The Independent

Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham vice-captain Cristian Romero has apologised after he aimed a dig at the club’s board over its transfer policy.

Defender Romero was forced off after only 15 minutes of Spurs’ 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea on Sunday with a fresh injury and this latest defeat made it one victory in seven matches.

Romero publicly backed Postecoglou post-match and also urged the club hierarchy – seemingly in reference to chairman Daniel Levy – to follow the lead of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the transfer market by strengthening the squad.

“Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong. Hopefully they (club board) realise it,” Romero told Telemundo Deportes.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Inconsistency has blighted Tottenham amid a bad run of injuries and Postecoglou discussed Romero’s controversial comments before Thursday’s Europa League tie at Rangers.

“In the context of the day, Cristian was really disappointed obviously, more than disappointed in the fact that he works hard to get back and it was a big game for us,” Postecoglou said.

“He knew that, had to go off and then to watch the team sort of have to feel the pain of another defeat in the manner it happened, he was obviously very emotional.

“He’s a leader in the club, he hasn’t been able to help us and I think it was his way of trying to, as a leader, help us and the group in saying that we’re going through a tough time but he believes in what we’re doing.

“And then the other part of it probably, he went about it sort of the wrong way in terms of, I think he’s passionate about having success at the club.

“I think the way he probably expressed it was not the right way, particularly in a public sense because I don’t feel and certainly it’s not my belief that our kind of challenges at the moment are because of one thing or one person. I don’t believe that. I never have believed that.

“I think whatever we need to do, we have the power to do that, but it’ll only happen if we kind of stay united as a group, particularly through difficult times, and get through on the other side. I really believe if you can do that, you come out stronger.

“Cristian, he realises what he said. A lot of what he said was good. Some of what he said wasn’t right and shouldn’t be done in the public.”

Asked if Romero will be punished, Postecoglou insisted: “I think I’m pretty consistent in saying I just don’t think that that’s important.

“I think what’s more important is an understanding of how we should deal with these things and deal with them better.

“I’ve already spoken to Cristian about it. He’s apologised for the way he said it, particularly in the public sense, wasn’t the right way to go about things.

“He is a human being, he got emotional and I think he just expressed what he wanted to express publicly in the wrong way. He does care.

“I think it would have been easier for him not to say anything. He does care, but like I said, there’s a way to do these things.”

Romero’s comments overshadowed Postecoglou’s return to Glasgow where he will be without at least seven players, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison.

The ex-Celtic boss acknowledged it was the worst injury crisis of his managerial career but is excited about being back in Scotland.

“I think you know what kind of reception I’ll get,” Postecoglou smiled.

“European nights here, you know it is something you want to be a part of and hopefully overcome.”

Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham vice-captain Cristian Romero has apologised after he aimed a dig at the club’s board over its transfer policy.

Defender Romero was forced off after only 15 minutes of Spurs’ 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea on Sunday with a fresh injury and this latest defeat made it one victory in seven matches.

Romero publicly backed Postecoglou post-match and also urged the club hierarchy – seemingly in reference to chairman Daniel Levy – to follow the lead of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the transfer market by strengthening the squad.

“Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong. Hopefully they (club board) realise it,” Romero told Telemundo Deportes.

“Hopefully they realise who the true responsible ones are and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”

Inconsistency has blighted Tottenham amid a bad run of injuries and Postecoglou discussed Romero’s controversial comments before Thursday’s Europa League tie at Rangers.

“In the context of the day, Cristian was really disappointed obviously, more than disappointed in the fact that he works hard to get back and it was a big game for us,” Postecoglou said.

“He knew that, had to go off and then to watch the team sort of have to feel the pain of another defeat in the manner it happened, he was obviously very emotional.

“He’s a leader in the club, he hasn’t been able to help us and I think it was his way of trying to, as a leader, help us and the group in saying that we’re going through a tough time but he believes in what we’re doing.

“And then the other part of it probably, he went about it sort of the wrong way in terms of, I think he’s passionate about having success at the club.

