The Mirror

Tottenham vs Arsenal was delayed TWICE with the referees' technology causing a baffling suspension.

The match was brought to a halt during the first-half, with the second period also hugely delayed as the issues persisted. Fans loudly booed the delays, with Gary Neville also among those left furious.

He said: "This is a disgrace by the way. Not the fact that the actual technology's broken down, that happens in all our houses all over the country every 10 minutes. However, the game has to carry on without technology. This is ridiculous. It just looks pathetic, doesn't it? It's embarrassing for everybody involved."

That rant followed some similar comments that had come in the first-half of the game. Referee Peter Bankes brought play to a halt after seven minutes, with the fans left in the dark over what had caused the delay.

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He said: "This is an absolute nonsense. One of the most important games of the season, fantastic start to it, really quick. And we're now two or three minutes stopped, players having to sort of re-warm up again, reset. Absolute shambles.

"They haven't got the common sense or the authority, leadership, to go, 'come on, let's read the room here.' There's 62,000 people in this stadium, there's millions watching at home and do they really think it's that important that they can't find some form of communication with the linesman over on the far side? Put your flag up if you're going to make a decision or you want to speak to him."

Play eventually got underway. Eberechi Eze and Randal Kolo Muani scored the goals to reignite the match.

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But there were yet more frustrating scenes shortly after the break. With both teams on the pitch and ready to restart, the officials then started adjusting their equipment once more, to the frustration of supporters.

Play evenutally got back underway, with Viktor Gyokeres giving Arsenal fans a brilliant start to the half as he restored his side's lead.

Kolo Muani thought he had managed to get on the scorsheet once more to level matters but saw his second goal ruled out for an apparent foul on Gabriel. Eze then netted again on the hour mark.

Gary Neville slammed the decision to bring Sunday's North London Derby to a halt due to an issue with the officials' technology.

The match was paused by referee Peter Bankes after just seven minutes following an electric start. The delay saw the atmosphere fall flat, supporters left somewhat in the dark.

Neville left far from happy and shared his disgust on commentary. He said: "This is ridiculous, the whole game cannot stop just because of an IT issue - this is an absolute nonsense, one of the most important games of the season and the players all now have to reset.

"This is an absolute nonsense. One of the most important games of the season, fantastic start to it, really quick. And we're now two or three minutes stopped, players having to sort of re-warm up again, reset. Absolute shambles.

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"They haven't got the common sense or the authority, leadership, to go, 'come on, let's read the room here.' There's 62,000 people in this stadium, there's millions watching at home and do they really think it's that important that they can't find some form of communication with the linesman over on the far side? Put your flag up if you're going to make a decision or you want to speak to him."

Despite Neville being left fuming, fellow pundit Clinton Morrison suggested the pause actually helped Spurs, who were under pressure in the opening stages.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "This is doing Tottenham a massive favour as Arsenal are on top. Igor Tudor can have a word with some of his players."

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The game eventually got back underway after a seven-minute delay. Arsenal were in dire need of a victory heading into the game, having been held by Wolves in midweek, with Manchester City then cutting their lead at the top of the table to just two points with their victory against Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Spurs' need for a win was also just as high, with the North London side having been dragged into a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Eberechi Eze had given Arsenal the lead with his fourth goal against Spurs this season, only for Randal Kolo Muani to strike back moments later.

The referee tasked with overseeing this weekend's north London derby clash doesn't officiate two Premier League clubs

Peter Bankes will oversee one of the most heated and eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season this Sunday afternoon when Tottenham take on Arsenal in the north London derby.

The Lancashire-born referee is vastly experienced and the perfect pick for such a high-stakes fixture, but interestingly, the 43-year-old has never officiated matches involving two particular Premier League clubs.

Bankes, a FIFA-listed referee since 2021, will be assisted by Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fourth official has been confirmed as Sam Barrott, with Darren England and assistant Tim Wood in charge of VAR.

Hailing from Merseyside, Bankes' County FA is the Liverpool Football Association. And it is for that reason that he has never taken charge of a match involving either Liverpool or Everton.

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Premier League referees must declare which football team they support, and are not allowed to officiate matches involving that club or fixtures directly affecting them. They are also generally avoided for clubs in their immediate local area, even if they don't support them, as well as clubs associated with their County FA.

Bankes has taken charge of 18 Premier League games this season and shown 72 yellow cards, averaging four per match. He has also brandished three red cards, including one for two bookable offences, while awarding five penalty kicks in the current top-flight season.

