FootballFanCast.com

Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur have made some questionable signings, many of which have proven to be a huge waste of money and cost the club millions.

After Gareth Bale’s departure to Real Madrid back in 2013, the club had a huge sum to invest back into the playing squad, but unfortunately, the players brought in weren’t up to the level required of the Premier League.

Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado both arrived at White Hart Lane back in the summer of 2013, but during their respective times in North London, they could only muster a combined 53 goals - a measly tally after such heavy investment.

However, after their new stadium, there has been an ambition shown by owner Daniel Levy to take the club to the very top of the division and potentially fight for a title.

He spent a huge amount of money last season, investing in various key players, including one star who’s enjoyed a continued run in the first team under Ange Postecoglou this season.

Brennan Johnson’s stats for Tottenham

After arriving from fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest last summer for a reported £47.5m, there were real expectations on the shoulders of Brennan Johnson to produce the goods in front of goal.

Whilst he enjoyed a successful first season in the capital, registering 15 goal contributions in all competitions, but after a poor start this season, his Spurs career would take a turn no one expected.

He was subsequently abused on social media, so much so that he deactivated his Instagram account, with a minority of the fanbase overstepping the line with their frustrations.

However, since the situation unfolded, he’s found the form of his life, scoring in six consecutive games for the first time in his professional career and starting to look like the player the club forked out the huge fee for.

The Wales international is the club’s top scorer in all competitions in the 2024/25 season, providing the attacking threat needed to push for a return to Champions League football next season.

Despite his excellent form in recent weeks, he still earns less than one player who failed to demonstrate his worth during his time at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Compared to Johnson, who was a truly awful signing for the Lilywhites...

The man who earned nearly three times more than Johnson

Tanguy Ndombele arrived in North London for a whopping £54m back in the summer of 2019 under former boss Mauricio Pochettino, with real hope of transforming Spurs’ midfield.

However, his move to the club was undoubtedly a failed one, with his flashes of brilliance and outrageous skills outnumbered by his attitude issues and lack of fitness under various different managers.

The Frenchman would go on to make 91 appearances over a three-year spell, before being released in the summer and subsequently returning to his homeland to join Nice on a free transfer.

Whilst his move was a disaster for both parties, the club will be glad to see the back of the midfielder, especially considering his hefty weekly earnings during his time in North London.

The 27-year-old earned a staggering £200k-per-week, as per Capology, during his three-year stint at the club, which saw him earn over £10m a season at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

When coupling his transfer fee with his total earnings during his time with Spurs, Ndombele cost the club a total of around £85m - which works out at a massive £936k per game he featured in.

His subsequent earnings are nearly three times more than current first-team star Johnson, who’s only pocketing £70k-per-week despite his recent purple patch under Postecoglou.

Given Ndombele’s lack of impact during his time in England, the hierarchy made the right call in parting ways with the talent, preventing them from losing even more money.

Whilst he arrived with huge potential, his playstyle ultimately wasn’t a fit for the demands of the Premier League, with the club needing to remember this deal when operating in the transfer market in the years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur technical director Johan Lange and the recruitment team are weighing up a potential move for "one of the most sought after talents in Europe right now", coming after a very prolific 2023/2024 campaign for him.

Spurs' rumoured transfer plans for 2025

The Lilywhites have started this season in mixed fashion, with manager Ange Postecoglou's tactics seriously questioned at points. Spurs most recently blew a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton, and Postecoglou branded it the "worst" defeat since he took over as boss (via BBC Sport).

The Premier League side have blown hot and cold. Before their humbling loss to Brighton at the Amex, Spurs were on a winning run of five games in a row across all competitions, thanks partly to the form of Wales winger Brennan Johnson.

If they're going to challenge for major silverware, as Postecoglou eluded in an interview with Sky Sports before the start of this season, then Tottenham need to find a stretch of consistency akin to their bitter rivals Arsenal - who are set to be firmly in the mix for a title this year.

Lange and chairman Daniel Levy brought in a host of new signings over the summer window, including £65 million striker Dominic Solanke, but more work could be needed on the squad before they emerge as genuine title challengers. However, Postecoglou is adamant that they can compete this year.

“It’s why I came here,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham challenging for trophies.

“I came here to try to win things. I think that should be our measure and if we fall short of that then we’ve fallen short and we need to be better. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with embracing that.

