The Mirror

Cristian Romero’s four-word dig at Chelsea ace shows Tottenham star’s real character

Cristian Romero has joined up with the Argentina national team for the current international break and has been reunited with some familiar faces from the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero has cheekily ribbed two of his Argentina team-mates. The defender is currently on international duty, and he is expected to feature in the friendly matches against Venezuela (Saturday, 1am kick-off) and Puerto Rico (Tuesday, 12am kick-off).

Romero, who has played every minute of Tottenham's Premier League campaign this season, including last weekend's 2-1 victory over Leeds United, has been reunited with some familiar faces from Premier League rivals at the Argentina camp.

He shared a snap of himself alongside Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez. Alongside the photo, he cheekily wrote the caption: "Y'all don't contribute anything."

Two laughing emojis indicated that it was a playful jibe to his international team-mates. Despite the comment, both Fernandez and Alvarez have had strong starts to their respective seasons.

Like Romero, Fernandez has started every league game for Chelsea, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over Liverpool last time out.

Meanwhile, striker Alvarez has featured in every league game for Atletico Madrid, netting seven goals and providing three assists in his nine appearances across all competitions.

Alvarez was the only one of the trio to feature in both Argentina games during the last international break. Fernandez sat out the first match due to a suspension and didn't make the squad for the second.

Romero, on the other hand, played the full 90 minutes of the first game but was left out of the squad for the second.

All three are keen to make their mark in the upcoming matches as they gear up to defend their World Cup title.

Their clubs' main concern will be ensuring they return fit and ready for the forthcoming fixtures. Romero missed last week's Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt due to injury before making his comeback against Leeds.

Spurs are back in action when they welcome Aston Villa on Sunday, 19 October (2pm kick-off). Chelsea, meanwhile, are set to face Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest on Saturday, 18 October (12.30pm kick-off).

Lionel Messi is set to lose two of his Inter Miami team-mates to retirement at the end of 2025 but a former Premier League defender could soon be joining the Argentina star

Sergio Reguilon is set to return to football after three months without a club by joining Inter Miami, it has been claimed. The Major League Soccer club are on the lookout for a new left-back after Reguilon's fellow Spain international Jordi Alba confirmed this season would be his last.

Regulon, 28, has been a free agent since leaving Tottenham Hotspur when his contract expired in June. He spent five seasons with the North London club but only made 73 appearances during that period, spending time out on loan at Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford.

According to The Athletic, Inter Miami are "close" to a deal for Reguilon. However, the same publication notes that they are not expected to be able to play him in competitive matches until next season due to MLS' September roster freeze.

The Floridian side are preparing for a busy summer, with Sergio Busquets also set to retire. There are also question marks over the long-term future of two of their other ex-Barcelona players, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield last term but fell short in the post-season playoffs. Another former Barcelona star, Javier Mascherano, took over as head coach ahead of the 2025 season and has secured a return to the playoffs with time to spare.

If Reguilon links up with the club before the turn of the year, he will be able to watch Messi et all attempt to go all the way and win MLS Cup. The Argentina star is Inter Miami's top scorer this season with 32 goals in all competitions, with his 24 MLS goals putting him level with Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga.

World Cup winner Messi has recognised his career isn't far from its end, and cut an emotional figure after what could have been his last competitive international appearance in his home country. "I haven't made a decision about the [2026] World Cup," he said at the time. "I'll finish the season then I'll have pre-season, and there will be six months left. So we'll see how I feel."

Reguilon has played against Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba in the past, and was on the opposing side for a 2019 Clasico when Barca beat Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. He also started twice against the Catalan club during a spell with Sevilla and made two substitute appearances against them with Atleti during the 2023/24 season.

He made just six appearances for Spurs during his final season back in North London, four in the league and two in domestic cups. He was left out of Ange Postecoglou's European squad for last season's run to Europa League glory, but attended the final in Bilbao and was spotted speaking to former United colleague Alejandro Garnacho on the San Mames pitch.

Thomas Frank has made Tottenham hard to beat - and it's left them on the coat-tails of bitter rivals Arsenal as the season enters its second international break

Whisper it, but Tottenham supporters have a certain Ange Postecoglou to thank for their team being in the thick of an early title race.

That's because it was Big Ange who handed Spurs a place in the Champions League as his parting gift. Winning the Europa League booked Tottenham a seat at the top table of club football.

And allowed new manager Thomas Frank to sign some players of genuine class, in the shape of Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha. It was the quality and adventure of Simons and Kudus which helped Tottenham secure an impressive win at Elland Road.

