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Ange Postecoglou says he will ‘look for help’ to improve Tottenham’s form after a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors had taken the lead but Spurs bounced back and looked to be heading for a much-needed win after back-to-back league defeats.

However, Jorgen Strand-Larsen scored a late equaliser to delight the travelling fans and infuriate the Tottenham faithful in north London.

Spurs sit 11th in the Premier League table after the draw, with just seven wins from 19 games and the pressure is starting to really build on Postecoglou.

The Australian is currently the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to lose their job, with a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool reportedly crucial to his prospects.

He reiterated after the draw with Wolves that he is dealing with a number of injury concerns and thinks a short break over New Year will help his players.

However, he also says he must seek help to turn things around, although it is not clear how he intends to do that.

‘We’re asking a lot of a small core group of players,’ said the Spurs boss. ‘The whole group probably needs a couple of days to get away and recover.

‘It has been really intense for a core group of players. It will do them good to go away with their families to recover with their families mentally as much as physically.

‘I’ll just keep going, mate. We’ve got work to do and try to get some help for these players and our role is to try and give them everything we can, the support we can to perform at their best.’

It was an especially frustrating day out as Son Heung-min missed from the penalty spot, with Postecoglou adding: ‘It’s a disappointing outcome. Obviously we went a goal down but after that I felt we controlled the game. It wasn’t easy always to get openings but we did look pretty threatening every time we did get forward.

‘We scored a couple of goals, we obviously missed the penalty and then second half, I just thought we had some really big moments to kill the game off.’

Spurs are indeed struggling with plenty of injuries as the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Gugliemo Vicario, Ben Davies and Richarlison all missed the clash with Wolves.

Concerningly, Destiny Udogie also appeared to pick up a hamstring injury and was forced out of the game early in the second half.

‘Yeah, I think it was a hamstring,’ said the manager. ‘Again like I said, we’ve been relying on a core group of players because we just haven’t had the ability to rotate so at some point it was going to catch up with us. Unfortunately it caught up with Destiny.’

Tottenham are back in action at home to Newcastle on 4 January before the first leg against Liverpool four days later in north London.

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Ange Postecoglou’s position at Tottenham is no longer secure with the club to consider his future if they lose the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Spurs have failed to build on their good first season under Postecoglou, struggling to turn their entertaining performances into positive results.

Though only Liverpool have scored more goals in the Premier League, Tottenham currently sit 12th in the table, 11 points off the top-four.

They’ve won just three of their last 12 games across all competitions and lost four of their last five league matches, including 6-3 to Liverpool and 4-3 to Chelsea, both at home.

As such, Postecoglou now leads the Premier League sack race ahead of West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Everton boss Sean Dyche.

It was previously said that Tottenham’s hierarchy were fully backing the Australian manager, and the Daily Mail now report that his position is still safe for now, in part because of the performances in other competitions.

Spurs are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they’ll take on the Reds over two legs and are well-placed to qualify for the Europa League last-16 providing they beat Hoffenheim and Elfsborg next month.

Additionally, the Lilywhites will begin their FA Cup campaign with a highly favourable draw against Non-League side Tamworth.

Postecoglou has a reputation for winning silverware in his second season with a team, and Tottenham chiefs are hopeful that streak continues as the club look to end their trophy drought which stretches back to 2008.

As such, the Mail’s report adds that failure to reach the Carabao Cup final could severely impact the 59-year-old’s future in north London, especially if their league form does not improve.

It is acknowledged that injuries are contributing massively to Tottenham’s poor form, with no centre-back’s available for Sunday’s game against Wolves.

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‘We’re in a tough spot and have been for a while,’ Postecoglou said in his pre-match press conference.

‘We’ve been getting through it for quite a while now and keeping fingers crossed that we don’t get more issues but the nature of football and fixture scheduling we’ve had means we’ve always been on a fine line of being able to get through.

