The Mirror

Thierry Henry headed to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time on Saturday night and reminisced about his winning memories for Arsenal at White Hart Lane

Theirry Henry made his first visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Arsenal legend claimed "I used to come to the old one and win a lot" when quizzed on the state-of-the-art venue.

Tottenham's new stadium, which opened in 2019, is seen as a world leader across the football landscape. They demolished White Hart Lane and built their new venue which has attracted the NFL and some of the globe's biggest music artists.

Tottenham also boast a bigger stadium than north London rivals Arsenal with their capacity marginally ahead of the Emirates, which was built in 2006 and holds 60,704 fans. Henry though made his loyalties very clear when he rocked up to the stadium to watch Conor Benn defeat Chris Eubank Jnr.

He was asked by an interviewer what he thought about being in enemy territory and told DAZN: "Weird. I never came to the new stadium, I used to come to the old one and win a lot, but it's nice."

One of Henry's greatest achievements at White Hart Lane was in 2004 when Arsenal secured the title at the home of their rivals en route to an unbeaten season.

Whilst Arsenal were clear top dogs in north London during Henry's time at the club they would actually have to settle for a draw at White Hart Lane in four consecutive years, albeit they were far more dominant back at Highbury. Henry's one and only goal at White Hart Lane came in the 2004/05 season when Arsenal won a nine-goal thriller to beat Tottenham in an epic encounter.

Henry was part of the last Gunners side to rule England's top flight, that being back in 2004 when the Invincibles reigned supreme. Arsenal have not scaled such heights since but are currently sat top under Mikel Arteta.

Plenty have tipped them to finally end their wait following three second place finishes on the bounce. Some heavy summer investment has helped mark them out as favourites, albeit Manchester City recently closed the gap after they dropped points late in the day at Sunderland.

Henry though is confident they can get over the line. He said: "As a fan I'm going to have to go with Arsenal. I do think we look solid, a bit less against Sunderland the other day, but its time for us so hopefully it can happen."

Antoine Semenyo is one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League and Tottenham Hotspur are among several clubs keeping tabs on the Bournemouth sensation

Thomas Frank has already revealed exactly what he thinks of Antoine Semenyo as Tottenham reportedly eye a move for the Bournemouth talisman. The 25-year-old forward has become one of the Premier League's most sought-after talents and is being monitored by a number of big clubs.

Sky Sports report that Tottenham, as well as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, are among the interested parties.

Tottenham made initial contact over Semenyo back in June, but the Cherries made their position clear - they weren't interested in selling and would demand around £70million to even consider a deal.

Spurs ultimately invested that cash elsewhere in the summer window, but could now revive their interest in the winger when the January transfer window opens.

The left-wing position is an area where Frank could strengthen his squad. And his comments from 12 months ago made it clear that he holds Semenyo in high regard, suggesting he would be open to Spurs now making a move for the forward.

While still in charge of Brentford and speaking ahead of the Bees’ clash with Bournemouth, Frank singled out Semenyo as the main threat that his side needed to keep tabs on.

"Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He's a fantastic player," Frank said.

"I think he's been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season. He is definitely a player we need to look out for and do our best to close down."

His assessment was spot on, as Semenyo went on to record 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances last season. The Ghanaian's stellar form has carried over into this season, with six goals and three assists already under his belt in just 11 league games.

Since joining from Bristol City in January 2023, he's evolved into one of the Premier League's most lethal and consistent forwards. As such, Spurs will have to dig deep into their pockets if they want to secure his services.

It's understood that Semenyo is content on the south coast and hasn't requested a transfer, despite some reports suggesting otherwise, which has reportedly frustrated the player.

Arsenal and United were also keen on snapping him up in the summer but opted for Eberechi Eze and Bryan Mbeumo instead, respectively. In July, the winger put pen to paper on a new five-year deal at the Vitality Stadium, meaning Bournemouth are in no rush to part ways with their star man.

Ekow Essuman was sent through the ropes as he was brutally stopped by Jack Catterall. Essuman and Catteral were fighting as the chief support to Chris Eubank Jr's rematch with Conor Benn on Saturday night.