“I think the way he probably expressed it was not the right way, particularly in a public sense because I don’t feel and certainly it’s not my belief that our kind of challenges at the moment are because of one thing or one person. I don’t believe that. I never have believed that.

“I think whatever we need to do, we have the power to do that, but it’ll only happen if we kind of stay united as a group, particularly through difficult times, and get through on the other side. I really believe if you can do that, you come out stronger.

“Cristian, he realises what he said. A lot of what he said was good. Some of what he said wasn’t right and shouldn’t be done in the public.”

Asked if Romero will be punished, Postecoglou insisted: “I think I’m pretty consistent in saying I just don’t think that that’s important.

“I think what’s more important is an understanding of how we should deal with these things and deal with them better.

“I’ve already spoken to Cristian about it. He’s apologised for the way he said it, particularly in the public sense, wasn’t the right way to go about things.

“He is a human being, he got emotional and I think he just expressed what he wanted to express publicly in the wrong way. He does care.

“I think it would have been easier for him not to say anything. He does care, but like I said, there’s a way to do these things.”

Romero’s comments overshadowed Postecoglou’s return to Glasgow where he will be without at least seven players, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison.

The ex-Celtic boss acknowledged it was the worst injury crisis of his managerial career but is excited about being back in Scotland.

“I think you know what kind of reception I’ll get,” Postecoglou smiled.

“European nights here, you know it is something you want to be a part of and hopefully overcome.”

Spurs were 2-0 up after 12 minutes, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was shaking with noise and Chelsea’s stumbling defender Marc Cucurella was so harrowed by his nightmare start that he’d had to change his boots. So perhaps the greatest indictment of this Spurs side is that even in that moment of utter dominance, with the game gift-wrapped and in the palm of their hands, you just knew they could fumble it at any moment.

Behind some brilliant Chelsea play to engineer a four-goal comeback was a comedy of Spurs errors, an unravelling of devastating proportions. Jadon Sancho was allowed to dribble from the touchline to the edge of the box and shoot. Yves Bissouma gave away a needless penalty with a lunge that could be seen long before it happened, yards before he actually clattered through Moises Caicedo. Pape Matar Sarr’s bungled challenge on Cole Palmer was even more foolish, given the forward was facing the corner flag at the time.

Palmer’s panenka penalty could be interpreted as a piece of genius from arguably the best player in the Premier League right now. But it also felt like a piece of insolence saved for an opponent he didn’t much respect, whose fans had earlier pelted him with paper missiles while taking a corner, causing the game to stop. As he celebrated, he cupped his ears to Tottenham fans.

From 2-0 up, Spurs had slipped to 4-2 in less than an hour. A weary-looking Ange Postecoglou later said their mistakes were “born out of desperation”.

“Both penalties were poor on our behalf,” the Spurs manager said. “It’s kind of self-inflicted, unnecessary challenges, and you’re giving two goals away for no reason. You give yourself a mountain to climb, which proved too hard.”

It was not just defensively that Spurs erred. At 2-2, Son Heung-min wasted a huge chance to lead, when the captain raced through on goal and steadied himself before whipping a shot wildly off target. One of the most deadly finishers in the Premier League looked bereft of confidence, like his team, and his tap-in at the death was not enough to make amends as Spurs went down 4-3. Postecoglou rued a “big moment” that slipped by.

Yet that sense of self-sabotage might also be levelled at the manager. Spurs played with typical abandon which produced moments of joyous football in the first half, but when the momentum of the game swung, Postecoglou failed to react. His midfield was inexplicably open, with the overrun Bissouma understandably drawn to Palmer, leaving the advancing Enzo Fernandez in wide-open space time and time again.

“Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again,” sang the Chelsea fans, and there was a devastating simplicity to that refrain. It was losing to Chelsea, the team who have enjoyed more success than any other visiting this stadium; it was letting another lead slip away in a cliched collapse; it was how they seemed to melt in the middle.

What now for a manager who had spent midweek remonstrating with his own fans? Spurs supporters had roared their team on to a perfect start here, but as soon as Sancho’s reply hit the net, the wall of noise disintegrated and tension filled the air. There were smatterings of boos after Palmer’s second penalty, though that may have been for Chelsea’s pantomime villain of the night. Yet how long can Spurs fans put up with this wild inconsistency, not only from game to game but within them too?

