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Tottenham Hotspur: Why is former captain Son Heung-min returning?

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Tottenham Hotspur: Why is former captain Son Heung-min returning? - BBC
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Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min will return to the club for the first time since leaving to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in the summer.

Son, after 10 years of service, will bid farewell to fans during Spurs' Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 9 December.

The 33-year-old led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years when they lifted the Europa League last season.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens," Son said on his return.

He announced his departure during their pre-season tour in South Korea, his final match in a Spurs shirt was at a sold-out match in Seoul.

"I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son said.

"Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family."

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Premier League news conferences: Frank speaking shortly; Gibbs-White latest

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Spurs hope to improve home fortunes

Tottenham v Brentford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

So, despite finishing on the positive note that was their late equaliser, there remains plenty for Thomas Frank to ponder as he searches for a winning formula in his first season in charge at Spurs.

Among the issues he faces is Tottenham's poor home record. They have won just three of their 16 home league games in 2025 - their lowest win rate across a calendar year in their league history (19%) - while their 10 home defeats this year is also a joint-high for the club.

Speaking after Tuesday's late equaliser, Frank said: "It says a lot about the mentality of the team, it's been a tough week, coming here after four games in ten days against a good Newcastle team.

"I'm happy with our fans, there were 3,000 of them and we could hear them all game."

He'll certainly be hoping his side can give the home crowd something to cheer on Saturday...

Frank seeks end to winless run

Tottenham v Brentford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank will face his former club on Saturday afternoon when Brentford travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Bees will have the opportunity to put more pressure on their former manager, whose Spurs side are winless in their past five league games since winning at Everton on 26 October.

Tottenham sit 11th in the table having won just one of their past seven in the Premier League - and three of their previous 14 in all competitions.

Frank's side managed to salvage a draw at Newcastle on Tuesday and the Dane will hope his side can build momentum following Cristian Romero's 95th-minute leveller.

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We are expecting to hear from Tottenham boss Thomas Frank very soon, all being well.

But is all well at Spurs?

Tottenham fans, it's time for you to get involved and tell us your current feelings - and just how important you think Saturdays home match against Brentford is after five games without a win in all competitions.

What do you need to see from your side this weekend?

'I feel a calmness around the club'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

Discussing how he is looking after the mental wellbeing of his players amid their losing run, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: "I am quite calm and rational. The biggest job for me is keeping the players in that calm state of mind throughout.

"I genuinely feel a real calmness around the club.

"Keeping the players focused mentally was always going to be a main focus for me this year. My job is to keep things very stable and give the players belief."

'One result from turning this around'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

On that five-match losing streak, Scott Parker said: "I really do feel like we are a result away from turning this around.

"We have been really close and had nearly moments. These nearly moments are something we are going to have to fix.

"Games are not going to run away from us and we have been really competitive and stayed in the games.

"We just need a result and to continue the good things that get us those results."

'Players tired and disappointed'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

Scott Parker will take his Burnley side to Newcastle on Saturday, where they will look to end a five-match losing run in the Premier League.

Wednesday's 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace left the Clarets second-bottom with 10 points from their 14 games.

On how his players are coping with the schedule, Parker said: "[The players are] physically okay, they are tired with the game demand at the moment and they are hugely disappointed with the result last night.

"We will just reboot, always after a game where the emotions are high we have to sit and analyse things but we are back on it today and back into work and that’s what we do."

'My time at Everton was hard'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

And lastly from Sean Dyche, the Nottingham Forest boss discussed his time as Everton manager before facing his former club next.

Dyche led Everton to safety after taking charge in January 2023, and achieved a 15th-placed finish in 2024 despite the club being deducted eight points for two separate breaches of Premier League financial rules, before being dismissed at the start of this year.

"It was hard. I said openly it was a very hard situation to manage and I was very proud of what we all did, not just me as manager but there was so many people involved in making sure that club came through a really messy period on and off the pitch," said Dyche.

"The time had probably come [when he got sacked], that's the way it goes. Players were dwindling a little bit, the heat was coming on and I thought a change of face would work and it has done.

"Moysey [David Moyes], with his history with the club and his know-how of the Premier League, is doing a good job as I thought he would do."

'We have to find different ways of winning'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

Sean Dyche also spoke about the importance of his side getting back to winning ways against Wolves on Wednesday following their home defeat by Brighton last weekend, in the context of the battle at the foot of the table.

"We want to take care of ourselves, we are not really interested in others" Dyche said.

"The focus is certainly on ourselves. I thought we performed well at the weekend, I didn't think we performed as well last night but found a way to win and that's important. With the amount of games we have got we have got to find different ways of winning.

"I was super pleased with that last night because first half I thought we were good value and could have been in front I thought, despite VAR I thought we had really good chances to go in front and we didn't capitalise on that. They came stronger in the second half but I think we defended very well."