Kudus scored his first goal following his £55m move from West Ham, and is starting to live up to all the expectation.

But the triumph, which leaves Tottenham third in the table and just two points adrift of leaders - and bitter rivals Arsenal - owed more to character than creativity.

No-one has more expectation on their shoulders than Frank. He arrived at Tottenham with a reputation for being one of the brightest managers in the business.

Throw in the fact he succeeded someone who ended the club's long wait for silverware, and the pressure to take Tottenham to another level is enormous.

But just two months into the new season, and Frank appears to have rid his team of that soft underbelly. The one which saw them roll over and have their tummies tickled, with 22 league defeats last season.

The regular combination of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at centre back has given Tottenham some backbone again.

A spine Frank's men needed as Leeds pushed for an equaliser towards the end of an enjoyable clash at Elland Road. But Tottenham held firm, to take three points instead of one back down to London, having become the first team to win at Leeds for more than 12 months.

Tottenham have spent too long putting style before substance. Tottenham conceded just one goal in their opening five games this season, and have lost once in all competitions.

Frank has proved a great Dane so far. He appreciates how football should be played, and built an attractive side at Brentford.

But he also knows that while forwards win matches, defences win big titles. It's way too soon to believe Tottenham could do the unthinkable and go on and win the Premier League this season.

But watching them go head-to-head with Arsenal would sure be fun.

Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way in the Premier League title race but Chelsea, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are looking to keep touch with them

The Premier League title race took a new twist on Saturday evening as Chelsea inflicted a third straight defeat on Liverpool in as many matches at Stamford Bridge. Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a thunderbolt before Cody Gakpo pegged the hosts back in the second half.

However, it was the Blues who had the last laugh as Estevao scored from close range to spark jubilant scenes in west London. That result for Enzo Maresca's men ensured that Arsenal moved to the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side won 2-0 at home to West Ham United with Declan Rice and a Bukayo Saka penalty winning the contest at the Emirates Stadium. While it remains that Arsenal and Liverpool lead the way, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City are all looking to capitalise on any slip-ups.

With this in mind, Mirror Football has taken a look at who the title race contenders will be taking on when the Premier League returns in just less than a fortnight.

Arsenal's next five fixtures

Fulham (A) - October 18

Crystal Palace (H) - October 26

Burnley (A) - November 1

Sunderland (A) - November 8

Tottenham Hotspur (H) - November 23

Verdict: If you are to win the title, you need to be winning at least three but preferably four of these next five matches. Palace at home will be difficult particularly after their start to the season but at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta will be expecting success. Then, of course, at the end of that run of fixtures is the small matter of a north London Derby to contend with.

Liverpool's next five fixtures

Manchester United (H) - October 19

Brentford (A) - October 25

Aston Villa (H) - November 1

Manchester City (A) - November 9

Nottingham Forest (H) - November 22

Verdict: After three defeats on the trot, we are not sure that United are the perfect opponent straight after the international break. City away will also be tricky too but Liverpool will expect to right their title push in the other three fixtures.

Tottenham Hotspur's next five fixtures

Aston Villa (H) - October 19

Everton (A) - October 26

Chelsea (H) - November 1

Manchester United (H) - November 8

Arsenal (A) - November 23

Verdict: This is perhaps the trickiest run of fixtures for any Premier League team in the next five. If Thomas Frank's side are still in third, or better, after the north London Derby, they will be serious contenders in this race but that is a big if at this stage.

Manchester City's next five fixtures

Everton (H) - October 18

Aston Villa (A) - October 26

AFC Bournemouth (H) - November 2

Liverpool (H) - November 9

Newcastle United (A) - November 22

Verdict: The final three fixtures of this run for Pep Guardiola's side will be a true test. That double header of Bournemouth and Liverpool before the international break is tough but City will be thankful they are the home side for both fixtures.

Chelsea's next five fixtures

Nottingham Forest (A) - October 18

Sunderland (H) - October 25

Tottenham Hotspur (A) - November 1

Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) - November 8

Burnley (A) - November 22

Verdict: If Maresca is looking to build momentum after the Liverpool victory, this is the run of fixtures in which to do it. That clash with Spurs in the middle will be tough but there are three games there against teams just above the drop zone which are brilliant opportunities for Chelsea.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.

LEEDS 1-2 TOTTENHAM: Thomas Frank's side moved into second place in the Premier League after goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus earned them all three points

Tottenham returned from the Arctic Circle to give Leeds United the cold shoulder at Elland Road. And in the process become the first side to beat Daniel Farke's men on home soil in more than than a year.