Some Arsenal fans may be encouraged by his appointment for the derby, given Mikel Arteta's men have won nine, drawn one and lost three of their 13 games with Bankes in the middle. Two of those losses came against Southampton, one in the FA Cup and one in the league.

His most recent game in charge of Arsenal was their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Before that, he took charge of their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in December and their 5-1 mauling of Manchester City back in February 2025.

He has also only given out 12 yellow cards to Arsenal players and has not yet sent off a Gunners star. Meanwhile, Spurs fans may be less happy to see Bankes on Sunday.

The referee has managed to incense several Tottenham managers down the years, including Jose Mourinho in September 2020. Mourinho was left raging with Bankes during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle for a handball decision against Eric Dier.

In August 2022, Bankes was on the wrong end of some choice words, this time from Antonio Conte, following a game against West Ham. The Italian was unhappy with how Bankes handled a penalty incident when he overturned an on-field decision against Aaron Cresswell, denying Spurs a penalty.

Bankes was labelled "embarrassing" for his "very, very strange" decision. More recently, Ange Postecoglou was left fuming that two penalties weren't awarded to James Maddison during a 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

A footballing legend admitted his love of Arsenal stopped him from signing for their biggest rival

Moving to a rival club is something that traditionally doesn't sit well with supporters in football, and understandably so. For legendary AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta, it was his affection for Arsenal that prevented him from putting pen to paper on a deal to join Tottenham Hotspur.

After spending 21 years with the Italian powerhouse, the 59-year-old secured seven Serie A championships and lifted the Champions League trophy on five occasions.

Considering his reputation as one of the finest defenders on the planet during his playing days and Milan's struggles in the mid-1990s, Costacurta had multiple chances to explore new opportunities elsewhere.

Most notably, a switch to the white side of north London nearly became reality after discussions with then-Spurs manager Gerry Francis in 1996 about the eye-catching transfer from Milan to the capital.

Speaking in 2016 before an AC Milan vs Arsenal legends fixture, Costacurta - who hung up his boots in 2007 following his Champions League final triumph over Liverpool - revealed that a move to Spurs never materialised due to his lifelong devotion to the Gunners.

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"The idea of living in London was very exciting," Costacurta told Arsenal.com. "But I finally refused and you know why? Because I couldn't betray my English love. The truth is that I've been a keen Arsenal fan since my childhood, and playing for 'our' bitter rivals would have been high treason.

"When I was younger I liked the Arsenal shirt, the stadium, and some of the players from the 1980s such as Liam Brady. And I've always gone against the tide. All my friends were Manchester United or Liverpool fans, so I picked Arsenal and I've never changed my mind."

Despite claiming 24 major trophies throughout his illustrious career, it was remarkably his outing at Highbury during the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup that stood out as amongst his most cherished memories.

He recalled: "The first game is possibly one of the favourite matches of my entire career. Not so much because of the game itself, which was very intense but perhaps not very exciting as the final score was a 0-0 and the only time we were really under threat was at set pieces.

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"It was more for the setting of Highbury. [The] Emirates is wonderful and over time it will gain its own mythical aura, but Highbury was unique." The fierce north London foes go head-to-head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the second derby meeting of the campaign.

Tottenham sit dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone with a daunting North London derby against Arsenal next on their fixture list

Tottenham find themselves perilously positioned near the drop zone ahead of their upcoming fixture against Arsenal. A football finance expert has outlined the potential consequences should the unthinkable occur and they suffer relegation.

Following a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last term, Spurs have endured further domestic misery this season. Under Thomas Frank, who has since been dismissed, they slipped towards the bottom of the table and are still without a top-flight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026.

Igor Tudor has now assumed control as they gear up for a North London derby on home turf. However, the threat of relegation, whilst seemingly impossible, continues to loom.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared his assessment of what might transpire should their dismal form persist and a Championship campaign materialise. He also highlights that a bizarre scenario could emerge concerning European competition.

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Maguire told football.london: "We could be in a farcical situation where they win the Champions League this year and they qualify for next year's competition and are in the second tier of English football."

He added: "But if we ignore that, the good news for Spurs is that it's now an entertainment complex with a football club as a sideline. So the other side of the business, the events, those would be protected. Those would just go on as before if they went down.

"I think the amount of ticket income would be impacted and there would be some big impacts in terms of a loss of revenue. They made around about £600million of revenue last season.

