BBC

Former Tottenham midfielder Garry Brooke, who was twice part of FA Cup-winning Spurs teams, has died at the age of 64.

The Premier League club said on social media, external that it was "deeply saddened" to learn of Brooke's passing on Saturday morning "following a lengthy battle with illness".

It added: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time."

Brooke came on as a substitute in Tottenham's FA Cup final victories over Manchester City and QPR in 1981 and 1982 respectively.

Everton have won just one of their last 24 Premier League games against Tottenham (D11 L12), beating them 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2020.

Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League away games against Everton, though have won just three of those (D8). They’re looking to complete the league double over the Toffees for the first time since 2017-18.

Everton vs Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park is the most drawn specific fixture in Premier League history, with 17 of the 32 meetings ending level. Each of the last five has been drawn, with no exact fixture ever finishing level six times a row in the competition.

Everton have lost their last three Premier League matches without scoring a goal – they haven’t lost four in a row without finding the net since February/March 2022.

Tottenham Hotspur have lost eight of their 31 Premier League games under Ange Postecoglou when they’ve scored the first goal (26%), the highest percentage of any permanent Spurs manager.

Since the start of November, Everton are the lowest scorers in the Premier League with just five goals in 11 games, and two of those were Craig Dawson own goals in a 4-0 win over Wolves. They’ve failed to score in 12 games this season, one of only four teams to do so in their opening 20 games of a season, along with Norwich in 2021-22 (14), Southampton in 2003-04 (12) and Derby in 2007-08 (12).

Both Everton and Spurs have lost their first two Premier League matches of 2025. The Toffees have lost their first three league games in a year six times before – doing so in 2022 and 2023 most recently – while Spurs have only done so twice in their history (in consecutive years in 1993 and 1994).

Among managers to take charge of at least 50 Premier League matches, Ange Postecoglou’s games have seen the most goals per game on average (3.6), with 210 goals scored in his 59 matches as Spurs manager so far (117 for, 93 against).

Returning Everton manager David Moyes won 2-1 against Tottenham Hotspur last season as West Ham manager – the last manager to beat Ange Postecoglou in the league with two different teams was Takahiro Shimotaira in the Japanese J1 League, winning with Kashiwa Reysol and Yokohama FC.

Goodbye

That is all from this live page. Thank you for joining us and for all your tweets and texts.

Before you go I'd like to point you in the direction of some of today's breaking stories:

New Match of the Day presenters announced

Why is frustration growing at Arteta's Arsenal?

Moyes will push Everton forward - Dyche

Chelsea recall Chalobah from Palace loan

Make sure you stick with the BBC Sport website for live text commentary of tonight's four Premier League games - that live page will crank into action around 18:30 GMT.

We will also be back on Thursday morning for all the best reaction.

See you there!

Kick It Out 'concern' over Tamworth’s Chris Wreh

Kick It Out have released a statement supporting Tamworth forward Chris Wreh, who was racially abused online following the FA Cup third round defeat to Tottenham.

Wreh has since refused to play for the National League side as he felt the club had not supported him enough after the incident.

The statement reads:

“We support Chris Wreh’s decision to take time out from playing following the vile racist abuse he received online after Tamworth’s FA Cup match against Tottenham on Sunday.

"It’s concerning that Chris does not feel he has had the right level of support when faced with discrimination. When this happens, it’s vital that it’s taken seriously and players have the backing of their club, and from authorities so that the case can be investigated.

"His decision to call out this abuse was a selfless act to highlight the level and regularity of racism that players face online. He should be commended and, most importantly, supported for taking this action rather than being told to keep it internal. It’s a collective responsibility for all of football and social media companies to end this abuse.”

Barnes out for Magpies, Cunha back for Wolves

Newcastle v Wolves ( Wed, 19:30 GMT)

Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes is expected to be out for a month after sustaining a thigh injury against Bromley.

The Magpies will continue to assess Joe Willock, Sven Botman, Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak, all of whom were absentees for Sunday's FA Cup tie.

Wolves welcome back Matheus Cunha following a two-game ban, though the Brazilian is still recovering from the issue which forced him off against Tottenham on 29 December and may not be able to play 90 minutes.