Essuman was dropped in the fourth round at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. But he battled his way back into the fight until the penultimate session. Having slipped on the canvas, he was knocked back down when he rose to his feet.

And when the action restarted, Catterall pounced, unleashing a barrage of shots on his helpless opponent. A stretcher was called for at ringside but Essuman was able to return to his feet shortly afterwards after receiving oxygen on the ring apron.

He had been hoping to follow up his win over Josh Taylor earlier this year but instead Catterall produced a brilliant performance to take a step towards a world title shot.

"First and foremost, shout out to his team. Good people, and Essuman is a solid fighter," said Catterall. "We've been working on things, having the confidence to let the hands go. This was the second fight at welterweight. I can still punch but it's having the confidence to keep throwing the hands. I want all of them, [Mario] Barrios, [Lewis] Crocker, [Brian] Norman, [Rolando] Romero, I want them all!"

Earlier on the undercard, Adam Azim stopped Kurt Scoby in the penultimate round after a shut-out performance. Scoby stepped in at short notice to take on rising star Azim but was outclassed throughout. Azim will now head to New York in January to watch rival Dalton Smith in his world title clash with Subriel Matias.

Also on the undercard, Ishmael Davis became British and Commonwealth super-welterweight champion with a narrow points win over Sam Gilley. And Richard Riakporhe needed just two rounds to stop Tommy Welch as he continued his impressive start to his heavyweight career.

Later in the evening, the headline fight went the way of Benn after a comprehensive victory over Eubank Jr. The Destroyer won by unanimous decision after taking the fight to his rival, gaining revenge for his defeat to the same opponent back in April.

"It's been some journey and I feel like this is the end of the Benn-Eubank saga. It's done and finished. It's over. This ends here," Benn told DAZN after his win. "Everyone was saying I can't box, put that in your pipe and smoke it.

"This wouldn't have been what it was without Chris and without our dads. This is generational. This is history. Credit to Chris. That's all I've got to say. Not bad for two silver spoon kids."

Tottenham have been handed a potential injury scare just a week before the North London Derby against Arsenal, with Pape Matar Sarr forced off with a suspected injury

Tottenham Hotspur could be facing an injury worry just a week before their North London Derby against Arsenal. Spurs are currently enjoying the November international break, the last two-week pause from top-tier action of the year.

Thomas Frank and his team will be nervously waiting to see if the Tottenham players who have jetted off for international duty return without any injuries or fitness issues.

However, Pape Matar Sarr has potentially given Spurs cause for concern, picking up a suspected injury just a week before the international break concludes.

Sarr was playing for Senegal in a friendly match against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, reports football.london.

The Spurs midfielder was selected in the starting XI by manager Pape Thiaw, but had to be withdrawn in the 49th minute.

Sarr picked up the suspected injury following a tackle with Manchester United's Matheus Cunha for Brazil, and was subsequently replaced by Bayern Munich star and Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson.

Brazil were leading 2-0 at half-time, thanks to goals from Chelsea's Estevao Willian and Man United's Casemiro.

The extent of Sarr's potential injury is yet to be determined, with Senegal due to play Kenya on Tuesday in their final match of the international break.

Arsenal were dealt a potential injury blow of their own during the match as Gabriel Magalhaes was substituted for Brazil in the second half.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's Sarr has been a regular figure in the midfield this season, playing the full 90 minutes in the last two Premier League matches against Chelsea and Man United.

Spurs are set to return to Premier League action on November 23 in the North London Derby at the Emirates, and face an anxious wait to see if Sarr will be fit for the clash.

Tottenham have already been forced to deal with several injury concerns throughout the season so far, with James Maddison a long-term absentee with a knee injury.

Spurs were also without Dominik Solanke, Mohammed Kudus, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Kota Takai for the draw against Man United before the international break.

Frank will also be facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Randal Kolo Muani, who was withdrawn at half-time of the draw with the Red Devils with a fractured jaw - though the attacker will not require surgery on the injury.

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Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have formed a solid partnership at Tottenham this season, with the duo conceding just five goals in the Premier League this season

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has overlooked Arsenal's centre-back duo, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, when asked about the Premier League's best defensive partnership. Despite the Gunners' formidable defence conceding a mere five goals in the English top-flight this season, contributing to their four-point lead, Sandro holds a different opinion.