“It’s just the way I’m wired, I think it’s the way forward and you need to embrace that if you want to become a successful club and not shy away from it. If I said: ‘This is going to take three or four years,’ then yeah it would relieve pressure. But I don’t want to wait three or four years. This year’s an opportunity.”

Reports this week claim Tottenham are eyeing Javi Puado as an alternative to Son Heung-min, while it is also believed that Spurs are interested in signing FC Midtjylland forward Dario Osorio.

Both men would significantly bolster Postecoglou's forward options, with another very exciting young target in Viktoria Plzen midfielder Pavel Sulc attracting their attention too.

Tottenham considering move for Pavel Sulc

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are considering a move for Sulc, who has really impressed at Plzen in the last 12 months.

The 23-year-old, who is emerging as "one of the most sought after talents in Europe right now", has entered Lange's transfer radar as they weigh up a potential swoop. As well as Spurs, a host of other top sides in Man City, Aston Villa, Napoli, Atalanta, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are all keeping tabs on the Czech Republic international.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are now believed to be eyeing a January move to sign an alternative wide option for Son Heung-min, with manager Ange Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange chasing a stand-in for the South Korea star.

Son opens up on Spurs future with contract clause set to be triggered

The 32-year-old has been Postecoglou's most crucial attacking player - scoring two goals and assisting two others across all competitions so far this campaign - and he finished 2023/2024 with 27 goal contributions (17 goals, 10 assists) in the Premier League.

There is a serious case to be made that the £190,000-per-week winger is one of England's biggest bargains of the last decade, having signed from Bayer Leverkusen nearly 10 years ago for just £22 million.

He's been nothing short of a revelation since making the move from Germany in 2015, but the Lilywhites could soon be waving goodbye to him. Tottenham have the option to extend Son's contract by an additional year, a clause which they're apparently set to trigger, but he'd still be on his way in 2026.

Speaking to the press about his future in north London, Son admitted that there has been no talks over a new contract at N17.

“We haven’t talked about anything yet,” said Son.

”It is very clear from me. I am very focused on this season. At this age, every second is like a goal, especially this season, we are in a lot of competitions, it feels like I am taking even more care about this.

“As I say, I am fully focused on this year and just want to win something that everybody at the club – the players, all around – deserves. That’s what I’m working for.

“In the future you never know what will happen, but I will give everything for this club because it’s been almost 10 years and I give everything. I still have a contract with the club which is the very important thing and I just want to give everything until my contract [expires].”

In preparation for the future, and to hand Postecoglou an alternative option to Son on that side, a report this week has shared that Tottenham are targeting another player in the forward's position.

Tottenham eyeing January move for Javi Puado

According to Football Transfers, Espanyol winger Javi Puado is that man. The 26-year-old played a key role in the newly promoted side's climb back up to La Liga at the end of last season, and he's scored an impressive 20 goals in all competitions since the start of 2023/2024.

Tottenham are eyeing a January move for Puado as a result, with Spurs scouts impressed by the Spaniard during Espanyol's dramatic 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano at the end of August.

They were at the Stage Front Stadium to watch loanee Alejo Veliz, who netted in the 96th minute to seize all three points. However, Puado also caught the eye and partnered Veliz in a makeshift striker role that day.

Dominic Solanke has had a brilliant start to life at Tottenham. He was exactly what they needed. A focal point, a frontman, someone capable of linking the play, dropping in and scoring goals. Harry Kane, pretty much, isn't it?

Well, Solanke is his own man and he could coincidentally don an England jersey alongside Kane over the coming days having been named in Lee Carsley's latest Three Lions squad.

It's a just reward for a fine first few months at Spurs in which he's overcome injury to score three goals and supply two assists across eight outings.

Even during the club's disastrous 3-2 defeat to Brighton, the former Bournemouth man came away from the South Coast with praise.

He played a delicious ball in behind the Seagulls' defence for Brennan Johnson's opener and was involved in James Maddison's goal too.

Although he's been a great signing at first glance, Ange Postecoglou and Co are not resting on their laurels.

Spurs looking to strengthen their attack

Solanke signed over the summer in a deal worth £65m. It was a move that raised eyebrows. After all, the Chelsea academy graduate had only really scored goals regularly at Premier League level in one season.

