke 3 13.4% 23 3.8

Who has had the greatest goal threat?

Johnson’s HUGE goal threat is one of the key takeaways from the underlying statistics.

The Welshman’s 26 shots in the box are at least TWICE the total of any team-mate, underlining his tremendous value in Fantasy at a cost of just £6.7m. It's also noticeable, though, that just six of those were big chances, or situations where the player is expected to score.

Instead, it’s Solanke who leads the way for this statistic, with his total of eight big chances more than double the three of Son.

Son’s world-class finishing skills are also in evidence here, with a 25 per cent goal conversion rate far superior to the rest of the Spurs attackers and more than twice the 11.5 per cent of Johnson.

Spurs attackers' goal threat 24/25

Player Shots Shots in box Big chances Goal conversion Johnson 26 26 6 11.5% Solanke 14 13 8 14.3% Maddison 15 12 4 13.3% Kulusevski 16 11 1 12.5% Son 12 7 3 25.0%

Who has been involved in the most big chances?

The South Korean has played a part in seven big chances - he's had three of his own and created a further four - at a rate of 73.4 minutes per big chance involvement.

Solanke's average of 58.8 minutes per big chance involvement is the quickest of the quintet and suggests he should at least be held for the upcoming period.

Spurs attackers' creativity 24/25

Player Key passes Big chances created Total big-chance involvement Mins per big-chance involvement Kulusevski 23 3 4 157.0 Maddison 18 3 7 86.0 Son 15 4 7 73.4 Johnson 8 0 6 99.7 Solanke 4 1 9 58.8

So, who's the best Spurs attacker to own?

Son is the one Spurs attacker who is likely to deliver huge hauls in Fantasy – he’s a proven world-class finisher and his big chance creation ticks a lot of boxes in the BPS.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their fine goalscoring form in Saturday's 4-1 London derby win over West Ham United, with Dejan Kulusevski once again revelling in a new role.

The Swede caused havoc, pulling the strings in central midfield and scoring the equaliser for Ange Postecoglou's side.

Only Manchester City, with 19, have scored more goals than Spurs' 18 this season.

Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer and Hall of Fame inductee, names Kulusevski in his Team of the Week alongside team-mate Yves Bissouma, with Spurs the ONLY club providing more than one player.

Jose Sa (Wolves)

"Back in the Wolves team, he made several outstanding saves to stake his claim for a regular starting spot in the absence of the injured Sam Johnstone."

Michael Keane (Everton)

"Produced a sensational finish for his goal and contributed to a second consecutive clean sheet for Everton."

Marcos Senesi (AFC Bournemouth)

"An assured performance from the centre-back, who was influential as AFC Bournemouth became the first side to shut Arsenal out this season."

Josko Gvardiol (Man City)

"Man City needed something special to get past a deep-lying, resolute Wolves defence, and Gvardiol did just that with his brilliant long-range equaliser."

Dejan Kulusevski (Spurs)

"He continued his terrific form, causing havoc and getting on the scoresheet. The best player on the pitch."

Kulusevski's goal v West Ham

Yves Bissouma (Spurs)

"An all-action display from the Spurs midfielder, who justified his place back in the starting line-up, scoring the second goal."

Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)

"Is really blossoming this season at Aston Villa, with his range of passing really catching the eye."

Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

"Simply ran the show. Covered every blade of grass, played an important role in keeping Cole Palmer quiet and scored the winner."

Abdul Fatawu (Leicester)

"What an impact! He changed the game for Leicester when he came on, setting up the first goal and providing a constant threat down the right."

Danny Welbeck (Brighton)

"Like a fine wine, the Brighton forward keeps getting better and better with age. He’s already matched his goal tally from last season after only eight matches!"

Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)

"Tucked away his goal superbly and was Man Utd’s standout player as they got a much-needed win."

Belvin Lewis means everything to his local community in Tottenham and they mean everything to him.

The 54-year-old has lived in this part of London since he was two years old and he is encouraging the local community to keep moving as a physical activity instructor for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

To mark his contribution to the lives of Foundation participants, Belvin has been named Tottenham Hotspur's No Room For Racism Icon in a surprise presentation by former captain and club ambassador Ledley King.

Watch Belvin's story

"I'm speechless, overwhelmed, over the moon! It was a shock, a beautiful shock," he said. "I cried tears full of joy. To be recognised like this, especially by an idol of mine, Ledley, is so memorable. It's the second best thing that’s happened in my life after my daughter.

