Evening Standard

Tottenham secured a third straight win in the Premier League for the first time in more than a year

At the double: Brennan Johnson struck twice in the first-half

REUTERS

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham beat struggling Ipswich 4-1 at Portman Road to make it three Premier League wins on the bounce for the first time since December 2023.

Brennan Johnson twice finished from Heung-min Son crosses to put Ange Postecoglou’s side 2-0 up inside 26 minutes.

Ipswich deservedly halved the deficit before the interval through Omari Hutchinson’s well-taken goal and had chances to level the game early in the second half.

But Djed Spence’s first Premier League goal restored the visitors two-goal cushion and Dejan Kulusevski scored on the break to add gloss to the scoreline.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players at Portman Road…

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Made a smart stop to deny Liam Delap inside 30 seconds. Powerless to prevent Hutchinson’s cool finish.

Djed Spence 8

Composed and committed at both ends. Deserved his goal for his recent form.

Djed Spence continued his superb recent form

John Walton/PA Wire

Kevin Danso 8

Dispossessed by Kalvin Phillips for Ipswich’s goal. Otherwise played superbly and would surely have been better equipped to cope with Delap than Gray.

Read More

Tottenham XI vs Ipswich: Starting lineup, confirmed team news today

Postecoglou reveals Spence strategy as he challenges Tottenham star

Postecoglou reveals when Tottenham fans will see best of Odobert

Sponsored

Satisfy your wanderlust with stellar travel ideas for the year ahead

Archie Gray 7

Made the first goal with a brilliant raking pass for Son. Struggled with Delap’s directness in the first few minutes but grew into the game.

Destiny Udogie 6

Looked rusty on his first appearance in two months but put in some thumping challenges in the first half.

Rodrigo Bentancur 8

Made Spurs’ second goal with a line-breaking pass for Son and nearly scored himself after a fine run from midfield.

Lucas Bergvall 8

Combative and classy in the middle of the park. Carried the ball forward brilliantly at times.

Dejan Kulusevski 8

Took his goal superbly after a lung-busting late run to suggest he is getting back to his dominant early-season form.

Brennan Johnson 8

Returned to the side and made the difference with two well-taken, trademark goals. Had a chance for a hat-trick shortly before being replaced but Leif Davis got back to block.

Heung-min Son 8

Made both goals for Johnson with characteristic pieces of lively wing play, suggesting he is benefitting from the reduced schedule.

Mathys Tel 5

Struggled to make an impact against Ipswich’s physical back four. Continues to look unsuited to playing as a centre-forward in the Premier League – at least for the time being.

Mathys Tel endured a frustrating afternoon

Getty Images

Subs

James Maddison (Johnson 65’) 8

Helped to take the game away from Ipswich. Made Spence’s goal with some lovely footwork.

Pedro Porro (Udogie 65’) 7

Given a much-needed rest from the start but helped to see out the game at right-back.

Wilson Odobert (Odobert 73’) 7

Produced another lively cameo from the left wing as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Dane Scarlett (Tel 73’) 7

Committed and won a brave header to create Kulusevski’s goal.

Yves Bissouma (Bergvall 85’) 6

Composed in the final five minutes plus stoppages, as Spurs cruised to victory.

Not used: Kinsky, Reguilon, Sarr, Moore.

MORE ABOUT

Injury situation at last improving to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s options

Getty Images

Dan Kilpatrick @ Dan_KP1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou finally has options to choose from for today’s visit to struggling Ipswich.

With improving Manchester City visiting in midweek, the Spurs boss may pick an XI this afternoon with that tougher test in mind.

Destiny Udogie, who was an unused sub against the Red Devils, returns to the side as Djed Spence moves to his more natural position of right-back. That means Pedro Porro is rested after of the visit of City.

James Maddison will hope to keep his place in the starting lineup

Action Images via Reuters

James Maddison scored the winner against United but drops out today, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergval instead either side of Dejan Kulusevski. Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are on the bench.