You can perhaps understand why there is a reluctance to solely rely on him then. Indeed, according to reports from Football Insider last weekend, another striker could arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2025.

That forward is Porto powerhouse Samu Omorodion. The Spaniard only traded Atletico Madrid for Portugal over the summer after a move to Chelsea broke down but English clubs still have a vested interest in the 20-year-old.

The report notes that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the player and were in attendance as the young attacker scored twice against Manchester United in the Europa League last week.

Why Omorodion would be a good signing

When Chelsea agreed a fee of £38m to sign the Spanish striker from Atletico over the summer questions were asked.

After all, he had only ever scored nine goals at senior level and was an incredibly raw prospect.

The deal involving Chelsea ultimately collapsed but he is now proving in the top-flight of Portuguese football exactly why Todd Boehly and Co were pushing so hard to bring him to the Premier League.

Described as an "elite" forward by analyst Ben Mattinson, Omorodion happens to be outscoring the aforementioned Solanke having beaten the goalkeeper on seven occasions in just seven matches already this term.

He has played 466 minutes and as a result, is scoring at an even quicker rate than former Spurs man Kane this season.

Much to no one's surprise, Tottenham's all-time record goalscorer has been on fire this season and has scored ten goals in nine appearances. That's more than Omorodion but the Spanish youngster is scoring a goal every 66 minutes and at a rate of 1.21 per 90 compared to Kane's record of every 71 minutes and 0.89 goals per 90.

That proves just how exceptional the Porto sensation has been in 2024/25 to date and why he'd be a cracking signing for Spurs.

So, how does he differ from their summer signing of a few months ago?

So, on the evidence of the above, it does appear as though the Tottenham man offers a more well-rounded style of play.

A carry is considered progressive if the ball is moved towards the opponent's goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or is carried into the penalty area.

He's excellent at progressing the ball through carries and passing and he's also pretty strong when it comes to aerial duels.

That said, Omorodion is evidently the more clinical asset and it's not as though he can't offer anything other than goals. Despite Solanke proving more progressive with his passing it's actually the Porto star who supplies more key passes. Interestingly, he's also better in the air.

You might well suggest that Spurs don't need a new centre forward after the arrival of Solanke a few months ago but if an opportunity comes up to sign Spain's rising star in the future they must take it with both hands. He looks like the real deal at the moment.

The present may remain rather turbulent at Tottenham Hotspur, but it's fair to say that the future certainly looks bright.

Amid the experience of the likes of Heung-min Son and Cristian Romero, the Lilywhites also boast an exciting crop of young talent in the form of Destiny Udogie, Pape Matar Sarr and Radu Dragusin - all of whom are under the age of 22.

Beyond that still, Ange Postecoglou's ranks were also bolstered this summer by the arrival of a teenage trio in Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert, with all three of those youngsters having made an early impression in the Spurs first-team in recent months.

That said, despite splashing out millions on the names mentioned above - including the £30m on Gray - it is homegrown product, Mikey Moore, who is gaining much of the attention at present. And rightly so.

Mikey Moore's season so far

As far as Tottenham's academy production line is concerned, aside from the rise of club-record goalscorer, Harry Kane, the great success over the last decade or so appears to have come from churning out safe and steady central midfielders, with the likes of Ryan Mason, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp all springing to mind.

Not since Kane, in truth, has a youth star truly caught the imagination of those in north London, although that could be set to change if Moore's early showings are anything to go by, with the 17-year-old having swiftly forced his way into Postecoglou's senior set-up.

Five first-team appearances have already come his way this season, with the England youth international notably shining on his first start away to Ferencvaros in the Europa League last week.

In his 90 minutes on the field, the teenager certainly looked to make an impression, even if everything didn't go his way, having attempted seven dribbles and registered one key pass, all while enjoying an 80% pass accuracy, as per Sofascore.

Had it not been for some typically wasteful finishing from Timo Werner, Moore could well have walked away with an assist to show for his encouraging display, with more chances to impress likely to follow.

A superstar in the making, the exciting winger is certainly one to watch. As too is a potentially even bigger talent who is currently shining away from N17...

Spurs could soon have a bigger talent than Moore

There is no desire to take anything away from young Moore - he possesses real potential and, to his credit, has already begun to make an impact off the bench in the Premier League, no less.