Speaking with football.london, via football odds, the Brazilian was quizzed on whether Tottenham's Romero and Micky van de Ven form the league's top defensive pair. He expressed admiration for how Romero interacts with referees and Spurs' players.

"I think so, I believe that it is the best defensive partnership in the Premier League, because you can see the quality that Van de Ven has and his speed," he said.

"Yes, he made a mistake against Chelsea, but who doesn't make a mistake? Everybody does, and if you balance the mistakes and the good things that he does, he's amazing."

On Romero's behaviour, Sandro added: "The leadership that Romero has, it's unbelievable. You can see straight away the way he manages the game, the way he talks with the referees, with the midfielders. I love Romero. Proper leader.

"And I think he's now reading the game a little bit more to get into positions, where he used to get stupid yellow cards and red cards.

"But now, I think he has learned a little bit. Okay, he's never going to change, he goes for the ball, but I think he's now a bit calmer."

Sandro's assessment differs from that of Arsenal legend Martin Keown. The former England defender has previously declared that Magalhaes and Saliba represent the finest defensive partnership in Europe.

"Gabriel and Saliba are the best partnership in Europe; they're aggressive, contact players," he told TNT Sports in 2024.

Ex-Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand shares this opinion. "I think they are the best pairing in Europe," he said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

"They complement each other, their styles are perfect for each other. A good mix and blend."

Arsenal and Tottenham will get the opportunity to demonstrate which partnership reigns supreme when both sides meet in their first fixture after the international break on Sunday, November 23.

Benjamin Sesko has been at the centre of a club-versus-country disagreement after he picked up an injury in the late stages of Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Tottenham

The Football Association of Slovenia has moved to bring an end to the club-versus-country row involving Benjamin Sesko. The forward picked up a knee injury during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.

He had been due to link up with the Slovenia national team for their World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden, but did not report for international duty at the Slovenian FA’s headquarters in Brdo pri Kranju on Monday and has instead stayed at Carrington for further treatment on an injury that is not thought to be serious.

But Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek was left furious by the call for Sesko to remain in Manchester and claimed he had been kept in the dark by United.

He demanded his country be shown "maximum respect" and even threatened, according to the Daily Mail, to cause a "diplomatic incident", as he would have preferred his own doctors to examine the forward.

But despite Kek’s claims, Slovenia’s national federation has revealed it has received all the relevant medical documentation and accepted United’s diagnosis as they aim to put the row to bed.

“The medical team of the Slovenian national football team received the complete medical documentation from Manchester United regarding Benjamin Sesko’s health condition following his injury on Saturday, including the current clinical picture and the examinations performed,” a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

“Unfortunately, the injury currently does not allow for the training process. In the coming days, additional examinations and the start of treatment are planned at the club, so Benjamin will unfortunately not be able to participate in this national team action. We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery and a return to the football field as soon as possible.”

United believe they followed the necessary protocols in terms of withdrawing Sesko from the squad. However, a furious Kek claimed earlier this week: “With all due respect to a great club like Manchester United, we have officially not received anything yet; no papers, no documents.

“We would certainly like to get them. We want our medical team to also take a look at it. Our doctor is an expert in this field. We don’t have just anyone in this position.

“I cannot comment, of course I have certain information and I am also in contact with Beni. I can’t say anything because officially we don’t know anything at all.

“United haven’t contacted anyone from our camp. Of course, I am concerned about the player. The only thing that matters to me is his wellbeing."

He added: “The national team is something very special and I expect maximum respect from everyone.

“Slovenia deserves that, even if on the other side there is a powerhouse like England, and something as extraordinary as the Premier League. After all it has been quite some time since England defeated Slovenia and that in itself says something about us.”

Former Spurs owner Joe Lewis avoided jail in 2024 but was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading, and now US President Donald Trump is set to hand him an official pardon

Former Tottenham Hotspur owner Joe Lewis is set to receive an official pardon from United States President Donald Trump. Lewis, who handed ownership of Spurs to the Lewis Family Trust in 2022, was fined £4million after pleading guilty to insider trading – but it has been said that he will not return to the north London club.