Perhaps more pertinent is the patience of Daniel Levy, the man who appointed Postecoglou. He stood in the stands looking stoney-faced after the full-time whistle blew. This, Postecoglou argued, was a partially good performance against a top side. But it was also part of a streak of one win in seven games, while Chelsea have now won five in a row. Spurs are 11th in the table, below Bournemouth, Brentford and Fulham, having now lost more than they’ve won this season.

There are caveats in the injuries they have suffered, and here Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven were both rushed back from the treatment table to start the game. Romero departed early with what appeared to be a fresh injury while Van de Ven was later subbed feeling “tightness”. Brennan Johnson, arguably Spurs’ best player this season, was also taken off after feeling unwell.

But that does not begin to answer why Tottenham collapse so readily, why the team appears so easy to cut through, with a centre made from papier mache. It doesn’t excuse allowing 17 shots, or 46 touches in their area. It’s happened again, and Postecoglou must fix it fast.

Derby day provided a timely reminder of a certain talent that resides within Chelsea’s attacking ranks.

An occasion that always promises its fair share of thrills and spills, the Blues showcased their powers of recovery to overcome a two-goal deficit and come out 4-3 victors away to fierce London rivals Tottenham.

As “Tottenham Hotspur, it’s happened again” rang out from the away end, Enzo Maresca revelled in his biggest win yet as Chelsea boss, which propelled his side to second in the league and extended their unbeaten run to eight in all competitions.

While an imperfect display, the result speaks volumes of Chelsea’s newfound resilience under Maresca, with one of the league’s forgotten assets coming to the forefront on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon in North London.

Jadon Sancho, a player much maligned for his inconsistency during his Premier League career thus far, was at the heart of Chelsea’s triumph. Showcasing his so far unfulfilled potential, Sancho was the bright spark and the catalyst behind a fightback that after 15 minutes looked all but unlikely.

In a weekend characterised by red alerts, Chelsea found themselves at panic stations early on, falling behind inside just five minutes. Dominic Solanke provided the golden touch, diverting into the top corner after Brennan Johnson hounded Marc Cucurella into a critical error down the right-hand side.

Six minutes later, Spurs were two to the good – Dejan Kulusevski this time finishing into the bottom corner after yet another Cucurella mistake, something which prompted a hasty change of boots for the Spaniard.

Chelsea had a mountain to climb and with little falling their way, Sancho produced a moment of magic to provide a reprieve. Darting in from the left wing, the 24-year-old drove into space before firing a low shot in off the far post, putting the Blues right back into the game on 18 minutes.

Sancho would continue to prove a nuisance up against Pedro Porro, who was having a hard time containing the ex-Manchester United man. And while Spurs would hold out until half-time, more damage was soon to be inflicted.

Maresca’s side came out of the tunnel hungry to equalise, bombarding Fraser Forster’s box and quickly fashioning an opportunity to bring parity, with Sancho once again at the centre of attacking play.

After dropping the shoulder on Timo Werner, he dinked through a deft pass to wrong-foot the Spurs back-line and allow Caicedo to charge into the box, who was promptly wiped out by Yves Bissouma to earn a stonewall penalty.

Cole Palmer converted his first of the afternoon and with Chelsea in the swing of things, Spurs were taken by the tide. Granted more and more space, Sancho continued to shine down the flanks, playing his part as Enzo Fernandez put the Blues in front before a Palmer Panenka took the game out of sight.

Making it four wins in five against Spurs, the victory acts as a statement in the title race, with fans now beginning to truly believe Chelsea’s status as a serious contender.

All the pieces seem to be coming together under their new boss, whose players are at long last proving value for investment week on week.

And while some saw the signing of Sancho in particular as a gamble on damaged goods, Maresca had little doubt the once £73m-man would come good. Now, what the Spaniard demands is dependability.

“I said since the start that the reason why Jadon came here is because we think that Jadon is going to help us,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference.

