BBC.com

Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Vilahamn addressed Tottenham's style of play and although they conceded three goals he remained positive about certain aspects of their game.

On the result: "It feels strange. We had a good performance - we had 18 goal chances.

"We are playing a good game, but we are not defending the box good enough. We were giving them transitions.

"Performance wise most of the game it is good football, but you lose 3-0 so you cannot be happy."

On Man Utd being awarded a penalty for handball: "I’m not sure if it’s a penalty. If it’s handball, it’s unlucky. If you do a cross and it hits the hand it's not like it's bad defending tactically."

On Spurs' identity: "We are working hard to find an identity and how we want to play.

"In that we want to win games and we want to find a way to win. Today is a good performance, but we don’t want to lose 3-0. We need to find better ways to play our way, but compete and win the game."

get involved

Get Involved

Want to have your say on any of today's action?

You can get in touch via #bbcfootball on X, Whatsapp on 03301231826 or by texting 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate).

As always, please remember to leave your first names with your messages.

'Thomas will have a point to prove'

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Last season when Martha Thomas transferred from Man Utd to Tottenham she was the main striker.

She played a bit part at Man Utd and she will have more of a point to prove coming back here where she felt she wasn't given a full 90 minutes.

Post

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

This is the One is playing at Leigh Sports Village, so that means there isn't long to go.

The players are out, they're lining up ready for kick-off.

Who's coming out on top today? Hit the thumb's up for Manchester United, or the thumb's down for Tottenham.

Post

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

We're not too far away from kick-off now and the players have just finished their final warm-ups at Leigh Sports Village.

Melvine Malard is front and centre of the matchday program, but she won't feature today after suffering a knock against Liverpool in the League Cup 11 days ago.

This should be a cracking fixture, though. These two sides finished four points within each other last season, with United fifth and Tottenham placing sixth.

Spurs came agonisingly close to grabbing all three points here last season, with Maya Le Tissier coming to United's rescue with a late equaliser.

Will Spurs get FA Cup revenge?

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

It isn't actually that long since these two sides last met.

They played each other at Wembley in May in the FA Cup final, but it was an afternoon to forget for Tottenham.

It was the first time Spurs had reached the final, but United crushed them with a 4-0 victory to lift the trophy.

Could that defeat provide added inspiration for Robert Vilahamn's side today?

Clinton back against her former club

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

One of the big threats for Manchester United this afternoon will be midfielder Grace Clinton - and she's a player Tottenham know well.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Spurs, but she is now back at Leigh Sports Village and has already "impressed" manager Marc Skinner with her off-the-ball "intelligence and intensity".

Skinner added: "Forget her having the ball, that’s her super strength. Off the ball, I have been really impressed and that is something I will judge her game on. When she does that properly as second nature, that is when we will really see the footballer she is."

'Tullis-Joyce is the one to take Man Utd forward'

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Rachel Brown-Finnis

Ex-England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

When Phallon Tullis-Joyce come in [to Manchester United] she was an established WSL player.

Tullis-Joyce has started at every club she's been at and she knew coming in it was at the high point of Mary Earps' career.

With Tullis-Joyce having had a year at the club, understanding the setup and the magnitude of Man Utd - she's the one to take Manchester United forward.

Red Devils 'in a good space'

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Manchester United

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner said his side are "in a good space" following wins against West Ham and Everton in their first two games of the season.

"We’re still learning and I can tell that," he added, speaking in his pre-match news conference.

"There are parts of our game where we are not smooth. I think you will see similarities, it’s still our style, but we’ve seen individuals do things differently."

Skinner said his team "won't take Tottenham lightly" and described Spurs as a side who "can score goals and create chances".

Will the hosts' perfect start continue today?

Tottenham 'know how to hurt' Man Utd

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs will be wanting to bounce back from suffering a stoppage time defeat by Liverpool last weekend.

Manager Robert Vilahamn said it was "really hard" to have performed well in that game but lose late on.

