The Independent

The Neymar-esque display of Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore on Thursday night has got tongues wagging after they made it three wins from three in the Europa League with a 1-0 victory at home to AZ Alkmaar.

Moore was one of four teenagers to start for Spurs in the competition away to Ferencvaros earlier this month, which saw the quartet labelled as ‘Ange’s Angels’ even if Ange Postecoglou laughed off the tag.

Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall started again alongside Moore on Thursday and while Will Lankshear was an unused substitute, ‘Ange’s Angels’ again got the job done in Europe. Here, the PA news agency looks at them.

Mikey Moore

The youngster of the group, Moore’s potential has been known for some time in the Spurs academy and he made his debut as a 16-year-old against Manchester City in May. Plenty of clubs circled the London-born attacker but he signed his first professional contract at Tottenham on his 17th birthday in August and has backed up a strong pre-season with an impressive full debut in Hungary, which was followed by James Maddison lauding him as Neymar for his second half against AZ.

Archie Gray

Gray is arguably the veteran despite only being 18 considering he was a key figure for Leeds in the Sky Bet Championship last season before his £40million move to Spurs this summer. With plenty of footballing royalty in his family in the shape of great uncle Eddie Gray and grandad Frank Gray, the versatile youngster has quickly gained Postecoglou’s trust and played right-back, centre-back, left-back and central midfield during his first few months in north London.

Lucas Bergvall

With blonde hair, a cheeky smile and a wand of a right foot, it has not taken long for 18-year-old Bergvall to draw comparisons with a youthful David Beckham, but the Swedish midfielder could have ended up at Barcelona after they rivalled Spurs for his signature at the start of this year. In the end Bergvall was convinced to join compatriot Dejan Kulusevski at Tottenham and linked up with his new team-mates in July after he was given the farewell of a hero by old club Djurgarden.

Will Lankshear

Tottenham have been fined £20,000 after they accepted a Football Association (FA) charge following a melee between their players and West Ham’s towards the end of Saturday’s 4-1 win.

Mohammed Kudus’ foul on Micky van de Ven in the 82nd minute sparked a coming-together, with the Hammers attacker subsequently sent off after he shoved both Van de Ven and Pape Sarr in the face.

Spurs, along with West Ham, were charged by the FA on Tuesday with failing to “ensure their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way”, and the north London club have accepted the charge.

“Tottenham Hotspur have been fined £20,000 following their Premier League match against West Ham,” an FA statement read.

“It was alleged that the club failed to ensure their players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 82nd minute. Tottenham admitted to this charge and accepted the standard penalty.”

With a minimum three-match ban on the horizon for Kudus – it could be extended further if the FA decide to take retrospective action – the 24-year-old will not play for West Ham again until at least after the November international break.

And Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui revealed he would be having a serious chat with his forward.

“I am not going to say here what I am going to talk with him (about), but for sure we are going to talk,” Lopetegui said. “We are going to have time and I am sure he will be aware that he can improve his answer in this moment because it’s not good for him, for the club and not good for the team.”

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 Chelsea face Tottenham Hotspur today in the WSL:

Sometimes, well, you can actually change the players rather than the manager. At least for one match. In a game where both coaches were under some pressure, Ange Postecoglou was proactive with his own replacements, while Julen Lopetegui paid for his indecisiveness. The wonder is whether the Basque will even be at West Ham by the time Mohammed Kudus returns to the team, as the forward is facing at least a three-game ban, after one game here that visibly frustrated him.

His team were dismal in a 4-1 defeat that could have seen Tottenham score eight. As deserving as that would have been, the victory was still the tale of two subs - or really four. Spurs had been beginning to get on top towards the end of the first half, with Dejan Kulusevski having equalised Kudus’ own opening strike. There was still more that could be done, though, especially given that James Maddison had been quite ineffective. That was particularly so at corners.

Postecoglou decided to bring on Pape Matar Sarr for Maddison and Spurs almost immediately overran West Ham. Yves Bissouma had scored within minutes.

Postecoglou later stressed it was purely tactical, as he referred to West Ham’s “physical power” in midfield. Another interpretation of that was that Lopetegui’s team were so slow in the centre.

Really, it was obvious, to the point that the West Ham manager went to make three changes. He was nowhere near as quick as Spurs in getting it done, though. By the time that the players were on the sideline ready to come on, which took a mere three minutes, Spurs had scored another two goals.

Jean-Clair Todibo had got into a mess with Alphonse Areola, the two capping dismal individual displays with an own goal in which they were both culpable. It was like they just crumbled under Spurs pressure, as if their confidence was gone.

Lopetegui was asked about the slow subs and said it was about being ready, while insisting it “wasn’t about the players on the pitch”.

That’s perhaps true. There were individual errors everywhere, and a collective lack of coherence. Spurs were just pouring through gaps in the West Ham make-up from the off.