‘It’s another test for us but whatever we need to deal with, we’ll deal with and get ready for Sunday.’

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Chelsea and Tottenham are locked in a transfer race to sign Denmark international star Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, according to reports.

Dorgu is thought to be at the top of Spurs’ wishlist for the January transfer window amid the left-back’s impressive performances for Lecce in Serie A.

Spurs have been dealt a blow, though, with the Daily Express stating that the 20-year-old is now reportedly being watched by Chelsea scouts.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Dorgu – who is likely to cost around £50m – according to CaughtOffside.

The same outlet reports that Chelsea are currently ahead in the race to land Dorgu’s signature.

Dorgu, born in Copenhagen, was called up to the senior Denmark national team for the first time earlier this season and has earned four caps to date.

He joined Lecce’s academy from Danish club FC Nordsjælland in 2022 and has been with the Italian side ever since.

Dorgu has played 52 matches for Lecce to date across all competitions, with the team currently sat 14th in the top-flight of Italian football.

His current contract runs until 2029 – which does not include a release clause – meaning Lecce are able to hold out for a sizeable fee.

Spurs will be kicking themselves that they did not move sooner for Dorgu, having been linked with the player last summer.

Dorgu was also linked to Liverpool earlier this year, but a move never materialised.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca rates Dorgu highly because of his versatility and ability to play in both defence and midfield.

Maresca has raised concerns over Chelsea’s defence on a number of occasions this term, using it as a reason why they are not title challengers.

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The agent of Manchester United winger Antony confirmed that multiple clubs are interested in signing the Brazilian but suggested the club have no intention of parting ways in the January transfer window.

Antony arrived at United with weighty expectations on his shoulders back in 2022, with the winger following Erik ten Hag from Ajax to Old Trafford in an eye-watering £82million move.

But the 24-year-old has so far flattered to deceive with the Red Devils, managing just five league goals across two-and-a-half underwhelming seasons in the north west.

The winger started just his second game under new boss Ruben Amorim against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup but was hooked after just 55 minutes with his side 3-0 down away from home.

Amorim is likely to be given the chance to reshape his squad in the coming windows, with Antony one of the names mooted for an exit when the transfer window opens next week.

And the Brazillian’s agent has now confirmed that several clubs are interested in exploring a move for his client in the New Year.

‘Yes, many clubs have approached us for Antony’s move in January,’ Junior Pedroso told GiveMeSport. ‘These clubs wanted to understand the situation for Antony, so I can confirm that there’s concrete interest.’

Despite interest in the winger, however, Pedroso said that United had given him no indications that they are ready to sell Antony in the upcoming window.

‘To be fair, Manchester United have never expressed any interest to sell or loan out Antony to us,’ he said.

‘We never received this sort of communication so far. Man United management never told us that they want Antony to leave, despite the reports we see around about our client.’

Antony’s agent continued: ‘I can say that Antony’s future is very much tied to Manchester United’s interests.

‘If the club thinks it would be a good idea to loan Antony out in January so he can get more minutes and regain his trust, we will work together on that option.

‘Otherwise, Antony is working hard to regain his place and show his best skills under the new coach Ruben Amorim.’

While Antony’s future at the club still appears uncertain, others, including former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, have been more forthright with their assertion that Antony needs to be moved on in the upcoming window.

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‘They’ve got to cut ties with him,’ Deeney said of the Brazillian on CBS Sports in the wake of United’s loss to Spurs in the Carabao Cup last week.

‘I don’t want to make him the scapegoat but, honestly, watching him is so frustrating. This is your big moment.

‘He doesn’t run, he doesn’t sprint… just get him out.

‘If you’re getting rid of Marcus Rashford, whoever is taking him, we’ll pay you to take him [Antony] as well. Get him out the club.’

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Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has become the ‘favourite’ to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, a Betfair spokesperson has claimed.

Spurs head coach Postecoglou currently remains in his role but is under huge pressure after Sunday’s 6-3 defeat to Liverpool in north London.

