BBC.com

Ange Postecoglou says "there is never any noise" around Tottenham when refereeing decisions go against them.

The Australian head coach was speaking after Fulham substitutes Rodrigo Muniz and Ryan Sessegnon scored to help the hosts beat Spurs 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

When asked about a contentious 85th-minute challenge from Fulham's Calvin Bassey on Lucas Bergvall inside the penalty area, Postecoglou said: "I'll leave that to the officials, but I will say that we don't carry on like a lot of other clubs and I think that hurts us for sure.

"I don't think there's ever any noise around us and decisions. We get one slightly in our favour and there's national headlines for a week."

He was seemingly referring to a decision in Bergvall's favour against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, when the midfielder avoided a second yellow card.

"Things go against us and there's not even a sentence on it," Postecoglou added.

Postecoglou brought off the struggling Yves Bissouma and Brennan Johnson at half-time against Fulham and sent on Bergvall and Son Heung-min.

The Spurs boss confirmed Bissouma was taken off due to his poor performance, saying: "I just feel Biss can sometimes let the game drift by him.

"He needs to be a little bit more dominant in the way he gets on the ball. At times I think the game gets away from him and today we needed more in that position.

"I needed him to play though, because he hasn't played a lot. At the same time you've got to perform. It's fair to say, Biss and a few others are probably lacking a bit of confidence.

"That's affecting him, but we're at the point of the season now where we need guys to get out there and put those things to one side and perform."

Postecoglou added: "It's not about getting through to him or a lack of effort.

"I just think with players sometimes they go through these spells and he needs to find a way to break through that and we need to find a way to get that out of him."

It is becoming implausible for 13th-placed Spurs to qualify for Europe through the Premier League after taking just 10 points from their past 10 games.

However, Spurs would qualify for the Champions League if they were to win the Europa League, and they moved a step nearer that goal by knocking out AZ Alkmaar on Thursday to reach the quarter-finals.

Postecoglou, who has faced heavy criticism for this season's domestic failings, is clear that Spurs must not throw away their last remaining nine Premier League matches.

"I said to the players I'm not going to allow anyone to think about Europa and nothing else," he said.

"We can't let this league season go the way it has. We have lost way too many games. Unacceptable."

Brighton & Hove Albion edged out Tottenham Hotspur to end a run of seven Women's Super League games without victory.

Fran Kirby struck three minutes before half-time with a smart finish into the bottom corner, but Dario Vidosic's side really should have added to their tally to make the success far more comfortable.

Three of the previous four WSL meetings between these two sides ended in draws and, for much of the first half, it felt like this would be another stalemate.

But Brighton grew into what was a scrappy opening period of little quality and few chances. They came close when Tottenham goalkeeper Lize Kop had to scramble to prevent Marisa Olislagers scoring directly from a corner.

Kop then did well to tip away Olislagers' rifled effort a few minutes later, but the Netherlands international was powerless to prevent the visitors' fortuitous winner.

Another effort from the lively full-back Olislagers cannoned off the face of Ella Morris into the path of Rachel McLauchlan, who cut the ball back for Kirby to sweep into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

Brighton continued strongly after the break, comfortably passing the ball around and creating the bulk of chances.

Tottenham struggled for fluidity in attack, something the injury absence of top scorer Bethany England won't have helped.

The visitors had two handball penalty appeals waved away by referee Ryan Atkin, before Kop kept out headers from Nikita Parris and Madison Haley.

A first ever away WSL victory against Tottenham moved Brighton back into fifth place, one point ahead of Liverpool.

Tottenham have now lost four WSL games in a row, while only Crystal Palace (40) have conceded more goals this season than them (34).

Robert Vilahamn's side remain seventh in the table, eight points above bottom club Palace, who gained a welcome 3-1 win against relegation rivals Aston Villa earlier on Sunday.

With both sides struggling for form in recent months, this was never going to be a free-scoring classic.

Before the match Brighton boss Vidosic said his side's winless run had taught him "a lot about the squad and myself, about things we can do differently, on and off the pitch".

The Seagulls had won just once away from home this season, although they came into Sunday's game with confidence following an impressive 2-2 draw against Chelsea earlier in the month.