“Unfortunately, he had some small problems, so he was out for a while. Now he’s back. The only thing he has to do is to continue in the same way. He cannot drop, otherwise he’s not going to play.”

However, it would not be the first time Sancho instilled false hope that he was returning to the stellar form of his Borussia Dortmund days.

Consistency is key for the winger, something he failed to find at a Man Utd shirt for three seasons. There have been bright sparks and good games, but success on the pitch has never been enjoyed on a long-term basis since the Kennington prodigy returned to his homeland in 2021.

After falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag, a loan spell back to Dortmund during the second half of last term allowed Sancho to begin to demonstrate that all was not lost. But even after showing glimpses of brilliance in black and yellow, United opted for a clean break in the summer.

A fresh start was offered to Sancho in West London, with the Chelsea hierarchy recognising that at 24, much of his career is yet to be known. And what Sunday’s performance proved, without a shadow of a doubt, is that there is still very much a player in there.

Following up on a strong display at Southampton in midweek, Sancho is fast stamping his mark on Chelsea’s left-wing spot and if he continues in this stead, he could prove crucial in bringing the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge.

Given his temperamental footballing past, it is a big if at this stage - just ask any United fan. But Maresca seems up to the challenge and should he manage to eke the best out of Sancho, his summer signing could prove the coup of the season.

Cole Palmer was pelted with missiles by Tottenham fans as he tried to take corners during a heated London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Chelsea and Spurs shared an entertaining first half as two quick goals for the home side were pegged back by one from the Blues’ Jadon Sancho.

But the game twice had to be stopped as stewards cleared up and contained fans when Palmer, Chelsea’s outstanding player this season, was bombarded with balls of paper which had been provided on seats for Spurs to make a mosaic before kick-off. There also appeared to be a bottle thrown among the objects aimed at the Chelsea player.

Palmer appeared to shrug off the incidents, kicking them away before taking the set-pieces. The playmaker had an otherwise uneventful half, kicking thin air with his best opportunity after getting on the end of a cut-back in the box.

Spurs are likely to face some disciplinary action from the Football Association after the incident.

Tottenham took the lead when Cucurella slipped on the ball early in the game and Brennan Johnson pounced, racing down the right side before crossing for Dominic Solanke, who dived in at the near post and diverted the ball into the top corner.

And there was another disaster for Cucurella, who slipped once more and Spurs stole it again. This time Dejan Kulusevski drove inside on to his left foot, dummying the shot once, and then twice, before firing back into the bottom right corner.

Sancho responded as Chelsea went into the break trailing 2-1.

Liveupdated

Tottenham v Chelsea LIVE: Team news and line-ups as Micky Van de Ven makes surprise Spurs return

Can Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs bounce back from midweek defeat to dent the title bid of Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea?

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Tottenham host Chelsea in Sunday’s late Premier League kick off hoping to respond positively after a surprising 1-0 loss to Bournemouth during the week.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were unable to overturn Dean Huijsen’s first half strike as the Cherries collected a vital three points on Thursday evening. Saturday’s results mean Spurs have slipped into the bottom half of the table but they will jump up to seventh if they can defeat Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Chelsea this afternoon.

The Blues come into the game on a six-match unbeaten run in the league following a 5-1 mauling of Southampton in their last outing. Maresca’s team sit second just seven points behind leaders Liverpool and with Arne Slot’s men having their game versus Everton postponed yesterday, Chelsea can cut that gap to just four points ahead of a busy Christmas period.

Follow all the action from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with our live blog below:

Tottenham v Chelsea – line-ups

Kick-off is just around the corner. A reminder of how the two sides line up today:

Tottenham: Forster; Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son.

Subs: Austin, Spence, Dragusin, Reguilon, Gray, Bergvall, Maddison, Werner, Lankshear.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Caicedo, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Enzo Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Pedro Neto; Jackson.

Subs: Jorgensen, Gusto, Disasi, Tosin, Veiga, Dewsbury-Hall, Joao Felix, Madueke, Nkunku.

Lawrence Ostlere8 December 2024 16:23

Match facts

Chelsea have won 35 Premier League games and scored 116 Premier League goals against Tottenham, more than they have vs any other opponent.