Toti Gomes remains sidelined but Nelson Semedo and Craig Dawson return to contention and new signing Emmanuel Agbadou could make his first Premier League appearance.

Chalobah absent for Eagles

Leicester v Crystal Palace (19:30 GMT)

Crystal Palace will be without defender Trevoh Chalobah who was recalled by parent club Chelsea today, for tonight's game against Leicester.

Every Palace player impacted by last week's flu outbreak has recovered, including Dean Henderson, Tyrick Mitchell, Maxence Lacroix and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Will Hughes has overcome a foot problem and is in contention to start.

Leicester City defender Jannik Vestergaard is fit again and could take the place of Wout Faes.

The Foxes have no fresh injury concerns.

'Man Utd are trying to find the right way'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Southampton

Southampton boss Ivan Juric on team news: "Flynn Downes trained today. He is okay and we will see if he can play later. Everybody else is fit."

On Manchester United: "They have changed the manager and the style of play, playing 3-4-3 formation like [Amorim played] at Sporting. They are trying to find the right way".

On building on the FA Cup win over Swansea: "It was a good game. We did some good things and there's things to improve. It will be different against Manchester United but we are preparing well. We will see."

'The deal isn't quite done'

Ipswich v Brighton (Thur, 19:30 GMT)

Ipswich Town

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna on potentially signing Jadene Philogene: "If it's possible to bring him to the club we'll do so. What's really important is that Jaden has shown a desire to come here and join our football club. He's had a lot of attention from Premier League clubs but he wants to come here.

"It's not an easy deal for us to do. Aston Villa need to get the best deal they can, so does our club and the player.

"He's a player we'd like to get at the football club but the deal isn't quite done."

'It's best for Dibling to stay'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Southampton

Southampton boss Ivan Juric on playing Tyler Dibling up front: "I think he is better when he plays further forward because he does not need to do as much defensive work. He can score one v one, so for now it [playing upfront] is good for him."

On whether he thinks Dibling should stay at Southampton amid transfer links: "Absolutely, because he needs to play and improve, so it is best for him to stay here of course."

On the future of Kyle Walker-Peters, who is out of contract this summer: "I don't want him to leave. He is a very good player for me. I will be happy if he stays."

'Tomorrow will tell us more about the team than the last two games'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on whether he believes the team have turned a corner: "I think tomorrow will tell us more about our team than the last two games."

On whether Toby Collyer has given him a selection headache after his performance against Arsenal: "Toby is training really well - he has a lot of pace. He likes to learn and he is one more option for tomorrow."

'We need time to build a different way of playing'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on how different he is expecting the game to be against a team like Southampton where his side are expected to take the initiative: "The most difficult thing to train in one team is the way you build with the ball and in the final third the way you create situations. That is what a big team should do very well and for that we also need time to train. We have had for a long time a lack of goals.

"We don't spend a lot of times during games in the last third with the ball - we did it against Nottingham Forest but we need to improve in that part of the game. I understand in this moment it is ok to play like that against Liverpool and Arsenal - against Arsenal we waited for the opportunity but in the future you cannot play like that and I know that but we need time to build a different way of playing. In the future we are going to focus a lot on that."

'I don't feel pressure, I just want to win'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Manchester United

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim on whether the pressure of the club is why players have underperformed in recent years: "Of course you feel the pressure of the club but in this moment, I don't feel that pressure.

"In the last years we haven't won the league. In the past here, if you didn't win the league one year you would have to win it the next. I don't feel that pressure.

"We have to bring that pressure to us because outside the fans are amazing. I don't feel that pressure, I just want to win. To feel that pressure in the future we need to win - we need to win titles and we need to win games."

'Southampton game will teach me more about players'

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he will learn more about his players during tomorrow’s Premier League match with Southampton than he did from recent encouraging performances against Liverpool and Arsenal.

United followed up their draw at Anfield by knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup despite having Diogo Dalot sent off during the second-half at Emirates Stadium.

It has generated a positive atmosphere around Old Trafford after a run of four straight defeats over the Christmas period.

However, Amorim is aware his team cannot play on the counter-attack at home to a Southampton side that has won just once in the league this season and is eight points adrift of second-bottom Leicester.