Mathys Tel continues through the middle in the absence of Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

Micky van de Ven (fitness) and Cristian Romero (thigh) are not expected to be ready to feature, while Radu Dragusin is out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury.

Confirmed team news

Ipswich Town XI: Palmer, Godfrey, O'Shea, Greaves, Davis, Cajuste, Phillips, Philogene, Hutchinson, Clarke, Delap

Read More

Postecoglou reveals Spence strategy as he challenges Tottenham star

Postecoglou reveals when Tottenham fans will see best of Odobert

Postecoglou issues Romero injury update after Spurs order new scans

Sponsored

Give your new year a boost with these trusted brands and services

Subs: Muric, Woolfenden, Johnson, Townsend, Morsy, Taylor, Szmodics, Hirst, Broadhead

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Gray, Udogie, Bergvall, Bentancur, Johnson, Kulusevski, Son, Tel

Subs: Kinsky, Reguilón, Porro, Bissouma, Maddison, Sarr, Odobert, Scarlett, Moore

Injured: Van de Ven, Romero, Dragusin, Solanke, Richarlison

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday, February 22, 2025

Venue: Portman Road

TV channel and live stream: Not available in the UK

MORE ABOUT

With improving Manchester City visiting in midweek, the Spurs boss may pick an XI this afternoon with that tougher test in mind.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario returned from injury for last weekend's scrappy 1-0 win over Man United and could be shielded by the same back four.

Destiny Udogie, who was an unused sub against the Red Devils, is pushing to return to the side but Djed Spence has been superb at left-back and picked up his second consecutive man-of-the-match award last Sunday.

Postecoglou has the option to move Spence to right-back, his more natural position, and rest Pedro Porro, which may be appealing ahead of City.

It is tricky to predict the Australian's midfield three at Portman Road, with seemingly little to choose between Spurs' available players.

James Maddison is likely to keep his place at No.10 after scoring the winner against United, and a pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall would offer a blend of energy and technical quality alongside the England playmaker.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are also available, however, while Postecoglou could choose to hand Archie Gray, 18, a first start in midfield after his impressive displays while deputising at centre-back.

Dejan Kulusevski is another option to drop to No.8, particularly as there is now real competition in the front three, with Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore and Timo Werner also vying for minutes.

Spurs captain Heung-min Son could even be rested this weekend to save him for City, but is more likely to be replaced in the second half, while Mathys Tel is set to continue through the middle in the absence of Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

Premier League giants already trying to clinch huge summer deals

George Flood4 hours ago

Transfer news LIVE!

Chelsea appear to be working hard to line up some huge summer transfers after a quiet January window. Liam Delap is being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, as is Viktor Gyokeres who could be available at a cut-price fee. The Blues are also rumoured to be leading the race for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi amid rival interest from Tottenham and Newcastle, while they are also keen on Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Arsenal are said to be plotting a massive move for Alexander Isak and are looking at Hugo Ekitike with Liverpool also interested, while they are also reported to be optimistic over a deal for Martin Zubimendi amid the latest links to the likes of long-term target Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Mateo Retegui and even Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool and Manchester City may both be targeting Jeremie Frimpong, with Manchester United reportedly having agreed to sign Geovany Quenda as they weigh up a deal for Victor Osimhen. Dusan Vlahovic and Wilson Isidor are now both said to be on Tottenham’s radar, with Angel Gomes and Tyler Dibling also wanted in the summer as West Ham eye Jonathan David and Georgiy Sudakov. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and updates

Newcastle consider £50m Semenyo move

Newcastle are considering a move for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

According to talkSPORT, the Magpies are ‘admirers’ of the 25-year-old who has scored seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances so far this season.

Recent reports have valued Semenyo at around the £50m mark and Newcastle could face competition from ‘a number of top clubs' for Semenyo's signature.

