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Tottenham transfer rumours: Souza

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'Whoever signed off England's tour has to go' - Agnew column

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Weekly sports quiz: How many managers have Man Utd had since Ferguson?

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'Paul was fun': Remembering snooker's lost great 20 years on

Sporting highlights to look forward to in 2026

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Thomas Frank: Spurs boss under more pressure and scrutiny after holding Arsenal-branded cup

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You would have thought things could not have got much worse for Thomas Frank after watching his Tottenham side fall to an agonising 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth.

It was another damaging result in a season that has brought plenty of frustration for the Spurs faithful, with their club now 14th in the Premier League after only two wins in 12 matches.

But then came the image that added to the pressure on Frank.

Before kick‑off on Wednesday night, he was photographed strolling around the Vitality Stadium with a coffee cup emblazoned with Arsenal branding - a strange choice if you are the manager of a club that shares a fierce rivalry with the Gunners and current league leaders.

With the Dane already struggling to win over unhappy Spurs supporters since replacing Europa League-winning Ange Postecoglou in the summer, it was an incident that invited ridicule and left him under more scrutiny.

"I definitely did not notice it," said Frank afterwards. "It would be completely stupid of me to take it if I knew.

"It's a little bit sad in football that I need to be asked about it. I would never do something that stupid.

"I think we're definitely going in the wrong direction if we need to worry about me having a cup with a logo of another club."

BBC Sport understands Frank was handed his customary coffee on his arrival at the stadium by a staff member in the cup which was brought by Arsenal, who played at Bournemouth only four days earlier.

Neither Frank nor a staff member spotted the Arsenal crest on the cup until it was too late.

But the unfortunate turn of events at Bournemouth was too easy for fans and critics to latch on to after Spurs failed to build on another positive start - just like they did against Sunderland at the weekend where they were held to a 1-1 draw.

Mathys Tel scored inside five minutes to give Frank's side a dream start, but Bournemouth hit back to lead through Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Joao Palhinha made it 2-2 with 12 minutes left, however, it was the Cherries who collected the three points as the departing Antoine Semenyo struck a dramatic winner five minutes into added time.

Tottenham are 14th in the Premier League after 21 games - the exact same position at this stage last season, before Postecoglou seemed to prioritise the Europa League instead.

They were eight points above 17th - the position they ultimately finished - but are only six above Nottingham Forest in that place now.

Only four teams have had fewer shots this season than Spurs, although they have been clinical, with their 30 goals better than eight other teams.

They also rank 16th for touches in the opposition box, but top another unwanted stat - errors leading to shots (25).

And their latest defeat will further hurt Frank, whose future has come into question.

"That is very, very difficult, really painful," he told Sky Sports.

"I think the players put in everything. To concede a goal five minutes into added time is just so painful. It's very, very hard to take."

"Frank looks shattered," former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Bags under his eyes, he looks stressed - that is what management does to these guys.

"He can't go home and put his head on the pillow and get a good eight hours of sleep, he will be tossing and turning all night, thinking of the next training session, the next game."

Tottenham fans have made their frustrations clear on multiple occasions this season.

They chanted "boring, boring Tottenham" during the goalless draw against Frank's former side Brentford last week, while the players were also booed off after the Sunderland draw.

And after the final whistle at Bournemouth, Palhinha and defender Micky van de Ven exchanged words with the travelling Tottenham faithful, following further jeers and comments aimed at the team.

Full-back Pedro Porro also had to be talked into stopping an argument with the supporters by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

"I think the travelling fans were amazing and they supported us throughout the game," said Frank.

"The players are frustrated, I'm frustrated.

"We are all hurt, the fans are hurt. That's absolutely natural. That's why football is emotional. It's just very painful for everyone involved with Tottenham."

Midfielder Palhinha, who is on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich and scored a stunning overhead kick against the Cherries, added: "The fans are showing their frustration and we understand that.

"We are trying to get victories we should deserve in my opinion. It's tough to speak a lot about momentum because when you lose it just sounds like words.

"I just want to say keep supporting because the victories will come. It's frustration as I said. I felt we were the best team on the pitch."

Richarlison hit the woodwork and Van de Ven was denied by a brilliant Djordje Petrovic stop, but the fact is Spurs are generally having fewer shots than ever under Frank.

Their 16 chances against the Cherries took their season average for shots per Premier League game up to 10.2 - but that is still their lowest average than in any season on record from 1997-98.