Dutch international Olislagers - singled out for praise by Vidosic this week - posed a constant threat with her wicked deliveries, while Parris and Kirby combined well in central areas.

Defensively the visitors were solid, though they were up against an attack that failed to register a single shot on target.

Tottenham sorely missed forward England, who has scored three of their five league goals since the winter break.

January arrival Olivia Holdt struggled to make an impact on the Dane's first WSL start for the club, while striker Martha Thomas' goalless run in the competition extended to 25 games.

With a leaky defence and faltering attack, Spurs boss Vilahamn has a lot of work to do if his side are to match their best-ever WSL finish of fifth and go into next season with greater ambitions.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Jamie Donley is set to be called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the first time.

The 20-year-old will be drafted into Michael O'Neill's squad for friendlies against Switzerland at home on Friday and against Sweden away on Tuesday, 25 March.

Donley was born in Antrim and has previously played for NI and England at youth level, captaining England Under-19s.

The process for his international transfer from England to Northern Ireland is under way with Fifa, but he can make his debut in these games as they are friendlies.

Donley is currently on loan at League One side Leyton Orient where he has scored seven goals in 30 games, while his stunning long-range effort against Manchester City in the FA Cup led to an own goal.

He made his Premier League debut in December 2023 for Spurs against City and has made three further appearances for the club.

CLOSE!

Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

Chance for Brighton to double their lead!

Maria Olislagers' whips in a lovely cross right on to the head of Nikita Parris but he can only nod it right into the hands of Lize Kop.

Post

Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

The corner is half-cleared before Nikita Parris screams for a penalty after the ball seems to strike the arm of Amanda Nilden.

Looks as though it would have been really harsh to give that. More of a ball-to-hand situation.

Post

HT: Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

Both sets of players are back out on to the pitch as the second half is just moments away from getting going.

Post

HT: Tottenham 0-1 Brighton

As things stand then, it's Brighton who move up to fifth spot - one point above Liverpool in sixth.

We've still got 45 minutes left to play though so all that could still change.

FULL-TIME

Crystal Palace 3-1 Aston Villa

Crystal Palace win!

Their first home win in the WSL this season and their first league win since 6 October.

They're now just one point behind Aston Villa at the foot of the WSL table. The relegation battle is very much alive!

GOAL - Crystal Palace 3-1 Aston Villa

Katie Stengel (90+5 mins)

Katie Stengel wraps up the three points for Crystal Palace!

Aston Villa goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo was out on the halfway line to try and tee up another attack for her side but her pass is picked off by Stengel and she makes no mistake as she drives goalwards before firing the ball home.

Game over.

'Really intelligent play from Spurs'

Tottenham 1-0 AZ Alkmaar (1-1 agg)

Joe Hart

Former Tottenham and Man City goalkeeper on TNT Sports

That's a massive blow to AZ. That is the counter press we're talking about, never giving up, getting the crowd up.

It's a really good finish from Wilson Odobert and really intelligent play from Spurs - just what they deserve.

Excellent finish on the run.

GOAL - Tottenham 1-0 AZ Alkmaar (1-1 agg)

Wilson Odobert

And it's level on aggregate.

All credit to Son Heung-min, he closes down an AZ defender on the left and produces a vital block to get the ball, it drops for Dominic Solanke and he in turn lays it off for Wilson Odobert, who hits it first time into the top of the net.

Post

Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 agg)

After a bit of a nervous start this has developed into a very decent Manchester United performance as we approach the half hour mark. Passing is quick and crisp and the players look really up for it.

'AZ feeling their way into the game'

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar (0-1 agg)

Joe Hart

Former Tottenham and Man City goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Credit to AZ, they're feeling their way into this game and they look like they're starting to find their patterns of play.

'It's a simple game'

Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 agg)

Dion Dublin

Former Aston Villa striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

What Manchester United fans are happy with is the speed that Man Utd are moving the ball.

It's a simple game and Man Utd are better when they keep it simple.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Copenhagen (2-1 agg)

Enzo Maresca has plenty to say to his team.