Getty Images

Man Utd ready to offer £82m for Araujo

Manchester United are ready to offer Barcelona a staggering €100 million (£82 million) for Ronald Araujo.

According to Fichajes, the defender has emerged as the club's leading target this summer as ruven Amorim looks to strengthen the heart of Man Utd’s defence.

Araujo did recently sign a new contract with Barcelona that run up until to 2031, but because of the club's ongoing financial difficulties, a deal could be possible.

That said, United's financial issues are well documented too so they may have to cash in on a few senior players before launching an offer.

Getty Images

Chelsea eye Gyokeres deal

Chelsea have added Viktor Gyokeres to their striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Blues have been short in attack this season and are currently feeling the impact of an absent Nicolas Jackson as Christopher Nkunku has struggled to lead the line in recent weeks.

Liam Delap is said to be Chelsea’s number one target but GiveMeSport claim they are interested in signing Gyokeres.

The 26-year-old will apparently be available for a cut-price fee of €70m (£57m) this summer, despite the fact his Sporting CP contract reportedly includes a €100m (£82.7m) release clause.

AFP via Getty Images

Man City set for summer overhaul

Manchester City are preparing to overhaul their squad at the end of the season.

It has been a miserable campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are a long way adrift in the Premier League and crashed out of the Champions League.

The Daily Mail report that a number of first-team stars could leave in the summer, as City look to refresh the squad.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Ederson, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva are said to be among those with uncertain futures.

Getty Images

Arsenal plot huge Alexander Isak bid

Arsenal are plotting a summer bid for Alexander Isak, according to the latest reports.

The prolific Swedish international has long been on the transfer radar in north London and is enjoying a spectacular season at Newcastle, where he has scored 19 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions so far.

Recent reports have suggested that the Magpies are preparing a bumper new contract offer in an attempt to ward off interest in Isak, whose current deal at St James’ Park runs until 2028.

It has been claimed that a massive asking price potentially in excess of £150m would prevent any Arsenal deal for the 25-year-old, though CaughtOffside now report that they are planning a formal summer bid to take him to the Emirates Stadium.

Getty Images

Liverpool rival Man City for Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool and Manchester City are both reported to be keen on a deal for Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutch international came through the youth ranks at the Etihad Stadium before leaving for Celtic in 2019 and has become a star at Bayer Leverkusen in recent years.

TEAMtalk claim that City and Liverpool are both interested in bringing Frimpong back to the Premier League.

What’s more, they crucially state that the 24-year-old wing-back has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leverkusen that they will listen to offers for his services in the summer even after a release clause worth £33m expired.

Getty Images

Arsenal optimistic over sealing Martin Zubimendi deal

Arsenal remain optimistic over a summer deal for Martin Zubimendi, reports claim.

While the Gunners did not end up signing anyone in January, it was claimed that they had all but agreed to welcome former Liverpool target Zubimendi from Real Sociedad at the end of the season.

However, the deal has yet to be completed, leaving some nervous Arsenal fans to wonder if they could yet be gazumped over the Spanish international midfielder amid recent links to Real Madrid.

But according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are cautiously optimistic over signing Zubimendi after being in constant contact with his agents and agreed the broad framework of personal terms, but will have to pay more than his £51m release clause.

Getty Images

Chelsea leading race to sign Marc Guehi

Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign Marc Guehi in the summer.

The Blues were heavily linked with the Crystal Palace captain in January, though could not pull off a deal having recalled defensive colleague Trevoh Chalobah early from his loan spell at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle had multiple bids to sign Guehi rebuffed last summer, while Tottenham also made a shock late swoop to sign the England centre-back last month.

But according to The Mirror, Chelsea are determined to secure the return of their former defender early in the summer.

Getty Images

Arsenal battle Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike

A transfer battle looks to be brewing between Arsenal and Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike.

The French striker has successfully kick-started his stalled career in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt following a difficult spell at PSG, initially flourishing on loan before agreeing a permanent switch last summer.