Moving to today's match, he said it will be a "fun game" against Manchester United and that "we know how we can hurt them".

Tottenham are one of the teams wanting to fight among the top clubs in the Women's Super League and have the Red Devils in their sights.

"If we want to break into the Champions League, Manchester United are one of the teams we need to be better than," the Spurs boss added.

'We're aiming for the Champions League'

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn, speaking to Sky Sports: "Eight goals in thee games is good, but the last few games we have been easy to score against us. We need to make sure we don't make easy mistakes.

"Bethany England has well scored goals and assisted. She's a great leader for the team and she is going to take us forward today.

"These games are the ones we are going to compete for and see if we can break into the Champions League.

"We have seven injuries today and we will see how deep our squad is, but we're aiming for the Champions League."

'I'm expecting a tight game'

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Manchester United

Man Utd boss Marc Skinner, speaking to Sky Sports about team news: "Couple of them forced because Melvine Malard took a slight injury in the Liverpool game,

"Looking at the Tottenham team and seeing ways we can exploit them, Gabby George coming in and she was great against Liverpool.

"We are going to see if we can adapt and evolve to see if we can exploit Tottenham.

"They are difficult to play against and last season we had the 2-2 draw here and then the FA Cup final. I am expecting a tight game and hopefully we can show our qualities to unlock them.

"They're dangerous on the counter-attack and they have experience up-front. We're here to put on a good performance and try win the game."

On Grace Clinton: "Very impressed. She has matured a lot and the football part she's always had. I'm grateful she's come back in the form she has - she can unlock any game."

Follow our dedicated WSL page

If you haven't already, then don't forget that this season BBC Sport are providing a dedicated Women's Super League service.

On there, you can find the latest interviews, analysis, quotes and more.

You can get all of that content sent straight to your device by clicking here and turning on notifications.

A warm welcome at Leigh Sports Village

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

There were plenty of Manchester United fans queuing up outside Leigh Sports Village more than two hours before kick-off, trying to get a glimpse of their favourite players as they arrived.

Each player was serenaded by their own chant as they left their cars and walked into the ground.

The Tottenham team weren't so lucky! There was plenty of booing from the United faithful as the Spurs bus rolled in.

How things stand

It is still very early in the season, but here's how the table currently stands.

Chelsea are at the top having won each of their three games - but this is the fourth round of matches so others could jump ahead of them with the right results today.

Sonia Bompastor's side have won all three of their games so far. Manchester United (two wins) are the only other team to still have a 100% record.

At the other end of the table every team has already managed to get points on the board.

But four - Aston Villa, Leicester, West Ham and Everton - are still without a win. Could that change today?

Team news - Clinton starts for Utd, England returns to Spurs XI

Man Utd v Tottenham (12:30 BST)

Emily Salley

BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Village

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner keeps just four players from the side that beat Liverpool in the Women's League Cup 11 days ago.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner and Gabby George all keep their places, while Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Leah Galton and Lisa Naalsund return to the starting line-up.

Grace Clinton starts against her former team, as does Celin Bizet.

Manchester United XI: Tullis-Joyce, George, Le Tissier, Toone, Clinton, Galton, Bizet, Naalsund, Janssen, Terland, Turner.

Subs: Middleton-Patel, Mannion, Simpson, Awujo, Ladd, Miyazawa, Watson, Williams.

Robert Vilahamn makes three changes to his Tottenham team that suffered a late defeat by Liverpool last weekend.

Beth England returns to captain the side, while Charlotte Grant and Olga Ahtinen also start.

Hayley Raso, Amanda Nilden and Maite Oroz drop out of the squad with injuries.

Tottenham XI: Spencer, Neville, Bartrip, Hunt, Grant, Summanen, Ahtinen, Spence, Naz, Thomas, England.

Subs: Talbert, Heeps, Buhler, Vinberg, Csiki, Dennis, Gunning-Williams.

Welcome

Hello!

It's time for another day of Women's Super League action and we've got five matches coming up.