Two deflected goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus were enough to secure Spurs' first win in three games. Making amends for failing to beat Wolves, and then European minnows Bodo Glimt in the Champions League last week.

Noah Okafor had struck his second goal of the season to cancel out Tel's 23rd minute opener. But Kudus pounced before the hour mark with his first Spurs goal, to sink Leeds in wet conditions in Yorkshire and maintain his side's strong start to the new campaign.

Leeds had headed into this clash in confident mood and looking to protect their unbeaten home record. In fact, Leeds hadn't lost at Elland Road in over 12 months, a 23-game run stretching back to September 2024.

With two wins, two draws and two defeats, Leeds had made a decent start to life back in the top flight. And Farke's side made a bright start, to put the visitors under the cosh.

Anton Stach volleyed wide after Spurs failed to clear a corner, before Joe Rodon snuck in behind Destiny Udogie to meet a deep free kick and head against the post, with Guglielmo Vicario nowhere to be seen.

Spurs' first chance fell to Joao Palhinha on the edge of the box, but all he could do was blaze his effort high into the Kop, before Karl Darlow used his chest to keep out a strike from Udogie.

Thomas Frank's side might have lost just once in 10 games since he took charge, but Spurs were still struggling to create attacking threats. Which might have explained how own goals (four) remained the visitor's top scorer this season.

But having weathered the early storm, Spurs took the lead out of nowhere.

Sean Longstaff was outmuscled in midfield, and when Rodrigo Bentancur sent Tel free down the right, the Frenchman beat Darlow with an angled strike which deflected off Pascal Struijk.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin should have equalised within minutes following a mistake from Bentancur, but failed to hit the target when it seemed easier to score.

Kudus was guilty of a similar miss at the opposite end, to blow a great chance to double his side's advantage. And it proved costly when Leeds equalised before half time, with Okafor gifted a simple tap in after Vicario could only palm Brenden Aaronson's shot straight into his path.

Vicario denied Calvert-Lewin with his outstretched foot, before the Leeds striker just failed to meet a wicked cross when a touch would have put the hosts ahead.

And moments later Kudus restored the visitor's lead, blitzing past the hapless Gabriel Gudmundsson while cutting in from the right, before burying a low shot past Darlow which deflected off the unfortunate Struijk again.

Longstaff just failed to find substitute Jack Harrison with the vital pass, as Leeds battled to get something from the game. While Joel Piroe came close to salvaging a point for Leeds, but saw his shot superbly saved by Vicario at the death.

And as the heavens opened again, it was visiting fans left signing in the rain after seeing Spurs extend their unbeaten run to seven in all competitions.

Archie Gray has made a big impression at Tottenham since his £30million move from Leeds and Thomas Frank has made a bold comparison to two of the world's best midfielders

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has delivered a glowing assessment of former Leeds United academy product Archie Gray, drawing parallels with Arsenal's Declan Rice.

The Spurs midfielder, whose father Andy and great-uncle Eddie both represented Leeds, made his senior bow under Daniel Farke in 2023. He went on to feature 52 times for the Whites during the 2023/24 season before sealing a £30million switch to north London.

Gray is gradually establishing himself in Frank's squad and winning plaudits in the process, having clocked up 51 outings for Spurs so far. The Danish boss holds lofty ambitions for the 19-year-old, having previously expressed interest whilst managing Brentford.

"Let's put it this way, yes, we spoke with him, but he ended at Tottenham and maybe that was good because I still have the chance to work with him," Frank disclosed. "I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and I think these days midfielders need to be more complete.

"You need to be a little bit of a six, little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice. I think they can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie and they are big names to compare him too, but I see he has got the same potential.

He added: "When do we judge a player? I think it is probably fair two years down the line where we can really make a big assessment. I am also being judged from game to game so I know how it works, but I think to judge it as a success or failure, I don't think you can really do that before two years. That's not to say you cannot be judged for your performances and if you haven't done well, that's fair."

There's genuine buzz surrounding the teenager, who has impressed in recent outings for Spurs. This week, he set up the dramatic leveller against Bodo/Glimt in their 2-2 stalemate in the Champions League.

"He seems to understand that he needs to work hard," Frank continued.

"The foundation, if you want to achieve anything, you need to do that. I think his understanding of the game is good as well. So, those two bits and the discipline, I think are key areas if you want to achieve anything. Maybe that is from the blood of the family."