Ekitike has 16 goals to his name so far this season and is attracting interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, according to Foot Mercato in France.

West Ham are also being linked with the 22-year-old, while other reports suggest that Newcastle want him as a replacement for long-term Arsenal target Alexander Isak.

Getty Images

Neil Harris returns to Cambridge

Neil Harris has rejoined Cambridge as head coach with Mark Bonner also returning to the Abbey Stadium as director of football.

Harris spent just over two months in charge of Cambridge before starting a second spell at Millwall in February 2024, a position he left in December.

Cambridge sacked Garry Monk on Sunday and are currently bottom of Sky Bet League One, eight points from safety with 15 games left to play.

Cambridge majority owner Paul Barry told the club website: "Neil Harris is returning as head coach on a contract until June 2027.

"He made a significant impact at the club over a short period last season. He is a winner and his track record as a head coach speaks for itself.

"Clearly, Neil left us in a unique set of circumstances last season and we all feel there is unfinished business for him at Cambridge United."

Getty Images

Latest updatesOlder updates

MORE ABOUT

Despite playing out of position at left-back, he was named man-of-the-match in each of Spurs' last two league games -- the wins over Brentford and Manchester United -- but could switch to his natural right side for Saturday's visit to Ipswich, with Pedro Porro likely to be rested.

Spence has set his sights on a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's first England squad, which the German will name next month, and Postecoglou is confident that he would take international football in his stride.

"But for him, the challenge now is, ‘Don’t settle for that now. Push on’. There’s no reason why he can’t. He can be a top, top player. He’s already at a great level but don’t settle for that. My role and for all of us here is to keep pushing him on."

"That laid-back nature also means he won’t be fazed by anything that will be thrown at him. It works both ways. What some people see as maybe a weakness in him, that he looks a bit too casual, but...come game-day he’s not fazed by any challenges thrown to him. I think that’s partly why he’s done really well since he’s been thrown in.

"He’s had some difficult experiences but that’s what life is about. Those difficult experiences can actually help you. He’s played in Italy, in France, in the Championship. I’m sure he’s taken those things along, even if they haven’t been positive, and said, ‘OK, there’s nothing really to fear, here’. I think he takes that into games."

Spence has had a consistent champion at Spurs in the form of Postecoglou's assistant, Matt Wells, but he was largely overlooked by the manager in the first half of this season, making just five appearances from the bench before an injury to Destiny Udogie opened the door.

"Of course there has [been a method with Spence] and I’m proud of that, not for me but for us as a club and for the coaching group that we thought there was something there," Postecoglou said.

"Because there was plenty of evidence for us not to go down that track. We’re in the Premier League here, we can’t take too many gambles with what we do, so you’ve got to have a clear understanding over what the road ahead was.

"Look, 99.9 per cent of it was Djed. All I can do is open that door and give him the opportunity, so that’s him. But that 0.1 per cent is us getting him to that opportunity where he feels like, ‘OK, I can give the best version of myself and prove that I belong here’. The credit lies with him and the beneficiaries are us, the football club."

Postecoglou continued: "You try different things, you want to try to get the best out of players or at least get them to be the best version of themselves.

"It wasn't just tough love...I never made it purposefully tough for him and the other guys [on the coaching staff] were very encouraging for him.

"But I wasn't going to give him the opportunity to play, that was the bit I was going to hold back for as long as possible to really test out how much he really wanted it and what he was prepared to do to get that opportunity.

"To a certain extent [he has surprised me]. But I've always kept an open mind about these things. There's obviously a player there, there was never any doubt about that.

"I made it difficult for him, to be fair. I didn't make it easy for him, it's not like I said to him, 'Djed, you're here, we love you, stay'. I purposefully made it difficult for him because I thought that was going to be the test. To see, earlier in the year when he wasn't training or part of squads, how he was training, he was reacting to things.