'Gibbs-White is alright, Murillo being monitored'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

Beginning with the team news, Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has offered injury updates on several players: "Woody [striker Chris Wood] is making a bit of progress but he is still early days yet.

"Taiwo Awoniyi is on the grass and doing well, Douglas Luiz is close to getting back to training with us, Angus Gunn a bit delayed on that but getting better.

"Dilane Bakwa has 60 minutes so that's good and he came through that unscathed but that is gently, gently as he gets fitter, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the grass and doing fine so that's good he is on his way back.

"Ola Aina still a bit of time yet and Murillo unfortunately he was touch and go with the hamstring and then he has been ill since so we are just monitoring him daily. A lot of bugs about at the minute so we are just hoping he recovers quickly."

And on Morgan Gibbs-White: "Yeah I think he is alright. There are a few knocks at the minute, we are playing a lot of games at the minute and a few of the guys are playing a lot of football. I don't think it is anything serious, it hasn't been reported as serious. Recovery day today."

'It's game-by-game at the moment'

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was asked when he will be thinking about Champions League qualification and he said "May".

He added: "It's game-by-game at the moment and preparing the team and looking at who is available. So many games to play, no time to think about end of May. We have great games ahead, not just in the Premier League but in the Conference League we have two important games. Looking forward to the quarter-final at the Emirates in the FA Cup. So many great games to play and it is important to stay focused now on the next game and don't waste your time and mind on end of May."

Sarr not available

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner spoke a little earlier today before his team take on Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League. He was first asked about his team news and Glasner confirmed Ismaila Sarr will not be involved because of his ankle injury.

However, the defender Borna Sosa has a "good chance" of returning to the matchday squad. Glasner said: "In my experience, you can never plan too far ahead. Fortunately it looks like we have no injury concerns from the Burnley game.

"Of course, the issues you always have after a Premier League game, there are a few knocks and a few players with some pain. But now it's a little bit easier, we have three days in between, so one more day to rest and also to prepare, so everybody should be fine.

"I think I think Borna Sosa looks like he could return for the matchday squad. That gives us one more option."

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Tottenham news: Son Heung-min to return on 9 December

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Son Heung-min is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since leaving the club to join Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC after 10 years of service.

The former captain, who led Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years when they won the Europa League last season, will bid farewell to supporters during the club's Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 9 December.

"I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son told the club. "Now I'm so happy to be able to tell the Spurs fans, in person, just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens."

Son announced his departure during the club's pre-season tour of South Korea - describing his decision as "the most difficult one I have made in my career" - and played his final match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

"Sonny will take to the pitch before the team walkouts ahead of the 20:00 GMT kick-off," the club announced, external. "He will then have the opportunity to personally address the supporters."

The club has also commissioned a "street mural" on Tottenham High Road to "celebrate the legacy" of the forward, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances. This is set to be completed by the same day as the Slavia Prague game.

The design has been chosen by Son himself and is being created by Murwalls, who also produced murals for Ledley King and Harry Kane.

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Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham: Analysis of late suckerpunch against Spurs

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Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham: Analysis of late suckerpunch against Spurs - BBC
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Newcastle United will rue the manner of that second Tottenham Hotspur equaliser.

On a night when Spurs had not exactly peppered the Newcastle goal, the hosts kindly gifted their visitors their second shot on target in the dying minutes.

Aaron Ramsdale, who is filling in for injured goalkeeper Nick Pope, elected to punch substitute Mathys Tel's corner, but it did not clear the box and the ball looped up invitingly inside the area.

What happened next felt like it was occurring in slow motion.

Cristian Romero, who had earlier sounded a warning in front of goal, was given the time and space to line up his overhead kick as no Newcastle player attacked the ball.

There was still an opportunity for someone to keep it out, but the ball bobbled past a sea of black and white shirts and crept past Ramsdale, who was slow to react.

St James' was stunned.

It brought back memories of Rio Ngumoha's 100th-minute winner for Liverpool back in August and Arsenal defender Gabriel's 96th-minute knockout blow in September.

"You can look back to each moment and identify the mistake or a part of the team not doing its job," Howe said. "The job for us is to coach the team to be better in those situations and that's what we will endeavor to do.

"But sometimes it becomes psychological, sometimes it becomes a fear of conceding and you do concede. There's so much that goes into it, but we have got to find ways when we are in front to be better and usually our best form of defence is to attack and I encourage us to do that all the time.

"Sometimes you have to accept that you're not in that position in the game to do it, and you just have to see it out and defend better."