The Blues have won five of their seven games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in all competitions (D1 L1), the most wins any visiting side has picked up at the ground since Spurs moved there in 2019.

Nicolas Jackson has scored four goals in his two Premier League games for Chelsea against Tottenham, netting a hat-trick in this exact fixture last season.

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 16:15

Maresca: Chelsea are "ahead of my expectations"

Speaking in his pre-match conference, Maresca said that he had “nothing to add” on talk regarding his side being in the title race.

“I said I don’t think we are there and ready to compete with Arsenal, Liverpool and City. We are not thinking about April, May or June. It’s too early. Things can change quick in football.

On his expectations, he said that Chelsea are “ahead of my expectations”, adding: “In terms of points and how we want to play on and off the ball, I was convinced we’d reach that moment but not so early. It’s because the players are doing fantastic.”

On Spurs, he added: “First of all they have good players and a good manager.

“It’s very clear what they want to do on and off the ball. What kind of problems they have, I don’t know. You have to be there to understand. A fantastic team - they beat City 4-0 two weeks ago.”

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 16:10

Chelsea’s December fixtures

Chelsea’s winter fixtures are altogether more easy to navigate, though there could be some difficult matches in there:

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 16:05

Match facts

Tottenham were unbeaten in their first four Premier League London derbies under Ange Postecoglou (W2 D2) but have lost seven of their last 13 (W4 D2). Five of their six London derby wins under the Australian have been at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however.

Spurs have kept just one clean sheet in their last 22 Premier League home games (4-0 v Everton this season), a run which started with a 4-1 loss against Chelsea last November.

Since the start of November 2023 no side currently in England’s top four tiers have recorded fewer home league clean sheets than Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou has lost each of his two league games against Chelsea but has only lost his first three top-flight league meetings with three clubs: Adelaide City (1996-97) and Sydney United (1996-97).

Among teams he has played 1,000+ minutes against, Tottenham forward Son Heung-Min’s worst minutes per goal rate in the Premier League is against Chelsea, netting just twice in 16 appearances.

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 16:00

Postecoglou: “I don’t need support"

In his pre-match press conference, Ange Postecoglou emphasised that he doesn’t “need support”, nor does he “worry about contracts”.

“I don’t worry about support. I just want to set out to achieve what I wanted to and that’s to bring success to this football club.

“[Fans] aren’t behind me, they are behind the club. I have got no interest in who is behind me. You have to figure the fans who travel to Bournemouth are fairly hardcore supporters. They weren’t happy with what they saw and they felt like they needed to give some feedback.

“The disappointment last night was that there was a repeat cycle of us going into games, starting well enough but then allowing the opposition to get a grip on it by either conceding a sloppy goal or not taking our opportunities. It was a disappointing night and we have a lot of work to do.

“Chelsea are going really well, they are in a good space at the moment with a fairly healthy squad and in good form. It is always a tough game against them but we are at home and we need to make sure we produce a performance like we have in the other games.”

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 15:55

Spurs’ December fixtures

The busy winter period means it doesn’t get any easier for Spurs, who have some tough fixtures around Christmas. Their remaining fixtures this month include:

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 15:50

Match facts

Tottenham have won just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Chelsea (D2 L8), picking up a 2-0 home win in February 2023.

After a run of just two wins in 13 Premier League away games against Tottenham between 2006 and 2018 (D5 L6), Chelsea have now won four of their last five visits to Spurs (L1).

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 15:45

Ange Postecoglou defends Tottenham’s controversial transfer strategy: ‘It will bear fruit’

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has defended the club’s summer transfer policy and insisted the decision to sign a number of teenagers will eventually bear fruit.

Spurs are in the middle of a difficult period after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night and also lost Ben Davies to a hamstring injury, which made it eight players unavailable.