"And he never got disengaged. He was always engaged and that made an impression on everyone. Me, the coaches, his teammates. And from then on, it's just been all about him.

The two-legged ties will be played across the first half of March

AFP via Getty Images

Alex Young @ alexwsyoung2 minutes ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Manchester United will face Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 stage as Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar.

The Premier League pair are the two favourites to lift the trophy on May 21 in Bilbao and can now map out their routes to the final, where they will meet each other should they both get there.

Athletic Bilbao will also fancy their chances, especially with the final being held at their home stadium, and face Roma in the last-16 stage. Lazio, considered the fourth-favourites, must get past FCSB to reach the quarter-finals.

Rangers have been handed a tricky test against Fenerbahce.

The first legs in the last 16 will be played on March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.

Europa League last-16 draw in full

Olympiacos vs Bodo/Glimt

Rangers vs Fenerbahce

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax

Lyon vs FCSB

Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar

Manchester United vs Real Sociedad

Lazio vs Viktoria Plzen

Athletic Bilbao vs Roma

MORE ABOUT

Chelsea and Tottenham are set to be allowed to play the home legs of their European knockout ties on the same night next month after being given the green light from local authorities and UEFA.

The Blues and Spurs are both scheduled for home advantage in London in the second legs of their respective last-16 ties on Thursday, March 13.

The first legs on the continent are scheduled for Thursday, March 6.

UEFA's rules usually prohibit clubs from competing on the same day if they share a stadium, city or are located in cities within a radius of 50km.

There is roughly 16km between Stamford Bridge in west London and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the north of the capital.

But UEFA are happy for the clubs to play on the same evening after it was cleared by the relevant local authorities, including police, helping both sides avoid fixture disruption.

Spurs could go on a deep run in the competition as injury crisis eases

Resurgence: Tottenham have several key players now back from injury

AP

Tashan Deniran-Alleyne1 minute ago

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham will learn their next Europa League opponents when the last-16 draw takes place today.

A fine start and end to the new league phase did the business for Spurs, but a defeat to Galatasaray followed by draws with Roma and Rangers almost derailed their campaign.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW LIVE!

But Spurs did overcome that wobble to finish in the top eight and progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid two extra games in a knockout round play-off tie.

The teams who finished ninth to 24th were thrown into a play-off stage to confirm the eight unseeded teams in the last-16 stage.

Who will Tottenham face in Europa League last 16?

As a result of finishing fourth in the league phase, Tottenham could have faced the winners of the knockout phase play-off ties between the 13th and 14th seeds, or the 19th and 20th seeds. Which are: Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, Real Sociedad or Midtlylland.

As mentioned, Spurs have already faced - and lost to - Galatasaray this season, and also sneaked past AZ.

However, there will be no repeat of their defeat to the Turkish, after AZ eased to a 6-3 aggregate with over Galatasaray.

Read More

Who could Man Utd face in Europa League last 16?

Europa League draw LIVE! Man Utd and Totenham learn last-16 opponents

Chelsea and Tottenham avoid fixture disruption after special UEFA ruling

Sponsored

How Give Your Best aims to solve clothing poverty in the UK

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, proved far too strong for Midtlylland as they won 7-3 on aggregate over the two legs.

Tottenham will see their opponents confirmed - either Real Sociedad or AZ Alkmaar - during the last-16 draw on Friday, February 21.

The first leg of those ties will be played on either March 6, with the return fixtures a week later.

MORE ABOUT

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has options to choose from for Saturday's visit to struggling Ipswich and may pick an XI with the mid-week game against Manchester City in mind, too.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario returned from injury for last weekend's scrappy 1-0 win over Man United and could be shielded by the same back four.

Destiny Udogie, who was an unused sub against the Red Devils, is pushing to return to the side but Djed Spence has been superb at left-back and picked up his second consecutive man-of-the-match award last Sunday.

Postecoglou has the option to move Spence to right-back and rest Pedro Porro, which may be appealing with the City game in mind.