"So the chances of being able to repeat that, I think, would be fairly unlikely, if at all possible. There are other things that could sort of fly under the radar. Spurs do have an awful lot of debt. One season in the Championship, clearly not ideal. Based on my figures, they owe over £300m in unpaid transfer fees to other clubs. So that would need to come out of somebody's pocket.

"I think there would be constraints. They'd get parachute payments. But, again, looking at my numbers here, last season, they made around about £190m in TV money. In the Championship, even with parachute payments, that £190m drops to around about £45m. So there could be some big hits for the club. Less money coming in.

"You've still got the issues that they've made legacy transfers, which haven't worked. But not only have they bought the players, they've still got to go and pay for those instalments on players. So it won't be great."

Maguire believes there is one silver lining to Spurs' finances should the unthinkable happen and they drop into the second tier. He added: "What Spurs do have in their favour is their wage bill. They pay, on average, around £100,000 a week.

"By the standards of the remainder of the Big Six, that is far, far lower. That would act in their favour. That is also highly incentivised to get into better positions than they are at present and so on. So they've got that sort of historic benefit. But even then, what the owners would have to do, the owners would have to go and provide some funding."

Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to bitter rivals Tottenham in the latest edition of the North London derby on Sunday, with both sides under pressure for different reasons

The North London derby is arguably one of the most important games of the season for different reasons. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit top of the Premier League but have had a couple of wobbles over recent weeks.

Victory against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur would see them once again underline their credentials as potential champions. Defeat, however, could seriously derail their charge towards the trophy.

In the meantime, Spurs need the points for themselves as they aim to avoid a shock relegation to the Championship. They sit 16th in the table and just five points clear of West Ham. Igor Tudor is the man entrusted with the task of guiding the club away from the drop zone.

But which way will Sunday's North London berby go? Mirror Football's writers have their say.

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Daniel Orme

Put simply, Arsenal are a far better side than Spurs and the sheer chasm between the two sides in the Premier League table is indicative of that.

But that doesn’t really mean too much in a derby. Spurs will be desperate to hit the Gunners’ title hopes with another bruising blow.

And Mikel Arteta ’s side are certainly vulnerable. The defensive solidity that they displayed earlier this season appears to have abandoned them and there’s no doubt that Spurs will be aiming to take advantage.

It looks likely that there will be goals during the game, with Spurs also struggling to keep them out. I don't trust either of them to be able to keep their cool and get over the line.

It's going to be a thrilling draw which will not do either side any favours.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

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John Cross

The North London derby is always passionate, highly-charged and vital to both sets of fans.

But rarely is it so important to the clubs for such different reasons. Tottenham are in serious danger of getting sucked into a relegation scrap while Arsenal desperately need a win to get their title challenge back on track.

The trouble for Mikel Arteta is they look cooked. Arsenal looked drained mentally and physically at Wolves. They have not been playing well for a while and they look vulnerable.

They also look edgy and nervous. Arsenal are clearly struggling under the weight of pressure and expectation.

This all presents Tottenham with an opportunity to prey on Arsenal’s title jitters. Yes, they have injuries but Igor Tudor spoke with a passion to fire up his players and they will be ready for the challenge.

That is why I fancy Spurs for a game they have had more time to prepare for. Arsenal have played three times since Spurs’ last fixture. By contrast, Tottenham will be up for the challenge and the atmosphere will be crucial if the fans can sense an opportunity.

Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

Andy Dunn

Arsenal will not choke in their bid for a first Premier League title in over 20 years - but they might falter. Physically falter.

Make no mistake, the toughest opponent for Mikel Arteta’s side is their schedule. Spurs might well have a shocking injury list but whoever Igor Tudor fields will be raring to go.

Since Spurs last played, Arsenal have played three times. That could be the most important factor in this edition of the North London derby.

Arteta has rotation options and a bigger and better squad. That superiority will tell for large parts of the contest.

But Tottenham’s freshness will also tell and, combined with any sort of new-manager bounce, should be enough to cause the Premier League leaders some problems.

Arsenal will control matters early on but expect a Spurs revival as the game wears on. In fact, expect a re-run of the recent Manchester City match.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Which way will the North London Derby go? Share your predictions in the comments below

Neil McLeman

This is a huge, and potentially pivotal, match for the Premier League leaders. Win and their season is back on track. Lose and there is a danger of going into a tailspin.

Tottenham’s domestic season is now all about avoiding relegation - and stopping their North London rivals winning the title.