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Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham: Fan views

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Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham: Fan views - BBC
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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Tottenham

Here are some of your comments:

Newcastle fans

Sandra: Nick Woltemade was not quite on song, Dan Burn was great at the back and Lewis Hall was good too as he didn't let Mohammed Kudus run the show. Some of the players looked tired after 60 minutes. Should have been 3-0 up at half-time but we have not got enough firepower and needed more courage in our convictions. Spurs lucky to be level.

Matt: All of the control for seemingly a negative result. This match had one of those vibes throughout. Bruno Guimaraes made the gear change that we needed to draw first blood but alas, we turned off not once but twice. I winced at the nine minutes added on. It was all so predictable that Spurs would equalise! But the team seem fit and powerful all over the pitch - we just need to work on that focus. This is the third match at home we have dropped points so late on now.

Rod: If you don't convert chances, you don't win. Need more calmness in the box. Lewis Miley was outstanding, as were Hall and Tino Livramento. Hopefully, Yoane Wissa will provide the poachers' instincts when fully fit. Big Nick needs some help and Anthony Elanga needs to prove he was worth the money paid.

Tony: Two steps forward, one step backwards! After good performances v Man City and Everton we have reverted to our earlier performances this season with poor decision-making with final balls, not being clinical enough and conceding poor and late goals. That bubble of optimism has been deflated again.

Spurs fans

Andy: A draw away from home against Newcastle on the face of it sounds good. But two shots on goal all game - both of them from a defender! We were hardly in their half for most of the 99 minutes, and when we were, we couldn't string more than two forward passes together before the move would break down. So we stuck to what we do now which is to pass it sideways and backwards. Most Spurs players are too scared or witless to do anything with the ball. This is the worst Spurs side going forward I've ever seen.

Andrew: Still no clarity or certainty from Thomas Frank's squad. But the team showed determination and perseverance to earn a valuable point. Hopefully we get our full squad back soon, which may unlock the qualities to provide our identity for 2026. Frank needs more time and backing, if he is to stay.

Brian: Woeful first half, but good spirit eventually in the second, and overcoming the adversity of it all should help the team get out of this rut. Frank deserves credit for his positive changes in the later stages. About the penalty, it doesn't matter if it was technically a foul, or if it was soft, harsh, or what have you. That was re-refereeing, pure and simple, and there's nothing uglier in the beautiful game.

Roger: Although we scraped a point it was another generally inept performance from players and manager. Poor passing and movement off the ball and we looked like a bunch of school kids all individually trying to do something spectacular while the rest of the team stand and watch. We concede so many goals from Pedro Porro's inability to defend at right back yet nothing changes. At this rate, 17th is on the cards again. We desperately need a good transfer window in January!

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Newcastle vs Tottenham analysis: Jonathan Woodgate analysis

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Former Newcastle and Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live about Tuesday's 2-2 draw between the two sides at St James' Park:

"Spurs were going really direct into the front players and [Randal] Kolo Muani couldn't really hold the ball up because of big Dan Burn.

"Then when they were playing, Newcastle were just jumping into them and taking the ball of them.

"Thomas Frank looked really frustrated on the sideline because what he was trying to get across to his players - it didn't look like they could do it.

"Spurs have good footballers but they just didn't produce it tonight. It took two moments out of nowhere from Cristian Romero to get a point.

"I thought Newcastle were decent and very good when Bruno Guimaraes came on. I thought he really dictated play and started really getting hold of the game because the first half was a bit scrappy.

"He's a fantastic player who changed things for Newcastle.

"I think next up against Burnley will be difficult because they are expected to win and those are the games they sometimes struggle in.

"I thought Spurs were hard done by with the penalty though. I don't think it was a penalty at all. I just thought it was a bit of Dan Burn climbing all over Rodrigo Bentancur. It was like a heavyweight UFC wrestler against a welterweight.

"I'm not sure what Bentancur can do to get out of the way of Burn."

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Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumours: Antoine Semenyo, Guglielmo Vicario

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Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumours: Antoine Semenyo, Guglielmo Vicario - BBC
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Tottenham are intensifying their interest in Antoine Semenyo and could make a move for the Ghanaian in January. (Sky Sports), external

Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is considering a move away from Tottenham with Inter Milan showing interest in the 29-year-old. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Newcastle v Spurs: The cost of dropped points

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Eleven and hell - the cost of Newcastle's dropped points - BBC
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It looked as if history was about to repeat itself.

Spurs have suffered some painful defeats at St James' Park in recent years and it felt as though this was the latest after Anthony Gordon put Newcastle United back in front late on.

"It's happening again," Newcastle supporters chanted after their side took a 2-1 lead in the Premier League on Tuesday. "Tottenham Hotspur – it's happening again!"

But there would be a very different sense of deja vu inside the stadium at full-time after Spurs captain Cristian Romero scored a dramatic 95th-minute overhead kick.