“This next game will teach me more about my players than the last two,” he said.

“There is no expectation in the last two games. Against Arsenal we waited for the opportunity. In the future we can’t play like that and I know that. Fans will expect more tomorrow. We have to deliver.”

Amorim refused to answer a question about the future of Marcus Rashford, who has not played for United since 12 December and has been linked with moves away from the club before the transfer window closes.

'In terms of firepower, Moyes is armed with a water pistol'

Everton v Aston Villa (19:30 GMT)

David Moyes is back in charge of Everton and has a really tough job on his hands. In terms of firepower, he is armed with a water pistol.

He has taken over a team which did not score enough goals under Sean Dyche. That was their biggest issue, and it is hard to see how Moyes can solve it with the same players that Dyche had.

With Jordan Pickford, James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton have got players who can hold them together at the back, but Moyes' conundrum is to increase their attacking threat, and that is going to be a struggle, especially in these early days.

I have got Aston Villa's Emi Martinez in my Fantasy team, and I see him as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, but they always seem to concede silly goals.

So it is possible to get at Villa, I just don't see Everton managing it.

Sutton's prediction: 0-2

Amorim looks forward

Man Utd v Southampton (Thur, 20:00 GMT)

Simon Stone

BBC Sport's chief football news reporter

Ruben Amorim made the point ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup trip to Arsenal he didn't have a concern about his side in the really big games.

Amorim's issue was how they played against lesser lights, which explained how they could win at Manchester City and draw at Liverpool, yes lose to Wolves and at home against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.

Well, after booking an FA Cup fourth round meeting with Leicester by winning at the Emirates Stadium, United now entertain Southampton and Brighton, matches that must be won if they are to start properly climbing the table.

Amorim is due to speak to the media shortly. He may also get asked about Marcus Rashford, who last played over a month ago.

'I am delighted to have been trusted with this position again'

Everton v Aston Villa (19:30 GMT)

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport football news reporter at Goodison Park

The scarf sellers outside Goodison Park are seemingly doing a roaring trade with their 'Return of David Moyes' merchandise as the Scot takes charge of Everton for his second spell tonight against Aston Villa.

The 61-year-old told me on Monday that the Toffees were the only club job that could have enticed him back into management for, 12 years after leaving for that ill-fated 10 months at Manchester United.

Moyes comes back to the Blues in a very different situation, just one point above the relegation zone and having scored only 15 league goals this season.

"Needless to say, Everton Football Club means so much to me and my family and I am delighted to have been trusted with this position again," Moyes writes in his programme note.

"The hope now is that we are seeing clearer blue skies in the distance - but there is plenty of hard work from us as players and staff to do to ensure we get there.

"We all need to be onboard to build a more positive future and my belief we can have that is genuine."

Team news - Calvert-Lewin starts for Everton, Onana faces old club

Everton v Aston Villa (19:30 GMT)

Shamoon Hafez

BBC Sport football news reporter at Goodison Park

Returning manager David Moyes names his first Everton starting XI in 12 years and makes six changes from last Thursday's FA Cup third round win over Peterborough.

Jordan Pickford returns in goal, with Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jack Harrison coming into the side.

There is also a start for Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front, with the Englishman without a goal in his last 15 games.

Everton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, Harrison, Ndiaye, Calvert-Lewin.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery makes four changes from the side that beat West Ham last time out.

Emiliano Martinez returns in goal, with Lucas Digne and Jacob Ramsey getting starts, as does midfielder Amadou Onana against his old club. We wait to see what reception he gets here after his move from Everton last summer.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Onana, Kamara, Ramsey, Tielemans, Rogers, Watkins.

'A steady pair of hands'

Everton v Aston Villa (19:30 GMT)

Mike Richards, Fan writer

Since leaving the club, David Moyes has been on his own managerial rollercoaster. The lows of Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland and the highs of West Ham and winning their first trophy since 1980. It's certainly been an eventful career, post-Everton.

Some may say it is a typical romantic appointment and nothing has changed, even under new ownership.

It is a valid observation, but the appointment smacks of common sense.