Despite finishing just outside the relegation zone in the previous campaign, their average was 13.

"We were the only team on the pitch that wanted to win the game," said Palhinha.

"Football is like that. Tomorrow is another day. We need to keep pushing. We have been working hard to get wins.

"Today and tomorrow probably the hangover is going to be really tough, but in football we cannot think too much about what happened."

"To lose in the last minute like they did, they will feel hard done by," former England midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport.

"There are games Tottenham have lost this season where they've played poorly and deserved to lose. Today was much better, but I don't know what solace that is for the Tottenham supporters at the moment."

It will not get easier for Frank or Spurs, with an FA Cup third-round tie against in-form Aston Villa on Saturday before a home derby against relegation-threatened West Ham in the league on 17 January.

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Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham: Spurs drop more points as pressure on Thomas Frank grows

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Tottenham supporters chanted "boring, boring Tottenham" during their side's goalless draw against Brentford last week.

At the weekend, they applauded the Spurs players at half-time against Sunderland before booing them off after dropping more points.

It perfectly summed up Thomas Frank's tenure at Spurs, that has been characterised by a lack of consistency, with Spurs showing flashes of brilliance but only to be overshadowed by their overall struggles - particularly in the final third.

It was more of the same from Tottenham at Bournemouth on Wednesday as they fell to a 3-2 defeat - despite taking the lead through Mathys Tel early and levelling the score at 2-2 through Joao Palhinha with only 12 minutes left.

After the final whistle, Palhinha and defender Micky van de Ven were seen talking to the frustrated travelling fans while Pedro Porro was guided away by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after having an argument with a section of the crowd.

Frank would have hoped to escape the south coast with a point when Palhinha scored, having also seen Richarlison hit the woodwork and Van de Ven have a header saved by Djordje Petrovic.

But in the end, they were once again made to pay for their lack of cutting edge - registering just four shots on target in 16 attempts.

Spurs look like a squad in desperate need of investment but with the manager usually the first to be sacrificed, Frank will surely feel the heat.

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Premier League highlights: Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur

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'It's a key moment that celebrates a young, black English manager' Video, 00:03:33'It's a key moment that celebrates a young, black English manager'

'One of the greatest disgraces in modern European football' - Smith and Sutton on Rosenior appointment. Video, 00:05:08'One of the greatest disgraces in modern European football' - Smith and Sutton on Rosenior appointment

'Who remembers Sir Alex Ferguson?' - Why Man Utd hire former players as interim managers. Video, 00:02:55'Who remembers Sir Alex Ferguson?' - Why Man Utd hire former players as interim managers

Man Utd fan says Southgate the 'manager I don't want' Video, 00:00:26Man Utd fan says Southgate the 'manager I don't want'

Rosenior as good a coach as I've ever worked with - Rooney. Video, 00:02:11Rosenior as good a coach as I've ever worked with - Rooney

I will do my job for 18 months and then we move on - Amorim. Video, 00:01:35I will do my job for 18 months and then we move on - Amorim

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Premier League Post match interview: Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham Thomas Frank

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Premier League Post match interview: Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham Thomas Frank - BBC
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'It's a key moment that celebrates a young, black English manager' Video, 00:03:33'It's a key moment that celebrates a young, black English manager'

'One of the greatest disgraces in modern European football' - Smith and Sutton on Rosenior appointment. Video, 00:05:08'One of the greatest disgraces in modern European football' - Smith and Sutton on Rosenior appointment

'Who remembers Sir Alex Ferguson?' - Why Man Utd hire former players as interim managers. Video, 00:02:55'Who remembers Sir Alex Ferguson?' - Why Man Utd hire former players as interim managers

Man Utd fan says Southgate the 'manager I don't want' Video, 00:00:26Man Utd fan says Southgate the 'manager I don't want'

Rosenior as good a coach as I've ever worked with - Rooney. Video, 00:02:11Rosenior as good a coach as I've ever worked with - Rooney

I will do my job for 18 months and then we move on - Amorim. Video, 00:01:35I will do my job for 18 months and then we move on - Amorim

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Premier League LIVE: Build-up, team news and score updates from across the Premier League

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West Ham in huge trouble

West Ham's defeat at home to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday means they are seven points from safety. Burnley will climb above the Hammers if they return to winning ways against Manchester United.