That result has seen bookmakers Betfair make Postecoglou the new second-favourite to become the next top-flight manager to face the sack.

‘Following Tottenham’s 6-3 defeat against Liverpool on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou is now the 3/1 second-favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave their role, having previously been 14/1 to go next,’ Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said.

‘Looking at who could be the next permanent Spurs boss, Graham Potter is the 2/1 favourite, with Eddie Howe 9/1 and Brendan Rodgers 12/1 to take over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.’

Potter, linked to the Manchester United job before Ruben Amorim arrived, has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.

The Englishman was hired after his heroics at Brighton but lasted less than seven months in charge at Stamford Bridge after losing the dressing room.

Postecoglou, meanwhile, was left incredibly frustrated in his post-match interview on Sunday after Spurs’ painful 6-3 home defeat to Liverpool.

The result leaves Spurs 11th in the Premier League table at Christmas in what has been a disappointing season so far under the Australian.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Postecoglou said: ‘It’s obviously a painful one for us. Credit to Liverpool, they were too good for us. They’re in a great moment, great form, feeling confident. It was a bridge too far for us. We looked like we lacked energy, which is understandable.’

Asked about the various injuries that were impacting his team’s form, an angry Postecoglou added: ‘I’m just going to stop answering these questions.

‘If people can’t see the obvious, I’m not going to point it out. Make of it what you want, yes we’re conceding goals.

‘If you want to discount the fact we’re missing a goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back and that hasn’t coincided with what we’re doing… I don’t know what to say anymore. I think people make up their minds in their own way. They either think what I’m doing is good or bad, and that’s fine.

‘It’s fairly significant, if you took out Liverpool’s goalkeeper, two centre-backs and a left-back – or any team other than Liverpool – they’d find it tough going as well.’

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Liverpool are expected to make wholesale changes from their Carabao Cup win over Southampton when they face Tottenham in the Premier League today.

Arne Slot’s side got back to winning ways on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over managerless Southampton to book their place in the final four of the league cup.

Attention now turns back to the league, with the Reds travelling down to the capital for a huge clash against Spurs.

Should Chelsea beat Everton earlier on Sunday then Liverpool will begin their fixture in second place and Slot is likely to revert back to his full-strength starting XI as his side look to secure top spot for Christmas.

Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson were all given a rest but the key quartet are all-but-certain to return to the starting lineup on Sunday.

And Liverpool will also be boosted by the return of Andy Robertson who has served his one-match suspension for the red card he picked up against Fulham.

Kostas Tsimikas will provide competition for Roberston once again having made his return from injury against Southampton, but Slot may be reticent to risk the Greek international from the start so soon after his comeback.

There were positive signs also for Federico Chiesa who played his first senior minutes for Liverpool since signing in the summer on Wednesday but the Italian is unlikely to be rushed back.

‘I saw ups and downs. I saw some really good moments and I saw some moments where I felt like, “OK, you can do better than this”.’ Slot said after the win against Southampton.

‘For me, that’s completely normal if a player has been out for so long and plays his first game in five or six months.’

Slot could also take the positives from Diogo Jota’s cameo appearance off the bench having said earlier in the week that he was a doubt for the game.

The Portuguese forward made a goalscoring return against Fulham last weekend and could now be pushing for a return to the starting XI.

Elsewhere Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate remained sidelined with longer-term problems.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are still dealing with injuries to several key players, with Richarlison, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven not returning until the New Year.

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Mikey Moore is back in training after recovering from a lengthy virus and Ange Postecoglou is hopeful that Destiny Udogie will also be available for Sunday’s clash having been brought off during last weekend’s win against Southampton.

Predicted Liverpool XI to face Tottenham

Allison, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo

Where to watch Tottenham vs Liverpool? Kick-off time and TV channel

Tottenham vs Liverpool kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, December 22. The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with viewers also able to tune in via Sky Go and NowTV.