There has already been one game this weekend - Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 at Emirates Stadium yesterday in what could be an early big result for the title race.

Today, we begin at Leigh Sports Village at 12:30 BST when Manchester United host Tottenham.

There's commentary of that game available via BBC Radio 5 Live and we'll be here to provide you with text updates on all of the day's action.

Let's begin by getting the team news for the day's first match.

We asked for one thing - good or bad - that isn't being talked about regarding Tottenham at the moment.

Here are some of your comments:

Matty: Can we all agree the Timo Werner experiment has failed? Loads of pace but zero end product. A budget Aaron Lennon. Send him back in January from his loan and play Odobert or Bergval instead if Son is out. If Werner is the answer, I don't know what the question is.

Leders: So, the media and a lot of Spurs supporters say we have two of the best central defenders in the world. Nope! Have a look at how many goals are scored against us when they are out of position or when they allow attackers to get in the space between them. Individually they are excellent, but they don't defend cohesively as a unit.

Iain: Why does Son Heung-min seem incapable of taking a shot now? Every time he gets in a position to shoot he takes too many touches and is blocked, or passes sideways. In past seasons, he would shoot at most opportunities with either foot. Is this a tactical decision by the coaches or something else?

Giovani: The fans. Are we - the Spurs fans - 'Spursy'? All the talk about plan B, the manager, the criticism... I have not had so much fun for years. Should we not just sit back and enjoy the show? Maybe Ange Postecoglou will deliver that elusive trophy. Maybe he won't. Either way, it will have been a hell of a journey!

'Nadal - the son every mum would love to have'

'I was wild and messed up - I don't want others to make same mistakes'

Why was 'the greatest match' so great?

Relive Nadal's top 10 moments - and vote for your favourite

'You can't leave him out' - is Palmer England's most important player?

A 24-hour party of pain - a day and night running round a track

Arsenal's Mead and Williamson take on Honesty Cards. VideoArsenal's Mead and Williamson take on Honesty Cards

Watch: Referee awards two bizarre penalties for handball. VideoWatch: Referee awards two bizarre penalties for handball

Watch best shots as Australia batters set up big win against NZ. VideoWatch best shots as Australia batters set up big win against NZ

'In the ocean, at the forefront of climate change' - Buchan

'Football needs to adapt to help female coaches'

Will Norris or Verstappen face penalties before end of season?

What to look out for in Women's Champions League group stage

Watch best shots as England chase down South Africa total for victory. VideoWatch best shots as England chase down South Africa total for victory

Can you beat our Premier League true or false quiz?

'How Hatton's win may be key to ending golf's paralysis'

We asked for your views on whether Tottenham are the ultimate fair-weather team and whether Ange Postecoglou's side need to show more ability to dig in.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Dave: Comparing us to a year ago: are we better, more consistent, or progressing? For me that's key, but I don't see it. Unless that changes, Ange will run out of time. It is obvious that we must be more resilient, win individual battles and adapt tactically in games, but we don't seem to have the types of players or a manager for that. 'Weak' screams out so often.

Laurence: Unfortunately it is the Tottenham DNA. I have supported them for 62 years! One commentator said it was the worst in 40 years, but he has forgotten when Spurs were 3-0 up at half-time at home against Manchester United and lost 3-5. It happens. The team will pick themselves up and do better. It is still a great club, but maybe we're not champion material - yet.

Doug: The players are the problem, not the style of play. I'm 100% behind the manager. I believe in what he is trying to achieve. This is going to take time and the players have to be on the ball for the full game. If they play like they did in the first half at Brighton, for the whole game, we will be in the top four.

Jojo: All elite teams have a great plan A to dominate matches, which is scoring goals and conceding as little as possible. Typically, they also have a plan B to win ugly when really needed. Spurs have a decent plan A but the main issue is they don't even want to entertain any kind of plan B. Most Premier League managers are good enough to beat plan As.

Post

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 BST)

Mark Schwarzer

Former Australia keeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

With Ange Postecoglou it's a sense of frustration.