"This kind of thing doesn't happen to someone like me, coming from the background I do. For the people in my community, they'll be like 'wow'!"

As part of the latest the Premier League No Room For Racism campaign, clubs are nominating inspiring individuals to highlight the contribution of black, Asian and minority ethnic people in football and showcase the importance of diversity on and off the pitch.

And for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, Belvin was the perfect choice.

He has been part of the Foundation for the last eight years and is an enthusiastic and inspirational coach delivering the Making Sport a Daily Habit programme, which is supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers' Association Community Fund.

Making Sport A Daily Habit provides free weekly sessions to support those who who are not usually active to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

The programme offers 600 regular sessions to 2,000 local residents every year.

"I've had people in my family who have had cancer, diabetes, passed away, so I understand how important it is to look after your life," Belvin adds. "When I come to work, I give my everything.

"Coming towards the end of a week, we're knackered, but seeing people's faces is amazing and reminds us why we're here and what we're about.

"It's hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely love it, making a difference, changing people's lives. Working for the Foundation's the best job I've ever had and I'm very happy, privileged and blessed to be where I am today."

Ledley King made his surprise during an exercise session at Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Enfield where he presented Belvin with a personalised portrait.

"He's an absolute gem and seems to have a heart the size of a planet," said participant Inga Bystram.

"There are so many people in the classes and he gives everybody the same attention. Not only that, you can see all his colleagues enjoy working with him. He's like the finger on the pulse of the team."

Following a review of Tottenham Hotspur’s third goal against West Ham United in their 4-1 victory on Saturday 19 October 2024, no Fantasy assist will be awarded to Son Heung-min.

All points will update accordingly before the Gameweek ends, which is approximately one hour after the final match of the Gameweek.

What happened?

In the 55th minute, Son’s attempt on goal was saved by West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola into the path of team-mate Jean-Clair Todibo, who inadvertently directed the ball into the goal via a touch off Areola.

Initially, an own goal was accredited to Todibo. However, this was amended to an Areola own goal following a decision made by the Premier League Match Centre.

As a result of the change, no Fantasy assist was awarded for Son’s involvement in the goal pending a review.

Later in the day, a Fantasy assist was mistakenly applied to Son, followed by a post confirming this from the official Fantasy Premier League social media account, which was subsequently removed.

The assist was applied before the review process was complete and Fantasy Premier League apologises for the confusion caused.

What are the rules applied?

Working together with Stats Perform and matchday staff, a decision was made today to not award Son a Fantasy assist, applying the following rules.

Own goals

If a player shoots or passes the ball and directly forces an opposing player to put the ball in their own net, then an assist is awarded. If the pass or cross takes a significant deflection off an opposition player prior to their team-mate scoring an own goal, then no Fantasy assist is awarded.

Rebounds

If a shot at goal is blocked by an opposition player, saved by a goalkeeper, or hits the woodwork, and from the rebound a goal is scored, then a Fantasy assist is awarded. The shot does not have to be on target to result in a Fantasy assist. The action leading to the rebound can be a shot or a cross-shot, but not an intended cross or pass attempt, as determined by Stats Perform.

If a significant touch is made by an opposition player after the blocked effort, then no Fantasy assist is awarded.

Why hasn't an assist been given?

Shot rebounds can be rewarded with an assist in Fantasy if a goal is scored directly from the block, save or rebound off the woodwork. This ruling also applies to own goals.

However, if a significant touch is made by an opposition player after the blocked effort, then no assist is awarded.

Due to the goal being credited to Areola, the last significant touch prior to the own-goal scorer (Areola) was made by team-mate Todibo and not Son. Therefore, no assist can be awarded to the attacking player.

Examples of a 'shot rebound' assist for an own goal

Although a relatively rare event, recent examples include assists awarded to Brennan Johnson and Darwin Nunez.

In Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Spurs in Gameweek 3 this season, Johnson was given an assist when his shot was saved by Nick Pope and Dan Burn inadvertently put the rebound into his own net.

Similarly, in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Leicester City in 2022/23, Nunez received an assist when his shot struck the post and led to the own goal from Wout Faes.

Why was Lucas Digne given an assist?

In Aston Villa’s 3-1 win at Fulham on Saturday, Issa Diop directed Lucas Digne’s cross towards his own net.