They have been below par in the opening 25 minutes.

Gabriel Pereira is fine and the game is back under way.

Post

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar (0-1 agg)

AZ Alkmaar are on about 27% of possession and are sitting deep and in numbers. Son Heung-min floats a ball into their box from deep on the left but good decisive goalkeeper from Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro as he comes off his line to punch the ball away.

Post

Chelsea 0-0 Copenhagen (2-1 agg)

Copenhagen have been the better side so far.

They have had three attempts. Chelsea haven't had a shot yet.

'A great response'

Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 agg)

Rene Meulensteen

Former Manchester United coach on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's going to be a long night.

What a response. Exactly what United needed. The first part was for Real Sociedad, but a great response.

Where would Man Utd be without Bruno Fernandes

Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 agg)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter at Old Trafford

For a second there, when Bruno Fernandes looked to the sky, he seemed a little bit nervous.

If he was, the Manchester United skipper hid it well when he came to strike the ball.

In this traumatic of seasons, Fernandes is the shining light.

That is 13 goals for the Portuguese so far this season. Manchester United would be in a far worse state without him.

Post

Man Utd 1-1 Real Sociedad (2-2 agg)

Casemiro curls a shot wide as Manchester United now look to take the lead. The Real Sociedad goal seemed to serve to wake them up. They are playing much better now.

'Going to be a hard night for Parrott'

Tottenham 0-0 AZ Alkmaar (0-1 agg)

Joe Hart

Former Tottenham and Man City goalkeeper on TNT Sports

It's going to be a hard night for Troy Parrott.

He's going to have balls lumped up to him with Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero lurking.

Tottenham Hotspur say there will be "no increase" in ticket prices next season.

A price freeze for season and match tickets extends to both the women's and men's team and includes the creation of new senior concession ticketing.

In a statement on the club website, external, the club said it "appreciates the loyalty and commitment of supporters from all generations" and quotes the Fan Advisory Board as "pleased" with the price freeze.

However, it is worth saying this ticket announcement has been made during a period of intense scrutiny on the football and non-footballing parts of the club.

Of course, a key catalyst for this is anger about Spurs' results in a season where they are 13th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups.

Yet, a perceived obsession with profit has also been part of a protest movement led by fringe fan group Change for Tottenham, which ultimately is calling for chairman Daniel Levy to leave the club.

This, therefore, is a decision made while under pressure from an angry fanbase, but it should at least show the club is listening after consultation with fan groups.

Former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast about Tottenham:

"It's the Forrest Gump line - Tottenham are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get.

"One thing I notice that I think Tottenham are missing massively is they need a leader - or a few leaders. Right now, that is one of the biggest problems at that football club. They have no leaders. There's not one real captain at that club.

"I do worry for the great youngsters they've got coming through. Some of these youngsters have got a bright future but without having a senior player as a real leader to guide this team, you worry about those youngsters really developing with the situation at Tottenham and how it keeps going on like that."

Manager Ange Postecoglou praised Tottenham's spirit after his side's comeback draw with Bournemouth - and hopes they carry that momentum into Thursday's Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar.

Tottenham will welcome the Dutch outfit to north London, looking to overturn a one-goal first-leg deficit.

But it will come on the back of a morale-boosting end to their Premier League encounter with the Cherries on Saturday - coming from two goals down to draw 2-2.

"At 2-0 we had a bit of a mountain to climb," Postecoglou told Sky Sports.

"It was a chaotic game today and the boys showed a real mentality. It would have been really easy at 2-0, with the atmosphere in the stadium, to let it slip away from us but they fought hard and got themselves back in the game.

"It was a different kind of struggle for us today. Bournemouth pressed really well and we were really sloppy with the ball at times which allowed them to pin us back. It wasn't anything like Thursday but we hung in there."

Sunday's draw halted a two-game losing streak across all competitions, having suffered defeat at Alkmaar after a 1-0 league loss against Manchester City.

Spurs have won just two of their past seven games but avoided recording a 19th loss of the campaign.

As well as having the positives of a fightback, Postecoglou also had three senior figures back from long-term injury at a crucial point in their campaign.