Barely a fortnight on from a remarkable 4-0 victory at Manchester City, Postecoglou received abuse from a section of Tottenham’s travelling support on the south coast and his task does not get any easier, withLondon rivals Chelsea set to visit on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou defends Spurs’ controversial transfer strategy: ‘It will bear fruit’

Injury-hit Spurs dropped to 10th after a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth to leave Postecoglou under pressure

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 15:40

Head-to-head

These two teams have met a total of 161 times, with the first meeting dating back to 1909. Overall, Chelsea have won 72, Spurs have won 50 and 39 have ended as draws.

Chelsea won both encounters last season, winning 2-0 at home and earning a 4-1 win away in a crazy match that involved two red cards for Spurs.

Chris Wilson8 December 2024 15:35

The new Women's Super League marks the start of a new era for reigning champions Chelsea, with long-serving boss Emma Hayes having departed in summer to start a new adventure with the USA Women's team.

Last year they just about did enough to claim the title on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, while Arsenal will again hope to make it a three-horse race for the WSL title. Meanwhile Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will hope to progress after further rebuilding this summer.

Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.

Follow the live action below as Tottenham Hotspur face Everton today in the WSL:

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has defended the club’s summer transfer policy and insisted the decision to sign a number of teenagers will eventually bear fruit.

Spurs are in the middle of a difficult period after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Thursday night and also lost Ben Davies to a hamstring injury, which made it eight players unavailable.

Barely a fortnight on from a remarkable 4-0 victory at Manchester City, Postecoglou received abuse from a section of Tottenham’s travelling support on the south coast and his task does not get any easier, with London rivals Chelsea set to visit on Sunday.

Chelsea are already eight points clear of Spurs, who signed Dominic Solanke for £65million in the summer, but spent the rest of their budget on teenage prospects in Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert. Yang Min-hyuk, an 18-year-old from South Korea, will also join in January.

While Postecoglou has watched his depleted team lose three of their last six matches in all competitions and drop to 10th in the Premier League, he is positive the club’s long-term approach will pay off.

“We needed to do that because it was a team that was coming towards the end of its cycle, and we were rebuilding not just the squad but the playing style, and you couldn’t replace experience with experience because that is not a rebuild,” Postecoglou said.

“It is still the right decision and I own them (transfers) because I believe they are the right decisions for this club. I have said numerous times, I make these decisions with the kind of background that I’m going to be here for a while to see this through.

“To be honest, if I was worried about my own existence, I would have fought tooth and nail to block Harry Kane leaving (for Bayern Munich) but it wasn’t the right decision for the club because he was in the last year of his contract. That is not what drives me.

“The decisions we made around signing young players are the right decisions for this club for where we are at right now, and they will bear fruit.”

Spurs produced a tired display at Bournemouth – after a bright start where Solanke could have put them ahead – and may have lost by a greater margin than one-goal in the end.

Postecoglou felt the frustration of the fans at full-time, but played down the need for support from the club board or supporters during a tough period of form.

He said: “I’m the person in charge. I’m the person that has set us off in this direction and I am the person who needs to fix it.

“I’m not hurting, I am determined and that’s all. I don’t want to say it is unacceptable because, like I said, it is what it is. I have lived in this world for long enough to know that when people aren’t happy, they’ll express their opinions and I am never going to hide.

“I am never going to shirk that responsibility, that’s fine. I will take it on board. Is it nice? No, because like I said last night I am not just a manager, I am a human being like everyone else and none of us like to hear those sorts of things, but it is what it is.

“It doesn’t disappoint me, it doesn’t frustrate me, it doesn’t make me angry. I am just as determined as ever to get it right, not because of that but because of my resolve to bring success to the football club.

“I don’t need support. I don’t worry about contracts, I don’t worry about support. I just want to make sure that what I set out to do I accomplish, and that is to bring success to this football club.”

Spurs will definitely be without Davies for the visit of Chelsea, but Cristian Romero (toe) could return.

PA

Teenage defender Dean Huijsen became AFC Bournemouth’s youngest Premier League goalscorer by heading his side to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium.

Andoni Iraola’s Cherries had upset title hopefuls Arsenal and Manchester City in two of their previous three fixtures on home soil.

Spain Under-21 international Huijsen, aged 19 years and 235 days, secured a further scalp for the south-coast club with a 17th-minute winner as inconsistent Spurs suffered another setback of a patchy season so far.