And yet, fellow teenager, Luka Vuskovic - who is also just 17 - has made an even bigger impression at first-team level in recent times, with Spurs no doubt counting down the days until the Croatian sensation finally joins the club next summer.

Signed from Hajduk Split last September on a £12m deal with a view to joining the Lilywhites in 2025, the 6 foot 5 titan subsequently joined Radomiak on loan for the second half of last season, going on to score three goals in just 14 appearances for the Croatian side.

Another temporary departure was sanctioned over the summer, with Vuskovic having moved to the Belgian Pro League to join KVC Westerlo for the 2024/25 campaign.

Much like the first half of 2024 in his homeland, the defender has again been something of an attacking menace in his new surroundings, remarkably chipping in with four goals and one assist in just ten games so far this term, including a brace against Beerschot last time out.

Likened to Barcelona and Spain legend, Gerard Pique, by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the towering asset appears to possess sky-high potential, having been hailed as a "freak athlete" and a "freak talent" by data analyst, Ben Mattinson.

Those in the game are also beginning to sit up and take notice, with Vuskovic's compatriot, Josko Gvardiol, tipping him to become "one of the best" in his position, in the years to come.

Of course, thriving in Croatia and Belgium is a different kettle of fish compared to trying to succeed in the Premier League, yet it is hard to ignore the impact that he is making at present.Like with any youngster, there must be a sense of caution, but in truth, Vuskovic neither looks nor plays like a 17-year-old making early strides in first-team football.

Daniel Levy and co surely can't wait to welcome him to north London with open arms next year. On the evidence of the defensive display away at the Amex last weekend, his arrival can't come soon enough.

It has been a mixed bag of a season for Tottenham Hotspur thus far, with Ange Postecoglou's men currently languishing in ninth in the Premier League table heading into the international break.

With two wins under their belt in the Europa League - and with progression just about secured in the EFL Cup - the Lilywhites can reflect on a sense of positivity, albeit with much of that having been wiped away following the second-half collapse at the Amex last time out.

Perhaps, the north Londoners will point to their summer transfer business as a reason for their turbulence, with pundit Alan Pardew among those to insist that "the transfer policy in the summer did not strike... of a team that wanted to be champions".

Indeed, aside from the club-record capture of Dominic Solanke, Spurs' three other major recruits were all teenagers, with Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert all strengthening the squad rather than necessarily the starting lineup at N17.

Those long-term signings can be viewed through the lens of Pardew - i.e signifying a lack of ambition - but it could well point to an exciting future for the club, not least with 17-year-old Mikey Moore also beginning to make his emergence.

That trend of looking to the long-term, rather than the here and now, could well continue in January, if recent reports are anything to go by...

Spurs transfer news

As per Football Insider, Tottenham are said to be among the clubs who are keeping tabs on Southampton teenager, Tyler Dibling, with the 18-year-old having caught the eye despite the Saints' early struggles this season.

The report indicates that some of England's 'biggest clubs' have sent scouts to watch the wing wizard in action in recent weeks, with Spurs named alongside Manchester United as one of the notable interested parties.

The promising Englishman - who has previously spent time with Chelsea's youth set-up - has a contract until 2027, but the belief at St Mary's is that they will need to tie him down to a new deal, or run the risk of him being poached.

Spurs' next Gareth Bale

It would, of course, not be the first time that the north London side have poached a rising star from the Saints, with Spurs forking out around £10m to sign a lesser-known teenager by the name of Gareth Bale back in 2007.

That deal for the then-17-year-old did not provide instant success as the Welshman remarkably went on a run of 24 Premier League games without a win - with talk of a permanent exit having even been mooted - yet like any rough diamond, it wasn't long before he began to shine.

In all, across his two spells at the club, the frightening left-footer recorded 71 goals and 53 assists in 237 games, while also raking in a fortune for Daniel Levy following his £85m exit to Real Madrid.

While it is far too soon to predict a similar trajectory for young Dibling, the tale of Bale does showcase the benefits of plucking a rising star in their teenage years, before allowing them the chance to grow and develop in the first team.

Although typically deployed on the right flank - unlike the early version of Bale, who operated at left-back or left-wing - the Saints starlet does boast a "magnificent left foot", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, having made a strong impression in the top-flight in recent weeks.

The Exeter native notably first came to attention on his full Premier League debut against Manchester United last month, having produced a sprawling save from Andre Onana in the early exchanges, before expertly winning a penalty after being taken out by a desperate Diogo Dalot.