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Ange Postecoglou has distanced Tottenham from a move for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window.

Rashford has made it clear that he intends to leave United in an interview with Henry Winter on Tuesday.

‘For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,’ Rashford said.

‘When I leave it’s going to be, “no hard feelings”. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.

‘If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.’

Tottenham have been previously linked with a move for Rashford but when asked about the 27-year-old’s current situation at Old Trafford, Postecoglou said on Wednesday: ‘No interest, don’t care, no interest.

‘He’s a Man United player, a very good player, they’ve got plenty of good players.

‘But I manage my players and I guess other managers will manage their own players.

‘In terms of Marcus’ situation, I have no real desire to examine it any further.’

One potential stumbling block for Rashford’s exit will be the forward’s high wages, which is understood to be worth £325,000 a week, and Postecoglou has indicated that Spurs will continue to be ‘disciplined’ with their transfer outlay.

Asked if Spurs will consider a move for Rashford ahead of the January window, Postecoglou replied: ‘Oh, mate, if I looked at everyone who we were linked to I’d have no time to do anything else, to be honest.

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‘I’ve got other people to do that part of the process.

‘For us, we’ve been pretty disciplined in terms of what we’re trying to build here and will continue to be so.’

Asked if that is a ‘no’, Postecoglou replied: ‘That’s side is not on my radar.

‘You can ask me about Marcus, but you could ask me about any Premier League footballer, I’m going to say the same thing.’

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Tottenham’s business empire has already extended its tentacles into the NFL, music concerts featuring the likes of Beyonce and Guns N’ Roses and Go Karting. Now they are branching out into promoting the new series of Netflix drama Squid Game before the festive home matches with Liverpool and Wolves. Kerching!

But here’s a revolutionary thought chaps, how about spending your phenomenal profits on buying world-class footballers and turning Spurs into a team capable of winning the Premier League on a regular basis?

Call me old fashioned if you like, but it seems to have worked for Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the recent past, Manchester United back in the day and even Arsenal – although it’s two decades and counting since their last league title.

Ange Postecoglou has promised Tottenham their first trophy since 2008 as he always wins one in his second year in charge of a club and he can move to within a couple of games of living up to his proud proclamation if Tottenham beat United in their Carabao Cup quarter-final contest in N17.

The two clubs have trodden similar paths this season, with both struggling to meet sky high expectations as they throw away points against supposedly inferior opposition while doing just about enough to stay relevant in the Europa League.

Both have beaten Manchester City, in fact Spurs have done it twice, but just one win in a dozen matches for Pep Guardiola’s side rather dilutes that achievement.

When they get it right, as Tottenham did in devastating fashion at Southampton on Sunday, in the early parts of the first half against Chelsea, and in quick bursts of goals against both Aston Villa and West Ham, Spurs are simply unplayable.

United, despite Ruben Amorim replacing Erik Ten Hag, still look a long way off that level and it’s no surprise they are the 9/5 underdogs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs beat United 3-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the season and are a widespread 13/10 to win in normal time while a 3-1 victory is 14/1 with William Hill, Betfred, bet365 and several others.

Dejan Kulusevski is 12/1 with Paddy Power to put Spurs ahead and 7/2 with the same firm and Betfair to score at any point.

• Denver have put up big scores in winning their last four NFL games on their way to a 9-5 record for the season with their 29-19 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders their lowest points tally in that run. They face a tricky Thursday night trip to the 8-6 Los Angeles Rams but are 13/10 with William Hill and BetMGM to return from the SoFi Stadium with an impressive victory. Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is 9/1 with bet365, Sky Bet and BoyleSports to haul in the first touchdown and 15/8 with the former firm to cross the paint at any time.

• Former champion Michael Smith, our ante-post each-way selection, starts his World Darts campaign against Kevin Doets on Thursday and is 5/2 with Unibet and BetMGM to win in straight sets.