Bournemouth leapfrogged Ange Postecoglou’s visitors into ninth position following a deserved success which should have been more comfortable.

Ryan Christie struck the woodwork and the impressive hosts failed to capitalise on a host of chances, while toothless Tottenham created little going forward.

Inconsistent Spurs hammered champions Manchester City 4-0 in their previous away fixture but that was their only win in five games in all competitions ahead of the trip to Dorset.

Dominic Solanke was passed fit to face his former club after missing Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Fulham due to illness, with captain Son Heung-min dropping to the bench as part of three changes.

The north London club started in the ascendancy and, after the recalled Dejan Kulusevski shot straight at Cherries goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Solanke fired wastefully over, having been released by stand-in skipper James Maddison.

Bournemouth looked lively on the counter-attack and edged ahead.

Spurs goalkeeper Fraser Forster initially produced a fine save to deny Evanilson following dithering from Radu Dragusin but, from the resultant inswinging corner taken by Marcus Tavernier, Huijsen, a summer signing from Juventus, arrived unmarked at the back post to nod home.

While Tottenham continued to dominate possession, the Cherries remained the greater threat.

Tavernier had the ball in the net 14 minutes after the opener but was clearly offside, before later seeing a close-range header from Milos Kerkez’s cross clawed away by Forster.

Despite Tottenham’s shortcomings, Postecoglou opted against changes at the break.

His team resumed on the front foot, albeit still looking susceptible on the break, with Justin Kluivert, who hit a hat-trick of penalties in Saturday’s 4-2 win at Wolves, coming close to doubling the Cherries’ lead.

Son replaced Pape Sarr in the 57th minute and immediately increased the tempo of Tottenham’s play.

The South Korea international finished on the rebound two minutes after his introduction following Kulusevski’s initial effort but was denied by an offside flag, before later slipping in Maddison, who curled narrowly wide.

Fellow substitute Pedro Porro tested Kepa with a thumping low drive, prior to Christie striking the base of the left post at the other end.

Tottenham survived a major scare 18 minutes from time when Evanilson’s close-range finish was disallowed for offside after Forster’s risky pass to Kulusevski was intercepted.

Bournemouth should have put the game beyond Spurs, with Tavernier and substitute Dango Ouattara each squandering excellent opportunities by firing over.

The misses ensured plenty of tension during six minutes of added time but mattered little in the end as Spurs could not muster a meaningful attempt to snatch a point.

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Bournemouth vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League team news and line-ups as Spurs make Dominic Solanke decision

Just two points separate Bournemouth and Tottenham as Dominic Solanke returns to face his former club

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Bournemouth welcome Tottenham to the Vitality Stadium as both sides look to climb the Premier League table amid mixed results of late.

The hosts beat Wolves 4-2 in a frantic match last weekend to climb up to 13th ahead of the midweek fixtures, and Andoni Iraola’s side have surprised both fans and pundits alike with their quality at times this season.

Ange Postecoglou’s side laboured to a 1-1 draw with Fulham which took them to seventh ahead of the next round of fixtures, with the Australian once again coming in for criticism in some parts after his team followed a scintillating 4-0 win over Manchester City with another poor result.

And with just two points separating the two teams at kick-off, it promises to be an intriguing contest on the south coast that gives both sides the chance to improve their position. Follow all of the latest from the Vitality Stadium in our live blog below:

Son Heung-min rested for Bournemouth clash, says Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou, speaking to Prime Video.

On Solanke’s return

“Good to have him back in. I’m sure Dom was looking forward to it and thankfully he has recovered from his illness and he’s ready to go. He will want to come back and show what he’s all about.”

On Gray’s first PL start

“Archie has played for us in midweek and he’s going really well. It will be a great test for him tonight and it’s great for him to make his debut.

On Son dropping to the bench

“It’s rotation, mate. We’ve got so many game. Deji had a rest and the weekend and it’s Sonny’s turn tonight.”

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 20:08

Which Spurs will turn up tonight?

Tottenham’s last five Premier League results make fascinating reading. Which Spurs will turn up tonight?