Lewis avoided jail in 2024 after a judge in the States heard pleas for leniency from the prosecutor and the 88-year-old's attorneys due to his frail health and guilty plea in January.

The US president has issued a number of pardons since returning to the White House after succeeding Joe Biden, and the former chief of the Premier League club is set to be the latest to receive one, according to The Telegraph.

A pardon in the US is a presidential act that legally forgives a federal crime, which can end further punishment and restore civil rights. The crimes, according to federal guidelines, can carry up a sentence up to two years in prison, but Lewis will not spent time behind bars.

Lewis' pardon is due to be published by the White House today and the British billionaire said: "I am pleased all of this is now behind me, and I can enjoy retirement and watch as my family and extended family continue to build our businesses based on the quality and pursuit of excellence that has become our trademark."

The Lewis family took full control of Tottenham this year following the departure of Daniel Levy, and the club will continue to run within the Lewis name, but the former owner will remain retired.

The Tottenham hierarchy now consists of Joe's daughter Vivienne, son Charles and Vivienne's husband Nick Beucher. Eric Hinson joined the club as a non-executive director last month, he will now work alongside non-executive chairman Peter Charrington is alongside chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

In September, Levy's spell as chairman in north London came to an end after nearly 25 years.

It was reported at the time that his departure would see the club move towards a more orthodox structure, as opposed to one centred around a single figure.

Confirming his departure in a statement, former chairman Levy said: "I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

"I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

"I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn't always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately."

Manchester United are sweating on the fitness of Benjamin Sesko after the striker suffered a knee injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham, with Ivan Toney a potential replacement

Manchester United may be forced to delve into the January transfer market for a new striker after Benjamin Sesko was sidelined with a knee injury during Saturday's 2-2 draw against Tottenham.

Sesko, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, could only manage half an hour before he had to be helped off the pitch following treatment for a knee issue. The Red Devils were left a man short for the remainder of the match as manager Ruben Amorim had already made all his substitutions.

On Monday, United confirmed that Sesko would not be joining up with his national team for Slovenia's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Sweden. Instead, the 23-year-old will stay put at Carrington for further assessment this week.

Although insiders suggest the injury isn't considered too serious, there are whispers that United might consider bringing in another centre forward when the January transfer window swings open.

Should United decide to bolster their attacking options, one name that could be in the frame is Ivan Toney. The England international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time, and this could be the ideal opportunity for him to make the switch.

Toney, now 29, has been plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli for the past 15 months, having signed for them in August 2024. During his stint in the Middle East, he's netted an impressive 41 goals and provided eight assists in 59 appearances.

With Toney having scored 11 goals in just 15 matches this season, it seems he has some unfinished business in the Premier League. He previously dazzled for three years at Brentford, where he netted 36 goals in 83 top-tier games between 2021 and 2024.

The former Northampton and Peterborough player was a key figure in a Brentford attack that also included United's Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo and Toney were teammates in west London for four years, helping to establish the Bees as a Premier League club. They formed a formidable partnership on the pitch, with Toney and Mbeumo scoring or assisting each other 16 times during that period.

Although Mbeumo is set to miss part of January due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he could reignite his special relationship with Toney at United upon his return. Even if Sesko's absence isn't long-term, Toney would provide United with another attacking option and potentially pave the way for Joshua Zirkzee to leave the club after struggling for game time.

A front three of Mbeumo on the right, Toney in the centre and Matheus Cunha on the left could prove devastating for United and Amorim in the second half of the season.

Toney, who is valued at around £40million and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his Al-Ahli contract, will turn 30 in March. This could prompt United to try and negotiate a lower price and persuade him to make the move.

Richarlison thought he had won the game for Tottenham against Manchester United, but was booked for taking his shirt off in celebration, and Gary Lineker has called for a rule change

Gary Lineker wants to see a change in Premier League rules after Richarlison was shown a yellow card for celebrating his goal for Tottenham against Manchester United by removing his shirt. Spurs were on the brink of securing only their fourth Premier League home victory in 2025 when the Brazilian found the back of the net.