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Russell martin has been sacked as Southampton manager, just hours after his team were beaten 5-0 at home by Tottenham Hotspur.

The thrashing at the hands of Spurs left the Saints bottom of the Premier League with just five points from 16 games.

Southampton have won just one league game this season under Martin’s management, scoring only 11 goals and conceding 36.

Simon Rusk, the club’s Under-21 manager will take charge of the first team as interim manager before a permanent replacement is appointed.

A club statement late on Sunday night read: ‘We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin.

‘Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.

‘However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May.

‘Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.

‘Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our Academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.

‘We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans. We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.’

Speaking to TNT Sports after the heavy defeat to Tottenham but before he was dismissed, Martin said: ‘We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It’s what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to.’

Spurs were 4-0 ahead after just 25 minutes and had scored the fifth before half-time on a nightmare period for Martin.

‘I was hurt in the first half,’ he said. ‘We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group. We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.

‘It’s most disappointing because we had worked on a plan. We had a week’s training and the players have been part of that process. But we did not carry out anywhere near the intensity or aggression we needed. I didn’t recognise our team in the first half. But I am pleased they stuck out in the second half.

‘At this point, it is about pride and showing some care for each other.’

Martin was appointed Southampton manager in June 2023 and led the team to promotion from the Championship through the play-offs in May this year, beating Leeds United in the final.

However, the home fans made their feelings clear on Sunday, with a banner telling Martin to leave the club clear to see and boos obvious to hear.

On whether the boos hurt, Martin said: ‘As a person, no, because I understand that it’s not personal. But as a manager, yes. It hurts me as well as the team. But I also understand it.’

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Ange Postecoglou has revealed that he was unhappy with Pedro Porro for putting Fraser Forster ‘under pressure’ in the closing stages of Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Spurs looked on course for their third straight defeat after Hamza Igamane put Rangers ahead early in the second half at Ibrox before Dejan Kulusevski rescued a draw for the Premier League side with 15 minutes remaining.

Porro was caught out of position for Rangers’ goal and Postecoglou was seen speaking with the Spurs right-back on the pitch just moments after the full-time whistle.

However, Postecoglou says he was urging Porro to make ‘better decisions’ after the Spaniard put goalkeeper Forster under pressure with a back-pass in injury time as Rangers pushed for the winning goal.

When asked what he told Porro after the game, Postecoglou said: ‘Again, just feedback.

‘He’s played a volley back to Fraser in the 92nd minute of the game. It’s kind of… Fraser’s unbelievable last night and you’re putting a teammate under pressure.

‘It’s about the context of what we’re doing right now. I spoke on the weekend about individual moments, desperation, giving away penalties in a big game where we’re playing really well, you’re kind of allowing the opposition.

‘That was another moment and it’s just about, again, feedback, to say in this moment you’ve got to make better decisions, we’ve got to be really calm, we’ve got to be clear-headed because, again, we’ve done so well to get back into a difficult tie, we were in a good position, why would you put that in jeopardy.

‘That’s my role, to give players feedback.’

Postecoglou was also asked for his verdict on Antonio Conte’s rant about Tottenham’s squad after they let a two-goal lead slip in their 3-3 draw against Southampton in March 2023.

Conte, who left the club ‘by mutual consent’ eight days after, accused his Spurs players of not wanting to play under ‘pressure’ or ‘stress’.

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‘I was on planet earth at that time, I was well aware of it,’ Postecoglou said.

‘I think you know when a manager gets to that point that there’s obviously some underlying issues.

‘Antonio is a top manager, a world-class manager and I think most of the time when managers do that they’re trying to get a reaction, they’re trying to get some sort of impact on the team. In difficult moments, what you want from your leaders is action rather than inaction of just letting things drift along.

‘He did it to try and get a positive impact on the group, one way or another. We’ve all been in that situation as a manager where you feel, ‘okay, this is the time to send a message’.’

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