And Leeds will move 11 points clear of the relegation zone if they win at Newcastle.

Parker needs a win

Burnley v Man Utd (20:15 GMT)

Burnley

Has there been a more dramatic start to a calendar year?

After Enzo Maresca left Chelsea on New Year's Day, Manchester United and Ruben Amorim went their separate ways on Monday.

Will there be more departures over the next few days?

Scott Parker is one boss of several bosses crying out for a win. His Burnley side have not won since October, have lost nine of their last 11, and are hurtling towards relegation. Tonight they host managerless Manchester United.

Will Man City & Villa cut Arsenal's lead?

Arsenal do not play Liverpool until Thursday so a chance for both Manchester City and Aston Villa to move three points behind the leaders.

Chelsea, with new boss Liam Rosenior watching from the stand, will move into the top four with a win at local rivals Fulham.

The winners of Brentford and Sunderland, who meet at the Gtech, could end the night in the top five depending on results elsewhere.

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Who will be Manchester United's next permanent boss? Have Chelsea made the right choice in appointing Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca's replacement? Are Bournemouth, who are desperate for points, right to start Manchester City-bound Antoine Semenyo tonight? And is Scott Parker skating on thin ice at Burnley?

Please do let us know your views on all the above and much more.

'I hope it's a move that doesn't swallow him up'

Fulham v Chelsea (19:30 GMT)

On BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club former top flight striker Chris Sutton said the biggest challenge Liam Rosenior will encounter at Chelsea is switching to taking charge of players who have "won World Cups, are worth millions and players who have big egos and back themselves".

"I just hope it's a move which doesn't swallow him up or have a negative effect on his coaching career. I'm not saying it will because he's a super smart guy," he added.

Tonight will tell us a lot about Newcastle

Newcastle United v Leeds United (20:15 GMT)

Ciaran Kelly

BBC Sport reporter at St James' Park

Back-to-back victories has changed the mood at Newcastle United.

But we will know a lot more about this side following the visit of in-form Leeds United to St James’ Park.

Can Newcastle do what Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all failed to do in recent weeks and defeat Leeds?

They will have to be at their best to do so against a side who travel to St James' with real belief following a seven-game unbeaten run.

Leeds have come away from Anfield, the Stadium of Light and the Gtech Community Stadium with a well-earned point on each occasion in recent weeks.

No wonder, then, manager Daniel Farke vowed “we won’t make it easy” for Newcastle.

That is not in doubt.

Team news - Ballard starts for Sunderland

Brentford v Sunderland (19:30 GMT)

Keith Andrews makes two changes to the Brentford side that started their 4-2 victory at Everton on Sunday.

Left-back Rico Henry and winger Keane Lewis-Potter come in with Aaron Hickey and Mikkel Damsgaard dropping to the bench.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry, Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Jensen, Lewis-Potter, Schade, Igor Thiago.

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, Van den Berg, Pinnock, Henderson, Nelson, Damsgaard, Peart-Harris, Donovan.

There are also two changes to the Sunderland team from their draw at Tottenham as Dan Ballard returns to the starting XI after injury.

Regis Le Bris also brings Chris Rigg into the line-up with Dennis Cirkin and Eliezer Mayenda among the substitutes.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Geertruida, Hume, Xhaka, Le Fee, Adingra, Rigg, Brobbey.

Subs: Patterson, Cirkin, Neil, Mayenda, O’Nien, Mundle, Hjelde, Jones, Tutierov.

Team news - Two changes for Palace, Sancho in for Villa

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa (19:30 GMT)

Oliver Glasner is forced into making two changes to the Crystal Palace side that lost to Newcastle on Sunday.

Jefferson Lerma (concussion) and Nathaniel Clyne (adductor) join the club's growing injury list, and are placed by Jaydee Canvot and Justin Devenny.

Chris Richards returns but is only fit enough for the bench.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi, Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Johnson, Pino, Mateta.

Subs: Benitez, Uche, Sosa, Richards, Rodney, King, Benamar, Casey, Drakes-Thomas.

Unai Emery also makes two changes following Aston Villa's defeat of Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Lucas Digne replaces Ian Maatsen at left-back, while Jadon Sancho starts on the wing in place of Emiliano Buendia.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Sancho, Watkins.

Subs: Bizot, Buendia, Torres, Garcia, Malen, Jimoh-Aloba, Maatsen, Bogarde, Hemmings.