However, Matthijs de Ligt managed to score a dramatic equaliser at the last minute. Earlier, Mathys Tel had levelled the scoreline after Bryan Mbeumo's first-half header. Richarlison then thought he had won it for Spurs and celebrated his goal by taking off his shirt.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker expressed that although it was an imprudent act by the ex-Everton player, it's high time the rules were revised.

He stated: "Richarlison thought he'd won the game for Tottenham, didn't he, ripping off his shirt, and then obviously they get extra time for that, and then they're scoring that extra time."

"I think it's a stupid law to get a yellow card, and obviously, if it happens in injury time, you get extended injury time. But also, even though it's a silly law, you know what it is, and I just don't understand why.

"I know you can get overexcited, but you can get overexcited by doing something else other than rip your bloody shirt off.

"It's a bit daft, but I get it. It's a big goal for him, and he thought at the time he'd won the game. But I mean, honestly, footballers, Micah."

Micah Richards chimed in: "You know what? I can't even grumble at the fact that he's taking off his shirt, because he's playing it in real life. I feel that way on Fantasy Football, so I understand you."

Reflecting on United's last-minute equaliser, Spurs boss Thomas Frank said: "A lot of things we could have done a bit better, the last one is all about the urgency, maybe don't give the cross away and defend better.

"Second half we got more bite in the man to man pressure, which was not working as it should have been in the first half."

Frank added: "Of course it's not that I'm going away from here and not being disappointed at leading with one minute to go and you don't win, that will always be the case.

"What I'm focussing on is especially that the second half was a good performance. I was very happy with the way we turned it around.

"We stayed in the game, did the right thing, keep pushing - in a game when two teams neutralise each other you don't create too much, that's natural, but how the boys kept fighting was hugely impressive."

Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, with Thomas Frank's side scoring two late goals to salvage a point

Theo Walcott has jumped to Thomas Frank's defence after Tottenham Hotspur supporters voiced their frustration during the dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United. The Danish boss was subject to jeers from Spurs fans when he hauled off Xavi Simons in the closing stages of the match.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined the north London outfit from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer transfer window, made way for Mathys Tel. Moments after entering the fray, Simons' replacement found the back of the net, firing home an equaliser from close range.

A few minutes later, Wilson Odobert, who had been introduced at the interval, set up what many believed to be the winner. Richarlison diverted the 20-year-old winger's curling effort past the Senne Lammens with a deft header.

Frank made numerous changes throughout the game, with some decisions proving more welcomed than others. However, the Dane ultimately breathed new life into his team, and they came within moments of securing all three points.

Speaking on Match of the Day on Saturday evening, Walcott called on Tottenham supporters to 'trust the process'. The former Arsenal forward said: "I don't think the Tottenham fans felt he got the substitutions right when he made them, to be honest.

"Odobert was absolutely outstanding when he came on. A player who has to be able to take risks and play with that freedom and the energy, and that's what you have to be able to do as a substitute; you need to be able to commit bodies.

"What I like about him, he likes to put the ball in when you have space, he likes to change his game – and this is what I talk about when I talk about not being predictable – when you give players, who are ball-carriers, in this amount of space, Manchester United start dropping."

Frank rang the changes throughout the encounter. He switched Pedro Porro for Destiny Udogie, introduced Rodrigo Bentancur in place of Joao Palhinha, and replaced Kevin Danso with Cristian Romero.

Walcott continued: "Udogie was fantastic as well, all three substitutions who came on all contributed. It just shows, trust the manager's process.

"I think that's one thing, as fans, when you watch games, you always feel frustrated in the moment, but they are there for a reason. Thomas Frank is a good manager, he knows exactly what he's doing and he's made the right decision."

Speaking to reporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following the match, Frank reflected on the substitutions he had made. The Spurs boss said: "Yeah, sometimes you are lucky.

"But, of course, every single time I take a decision to sub a player it's with one aim - to make the team win or get back into the game or try to see the game out.

"It's with only one aim - to try to win the game. No doubt, Mathys did well, great goal, great involvement and in general I think Xavi played a fine game, positive, but also you need a bit of freshness."