His sibling, Harry, could soon step up from the academy ranks to the senior squad at Elland Road. The 16-year-old was included on the substitutes' bench for the 3-1 triumph over Wolves last month.

---

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp landed himself in hot water with The Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar in the wake of Daniel Levy's departure from the club

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp apologised to Lord Alan Sugar live on Sky Sports during Bournemouth's 3-1 victory over Fulham on Saturday night. In the wake of Daniel Levy leaving Spurs last month, Redknapp claimed that Lord Sugar had left the club 'in a complete mess'.

Redknapp insisted that Levy deserved credit for leaving the club in a 'really good way'. Unsurprisingly, Lord Sugar took exception to these comments and spectacularly threatened to sue the former footballer.

"He talks a load of rubbish," The Apprentice star tweeted. "He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess.

"He and SKY will be hearing from my lawyers Monday." On his first appearance back on the broadcaster since his comments, Redknapp decided to 'set the record straight'.

"I mentioned that Lord Sugar had the left the club in a mess," Redknapp said during the Friday Night Football coverage. "I just want to make clear that he stabilised the club and invested heavily during his time as chairman.

"When he took over in 1991, Spurs were close to bankruptcy and by the time he stepped away the financial position had been turned around. He also put significant money into the team and facilities.

"I apologise to Lord Sugar and his family for any misunderstanding and for any distress caused, and am happy to set the record straight."

Both sides will be keen to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when they go head-to-head at Elland Road

Both Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face off at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. Leeds appeared on course for consecutive league victories for the first time this season, only to concede a late equaliser deep into stoppage time against Bournemouth in their previous outing, resulting in a 2-2 draw. That result leaves Daniel Farke’s side in 12th place ahead of the weekend’s fixtures. The Whites will now be hoping to secure their first Premier League home win since the opening weekend when they welcome Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s team will be looking to end a run of two consecutive draws in the league, following last weekend’s 1-1 stalemate with Wolves. Spurs head into this match after a 2-2 draw away at Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Leeds United have lost each of their last four league meetings with Tottenham Hotspur, managing just one win in the last 11 Premier League encounters between the two sides. Defensively, Leeds have conceded nine goals in their opening six league matches while In contrast, Tottenham are averaging 1.83 goals scored per game this season and have only been conceding 0.66 goals per match.

Leeds have already suffered two Premier League defeats this season, both against London clubs. Meanwhile, Spurs remain unbeaten away from home, securing two wins from three matches on the road. With Tottenham facing a midweek trip to Norway, there’s a chance they may need to rotate their squad or deal with fatigue, which could make for a closely contested 90 minutes. However, we’re tipping the visitors to edge a 2-1 victory. Spurs have won three of their last four visits to Elland Road and, on paper, look well-placed to claim another win here.

Leeds United vs Tottenham

Leeds - 9/5

Draw - 5/2

Tottenham - 8/5

Leeds United vs Tottenham Betting Tips

Tottenham to win and under 3.5 goals - 23/10

Richarlison to score anytime - 21/10

Leeds United vs Tottenham Betting Offer

If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.

Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here.

Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only

Gamble responsibly

Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

The latest Tottenham news has seen yet another prospective party confirm their stance regarding a takeover at the club just a few weeks on from Daniel Levy's departure

The consortium led by Firehawk Holdings Limited have confirmed they are not bidding to buy Tottenham Hotspur. The Asia-based group of investors have confirmed through the London Stock Exchange that it is "not intending to make an offer" for the club.

Spurs' majority owners ENIC, which is run by the Lewis family trust, last month rejected expressions of interest from a consortium of investors led by Dr Roger Kennedy and Wing-Fai Ng through Firehawk Holdings Limited, in addition to Amanda Staveley's PCP International Finance.

Tottenham have been subject to a great deal of interest since Daniel Levy's exit, though club chiefs insist it is not for sale. At that time, Spurs confirmed that ENIC had "received and unequivocally rejected separate preliminary expressions of interest" to acquire their entire stake in the club.

They also said: "The board of the club and ENIC confirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC has no intention to accept any such offer to acquire its interest in the club."

In an interview, Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham then reiterated: "There's been a lot of newspaper articles and a lot of media speculation around a takeover, so I can be really clear on this. So the Lewis family are really clear. They see their involvement in Tottenham Hotspur being long-term and they see their involvement continuing through the generations.

"We made a statement very late last night and a statement I hope was unambiguously clear that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale."

The most recent show of interest comes from tech entrepreneur Brooklyn Earick, who is heading up a US consortium. ENIC have once again stated that the club is not for sale and all eyes are now on whether the former DJ and his consortium actually make a bid for the north London club.