Son Heung-Min enjoyed one of his best matches in some time against that. It was his divine outside-of-the-foot run and overlap that resulted in Areola’s own goal, before he surpassed even that with the fourth.

After yet another moment when West Ham lost the ball playing out, it was worked over to Son. He displayed supreme footwork to surge into the box and then finish in vintage fashion. His only rival for the game’s star performer was Kulusevski, who had been devastating at the tip of midfield. When in the right role and form, he can be one of the most productive players in the Premier League. There’s the effectiveness with those little touches to make space that are complemented by his willingness to run long stretches of the pitch. Son enjoyed the partnership.

As with the Spurs team as a whole, though, it’s hard to say too much about what this means going forward. It was obviously a confidence boost that was badly needed, especially with what happened in the 3-2 defeat to Brighton, and the way that Kudus’ opening goal had exposed familiar issues in defence.

Spurs had been dominant and yet even a side as troubled as this West Ham were able to suddenly cut them open.

There’s also the slight sense that this was a very Spurs win, at least in terms of really going for it and looking convincing when it’s easy. Not when it’s hard.

That is perhaps uncharitable given the performance. This was still one of those games where you can see how enjoyable a Postecoglou display is when everything works. Spurs were often exhilarating. That will also help confidence, and momentum. That is especially so given that this was a first Postecoglou win over one of Arsenal, Chelsea or West Ham - the club’s big rivals.

Postecoglou smiled when asked about that, talking of how “it’s important for the fans”.

He didn’t say it here but the usual argument is that he wants to build something much bigger. As Postecoglou admitted, however, the atmosphere helps and it only gets better after victories like this.

They levelled West Ham, and that clearly got to Kudus. A single image displayed a one-man trail of destruction, as it had both Micky van de Ven and Richarlison on the ground clutching their faces while a melee broke out to the right. Having kicked Van de Ven and swiped both the defender and Richarlison, Kudus then went for Sarr too. You didn’t exactly need more than that image to give him a red card. Andy Madley still had to go to the VAR, and upgrade the inexplicable yellow.

Lopetegui similarly claimed he “didn’t see the action”, which felt straight out of the Arsene Wenger playbook. He may not be hanging around the Premier League anywhere near as long. Questions about his future will only grow after another hapless display, where it just didn’t look like his team knew what they were supposed to be at. He was asked what he can say to suggest this will actually improve. West Ham look a rabble.

“The message is we are sure we are going to have much better moments,” he said in defence. “The Premier League is very long for all the teams. We knew we had a hard start. We are able to improve, we are able to win matches. I am sure we are going to do this.”

He may be the only one. Here, he showed none of Postecoglou’s decisiveness.

West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus was sent off after taking out three Tottenham players in a matter of seconds in an extraordinary meltdown in the London derby.

Kudus fired West Ham into the lead in the first half but the Hammers imploded after the break, conceding three goals in a seven-minute collapse to trail 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Ghana international appeared to kick out twice at Micky van de Ven after the Spurs defender fell onto the ball, sparking the melee in which Kudus would lose his head.

Kudus then pushed his hands into Van de Ven’s face, with the Dutchman falling over after the impact. At the same moment, Kudus accidentally brushed into Richarlison, who went down holding his face as well.

To make matters worse, Kudus then pushed his hands into the face of Spurs midfielder Pape Mate Sarr, in an incident that was initially missed by the on-field referee Andrew Madley.

At first, Kudus and Van de Ven were both booked but the VAR recommended an on-field review for Madley. After checking the monitor and seeing the Sarr shove, Kudus was sent off.

The initial yellow card was taken off and Kudus was shown a straight red - meaning that he will miss West Ham’s next three games against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Everton.

The scoreline remained the same after West Ham went down to 10 men, but it leaves Julen Lopetegui’s side with just two wins from their first eight games of the Premier League season.

Follow live coverage as Tottenham Hotspur face West Ham United today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.

Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:

Spurs were on a promising run of form until a second-half collapse at Brighton before the international break

Article bookmarked

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Don't show me this message again

✕

Tottenham and West Ham kick off the Premier League’s return in a London derby.

Spurs were enjoying a fine run under Ange Postcoglou until they were stunned by Brighton before the international break, with Tottenham throwing away a two-goal lead at half time.

While it brought Tottenham’s five-game winning run to an end, West Ham snapped their five-game winless streak with a 4-1 victory over Ipswich, which relieved some pressure on Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham beat Spurs away from home last season and a repeat would see the Hammers leapfrog their London rivals, who will be looking to close the gap on the top four with three points.

Follow live updates from Tottenham vs West Ham in the Premier League in today’s live blog

FPL tips: Is it time to use your wildcard chip for Gameweek 8?

The international break poses a significant dilemma for Fantasy Premier League managers: should you use your wildcard or not?

It’s a difficult question, as activating arguably the game’s most powerful chip can backfire spectacularly, as many who triggered it in Gameweek 6 will know.