It is tricky to predict the Australian's midfield three at Portman Road, with seemingly little to choose between Spurs' available players.

James Maddison is likely to keep his place at No.10 after scoring the winner against United, and a pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall would offer a blend of energy and technical quality alongside the England playmaker.

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are also available, however, while Postecoglou could choose to hand Archie Gray, 18, a first start in midfield after his impressive displays while deputising at centre-half.

Dejan Kulusevski is another option to drop to No.8, particularly as there is now real competition in the front three, with Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore and Timo Werner also vying for minutes.

Spurs captain Heung-min Son could even be rested this weekend to save him for City, but is more likely to be replaced in the second half, while Mathys Tel is set to continue through the middle in the absence of Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

It said plenty about the scale of Tottenham's winter selection crisis that the squad for Sunday's scrappy 1-0 win over Manchester United appeared to be in a refreshingly robust state.

Five players returned from injury, with goalscorer James Maddison and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario starting and starring, and for the first time since early November, there were no untested academy players making up the numbers on Ange Postecoglou's bench.

And yet Spurs were still without their two senior centre-forwards, Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, and three of their four established centre-backs, with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin also missing.

In a regular season, the absence of five senior players across two key positions would have been a major concern but, as it was, Postecoglou must have felt like a starving man who had suddenly been presented with a lavish feast.

It helped that Spurs' options at centre-half and up front have been boosted by January signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel both making encouraging starts to life at the club.

Danso has seemingly not needed any meaningful adjustment period since arriving on loan from Lens the day before the transfer deadline, likely aided by the Austrian living in the UK from the age of six and spending the 2019-20 season on loan at Southampton.

Danso, who will join Spurs permanently for £21million in the summer, was probably the best of a bad bunch of visiting players on his debut, the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and followed it up with another solid display in difficult circumstances as Postecoglou's side crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa.

Crucially, the 26-year-old looks a good fit for the Australian's prescriptive approach - more so, at this stage, than Dragusin, who is out for the rest of the season after surgery on a torn cruciate ligament - because he is comfortable playing in a high line, appears composed on the ball and is happy to occasionally dribble out of defence.

Danso earned a warm ovation after being replaced on 78 minutes with a knock against United, shortly after he had demonstrated his impressive covering pace to race back and dispossess Rasmus Hojlund, and overall he looks a smart signing, capable of growing into an important player for Spurs.

With Postecoglou hopeful that Romero and Van de Ven will be fit by mid-March at the latest, Danso should have further opportunities in the next two to three weeks to bed-in to the team and potentially leave the manager with a difficult decision to make down the line.

Tel has also made a bright start in London, even if the 19-year-old understandably looks more raw than Danso.

The on-loan Bayern Munich forward was thrust into action prematurely by Richarlison's injury at Anfield, failing to make much of an impression in the second half, and was similarly quiet until switching to central striker towards the end of the match at Villa Park.

A well-taken stoppage-time goal - a predatory first-time finish from Dejan Kulusevski's cross - demonstrated his poaching instincts and he was rewarded with a start through the middle against United.

The teenager finished the game with no fewer than seven shots, the best of them a fierce left-footed drive from Heung-min Son's cross which drew a smart save from Andre Onana in the United goal.

Tel's hold up play appears to need work if he is to make it as a Premier League front man but he was lively and involved on his top-flight bow, suggesting he has the capacity to make a real impact once he has adjusted more fully to his new surroundings.

When Solanke is fit again, as the club hope he will be in a couple of weeks, Tel may be better suited to returning to the left wing in the short-term but it is already easy to see why Postecoglou is so excited about the Frenchman, who is expected to join Spurs permanently in the summer.

It is still early days for both players - too soon, really, to draw any sweeping conclusions - but Danso and Tel are promising additions to Postecoglou's squad, each appearing capable of nailing down a place in the Spurs' best XI in time.