The Australian has been staunch in defending Tottenham's below-par performances, which have them 13th in the table, pointing to the fact that he has been working with restricted options.

And the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of injuries is starting to draw ever closer.

Striker Dominic Solanke and defender Cristian Romero were both named in the starting line-up for the first time in a Premier League game since early January.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven, who has also been sidelined for the past two months, was among the substitutes and roared on to the field by Tottenham fans when introduced in the second half.

Solanke has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances since joining from Bournemouth in the summer, but struggled to get up to speed against his former employer.

Romero got an important 61 minutes under his belt but looked rusty, especially in the opening moments when he almost gifted the visitors a goal with an errant pass.

"There is definitely a sense of nervousness there" Postecoglou added.

"We are getting players back who have been out quite a while. We've been keen to get [Cristian] Romero back and his first pass shows he's not played for three months. Some of it is just anxiety and nervousness which we need to get under control.

"I think Micky van de Ven, Dom and Romero are quality players and we've hardly had them all year. It gives the team a bit of a boost to see them out there."

The race for the Champions League hots up

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

The race for the Champions League is certainly hotting up.

Man City's loss at Nottingham Forest yesterday means that three points for Enzo Maresca's side today will send them up to third in the table with 10 games to go.

'It must be extremely difficult for Fofana'

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Mark Schwarzer

Former Chelsea goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

The question mark over Wesley Fofana is the injury issues he has had since joining Chelsea. It's about how long he can sustain a run in the team. I know it must be extremely difficult for him. It's about trying to building that continuity and building that relationship with Levi Colwill.

Leicester defence 'something we have to adapt to' - Maresca

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Chelsea

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, speaking to Sky Sports about Robert Sanchez starting: "We have two good goalkeepers. There is not a problem with one or the other."

On injuries and players missing: "Malo Gusto is a kick from the last game, and Reece James didn't feel well"

On Leicester: "I know them, but today for the first time under Ruud [Van Nistelrooy] playing with a five [at the back] and they have changed again - it is something we have to adapt to."

'We have to defend well and use moments on the break'

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Leicester City

Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, speaking to Sky Sports about Leicester's three changes: "We are looking to score, we also look to maintain and get a defensive stability.

"We worked with structure on the ball and that's the structure we are going to use today. We had to use every minute to get these structures working.

"It went well, physically we could also work. We had a good training week.

"We know what game it will be. We know we have to defend really well and use moments on the break to explore the spaces that Chelsea leave in their high lines."

Can Leicester survive?

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Is Leicester's fate sealed? You'd certainly be forgiven for thinking so.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's side have lost four on the spin and sit six points from safety.

However, a win today really does put the cat among the pigeons.

'Chelsea are reliant on Palmer'

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Sue Smith

Former England international on BBC Radio 5 Live

Chelsea are reliant on Cole Palmer.

The fact that Nicolas Jackson has been missing has affected Palmer's game. The relationship between those two is good to watch.

Palmer is still creating opportunities, but the players around him are not taking those chances.

Despite the drop-off in form, they're still in a good position in the league.

Spurs injuries not a 'valid excuse'

Tottenham v Bournemouth (14:00 GMT)

Peter Schmeichel

Former Manchester United goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

The better you become at losing games you deal with that and you learn from that.

When it comes to Tottenham, it's not a young team, there's a lot of experienced players in that team. I don't think you can use injuries as a valid excuse for not performing. That's part of the game.

Reece James is out through illness

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

Chelsea captain Reece James was tested this morning and presented a fever and high temperature so misses out.

The Blues defender has increasingly been playing in central midfield amid a prolonged return from injury.

A returning Wesley Fofana is expected to play on the right side of the defence in his place and makes his first appearance since December 1.

Palmer's dry spell

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

It may come as a bit of a shock to read that Cole Palmer has gone six Premier League games without a goal or assist.

The England international's sparkling form has taken a dip and he's itching to get back among the goals.

Can he find his form today?

'He is fine and looks fantastic'

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Chelsea

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was calm about the lack of goal involvements that Palmer has produced over recent weeks and said: "When you score a goal you are probably more happy, also because your goals help the team to win but overall Cole is fine.