Despite goalkeeper Bernd Leno touching the ball on its way in, the own goal was credited to the Fulham defender and a Fantasy assist awarded to Aston Villa full-back Digne.

This is because the ball was not deflected off target by Diop before entering the goal via a touch from the goalkeeper.

As a result, the own goals rule was applied: "If a player shoots or passes the ball and directly forces an opposing player to put the ball in their own net, then an assist is awarded."

More than 625,000 Fantasy Premier League managers endured a frustrating start to Gameweek 8 as the most-bought player, Brennan Johnson (£6.6m), blanked.

The No 1 transfer target for the round, Johnson had scored in each of his last seven matches across all competitions - but that run came to an end in Tottenham Hotspur's 4-1 win over West Ham United. It wasn't for a lack of trying, however, as Johnson took four shots inside the penalty area.

His team-mate Dominic Solanke (£7.7m) was also recruited in large numbers but he also blanked.

Indeed, despite the big win, none of Spurs' FIVE most-owned players produced a return.

Micky van de Ven (£4.6m) owners will feel especially sore. Not only did the cut-price defender concede a goal but he picked up a yellow card, his third of the campaign, reducing his total to a single point.

GW8 most-owned Spurs players

Player Owned by Pts Pedro Porro 29.2% 2 Solanke 13.7% 2 Van de Ven 11.5% 1 Romero 10.2% 2 Johnson 9.2% 2

Attention now turns to Bryan Mbeumo (£7.5m) and Dwight McNeil (£5.7m), who have the opportunity to provide immediate rewards for the combined 798,000+ who added them to their squads.

Only Erling Haaland (£15.4m) can better Mbeumo's six goals this season. The Cameroon international will be looking to improve his tally when Brentford travel to Manchester United.

Meanwhile, McNeil's prospects are lifted by Everton's visit to Ipswich Town. The Tractor Boys have allowed their opponents 31 big chances this season, the most of any side.

GW8 most-bought players

Player Bought by Pts Johnson 626,944 2 Mbeumo 471,335 - McNeil 399,649 - Solanke 326,884 2 Wood 325,565 -

Chris Wood (£6.3m) completes the top five transfers in.

The source of Tottenham Hotspur's third goal in their 4-1 win over West Ham United was the subject of scrutiny, before it was officially declared an own goal by Alphonse Areola.

Hammers goalkeeper Areola was deemed to have had the decisive contact with the ball in the 55th-minute incident, after he had diverted Son Heung-min's low shot against his team-mate Jean-Clair Todibo.

The ball deflected back off the French defender towards goal, and Todibo was initially credited with the own goal.

However, the Premier League's Goal Accreditation Panel ruled that the subsequent touch off Areola was key.

The panel's guidelines say that if the initial strike is on target and the ball is then deflected by an opposing player sending it off target and then deflects off another defending player before entering the goal, then the defending player who touched the ball last is credited with the own goal.

What is the Goal Accreditation Panel?

The Goal Accreditation Panel determines the goalscorers in the Premier League when the identity of the person who scored the goal is open to debate.

The identity of the goalscorer is quickly identified by Opta, the Premier League's official data partners. However, if there is doubt over the identification, it is reviewed by a three-person panel at the Premier League Match Centre.

The panel usually consists of a representative of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and two football experts.

Although there is no strict timescale on the accreditation of a goal, a conclusion is sought at the earliest possible convenience, with the utmost priority given to ensuring the final decision is correct.

The panel's decision is passed on to the Premier League's Digital team and Opta, who ensure the goalscorer is communicated through their official channels.

A club can appeal against a decision to the Premier League’s Goal Accreditation Appeals Panel, who will review the footage and come to a decision.

Tottenham Hotspur scored three goals in eight second-half minutes to beat West Ham United 4-1, bouncing back after throwing away a two-goal lead and losing to Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break.

Mohammed Kudus put West Ham ahead early on, only for Dejan Kulusevski to level towards the end of an entertaining first half.

Ange Postecoglou surprisingly withdrew James Maddison at half-time, but that change paid off as Spurs swiftly pulled clear.

Yves Bissouma swept home in the 52nd minute. Then goalkeeper Alphonse Areola scored an own goal in the 55th minute, before Son Heung-min struck the third goal in the 60th minute that settled the contest.

To add to West Ham's woes, Kudus was sent off late on as they drop to 14th in the Premier League table with eight points from as many matches, while Spurs go sixth with 13.