It promises to be quite an atmosphere where the big names in the Arsenal team need to step. So expect big games from Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and the two centre-backs - and a hard-fought Gunners victory

Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Ben Husband

Arsenal looked utterly dreadful in midweek against Wolves. They looked completely restricted and scared to kill the game off.

Whether that’s the pressure of the title race or just exhaustion after a busy period, both of those factors will be at play again this weekend.

Had Tottenham kept with Frank for one more game I’d fancy Arsenal to get right, but the change in the dugout could spark a much-improved performance.

Spurs don’t have much to play for in the league this season, I’m fairly sure they won’t be anywhere near the bottom three come May. And so sticking another dent in Arsenal’s title bid would rank quite high on the priority list.

I expect them to do that. Expect the pressure to keep cranking up.

Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal

Nathan Ridley

If Arsenal were to pick a game to show they're not willing to bottle this title, it's the North London derby. The Gunners wiped the floor with Thomas Frank's side in the reverse fixture but this one should be a lot closer.

Arsenal's defence has been more porous of late but their attack far still outweighs that of their hosts. They've also won their last three games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so it's recently been a happy hunting ground for Mikel Arteta.

Igor Tudor's appointment will no-doubt have put Spurs' players on notice, and he knows how to get a tune out of teams quickly, but I can only see that lasting so long before Arsenal's quality shines through. I'll go for a narrow Gunners win.

Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Sunday's crucial North London Derby and we used EA FC 26 to simulate the Premier League clash with Igor Tudor's new-look Spurs

This weekend's North London Derby carries massive implications for both ends of the table. Home side Tottenham are battling at the wrong end of the league, sitting five points above the relegation zone and have just undergone a significant managerial shake-up.

Caretaker boss Igor Tudor has been thrust straight in at the deep end for his maiden match in charge following Thomas Frank's departure last week, facing the league leaders with a threadbare squad at his disposal. Arsenal, by contrast, sit top of the pile but are under the microscope after squandering leads against Brentford and basement boys Wolves to draw both fixtures.

The Gunners hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, though they've played an additional match compared to their championship contenders. Meanwhile, Spurs haven't registered a single Premier League victory in 2026 and are enduring a dismal spell of domestic form, collecting just four points from their last eight outings.

Following a 4-1 hammering at the Emirates Stadium earlier this campaign, a triumph over their bitterest enemies could be precisely the tonic Arsenal need. The North London Derby seldom disappoints, so what might unfold?

We simulated Tottenham vs Arsenal to get a score prediction

To forecast how the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could unfold, we turned to EA FC 26 to run a simulation of the match. With all the injuries, suspensions and current form factored in, we were hoping for a credible outcome.

With a staggering 12 players unavailable for Spurs, Tudor's choices are severely limited. He might fancy deploying his favoured system of three central defenders, but only Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin are fit and natural centre backs on hand, with skipper Cristian Romero still serving his suspension.

That said, Joao Palhinha has filled in at the back for Frank before, and we reckon it'll be the case once more in Tudor's maiden match. Consequently, we've predicted a 3-4-1-2 formation to help smooth Spurs' transition.

Our Tottenham starting XI is: Vicario; Dragusin, Palhinha, van de Ven; Gray, Sarr, Gallagher, Spence; Xavi; Solanke, Kolo Muani.

As for the visiting side, Arsenal are set to be without Leandro Trossard following his head knock at Wolves during the midweek fixture. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are also uncertain but might feature, with Kai Havertz's involvement also uncertain.

Meanwhile, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman are still sidelined. So, the starting Arsenal XI we've plumped for is, in a 4-3-3: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Tudor's nightmare beginning at Spurs materialised early on. Victor Gyokeres handed the Gunners a 1-0 advantage after merely 15 minutes, having drifted into the home penalty area completely unchallenged before sweeping the ball into the top right corner.

Arsenal's grip on proceedings proved impossible for Spurs to break, which came as little surprise. Slick, rapid passing allowed the visitors to command the midfield and advance swiftly towards goal.

Arsenal extended their advantage before the half-hour mark. Gyokeres once more punished the home side's drowsy defending from an identical position to his opening strike and with 29 minutes gone, Arsenal's title challenge appeared firmly back on course.

Tudor's tactical gamble of persisting with his favoured three-man defence may have played a part, with makeshift centre-half Palhinha leaving Gyokeres completely exposed on two occasions. Regardless of the reason, Arsenal found creating chances far too straightforward.

The second period began no better for Spurs, who surrendered possession straight from kick-off, conceding an Arsenal throw-in. However, a composed build-up on 52 minutes saw Xavi Simons register the hosts' opening effort with a shot that flashed just wide.