Team news - Everton make one change, Wolves unchanged

Everton v Wolves (19:30 GMT)

Everton boss David Moyes has made one change to the side that were beaten 4-2 by Brentford on Sunday.

Tyler Dibling drops to the bench in place of Harrison Armstrong.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Garner, McNeil, Grealish, Barry.

Subs: Travers, King, Patterson, Beto, Dibling, Rohl, Aznou, Welch, Campbell.

Rob Edwards has named an unchanged Wolves side after they picked up their first win of the season against West Ham on Saturday.

Wolves XI: Sa, S. Bueno, H. Bueno, Gomes, Arias, Hwang, Arokodare, Mosquera, Mane, Krejci, Tchatchoua.

Subs: Johnstone, Doherty, Andre, Moller Wolfe, Strand Larsen, Lima, Chirewa, Lopez, Ojinnaka.

Team news - Semenyo starts for Bournemouth; Simons returns for Spurs

Bournemouth v Tottenham (19:30 GMT)

Antoine Semenyo starts for Bournemouth in what could be his final game for the Cherries, with the winger expected to complete his Manchester City transfer this week.

Andoni Iraola makes two changes to the side that were beaten 3-2 by Arsenal with Eli Junior Kroupi and Lewis Cook coming in as injured Justin Kluivert and David Brooks drop out.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Truffert, Cook, Senesi, Scott, Evanilson, Tavernier, Jimenez, Kroupi, Hill, Semenyo.

Subs: Forster, Soler, Brooks, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal, Milosavljevic, Rees-Dottin.

Mohammed Kudus is out injured for Tottenham but Xavi Simons returns to the starting line-up after a three-match suspension.

It's one of the five changes that Spurs boss Thomas Frank makes as Randal Kolo Muani, Djed Spence, Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha are also back in the starting 11.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Palhinha, Simons, Tel, Bergvall, Romero, Porro, Spence, Bentancur, Van de Ven, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Richarlison, Gray, Odobert, Davies, Scarlett, Williams-Barnett.

Team news - Smith Rowe starts for Fulham and Chelsea ring changes

Fulham v Chelsea (19:30 GMT)

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Fulham make one change from their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday by bringing in Sander Berge for Sasa Lukic.

Ryan Sessegnon is fit again after a minor hamstring injury and returns to the bench.

Manager Marco Silva continues in his new back five system which has improved the club's fortunes.

Fulham XI: Leno, Diop, Anderson, Cuenca, Castagne, Berge, Cariney, Robinson; Wilson, Smith Rowe; Raul

Subs: Lemcomte, Sessegnon, Amissah, Reed, Lukic, Ridgeon, Adama, Kevin, Kusi-Asare

Chelsea make six changes and welcome back Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo from injury and suspension.

The other three changes see Tosin Adarabioyo rotated in against his former club, along with Liam Delap and Andrey Santos coming in.

Previously ill defender Wesley Fofana is back but only makes the bench.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Delap

Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, James, Fofana, Hato, Estevao, Garnacho, Gittens, Joao Pedro

The cricketer's son recalled by Guardiola - who is Max Alleyne?

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Ask Me Anything

Manchester City starting line-up includes debutant Max Alleyne, but who is the defender?

The highly-rated England Under-21 international joined City from Southampton's academy in 2021 for a reported £1.5m fee and is described as a "cultured and ball-playing" centre-back.

The 20-year-old has sporting pedigree running in his family, with his father being former England cricket all-rounder and current Gloucestershire coach Mark Alleyne.

Boss Pep Guardiola recalled the young centre-back from a loan spell at Watford following injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol - with the latter set for surgery after breaking his shinbone.

Read more in our full explainer here

Team news - Alleyne makes debut for Man City, Gross starts for Brighton

Man City v Brighton (19:30 GMT)

Shamoon Hafez

Football news reporter at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has shaken up the team tonight, partly because of injuries to give others a rest, following Sunday's late draw against Chelsea.

It means there is a senior City debut for 20-year-old academy product Max Alleyne, who was recalled from a season-long loan at Watford to aid the club's injury crisis in defence.

He partners Abdukhodir Khusanov, with Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku also coming in.

Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nico O'Reilly, Rodri and Rayan Cherki drop out.