The general feeling within the fanbase appears to be one of satisfaction. There is a palpable sense of relief, despite some dissenting voices.

The managerial appointment was never going to please everyone, but we all deal in the currency of wins.

Every Evertonian can get on board with that.

Read the full column here.

'Arsenal really need boost... and must take chance to narrow gap at top'

Arsenal v Tottenham (20:00 GMT)

Nedum Onuoha

BBC Sport pundit

Who is the north London derby bigger for? I would have to say Arsenal this time around.

It has been a disappointing week for the Gunners, losing the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final to Newcastle and then being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Sunday - both at home.

The manner of those defeats, especially against a 10-man United, have not sat well with the fans.

There has been chat around Mikel Arteta's management and whether he can win the Gunners silverware, and that is because, although their home record was strong, their performances have not been overly convincing in recent weeks.

A derby win would not completely squash that conversation, but it could perhaps move it to the periphery.

Gabriel Jesus is also the latest name added to the long-term injury list and given Bukayo Saka's absence it feels the club really need a boost, and a victory over Tottenham always provides that.

Arsenal must take the chance to narrow the gap to Liverpool, who dropped points at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

The title race is not over in January.

'The players are trying their best and we are supporting them'

Arsenal v Man Utd (15:00 GMT)

Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC: "We thought about the best possible line-up, and we wanted to try and be better than Man Utd.

"We have a lot of games, and it is going to be an interesting week. Baring this in mind, we believe this is the best squad to start."

On Riccardo Califouri not being in the squad: "He had a light problem yesterday in training and he couldn't make the game."

On the loss against Newcastle: "Every three days we have a game and another opportunity to show the good things that we showed in that game.

"The players are trying their best, and we are supporting them."

Post

Hull 0-1 Doncaster

This is Doncaster's best period. I don't think Hull will come back if they add another.

Donny's Joe Sbarra tries to feed an overlapping Jamie Sterry on the right, but his pass has too much zip on it.

'It has been relatively comfortable for Tamworth'

HT: Tamworth 0-0 Tottenham

Stephen Warnock

Former Premier League defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

It has been a super first half. We thought we would come here and see Tamworth with their backs to the wall - it's been the complete opposite. They have stretched Tottenham at times. It has been relatively comfortable for Tamworth, even from a defensive point of view.

Post

Hull 0-1 Doncaster

Doncaster have half a chance to extend their lead as Luke Molyneux chips in a deep cross.

It's headed back across goal but a Hull defender manages to head clear under some serious pressure.

Post

Tamworth 0-0 Tottenham

A Tom Tonks throw, this time taken short to Ben Crompton who whips a brilliant cross in - but no-one was attacking it.

That was a chance for Tamworth.

Post

Tamworth 0-0 Tottenham

Tamworth have already upset Huddersfield and Burton Albion in this competition, although the scalp of Spurs would be something else entirely.

With five minutes to go until half-time, they remain in the hunt.

'Maddison should score'

Tamworth 0-0 Tottenham

Stephen Warnock

Former Premier League defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

Maddison should score, he really should. Tonks was caught on the ball and it was great work between Werner and Maddison. He has got to find that far corner but Singh makes it look a really comfortable save in the end.

GOAL - Hull 0-1 Doncaster

Luke Molyneux (51 mins)

League Two Doncaster Rovers take the lead at Championship Hull City!

It's completely against the run of the play, but, if you don't take your chances...

Joe Sbarra collects the ball on the half-turn and pings a perfect pass in behind for Luke Molyneux.

Doncaster's number seven still has some work to do, but drives into the area and finishes calmly into the far corner.

Post

Tamworth 0-0 Tottenham

From an attacking perspective, the only Spurs player to impress so far has been James Maddison. Largely, they have been very poor.

Here Maddison is fed in the Tamworth area by Timo Werner, but he can't get the ball out of his feet and his eventual shot is easily saved by Jas Singh.

Town is 'buzzing' ahead of FA Cup clash

It is a David versus Goliath contest which has been eagerly anticipated by a Staffordshire town's football fans.

People in Tamworth are getting ready to cheer on their side, as they prepare to take on top flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur in an FA Cup game on Sunday.