The same player eventually hauled Spurs back into contention with their subsequent attack. Xavi capped another sequence of rapid-fire passes inside the Arsenal penalty area by firing home on the turn, reducing the deficit to 2-1 on 69 minutes.

The goal lifted Tottenham supporters as the home side visibly gained momentum. A notable upturn in form saw Spurs scrapping tenaciously against their rivals rather than being overrun as they had been during the opening period.

Gyokeres squandered a golden opportunity to put the match beyond doubt in the closing stages, spurning the chance to claim a derby day treble. However, the Arsenal supporters needn't have fretted as they clung on for a 2-1 triumph.

Whilst the simulation provides encouragement for Arsenal's championship ambitions, it represents a sobering message for Tudor. A 2-1 loss in the digital realm exposes the glaring frailties at Spurs as the injury problems truly start to bite.

For the Gunners, this outcome would prove the ideal remedy to their recent stumbles against Brentford and Wolves. Should the real-life Saka and Odegaard mirror their combination play witnessed in our simulation, the five-point advantage at the summit may remain secure despite City's match in hand.

Past experience tells us that the North London Derby very frequently throws up surprises. However, if EA FC 26 proves accurate, that won't be the case as Arsenal deal more woe upon their relegation-threatened neighbours.

Arsenal and Tottenham contest the North London Derby on Sunday with 14 players expected to be absent as two stars face late fitness tests

Arsenal and Tottenham approach the North London Derby facing vastly contrasting injury concerns. The two fierce adversaries are poised to meet on Sunday afternoon, with three points essential for both considering their respective title aspirations and relegation concerns.

Mikel Arteta's squad have enjoyed considerably less recovery time having battled to a 2-2 stalemate with Wolves on Wednesday evening. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka were both withdrawn after treatment from physios during that encounter.

The Gunners manager has nevertheless confirmed both are fit whilst also revealing that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard stand a strong chance of making comebacks. He said: "Well, we have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a big possibility that they [Havertz and Odegaard] are available for the game."

As Arteta indicates, either participating in training on Saturday will probably dictate their availability with late fitness assessments potentially necessary for the pair. That won't be required for Mikel Merino, however, with the Spaniard a prolonged injury casualty following surgery on his foot.

Max Dowman is also anticipated to be unavailable despite Arteta revealing earlier this month that he is scheduled to rejoin training imminently. The Arsenal academy talent has been sidelined for the past two months with an ankle problem, though has been spotted back in training ahead of the clash.

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Across north London, Igor Tudor has almost as many senior players sidelined through injury as he has available for training sessions. The club's new interim boss confirmed this concerning situation whilst also revealing a fresh fitness worry.

He stated: "Very particular moment as you know this very rare situation that you find with 10 players injured, with big injuries also. We made training with 13 players. Probably no [for injury returns vs Arsenal]. Solanke, Dominic, had some problems with his throat, but he made today some training. So, all others, probably someone next week."

Pedro Porro and Richarlison could potentially return soon, with the latter seen back training at Hotspur Way earlier this week, though Tudor's comments suggest neither are quite ready yet.

Spurs desperately need Solanke fit for Sunday's clash, particularly after losing another forward to a serious injury last week when Wilson Odobert ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He becomes the latest player to join James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in facing an extended spell out with knee problems.

Neither of that pair have featured in competitive action this campaign, though both hope to be back before May concludes. Rodrigo Bentancur faces a similar timeframe, with the midfielder currently recovering from a hamstring problem.

However, the exact timing of his return remains uncertain. What Tudor does know is when Cristian Romero will be back in contention.

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The club captain is currently completing a four-match suspension following his second red card of the campaign against Manchester United, and is set to be available for the Liverpool away fixture in mid-March, provided he avoids any fitness setbacks in the meantime.

Spurs are facing a defensive personnel crisis, with both Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies unavailable. Kevin Danso is working towards recovering from an unusual toe injury before the upcoming international break, which begins late next month.

Tottenham players must follow non-negotiable rule as Igor Tudor instruction emerges

Igor Tudor will be in the Tottenham dugout for the first time on Sunday as his new side take on fierce rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Igor Tudor will take charge of Tottenham for the first time on Sunday when his side take on rivals Arsenal. And one of the Croatian boss's key principles should be welcomed by the entire squad.

Following Thomas Frank's sacking, Tudor was brought in to stabilise things until the end of the campaign. Spurs are perilously positioned near the relegation zone after enduring a difficult run under Frank.