Man City XI: Donnarumma, Nunes, Alleyne, Khusanov, Ake, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Silva, Foden, Doku, Haaland.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurtzeler makes three changes from the side that beat Burnley last time out.

Pascal Gross makes his first start since returning from Borussia Dortmund in this transfer window, with Maxim de Cuyper and Jack Hinshelwood also coming in.

Joel Veltman, Brajan Gruda and Charalampos Kostoulas drop out.

Former City midfielder James Milner, aiming to be only the fifth player aged 40 or over to feature in the Premier League, is on the bench.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Gomez, Van Hecke, Dunk, Kadioglu, De Cuyper, Hinshelwood, Ayari, Mitoma, Gross, Rutter.

'For all intents and purposes, he's a Man City player'

Bournemouth v Tottenham (19:30 GMT)

Sami Mokbel

BBC Sport Senior football correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

On Antoine Semenyo's future:

He is due to play against Tottenham, that will be his final appearance for Bournemouth. He is then due to travel up to Manchester, all of the arrangements are being made now.

He will have his medical and the likelihood is that there will be an announcement either on Thursday evening, or Friday. Unless there is a wild or unexpected twist, he is for all intents and purposes, a Manchester City player.

Will Chelsea players impress new boss?

Fulham v Chelsea (19:30 GMT)

New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior will be in the stands at Craven Cottage to watch this game.

He takes charge of training on Thursday and will be in the dugout for Saturday's FA Cup third-round meeting with Charlton Athletic.

Calum McFarlane, the under-21 team's boss, will take interim charge of Chelsea tonight for the second and final time.

Ex-Tottenham and England forward Chivers dies aged 80

Bournemouth v Tottenham (19:30 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Before we get going, there is some really sad news to bring you from Tottenham.

Former Spurs and England forward Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80.

During his eight years in north London, the striker scored 174 goals in 367 outings to help the club win the League Cup twice, as well as the Uefa Cup.

He also scored 14 goals in his 24 appearances for England.

Tottenham said, external: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin's family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.

"Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats."

Read more here.

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Martin Chivers: Former Spurs and England forward dies aged 80

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Former Tottenham and England forward Martin Chivers has died at the age of 80.

During his eight years in north London, the striker scored 174 goals in 367 outings to help the club win the League Cup twice, as well as the Uefa Cup.

He also scored 13 goals in his 24 appearances for England.

Tottenham said, external: "It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker, Martin Chivers.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin's family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.

"Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats."

England said, external: "Our condolences go out to his friends and family at this sad time."

Born in Southampton in April 1945, Chivers made his debut for his hometown club aged 17.

After scoring 106 goals in 190 appearances for the Saints, the forward was signed by Spurs manager Bill Nicholson in January 1968 for a fee of £125,000.

Later in his career, Chivers played in Switzerland and Norway either side of spells at Norwich City, Brighton and Dorchester Town, before retiring in 1983 after a brief spell at Barnet.

Tottenham will wear black armbands for Wednesday's match at Bournemouth.

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Tottenham news: Change for Tottenham on 'a defining window' at Spurs

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A Tottenham supporter group says the club "has to be bold" this transfer window as they also ask for more "clarity" on long-term footballing strategy.

Change for Tottenham (CFT), who staged a number of protests last season against then chairman Daniel Levy and the club's board, have issued a statement with January transfer window now open.

Having questioned the club's strategy for buying and selling players previously, the supporters' group called for "proper investment" in strengthening Thomas Frank's squad this month.

"This is a defining window for the club," they said. "After finishing just above the bottom three in the league last year, it was clear that the squad needed serious investment.

"The Lewis Family Trust, Vinai Venkatesham, Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici have told supporters that they were ready to be ambitious and prioritise trophies after Daniel Levy stood down. During the past, we have too often failed to capitalise on the summer or January transfer window, so a change in strategy was welcomed by the fanbase."

In the summer, Spurs brought in eight players for a total spend of more than £170m as well as bringing in new head coach Frank.

However, one of those new signings - Mohammed Kudus - is now injured, while Spurs have been hampered by long-term absences of other key attacking players such as James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke.

"The club has to be bold this window and we are yet to see that," the group added.

"Fans also desperately need to hear more about the long-term footballing strategy.

"We will be planning action if the club fails to deliver again."

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Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Key stats and talking points

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Embattled Tottenham boss Thomas Frank takes his side to the south coast with boos from his own supporters still ringing in his ears after the draw with Sunderland.