Just as against Liverpool in August and Arsenal in September, Newcastle conceded a stoppage-time sucker punch against a member of the established order at home.

No other side have thrown away more points - 11 - from winning positions in the Premier League this season than Eddie Howe's team.

Football is never so simple, of course, but Newcastle would be a lot higher than 13th place in the table had they managed to get over the line after taking the lead against Spurs - let alone against Brentford, West Ham and Arsenal.

Remarkably, Newcastle would be top if they had they seen out those four games - instead they sit 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, who they gave up three points to.

"It's a real strange one," Howe said. "Sometimes these things go in cycles and happen, and you can quite work them out, like our away form. This is another one.

"Historically we have been very good at seeing games out and navigating tough situations, managing the game. We have got to try and re-find that quickly because it's costing us important points."

Yet Newcastle appeared to have shaken off those issues on home soil, at least.

After somehow losing to Arsenal in September, despite still being ahead in the 83rd minute, Howe's side won six straight home games in all competitions.

No wonder, then, in his programme notes before the Spurs game, defender Dan Burn declared: "Under the lights at St James', I always fancy our chances."

Not least against a vulnerable Spurs side who had won just one of their previous seven games.

But while Newcastle found a cure for their travel sickness with a 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday - their first away league victory since April - their winning run at home was halted.

Substitutes Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon had made crucial contributions - the Newcastle captain opened the scoring before his team-mate put the hosts back in front from the spot in the 86th minute after Romero's diving header had made it 1-1.

But rather than seeing the game out, and keeping hold of the ball, Newcastle gave Spurs encouragement to believe that a late equaliser was possible after nine minutes of stoppage time were added on.

"I really liked the character and the mentality in the team with what they showed after three tough games," Frank said.

"It's the fourth game in 10 days, a third away game. A very difficult place to go down two times and come back. It shows everything about the willingness and mentality in the team."

Newcastle, though, will rue the manner of that second Tottenham equaliser.

On a night when Spurs had not exactly peppered the Newcastle goal, the hosts kindly gifted their visitors their second shot on target in the dying minutes.

Aaron Ramsdale, who is filling in for injured goalkeeper Nick Pope, elected to punch substitute Mathys Tel's corner but it did not clear the box and the ball looped up invitingly inside the area.

What happened next felt like it was occurring in slow motion.

Romero, who had earlier sounded a warning in front of goal, was given the time and space to line up his overhead kick as no Newcastle player attacked the ball.

There was still an opportunity for someone to keep it out, but the ball bobbled past a sea of black and white shirts and crept past Ramsdale, who was slow to react.

St James' was stunned.

It brought back memories of Rio Ngumoha's 100th-minute winner for Liverpool back in August and Arsenal defender Gabriel's 96th-minute knockout blow in September.

"You can look back to each moment and identify the mistake or a part of the team not doing its job," Howe said. "The job for us is to coach the team to be better in those situations and that's what we will endeavor to do.

"But sometimes it becomes psychological, sometimes it becomes a fear of conceding and you do concede. There's so much that goes into it, but we have got to find ways when we are in front to be better and usually our best form of defence is to attack and I encourage us to do that all the time.

"Sometimes you have to accept that you're not in that position in the game to do it, and you just have to see it out and defend better. Today was one of those moments where we didn't do it."

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Thomas Frank: Newcastle penalty 'absolute VAR mistake', says Spurs boss

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank says it was an "absolute mistake" for the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene and award Newcastle a penalty as his side earned a point in dramatic fashion at St James' Park.

Cristian Romero's injury-time overhead kick secured Spurs a 2-2 draw after the Magpies were awarded a controversial 86th-minute spot-kick with the score at 1-1.

Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor after VAR spotted Rodrigo Bentancur holding Newcastle defender Dan Burn in the penalty box as the hosts took a corner.

It looked like a tussle between the two players in the box as they both fell to the ground and, despite the official not giving the penalty initially, the Spurs midfielder was punished after the review.

Anthony Gordon converted from the spot before Romero's 95th-minute leveller rescued a point for Frank's men.

Premier League match manager said on X the penalty had been awarded because Bentancur "clearly does not look at the ball" while committing a "holding offence".

Spurs were unhappy with the decision, while pundits were also quick to criticise, suggesting it was the kind of incident that happens at corners in most matches.

"It was an absolute mistake from the VAR," said Spurs boss Frank.

"The referee did good to do the ref call and they encourage the refereeing call on the pitch. For me, that is never a penalty.

"Even speaking to some from Newcastle [they] don't think it's a penalty and we need consistency.

"I think the referee's call on the pitch, he nailed it, and VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: "I hadn't seen it, I'm only seeing it now. The big thing is the defender isn't looking at the ball at all, he's looking at Dan [Burn]. I think it's probably the right call."

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