Tudor has previously taken over at Lazio and Juventus to restore stability mid-season. He now faces a formidable challenge when the Gunners visit N17.

Throughout his spells in Italy and France, one philosophy proved central to Tudor's success. Italian football expert Daniele Fisichella, who witnessed the head coach in Turin and Rome, has identified the 47-year-old's one golden rule.

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"The type of football that Tudor likes to play, it's vertical football," Fisichella told football.london. "It's direct football, attacking in a way, where the intensity and the pace is key."

Revealing one rule Tudor demands his players follow, Fisichella added: "One of his favourite quotes and that was when he was managing at Marseille, was, 'If you don't run, you don't play. ' Dimitri Payet, who played there under him, didn't see the pitch that much, because probably in training he wasn't doing enough running."

Cristian Romero might not be particularly keen on this approach. Among all outfield players who featured for 200 minutes in the top-flight last season, the Tottenham skipper spent 75.5 per cent of his time walking, the third-highest percentage in the Premier League.

Romero received his second red card of the campaign after being dismissed in the opening half of Tottenham's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United earlier this month. The sending-off triggered a four-match suspension, ruling him out of Sunday's clash.

One player expected to start against Arsenal is Micky van de Ven. Fisichella believes the Dutch defender should flourish under his new boss's philosophy. He said: "I think anyone who's young, energetic, willing to run forward and willing to press will benefit from Tudor.

"He loves having somebody like Micky van de Ven. He's quick, therefore he can push the line higher. Having somebody of that pace, it's a great boost for him because that means his team can play maybe 10, 15 metres higher up the pitch.

"It will be an aggressive set-up, I think. He likes quite a pressing side. The issue is that not always, and not often, they convert those turnovers into shots or into goals, which is a completely different issue. But they do like to press.

Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange admits he is under pressure after another desperate Premier League season, with Igor Tudor tasked with avoiding a disastrous relegation

Igor Tudor has got the chance to be at Tottenham for a “long time". Former Croatia World Cup defender Tudor has been appointed until the end of the season to try and guide Spurs away from relegation danger.

Tudor’s reign begins with the North London derby on Sunday and it is the SEVENTH time he has taken a job mid-season which has made him seen as a managerial Red Adair.

But Tottenham sporting director Johan Lange says this time Tudor will be in with a chance of getting the job on a permanent basis if he does well enough in the next three months.

Lange said: “We interviewed a few candidates. Igor impressed us very, very much in the interview. Obviously, we also managed to take references of Igor. He comes in with very big experience at the highest level in football.

“As a player, playing for a very, very big club, one of the biggest clubs in the world in Juve. Of course he was part of this very good generation of Croatia national team in the late 90s.

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“He has shown the capabilities of coming into clubs around this time, February, March, and also big clubs, and made an immediate performance impact.

“You need to come into build relationships but of course assess the style of the club immediately. He has shown that with great success, not only once but a few times, to come into that.

“That is one of the reasons why we believe he is the best candidate here now but of course also with his reputation and what he’s done in his career, of course, if things go well, he could be here for a long time.”

Tottenham fans were singing former boss Mauricio Pochettino's name even before Thomas Frank was sacked and he is clearly the crowd favourite.

But current USA boss Pochettino would not be available until after the World Cup and he would also have to contend with a different Tottenham from when he left with the team struggling to compete.

Ex-Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou questioned the club’s ambition and “To Dare Is To Do” motto because they have been reluctant to push for the biggest signings.

Lange, who reports into chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, said: “A couple of things. I’m not going to sit here and start commenting on an ex-employee of the club’s comments.

“I think Vinai in his notes earlier this year, or the latter part of last year, made it known in the match day programme that we, as a club, need to grow our wage bill to be competitive.

“We were also linked, I think Thomas commented a little bit on players in January, and it was definitely not because of a lack of emotion from our side or efforts from our side that those players are not here today.”

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Lange accepted his position is certain to be under the spotlight after this season’s poor results while he also warned whoever is next that entertaining football will be “high on the list” of job requirements.

Lange added: “I think when you work for a big club like Tottenham, then pressure, or where you want to call it, is part of it. I’m sitting here today because I want to take responsibility for the club, everything that comes into football. Part of being here is expectations.

“We are also a club with a rich history of having some of the best offensive players in the world and having a very particular style of play that resonates with the history, resonates with the fans. Of course that is something that is important for us here at the club.”