His side actually started Sunday's game with the kind of attacking verve and endeavour that their fans had been crying out for. But they failed to capitalise on an opening 45 minutes in which they had eight shots, four of which were on target.

Instead, they reverted back to the attack-shy side that has frustrated their fanbase under his management and led to chants of "Boring Boring Tottenham" in their 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Their season's average of just 9.9 shots per league game is the only campaign on record from 1997-98 onwards that they have averaged below 11 per match.

Spurs will again fall back on their strong away form, which can only be surpassed by leaders Arsenal this season. They have kept clean sheets in five of their 10 matches on the road, already exceeding last season's tally of four, and in both of their past two games at Crystal Palace and Brentford.

However, they will try to rectify their terrible record of failing to win any of their past 10 league fixtures played on either a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday (drawn three, lost seven), dating back to January 2024.

One such defeat came at Vitality Stadium last season.

Bournemouth desperate to end their winless run

While not under anything like the same sort of pressure as Frank is, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola will be feeling the heat after their winless run stretched to 11 matches (drawn five, lost six). It is their longest streak without a victory within a single top-flight campaign.

They put in very spirited performances in both the draw with Chelsea and defeat to byArsenal, but were again porous at the back.

They have let in 14 goals in their past five league matches with the form of new recruits, signed after they lost three of their back four and their goalkeeper over the summer, deserting them somewhat.

But anyone watching the Cherries this season cannot claim they are not getting value for money. Their league games have contained a total of 69 goals (31 for and 38 against), which is five more than other top-flight side.

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Ben Davies' lack of Spurs games 'no issue' - Wales boss Craig Bellamy

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Ben Davies' limited game-time at Tottenham Hotspur is no issue for Wales, for whom he remains the "best player", according to head coach Craig Bellamy.

The 32-year-old defender has made only three appearances for Spurs this season, marking his first start of the campaign with a goal in last Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Sunderland.

Davies said after the game that his future is out of his hands, having been linked with a move away from the London club he joined in 2014.

Peripheral as he might be at Spurs this season, the left-back or centre-back is an important player for Wales with 100 caps to his name.

This is a significant year for Wales, who face Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup play-off semi-final on 26 March, with a potential final against Italy or Northern Ireland to follow five days later.

That tight turnaround could be an issue for players such as Davies, whose lack of regular first-team action at club level might increase the risk of injury.

"I've been here a year and a half now and Ben has never been a regular [at Spurs]," said Bellamy.

Wales will hope Davies is fit enough to play in both play-offs in March as they aim to qualify for a second successive World Cup.

The former Swansea City player was magnificent in Wales' play-off final win over Ukraine to clinch their place in the previous edition of the competition in 2022.

He remains an influential figure, captaining his country in the continued, injury-enforced absence of regular skipper Aaron Ramsey.

But Davies missed the final two group games of Wales' qualifying campaign after injuring his hamstring during the home defeat against Belgium in October.

Bellamy is not concerned, however, even if Davies is not playing regularly again before March.

"We'll deal with it. There's no issue," Bellamy added.

"What you've got to see now is these boys live it. These boys train and know how to manage themselves.

"OK, nothing will get anywhere close to a game [in terms of match fitness], but these boys are smart enough to know when they play in-house games, and clubs are clever enough to know, because the difference if you train small, small, small, and you go to a bigger area, the risk of injury becomes higher. So they manage their training load and then we go bigger."

Davies has not suffered with injuries in the same way as former Arsenal midfielder Ramsey, who has been blighted by fitness issues throughout his career.

But unless Davies leaves Spurs in January or Ramsey, currently unattached, finds a new club, their ability to play two matches in quick succession in March could be a concern.

"If it's Ben or Aaron, we have to manage it. That's the simple fact why we need 30-odd players," said Bellamy.

"I think I've used 32 players this campaign, and we have to because we have to continuously keep our intensity.

"Where we are ranked now in Europe, we're really high in the intensity and creating opportunities, so all our metrics have shifted.

"Now we're in the top 10 [for intensity] and, with our identity, we have to remain there because I believe that's where we get the big results over the next couple of years.

"Unfortunately, we have a lot of players who are not able to play two games in a row. How we manage the next situation is going to be difficult, but we're going to have to work out a way to manage it. That's why the best teams can qualify."

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