I noticed it with the Australian national team, he called in the media when he took over and explained what he was trying to do and even show them videos.

Over time there was a sense from the media that they didn't feel like there was any progression - then there was questions being asked.

Ideal conditions for football in North London

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 GMT)

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

There has been rain all morning ahead of kick-off but it has cleared up with blue skies overhead just before this heated London derby match.

The pitch should be nice and slick for Ange Postecoglou's intense, stylish football with West Ham increasingly looking to play expansive football under Julen Lopetegui.

A great day for autumn in England for the first Premier League kick-off after the international break.

'Postecoglou hasn't got any trophies at Spurs'

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 BST)

Alan Shearer

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

The criticism we have of Man Utd is what system do they have?

Erik ten Hag has two trophies and we know what Ange Postecoglou is trying to do, but he hasn't got any trophies at Tottenham.

'Postecoglou will have success'

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 BST)

Mark Schwarzer

Former Australia keeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

I believe Ange Postecoglou will have success.

He is so confident in what he does and I think the players believe in him. Everyone has ups-and-downs, but nobody is going to come in and wave a magic wand.

People forgot where Spurs were when he took over.

'Postecoglou's players are starting to shape'

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 BST)

Mark Schwarzer

Former Australia keeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

In terms of Tottenham, it is a team Ange Postecoglou is now able to mould.

You are seeing his players come into this club and it's his players which are starting to take shape.

Postecoglou and Spurs seem recharged

Tottenham v West Ham (12:30 BST)

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter

The other day Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was sharp, funny and positive in his first news conference since what he described as his "worst defeat" in a 3-2 loss away at Brighton before the international break.

The Australian admitted the emotions of throwing away a two-goal lead were part of his frustrated post-match comments a fortnight ago.

However, once the passions subsided, he felt he could tell his players where they went wrong in that dismal second half.

He is also buoyed by having almost his full squad available for Saturday's match at home to West Ham. Wilson Odobert remains a doubt but Richarlison, Son Heung-min and Lucas Bergvall all return.

During the two-week hiatus, Postecoglou was seen in good spirits at the NFL match that took place in the club's home stadium between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears last Sunday.

He seems to have quickly got over a painful defeat to deliver a positive outlook.

At half-time, all the headlines looked like they would be about Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson continuing his superb run of form.

Having scored five goals in his first 38 games for Spurs, the 23-year-old Wales international has now scored in each of his past six games in all competitions.

He opened the scoring at the Amex when he timed his run perfectly to connect with Dominic Solanke's through ball and calmly slotted past home goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

After James Maddison added a second, Johnson had a chance to get a third for Tottenham just before the break, but shot over after racing through following Dejan Kulusevski's pass.

But that two-goal lead was as good as the afternoon got for Tottenham, as they somehow threw away control of the match as Brighton scored three times in an 18-minute spell in the second half.

Boss Ange Postecoglou called the collapse "probably the worst defeat since I've been here", although the impressive form of Johnson did at least provide one positive for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou called his side's collapse against Brighton in the Premier League "probably the worst defeat since I've been here".

Spurs were 2-0 up after 37 minutes and heading for their sixth successive win in all competitions after goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, but conceded three times in the second half as Brighton took the three points.

"It was disappointing and I’m absolutely gutted with that," said Postecoglou.

"It's an unacceptable second half - we were nowhere near where we should be. Maybe we got carried away with how we were going.

"We kind of accepted our fate and it's hard to understand as we've not done that while I've been here. We usually fight for everything, and when you don’t you pay a price."

Spurs missed the chance to go sixth in the Premier League and are ninth with three wins, one draw and three losses from their seven matches.

Postecoglou criticised his side's mentality and spirit, adding: "Maybe things were travelling on too smoothly. Football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself and that’s what it looked like in the second half.

"It’s a terrible loss for us, as bad as it gets, and there’s only one way to fix it and that’s my responsibility.

"We lost all our duels, we weren’t competitive and if you're not competitive, irrespective of what you do tactically, it is not going to work."