"He's happy, he knows that he struggled to score goals in this moment but he is also aware that it is something normal and during a season it can happen. Watching him during the training session, he is fine and looks fantastic."

Team news - Solanke and Romero return for Spurs; two changes for Bournemouth

Tottenham v Bournemouth (14:00 GMT)

Striker Dominic Solanke makes his first Premier League appearance since 15 January as Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou makes five changes from the 1-0 loss against Manchester City.

Defender Cristian Romero, who has not played since 8 December due to a thigh injury, also makes a welcome return to the starting lineup.

Micky van de Ven is named on the bench as he also looks to make a first appearance since 8 December.

Archie Gray, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison and Mathys Tel all drop out with Pape Sarr, Djed Spence and Yves Bissouma the other three players brought in.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Danso, Porro, Spence, Romero, Bissouma, Sarr, Bentancur, Odobert, Johnson, Solanke.

Subs: Kinsky, Son, Maddison, Tel, Udogie, Gray, Bergvall, Van de Ven, Scarlett.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola makes two changes from the 2-1 defeat at Brighton in the Premier League.

Evanilson makes his first Premier League start since 4 January as Dango Ouattara drops to the bench.

Marcus Tavernier is preferred to David Brooks.

Illiya Zabarnyi is serving the final game of his three-match suspension.

Bournemouth XI: Kepa, Huijsen, Kerkez, Cook, Christie, Hill, Tavernier, Adams, Kluivert, Semenyo, Evanilson.

Subs: Dennis, Brooks, Scott, Ouattara, Sinsiterra, Soler, Jebbison, Silcott-Duberry, Akinmboni.

Team news - Sanchez starts for Chelsea; Foxes make three changes

Chelsea v Leicester (14:00 GMT)

Enzo Maresca makes two changes to the Chelsea starting line-up that beat Southampton 4-0 last month.

Robert Sanchez keeps his place in the goal after featuring against Copenhagen in the Conference League on Thursday while there is also a start for Wesley Fofana who replaces Malo Gusto in defence.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Fofana; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Nkunku.

Subs: Jorgensen, Badiashile, Dewsbury-Hall, Chalobah, George, Acheampong, Amougou, Lavia, Antwi.

Ruud van Nistelrooy makes three changes to the Leicester line-up that were beaten 2-0 at West Ham in their most recent league outing.

Conor Coady, Patson Daka and Luke Thomas return to the starting line-up as Jannik Vestergaard, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Facundo Buonanotte drop out.

Leicester XI: Hermansen, Justin, Faes, Coady, Kristiansen; El Khannouss, Ndidi, Soumare, Thomas; Daka, Vardy.

Subs: Stolarczyk, Okoli, Winks, Mavididi, De Cordova-Reid, Ayew, Pereira, Coulibaly, Buonanotte.

Spurs fan Chris Cowlin spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast after his side fell to defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

"A very, very disappointing night for Spurs against AZ Alkmaar," Cowlin told listeners.

"We're sitting 13th in the Premier League table which is simply not good enough. We're out of both domestic cup competitions - the FA Cup, the League Cup - this is our only hope to win a trophy. Of course, we've gone without a trophy for 17 years. The trophy drought at Tottenham is ridiculous right now.

"All I would say to these players right now is do you want to be heroes or do you want to finish this season disappointed again and not qualify for Europe next season?

"Last night, we were not in the game at any point and Ange [Postecoglou] is blaming the pitch. Son [Heung-min] had said that this is a big wake-up call and [Guglielmo] Vicario at the end was telling the fans to be louder and more passionate - and these fans are spending hundreds of pounds on this club. I don't think the fans can do anymore."

On whether he thinks Postecoglou can turn things around he said: "The only positive is that it was only 1-0 last night because it could have been more. Hopefully, when Spurs are back in London next week, we can go through.

"The next round is going to be very difficult if we get there against Ajax or Frankfurt but you've got to be on your game, you cannot be using excuses about their injuries, because the team that was out there last night to face Alkmaar should have had more than enough quality to win that game."