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 20:04

Fraser Forster is yet to keep a clean sheet in a Premier League away game for Tottenham, conceding 23 goals in eight appearances on the road.

The 36-year-old, who has replaced the injured Guglielmo Vicario, made a string of saves in the 1-1 draw at home to Fulham on the weekend and also impressed against Roma.

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:55

Bournemouth ready to bring ‘organised chaos’ against high-pressing Spurs

Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has described his team’s style under Andoni Iraola as “organised chaos”.

The Cherries press high up the pitch but Iraola says Tottenham are the “best pressing team” in the Premier League.

“I would put them with the best teams. We need a strong start and we have to be ready,” Iraola tells Prime Video.

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:51

Happy Thursday?

Bournemouth have never lost a Premier League clash on a Thursday, winning one and drawing three.

However, Spurs have lost four of their past five Premier League matches on a Thursday, drawing the other.

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:35

Ange Postecoglou drops transfer hint over Tottenham’s January plans

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says the club must make signings in January to strengthen their attacking options.

Postecoglou’s squad has been stretched thin by injuries ahead of a busy run of games and Spurs will travel to Bournemouth on Thursday night without several key players, although Dominic Solanke could be fit in time to face his former side as he recovers from illness.

Tottenham have been without Richarlison and Wilson Odobert for most of the season due to hamstring injuries and although Postecoglou’s side are the Premier League’s top scorers this season the Australian said he is in need of attacking reinforcements.

Ange Postecoglou drops transfer hint over Tottenham’s January plans

Spurs are the Premier League’s top scorers this season but Postecoglou said he needs more attacking options

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:15

Bournemouth vs Totteham team news and line-ups

Lewis Cook is only fit enough for the bench for Bournemouth, so Dean Huijsen starts ahead of Marcos Senesi and Antoine Semenyo returns from suspenion in their only two changes.

Bournemouth XI: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Huisen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Semenyo, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson.

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:05

Bournemouth vs Totteham team news and line-ups

Dominic Solanke starts for Tottenham and Dejan Kulusevski returns to the line-up, in place of captain Son Heung-min. Archie Gray also starts at right-back, in place of Pedro Porro.

Tottenham XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Johnson

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 19:02

Ange Postecoglou insists it is premature to write off Son Heung-min

Ange Postecoglou believes it is premature to write off out-of-form Tottenham captain Son Heung-min.

Son has only scored four goals for his club this season and just one from open-play in his last 12 appearances for Spurs.

The South Korea international struggled with a hamstring issue earlier in the campaign and has cut a frustrated figure at times since his return, but Postecoglou backed the 32-year-old to return to his best ahead of Thursday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth.

“What I do know is, from my own experience, the end comes pretty quickly. It’s not falling off a cliff, but you find with a lot of great players that all of a sudden it’s gone from bang to bang. It’s not a slow deterioration.

“I don’t see that in Sonny, I still think he’s got a hell of a lot of quality and from a physical standpoint, the way he looks after himself, I don’t see his abilities diminishing just due to the age factor at the moment. I don’t see that.”

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 18:55

Ange Postecoglou hits back at critics trying to ‘bring us down’ after Tottenham held

Ange Postecoglou rallied around his players after Tottenham produced a flat display in a 1-1 draw at home to Fulham to lose more ground in the Premier League.

Tottenham have dropped to 8th a week on from a superb 4-0 victory at Manchester City, but Postecoglou vowed to protect his players amid a growing list of absentees.

“It somehow again seems with this club that whatever it is that we do well is then used as a millstone to bring us down at every other opportunity,” he said.

“I guess from my perspective, as I keep saying, it’s really important that we don’t react to any of that and just stay focused.

“I just sometimes feel like, especially the players we’ve got at the moment, they’re just working really hard for this football club to try and progress to where we want to be.

“We’re in good shape, we’re still in good shape. We’re still in a decent position in the league. We’re still in the Carabao Cup, we’re in a decent position in Europe, so it’s about us maintaining our focus on continuing to develop.”

Jamie Braidwood5 December 2024 18:35