That impact was subsequently followed by his first goal for the Saints in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, showcasing remarkably quick feet to make space for himself inside the area, followed by a composed, clinical finish into the corner.

While perhaps a more technical player than the powerful athlete that was Bale in his pomp, Dibling did previously evoke memories of the ex-Wales star's famous night at the San Siro, after netting three identical goals in an U21 clash against Newcastle United.

Equally, like Bale, the in-demand ace is 'one of a rare breed of players that gets you off your seat' - as per Southampton legend Franny Benali - ensuring he could well be an instant hit at N17.

Of course, Postecoglou and co may wish to see how he gets on over the coming months in the top-flight before making their move, yet all signs point to a player who could well be a future superstar if managed correctly.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has been told that there is a "very gifted" teenager in his ranks who's yet to make his senior debut, with Spurs supporters also urged to "keep an eye" on the player.

Tottenham suffer damaging 3-2 defeat at Brighton

On Sunday, Postecoglou was handed a damaging defeat and perhaps his worst since taking over as manager last summer.

The Australian watched on in disbelief from the Spurs dugout as his Lilywhites side blew a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton at the Amex. The away side took full control at first through Brennan Johnson - who scored his sixth goal in six games - before James Maddison buried a side-footed finish past Bart Verbruggen in the Brighton net for their second before half-time.

After an impressive first 45, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Postecoglou's side would run away with all three points against the Seagulls. However, the total opposite happened after the restart, with Spurs ultimately capitulating and blowing their two-goal advantage.

A three-goal swing inside 20 minutes - courtesy of strikes from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck - turned the game on its head and handed Postecoglou his first defeat in all competitions since the North London Derby. A bitterly disappointed Postecoglou, speaking after the game, claimed his Spurs players allowed Brighton to overrun them.

"All of it is disappointing," said Postecoglou after Tottenham's 3-2 defeat to Brighton.

"Like I said, there are certain elements of this team that have been pretty consistent throughout my tenure, and that is one, even on our not-so-good days we've always fought and been competitive. I think that's been a non-negotiable. Like I said, today's the first day I actually felt like we didn't deliver in those areas. Whether that's defensively, whether that's with the ball. Like I said, sport is as much about competition as it is about anything else. And if you don't compete, you allow the opponent to overrun you in that manner, you're not going to get anything out of it."

There were a few bad performers on the day, with Destiny Udogie enduring a day to forget at Brighton alongside a host of his teammates.

Tottenham fans told to "keep an eye" on Lucá Williams-Barnett

In terms of the future and their prospering academy, the future seems bright, with youngsters Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and others impressing lately.

Speaking to Tottenham News, pundit John Wenham says Postecoglou has a "gifted" unseen youngster in Lucá Williams-Barnett - a 16-year-old forward currently playing a year above his age group.

“What people need to remember, is he is actually playing a year up,” Wenham said.

“Therefore, he isn’t even an official Under-18s player, he is still a schoolboy player. As a result, he will be announced in next year’s intake if he signs a scholarship. He is heavily regarded because he can play equally as well on the wing as he can in the number 10 position. He’s a very gifted technical footballer.

“It has been fantastic to see him step up with ease, he is starting every game and making a really positive contribution. Spurs fans should keep an eye on him at youth level.”

The teenager boasts six goals and two assists in six Under-18 appearances so far this term, highlighting his electric form right now. If he continues on this run, it could only be a matter of time before he features in the first team.

The recent defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion may say otherwise, but Tottenham Hotspur do appear to now be fashioning a solid, settled side under Ange Postecoglou, with arguably only a few positions up for grabs.

Despite the collapse at the Amex, the back five - including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario - seemingly picks itself, while the 3-0 triumph over Manchester United showcased the benefits of deploying Dejan Kulusevski alongside James Maddison in the centre of the park.

With six goals in six, Brennan Johnson is now a nailed-on starter on the right flank, while on the opposite side, long-serving star, Heung-min Son, will no doubt secure that role amid his return to injury, with club-recording signing Dominic Solanke deployed through the middle.

It could then be said that the main area of concern at present is at the base of the midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur - who was awarded a measly 4/10 match rating by football.london's Alasdair Gold following his weekend display - arguably not a natural fit in that deep-lying berth, while teammate Yves Bissouma has flattered to deceive amid his off-field issues.