Earick's own plot appears to have suffered a blow. A reported investor, Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team owner Dan Gilbert, appears to have withdrawn from the process.

Gilbert's sports and entertainment group, Rock Entertainment, told The Telegraph: "Rock Entertainment Group is constantly evaluating opportunities – both domestic and international – that strengthen our position as a leader in sports and entertainment. Recently, this included the review of a major UK-based sports property.

"After careful review, we elected not to pursue this opportunity." The loss of Gilbert will be a huge blow for Earick as he is worth a cool £21billion alone.

While Tottenham have no intention in facilitating a takeover, interest comes during a period of significant change. Levy's departure as Executive Chairman after nearly 25 years sees a significant shift, led by the Lewis family.

The side's succession planning had already seen Vinai Venkatesham hired as Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Frank as the new men’s head coach, and Martin Ho as women’s head coach. Following Levy's exit, Peter Charrington stepped into the newly created role of Non-Executive Chairman.

Charrington said: “This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future. We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

Thomas Frank's Tottenham will be aiming to move on from lacklustre performances against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt when they take on Leeds United this Saturday

Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur will look to bounce back from some poor results when they face Leeds United in Saturday's early kick-off. New recruit Xavi Simons has been blasted for these recent performances.

Joao Palhinha rescued a point for Spurs when they last were in Premier League action. His perfectly placed strike in added time against Wolves salvaged a 1-1 draw. Spoils were shared once again on Tuesday when Frank's side travelled to Norway in the Champions League.

An inspired Bodo/Glimt took a commanding 2-0 lead, but a finish from Micky van de Ven and an own goal from the opposition's goalkeeper clawed back a point once more. Daniel Farke's Leeds are their next opponents.

Mirror Football brings you all the latest news from the white half of north London, including new signing Simons coming under fire, an ex-Chelsea star's telling admission, and the reason behind Ryan Mason's Spurs exit.

Former Chelsea man Oscar opens up about Spurs snub

Brazilian star Oscar arrived in the Premier League 13 years ago when he signed for Chelsea in a £25million deal from Internacional. He made 200 appearances for the club under various managers, proving to be a valuable midfield asset while winning two league titles and the Europa League.

He turned heads in 2016 when he accepted a move to the Chinese Super League. Oscar penned a lucrative four-year deal with Shanghai Port after transferring for an estimated £60m.

Speaking to former team-mate John Obi Mikel on his The Obi One Podcast, Oscar has now revealed that before he moved to west London he was approached by Spurs. The 34-year-old, who still plays in Brazil for São Paulo, admits Chelsea were the better choice.

"I had Tottenham as well, because André Villas-Boas was there," he said. "Villas-Boas was the first one to call me. I played under Villas-Boas in China, and he always said, 'I talked to you, why didn't you come?' But, you know, Chelsea… I cannot compare. Chelsea is better, so I chose Chelsea. And it was the right choice."

Xavi Simons doubts raised

Dutch international Simons completed an opposite move to Oscar's this summer when he touched down in north London despite being heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Simons cost Spurs £51m and while he is still finding his feet in English football, some have been quick to jump the gun and doubt his abilities. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor voiced his concerns on talkSPORT after Tottenham's 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt.

"Simons, I'm not sure about," Agbonlahor stated. "It's early on, we don't want to judge players after five, six games, but I'm really not sure about him.

"You know, sometimes you see a player and you're like, 'Oh okay, I like him, yeah, yeah, I like what he's about.' But I watch Simons and I'm like, 'Oh, he's on the floor.' He doesn't seem rapidly quick when I watch him as well."

Ryan Mason sheds light on Tottenham exit

Boyhood Tottenham star Mason had been associated with the club from the age of eight before he waved goodbye to become West Bromwich Albion manager this summer. He played for Spurs from 2008 to 2016 and served as interim head coach on two separate occasions while acting as an assistant under multiple managers.

The 34-year-old, who was forced to retire in 2018 after suffering a severe head injury, has now spoken out about leaving the club after their Europa League success in Bilbao.

"In the last 12 months I had the desire [to go out on my own] and it felt like the time was right," Mason told Sky Sports. "I spoke to Ange [Postecoglou] and he advised me it needs to feel right, and when it does, go for it.

"I spoke to some clubs in the last 12 months, but nothing felt right. The way the season ended in Bilbao with Spurs was amazing. When I understood [West Brom] Albion were interested, it felt right. It's a massive club with great history and impressive people. I felt a real alignment and connection straight away."