How the match unfolded

The visitors struck first in the 18th minute when Jarrod Bowen showed great tenacity to keep an attack alive before crossing for Kudus, who scored at the far post.

Brennan Johnson was guilty of a glaring miss when he nodded Destiny Udogie's cross wide, but Spurs did level in the 36th minute, Kulusevski's strike hitting both posts and crossing the line despite West Ham goalkeeper Areola getting fingertips to it.

Pedro Porro sent a scissor kick wide shortly before half-time, but Spurs' relentless pressure was rewarded soon after the interval with Bissouma side-footing in after excellent combination play from Son and Udogie.

Spurs' third goal came in fortuitous fashion as Son's shot deflected off Jean-Clair Todibo and Areola before squirming over the line. But there was no luck about their fourth goal as the South Korean raced through to fire home.

Son clipped the foot of the post one minute later, and West Ham's miserable outing was capped when Kudus saw red for violent conduct.

Postecoglou's change pays off

Coming after a 3-0 rout of Manchester United at Old Trafford, Spurs' 3-2 defeat at Brighton last time out led many to describe Postecoglou's style as reckless, rather than entertaining.

However, for as bad as Spurs were in the second half at Amex Stadium, they were excellent after the break here, with a surprise half-time switch the catalyst.

Maddison played a key role in Kulusevski's leveller, capitalising on a West Ham turnover to drive over halfway and find the Swede near the right corner of the box, yet he did not emerge for the second half as Postecoglou chose to introduce Pape Sarr.

That substitution proved a masterstroke, allowing Kulusevski to operate in a No 10 role to devastating effect.

His clever reverse pass played in Son to force the own goal, while it was Sarr who provided the assist when Son made it 4-1 on the hour-mark, his pinpoint pass allowing the Spurs skipper to drive at Areola and arrow his finish inside the near post.

Postecoglou now has a selection headache ahead of next week's trip to Crystal Palace, with Kulusevski staking his claim for a central role and Sarr bringing fresh energy to the midfield.

No lift-off for Lopetegui

Having thrashed Ipswich Town 4-1 prior to the international break, West Ham were eyeing their first back-to-back Premier League victories since March.

The Julen Lopetegui era appeared to have lift-off when Kudus gave them a surprise lead against Spurs, the winger scoring for a second straight match, but the Hammers' defence began to creak under constant pressure and they could have no complaints when Kulusevski equalised.

In the second half, West Ham simply failed to lay a glove on their hosts. Bissouma was granted the freedom of the penalty area to score Spurs' second goal, and the subsequent mix-up between Areola and Todibo summed up the visitors' performance.

To add to Lopetegui's frustrations, Spurs' third goal came just as he was readying a triple substitution in a bid to turn the tide.

In the end, West Ham were arguably fortunate to limit their hosts to four goals, with Kulusevski, Johnson and Timo Werner all passing up late chances. Johnson also should have scored in the opening period.

To make matters worse for West Ham, they will also be without key attacker Kudus for matches against Man Utd, Nottingham Forest and Everton following his late dismissal.

Club reports

Spurs report | West Ham report

What managers said

Ange Postecoglou: "We had to fight hard in the first half. Going a goal down wasn't ideal but we clawed our way back into it, and it is not easy. West Ham are a big physical side and they have got some speed as well.

"Second half we were outstanding. We upped the tempo and played some quality football, defended when we needed to and got our finishing right."

Julen Lopetegui: "First of all we are very disappointed for our fans. The summary is that they [Tottenham] deserved to win to be fair. We started well and we deserved to take the lead despite their two big chances. We defended well, attacked well and had more chances too."

Next Premier League fixtures

Key facts

Since the start of last season, Tottenham have won eight of the 12 home Premier League games in which they have conceded first (L4) this is at least twice as many home wins after falling 1-0 behind as any other side in the competition in this time.

This was West Ham's heaviest Premier League defeat in a game which they scored the opening goal since January 2013, when they lost 5-1 at Arsenal.

Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet across their last 19 home Premier League games (a 4-0 victory over Everton in August), while Spurs’ one clean sheet on home soil in 2024 is the joint-fewest shutouts among ever-present sides in the competition (alongside Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Wolves).

Since the start of last season, only Sheffield United (seven) have conceded more own goals in the Premier League than West Ham (five), while Tottenham have benefitted from more own goals than any other side in the competition across that period (seven).