With new arrival Lucas Bergvall still only 18 - and fellow youngster Archie Gray having been typically deployed in the backline - the Lilywhites may need to dip into the transfer market in January to acquire a suitable addition or upgrade.

Spurs' search for a midfielder

As reported by Football Insider last month, the north London side are among the clubs - alongside Liverpool and Newcastle United - who are in the race to sign Lille midfielder, Angel Gomes, with the former Man United academy asset an attractive prospect with just under a year left on his existing deal.

The 24-year-old - who has again been called up by interim England boss Lee Carsley for the upcoming international break - would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with Premier League suitors in January, ahead of joining next summer.

That report has been followed up by recent claims from ex-Spurs 'keeper Paul Robinson, who stated that "what I hear from people at the club, Gomes could definitely be an option."

Why Angel Gomes would be a good signing

While Robinson had suggested that Gomes would be an asset as an "attack-minded midfielder", the Englishman has looked better suited in a deep-lying role of late, ensuring he could be the man to oust Bentancur and Bissouma as Postecoglou's number six.

It was in that role that the diminutive playmaker starred on his first senior start for his country against Finland last month, notably racking up 130 touches and enjoying a 94% pass accuracy, while also winning four of his eight ground duels, as per Sofascore.

A "special" talent - as described by his one-time Lille boss, Jocelyn Gourvennec - who is adept at controlling a game and retaining possession, Gomes has been touted as perhaps the missing piece for the Three Lions, with the nation arguably crying out for a Luka Modric-esque talent who can dictate the tempo.

Like the former Spurs hero, the in-demand star stands at just 5 foot 6, but is a truly effective performer at the base of the midfield, with former United coach Paul McGuiness likening him to Frenkie de Jong, in the way that he "can receive the ball off the back four and then move away, use disguises and so on".

Also like Modric - who chalked up 41 goals and assists in 160 games for the Lilywhites prior to departing for Real Madrid in 2012 - Gomes can also provide a cutting edge in the final third when required, having registered eight assists and created 15 'big chances' in Ligue 1 last season.

Modric, meanwhile, provided a similar record of six assists and 12 'big chances' in La Liga in 2023/24.

Not just akin to the Ballon d'Or winning Croatian, the Lille maestro can also offer the upgrade on Bentancur that is needed, as evidenced below when looking at their respective stats last term.

Seemingly more astute at retaining possession, creating chances and proving stronger in the duel, Gomes would no doubt tick a lot of boxes for a progressive, attack-minded coach like Postecoglou.

As stated above, there will be notable competition for his signature due to that expiring contract, yet if Spurs can steal a march on their rivals, it could prove a worthy venture.

Tottenham slumped to a shock comeback defeat at the hands of Brighton on Sunday, throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at The Amex.

The visitors had led at half-time thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison, but then conceded three within just 21 second-half minutes directly after the break, with Danny Welbeck scoring what proved to be the winning goal. Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou described the defeat as "unacceptable".

"Disappointing, frustrated and absolutely gutted with that. Worst defeat since I've been here," the 59 year-old, who took over as Tottenham manager in June 2023, said after the match. “Nowhere near where we should be."

A number of Tottenham's players have come under scrutiny for their role in the loss, including both Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentacur, the latter of whom was spotted "jogging back" for Brighton's equalizer. Striker Dominic Solanke was also criticised, despite providing the assist for Johnson's opener.

Solanke blasted after England call-up

Last week, Solanke was named in Lee Carsley's England squad for the Three Lions' upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland on October 10 and 13. The last time the Spurs striker played for England was back in November 2017 while he was at Liverpool. Reacting to Solanke's international recall, former Tottenham scout Bryan King said he was surprised.

“To be honest, I couldn’t really work it out," King told Tottenham News. "He cost a lot of money and scored some goals. However, they weren’t exactly spectacular goals, and his work has been nothing spectacular either.

“Obviously, Carsley has seen something which I haven’t seen," he said. "We have to assume that he knows him from Bournemouth. Playing Greece and Finland, they aren’t exactly the biggest nations in the world either.”

Carsley, who is currently standing in as England's interim boss, told the press that he recalled Solanke because he is "extremely talented".