'It feels like a couple of steps back today'

FT: Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, speaking to Sky Sports about changes from the first to the second half: "Not 100% sure.

"We couldn't deal with the momentum shift. We lost control of the game when the first goal went in. We dealt with momentum poorly and couldn't get any control of the game - it felt like attack after attack.

"They are a good side and have good players. Adversity in the Premier League - you have got to stay strong and weather the storm - we definitely didn't do that.

"We have been on a good run, but it feels like a couple of steps back today.

"We were saying all the right things to not get complacent, but words mean nothing if you don't go out and show it."

'I’m on four at the moment and I want more'

Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck spoke to PLP after his teams 3-2 victory against Tottenham:

"It was difficult for anyone to see that coming. In the second half it was about attitude and character. It was about that fighting spirit and we need that from the start. We came out and responded brilliantly.

"A goal early always helps. I think once we came out in the second, as a team we were ready to do a lot better in the second half."

On Rutter: "I’ve nicknamed Georginio Velcro because it sticks to his feet., When he got to the by-line I knew it was an area he could find and we have a good understanding and luckily I was there to score.

"I wasn’t happy with the first half but I was able to keep going. I’ve got a lot of experience. As you can see, not everyone can come into this league and hit the ground running. I've been in this league since I was young and I’m always available to help the players. I’m on four at the moment and I want more."

'They played an amazing second half'

FT: Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to Sky Sports: "The first half it was not a tactical thing that we conceded the two goals.

"It was playing with intense, fulfilling the match-plan with energy - that was the main topic. That is what I had to get back at half-time. It is the job from the players they played an amazing second half and did enough to win."

On confidence within the team: "I think little bit was missing. Being ruthless is the most important, in the duels we were not ruthless and if you win the personal duels and get the ball into the opponents half you get self confidence - that was the biggest change.

"Tottenham had some moments, but most of the time we controlled transitions.

"I always say 'we have enough quality to always score'. It is always important to learn from the first half."

On attacking players: "In every team it is important to have individual quality - the four players in front they shouldn't define themselves on individual quality. They should define themselves on how they work for the team.

"I am happy for them - they worked hard and they deserved it."

On Danny Welbeck: "He is very free. He seems to be young, he is in great shape and he has taken care of himself.

"He is a role model for young players. It is impressive to play in the Premier League with a big age.

"I enjoy working with him, he's a big professional and a lot of young players should see how hard he works and see what is possible in the football career."

'The players worked hard to gain flow and they used it'

Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Brighton & Hove Albion

Fabian Hurzeler speaking to PLP after his side's 3-2 victory over Tottenham:

“My team deserved to win, they worked hard and focused on the things they could control.

“I think Tottenham always have a great start. They play with intensity and we were not ready for that. We also created chances but defensively we have to improve.

“We focused on the positive things, the second important thing was to win the duels to build self-confidence. The players worked hard to gain flow and they used it.

"In general I leaned nothing new, this is always possible in football. When you are 2-0 down it is not easy but it was important to stay positive and I’m really happy for the players.”

'Worst defeat since I've been here'

FT: Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports: "Disappointing. Frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I've been here. Unacceptable second half. Nowhere near where we should be. We got carried away with how were were going.

"We kind of accepted our fate and it is hard to understand as we've not done that while I've been here. We paid the price.

"The problem is we are travelling along too smoothly, football and life will trip you up if you get too far ahead of yourself."

On message to the players: "There is no message. It is a terrible loss for us - as bad as it gets. Only one way to fix it and that's my responsibility.

"We lost all our duels and if you're not competitive it is not going to work - we were not competitive.

"They all go international duty the majority of them. They will process it individually and I will process it when everyone gets back."

'It’s a bad day the responsibility falls at my feet'

Brighton 3-2 Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou spoke to BBC MOTD after his side lost a two goal lead at half time, to find his team on the end of a 3-2 loss to Brighton:

"Fair to say that the second half was unacceptable and we paid a price for that.