Of course, you cannot have a cup match without a tinfoil FA Cup.

Step in six-year-old Freddie, team mascot at the match and who has also been seen regularly waving his metallic creation from the stands.

"Tamworth will win on penalties," he predicted.

Freddie, who will walk out with right back Ben Crompton, said he was "excited, and a little bit nervous," about the big game.

Dad Tom thinks the home team might have the upper hand as Tottenham may not be used to such a small stadium. The Lamb ground can hold nearly 5,000 people compared to TottenhamStadium's nearly 63,000.

"It's going to be 'welcome to non-league football' and I am really excited for it, I think it's going to be a great game," he said.

Ben Newman, better known as Spud Man, said people were "buzzing" about their team's forthcoming game.

"It's creating an awesome atmosphere for the town, it's brilliant," he said.

"It just all helps, putting a buzz around the place and putting people in a good mood - especially this time of year. Imagine the party if we win."

Council leader Carol Dean said Tamworth was incredibly proud of their side, and that they had already triumphed "against the odds" having beaten near neighbours Burton Albion and Huddersfield before that.

"They have done so well, and for us to be in this position is wonderful. It revitalises things, it's something to look forward to."

MP Sarah Edwards will also be watching the game.

She saw The Lambs' match against Burton Albion in December alongside Burton MP Jacob Collier.

"As neighbours and colleagues he suggested it," she said. "It's all about good competition and sportsmanship.

"They're a credit to the town and the community. They've been brilliant ambassadors – just how far they've come, and their dedication, is just so inspiring. It's a great thing for Tamworth."

Ray, a Tamworth fan of 40 years, said a number of his grandchildren had been mascots for the side over the years.

"Football is about passion, and passion starts at this age, with little kids, and it grows on you," he said.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Spurs young guns deliver for Postecoglou

Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou showed faith in his youthful stars in the hothouse of an EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool, and was fully vindicated as they delivered in style.

Bergvall was the name on everyone's lips at the final whistle, not just because the 18-year-old Swede played with great maturity in midfield, but because Liverpool will feel he should have been shown a second yellow card, with the video assistant referee (VAR) unable to intervene once play was allowed to carry on after his reckless tackle on Tsimikas by referee Attwell.

In the wider context, however, Bergvall has shown amid Spurs' struggles exactly why they were so keen to acquire his services in the summer, the £8.5m paid to Djurgarden already looking like a bargain.

And sharing top billing was 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, barely through the door after a £12.5m move from Slavia Prague but thrown straight into this crucial game by Postecoglou.

He showed great confidence with the ball at his feet and when commanding his area, his biggest contribution coming late on when he reacted superbly to turn away Darwin Nunez's header.

Spurs have a slender advantage to take to Anfield, but they will be well satisfied with that, having been thrashed 6-3 at home by Liverpool recently in the Premier League.

'All good guys' - Bentancur update

Tottenham Hotspur

Rodrigo Bentancur was taken off on a stretcher just six minutes into Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Liverpool, after he fell while unchallenged as he stretched to head a ball from a corner.

The 27-year-old Uruguay international was treated on the pitch for around nine minutes and received oxygen before he was replaced by forward Brennan Johnson.

It was later confirmed he was conscious and talking and was taken to hospital for further checks.

Bentancur took to Instagram in the early hours of this morning to write 'all good, guys!', and thank fans for their messages.

Spurs edge out Liverpool

Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool

It may only be a narrow advantage but Tottenham head to Anfield next month with a one goal buffer, thanks to 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall's second-half winner.

The question as to whether the Sweden midfielder should even have been on the pitch, however, is something we'll discuss in detail.

Pedro Porro missed a great chance to put Spurs ahead after a mistake by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson which left boss Ange Postecoglou to drop to his knees on the touchline in disbelief. Dominic Solanke also saw a goal ruled out for offside.

Liverpool were far from their best, with the word 'leggy' most commonly used to describe Arne Slot's side performance last night.

One of the Reds' best chances fell to substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold but his fizzing shot was cleared off the line by Radu Dragusin.

Good morning

Hello, folks. It's cold, it's dark and it's January. Go careful wherever you're heading today.