"Dom's a player I'm fully aware of having worked with him in the past. He was really close to being in the last squad but got injured just before selection," he said. "He did so well at Bournemouth and now he's taken that form into Spurs. He's got a lot of really good attributes that I really like, as well as being a really nice person."

A stellar start for Solanke

Solanke joined Tottenham from Bournemouth this summer in a deal worth £55 million, signing a £90k-a-week contract. Having scored 19 Premier League goals for the Cherries last term, fans were hoping he would be able to fill the void left by club record scorer Harry Kane, who had joined Bayern Munich the previous year.

After an injury-hampered start to his career in North London, however, the Englishman has found his feet in recent weeks, scoring three and assisting one in his last four games. His most recent goal came in Tottenham's resounding 3-0 victory over Manchester United on September 29.

Speaking late last month about Solanke's start to life at Spurs, Postecoglou said: "He's settled in really well. There's plenty more to come from him."

As Tottenham Hotspur head into another international break, there remain more questions than answers for manager Ange Postecoglou, with the former Celtic boss having seen his side wilt in the second half on Sunday evening.

Having looked at their scintillating best away to Manchester United last week, the Lilywhites appeared set for more of the same after racing into a 2-0 lead at the Amex, with Brennan Johnson and James Maddison powering the visitors into a deserved lead.

As they were under Roberto De Zerbi, however, this Brighton and Hove Albion side are no pushovers, with former Newcastle United asset Yankuba Minteh kick-starting a stunning fightback to leave Spurs languishing in ninth in the Premier League table following that eventual 3-2 defeat.

Of course, much will be made of that second-half collapse and the north Londoners' wretched individual mistakes, yet if Postecoglou does wish to look on the brighter side, he will be impressed that his attacking unit is beginning to click into gear - including summer signing, Dominic Solanke.

Solanke's start to life at Spurs

The former Bournemouth talisman - who arrived on a club-record £65m deal this summer - may not be the new Harry Kane (we'll come onto that), but he has slotted in smoothly to Postecoglou's ranks, having notably chalked up an assist for Johnson against the Seagulls.

It had been an initial slow start to life in North London for the 26-year-old due to injury - while he also notably spurned a handful of chances in the draw to Leicester City - but he has since gone on to register five goal involvements in just eight games in all competitions thus far.

That includes the final goal in the richly-deserved win over the Red Devils last weekend, with the Englishman showcasing his predatory instincts to poke home from Pape Matar Sarr's flick on at the near post.

While the one-time Chelsea and Liverpool striker does have a long way to go to pay off that sizeable price tag, Postecoglou will no doubt be pleased that his patience in the new man has been vindicated.

The same can also be said of one of Solanke's attacking teammates, with it looking as if Spurs have found an unlikely successor to Kane if the early knockings of this season are anything to go by.

Spurs' new Harry Kane

Trying to emulate a man who chalked up 280 goals for the club is no mean feat, with the north Londoners having perhaps struggled to fill the England skipper's void last season, as number nine Richarlison scored just 11 league goals.

While Solanke - who recorded 19 top-flight efforts for the Cherries in 2023/24 - arguably represents a notable upgrade on the stricken Brazilian, it is actually that man Johnson who has surprisingly taken on the goalscoring burden of late.

Signed on deadline day back in the summer of 2023, the former Nottingham Forest man enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign at N17, having registered 15 goals and assists in the league under Postecoglou's watch.

With a hefty £47.5m price tag looming above him, however, much has been expected of the Wales international, with criticism toward him reaching boiling point in the early stage of the season, as he subsequently deactivated his social media accounts after suffering abuse from 'supporters' following the derby defeat to Arsenal.

Rather than wilting under the scrutiny, however, the 23-year-old has clapped back - and them some - since then, having netted in six successive games in all competitions, after proving the rescue man away to Coventry City in the EFL Cup.

The flying winger has shown a remarkable composure in front of goal that even the aforementioned Kane would be proud of, with his latest strike away on the south coast having led journalist Dean Jones to dub him an unlikely "Harry Kane replacement".

In all, the £70k-per-week star now boasts 21 goals and assists in just 44 games for Spurs, indicating the real attacking weapon that he has become down the right flank.

As such, while it may be Solanke knitting things together in that central role, Postecoglou may have unearthed a clinical, 'Kane-like' presence in front of goal in the form of Johnson.

Long may it continue.