"We probably should have put it to bed in the first half. What we did in that second half is unacceptable and we got what we deserved.

"Maybe we just thought we’d roll out there and play well again and that’s not how it works and we paid for it.

"We’ve conceded before but it is how you react and our reaction wasn’t what it should be. It’s a bad day for us and when it’s a bad day the responsibility falls at my feet."

Wales manager Craig Bellamy says if he was a club boss he would not hesitate to snap up "elite" winger Brennan Johnson.

Tottenham Hotspur paid more than £45m to bring Johnson from Nottingham Forest in September 2023 and his attacking returns for Ange Postecoglou's side were modest, with five goals from his first 38 games.

It was only three weeks ago, after the Premier League loss to north London rivals Arsenal, that Johnson deactivated his Instagram account because of the online abuse he was subjected to.

But the 23-year-old has answered his critics in the best possible way, hitting a rich vein of form as he has scored in each of his last five appearances.

"He's a good footballer, he has ridiculous talent, his high-intensity is through the roof, it is elite," Bellamy said.

"Spurs have paid that money for him. Now he could have a bad two years but trust me, if I'm in a (club manager) job I'll go and buy him for that.

"He's got every part of football that's going to make him elite and that's the player I see."

Bellamy was no stranger to big-money transfers during his own playing career, with clubs including Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool, West Ham United and Manchester City splashing millions on the former forward, who scored 19 goals for Wales over 78 appearances.

"Once you move from a different scenario, a different club, sometimes you hit the ground running, but sometimes it takes longer," Bellamy said.

"I remember (former Arsenal and France winger) Robert Pires for a whole season was a waste of money, next one he goes and wins player of the year... it works that way at times.

"He's (Johnson) young and I believe all we're seeing now is just what his talent is allowing. It was going to happen."

Johnson's attacking output for Wales - with three goals in 30 caps - on the face of it is modest, but he has already become a key part of Bellamy's fledgling tenure as Wales manager.

Bellamy praised the Spurs attacker's all-round contribution in the first two games of his era, a goalless home draw against Turkey followed by a 2-1 win in Montenegro.

Further Nations League games await away to Iceland on 11 October and home to Montenegro three days later, with Johnson named in a 25-man squad notable for the inclusion of midfielder Joe Allen after the 34-year-old's decision to come out of international retirement.

But while Bellamy is delighted to regain the experience of Swansea City's Allen, the manager is as enthusiastic about the youthful potential of Johnson.

The Wales boss has no doubt the Spurs attacker's talent will shine through eventually with more goals on the international stage, but equally values Johnson's all-round contribution and tactical awareness.

"I'm fully aware of his ability going forward, I'm sure we all are. You can't hide that ability and obviously Spurs invested heavily in that ability," Bellamy added.

"But what really impresses me with him is the team comes first, his work-rate for the team, and I love that, it's so important and how we set out, it's the team.

"And that came from the Turkey game, there were one or two instances where he was getting back at the right moment, sensing danger, and that's incredible. For me, that's a brilliant game."

Bellamy says Johnson's importance is underlined by the faith his managers have in him.

"I'm fully confident of him in that final (attacking) third; it doesn't always work on that day, you can have a little bit of form but that class will come out on top in the end," he added.

"Would I pick him tomorrow? Of course. Does Ange (Postecoglou, Spurs manager) pick him every game? Of course... and I believe we recognise what he's able to do for the team."

While Bellamy says he was largely unaware of Johnson's social media problems, he said that players should do "what you feel is best for you", but agreed that the decision to 'unplug' can be "sensible".

"Honestly it's a world I don't live in, I'm not old fashioned or anything like that, I just don't see that world," Bellamy said.

"I completely believe what works for you works for you, I don't get involved in any other part of it.

"I've always tried to move myself away from that because I believe it allows me to be fresh on what I see, so I don't get side-tracked here, I don't get moved here.

"Because my mind - the over-thinking part of my world - will go into a complete and utter meltdown, so I try and move that completely away."