If you're a Tottenham fan, you'll be happy this morning. If you're a Liverpool, maybe not so much. First legs of the Carabao Cup semi-finals are done and last night's game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium had plenty of talking points for us to go over.

There's also new manager in town - one we already know well. Graham Potter has agreed a two-and-a-half-year deal with West Ham and will be unveiled at a news conference today. We'll bring you what he has to say later on.

And it's the third round of the FA Cup weekend. I say weekend, the action starts tonight and then carries on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Kinsky is 'eligible to play'

Tottenham v Liverpool (Wed, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on new goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky: "He arrived on Sunday, he had a couple of days of training. He is registered and eligible to play. He is one we had earmarked for the summer, end of season to bring in but we have had injuries. I've got a decision to make [on Wednesday]."

Post

Thanks Barry.

Next up, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be speaking to the media any time from 13:00 GMT.

Tottenham face Liverpool at home in their EFL Cup first leg tomorrow night.

Cunha's glasses offer helps reduce punishment

Nick Mashiter

BBC Sport football news reporter

Matheus Cunha's offer to pay for new glasses for a member of Ipswich's security helped save him from a longer ban and heavier fine.

The Wolves striker was suspended for two games and an £80,000 fine after clashing with a member of the Tractor Boys' security team last month.

He had been charged by the Football Association with misconduct following the altercation - where he snatched the glasses off the face of the security guard - on the pitch at the final whistle of Wolves' 2-1 defeat at Molineux.

An regulatory commission initially considered hitting the 25-year-old with a £120,000 fine and a three-game ban.

But in their written reasons the commission agreed Cunha's acceptance of the charge, his sincere personal apology and the offer to pay for new glasses were mitigating factors, reducing the fine and ban.

Cunha served the first game of his ban on Monday, sitting out Wolves' 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Post

Exactly Dom.

Also, I fondly remember that season when Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City were all going for the title a decade back.

Liverpool slipped up against Chelsea, Chelsea lost to Crystal Palace. Everybody was messing up.

I can't really remember anything from the run in of that season Manchester City and Liverpool both got 90-odd points.

Cunha charge reasons published

The Football Association has published the written reasons relating to the two-match suspension given to Wolves striker Matheus Cunha last month.

The FA charged Cunha with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 on the ground that he acted in an improper manner.

After the final whistle following Wolves 2-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town on 14 December, Cunha elbowed a member of the Ipswich security staff, and then knocked his glasses from his face, causing them to break.

Cunha accepted the charge, and in his evidence said: "I was surrounded by a large number of people, mainly Ipswich personnel, so I remember feeling quite threatened at the time. So in an effort to get [secutiry staff member] to let go of my shirt, in the heat of the moment I regrettably reached out and grabbed his glasses. I know it was wrong to do this and I take full responsibility for my actions."

Cunha missed Wolves' 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Monday, and will serve the second match of his suspension when his side face Bristol City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

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Everybody loves an underdog.

Well, almost everybody. Anybody not secretly supporting them?

And I'm curious, why? And is there anybody out there with a pedantic reason for not supporting a particular club?

Maybe an evil in-law follows them, or did you lose to a specific team in Football Manager or Fifa. Let us know!

'Liverpool game will be enormous for Ange'

FT: Tottenham 1-2 Newcastle United

Chris Sutton

Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

We all know Ange Postecoglou is highly passionate and rattled at the moment. He is under pressure.

The Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool will be so enormous for him.

There's the great debate whether he should adapt because he's got lesser players in the Spurs squad. I understand that debate and I agree that if you're playing Archie Gray and Djed Spence in defence, then there's nothing wrong in giving them a bit of protection.

But Postecoglou is a stickler for playing that way and he believes that's for the betterment of team further down the line.

A large element of Tottenham fans are still with him because of how depleted the team are and believe he can turn it around. But the next few games will be so, so big for him.

Post

Thanks Martin, I think you make a really great point.

And I think it counts for goalscorers too. Peak Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi changed expectations what with their consistent 40-goal seasons.

Nowadays if a striker scores less than 20 league goals in a season there's almost a negative discourse around their form.

And there really shouldn't be.

Nineteen goals in 38 games is an exceptional record people!