If you got rid of Cole Palmer before his four-goal haul, or finally brought in Erling Haaland just as he decided to blank for two games, the wildcard will have acted as a special reminder that the FPL gods can - and will - punish without discrimination.

As ever, the correct answer is largely based on luck and hindsight. But there are a number of reasons that should back up your thinking either way.

FPL tips: Is it time to use your wildcard chip for Gameweek 8?

The pros and cons of using your wildcard during the international break

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:25

Predicted line-ups

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Solanke.

West Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Emerson; Rodriguez; Bowen, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:20

Tottenham vs West Ham early team news

Ange Postecoglou is hopeful that Heung-min Son and Richarlison will be available to return to the Tottenham squad after injury lay-offs. Lucas Bergvall suffered a “slight niggle” while away with Sweden but Postecoglou suggested the young midfielder could feature. Wilson Odobert remains absent though is moving closer to fitness.

Niclas Fullkrug has missed West Ham’s last five games in all competitions and will again miss out. Julen Lopetegui could stick with a similar side to that which beat Ipswich 4-1, though cautioned ahead of the match that some of his squad had been late back from the international break.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:15

Tottenham vs West Ham latest odds

Spurs are the odds-on favourites to win this match with a draw more likely than a West Ham win according to the bookmakers.

That’s even with the knowledge that the Hammers defeated Spurs at this ground last season. We’ll have to see how the match plays out.

Tottenham win 1/2

Draw 4/1

West Ham win 5/1

The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:09

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 11am. Subscribers can stream the action on discovery+.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:06

When is Tottenham vs West Ham?

Tottenham vs West Ham is due to kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 19 October at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:03

Tottenham vs West Ham

The Premier League returns after the international break with a London derby as Tottenham host West Ham.

For Ange Postecoglou’s side, this is a chance to atone for what the Spurs manager described as the “worst” defeat of his tenure as a two-goal lead was thrown away at Brighton.

The hosts could be boosted by the return of captain Heung-min Son from injury for this fixture against a West Ham side beginning to show a bit of form.

After a difficult start to life under Julen Lopetegui, a much-needed win was secured in style against Ipswich in their last outing.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 10:00

Good morning!

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s Premier League action. Saturday’s early kick off sees Tottenham host West Ham in a London derby that promises to be exciting and intense.

The Hammers defeated Spurs in their own back yard last season and come into the match with some new found confidence following a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town.

Tottenham meanwhile suffered a disastrous 3-2 defeat to Brighton in their last match before the international break, squandering a two-goal advantage in the second half as the Seagulls emerged triumphant.

That sets the stage for today’s encounter and the question of who will come out on top.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and latest updates throughout the afternoon so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 12.30pm.

Mike Jones19 October 2024 08:34

The Premier League returns on Saturday and Tottenham Hotspur take on West Ham United in the first game of the weekend at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (12:30pm, TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+).

Spurs went into the international break on the wrong end of a 3-2 defeat by Brighton, ending a run of five straight wins in all competitions.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be looking to bounce back when they take on a West Ham side struggling for consistency.

At first glance, their seasons look very different, but in reality the two sides are just three places and two points apart in the Premier League table, while much of Spurs’ success has come in the League Cup and Europa League which has skewed their recent record.

In the league, Postecoglou’s men have won three, drawn one and lost three – against Newcastle, Arsenal and of course Brighton, while West Ham have won two, drawn two and also lost three against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The big problem for Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui is that those defeats have all come at the London Stadium, but they did finally secure their first home win of the season in their last match, beating Ipswich 4-1 to give their fans something to cheer about.

Consistency has been an issue for the Hammers, who haven’t won consecutive league games since March, and they have only won one of their last six matches at Tottenham – but that win was in their last meeting when they came from a goal down to win 2-1.

The early kick-off can often be hard to predict but this one has the added twist of coming on the back of an international break when players have been here, there and everywhere and all coming back at different times.

Betting sites have installed Tottenham as odds-on favourites to return to winning ways, but life is never straightforward for the club and you can get a price of 24/5 for the Hammers to spring the surprise on the road.

This will be the eighth time Tottenham and West Ham have faced each other straight after an international break, with Spurs so far unbeaten in the previous seven, winning four and drawing three. Historically they have found their feet the quickest.

They also have the added advantage that their three most in-form players Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke should all be fresh.

Johnson played only 45 minutes for Wales in their 1-1 draw with Iceland, but he did score his side’s goal before he was replaced at the break. Wales boss Craig Bellamy said the substitution was precautionary but he was also on a yellow card, which meant he missed Monday’s game with Montenegro due to suspension.

The 23-year-old has scored in each of his last six games in all competitions for Tottenham, with his six goals in these games more than he’d netted in his first 38 appearances for the club.

James Maddison’s form for Spurs, which has seen him score two, assist with two and play the most passes into the opposition box, wasn’t enough to earn him a recall into the England squad but with a new manager now in place, the slate will be wiped clean again.

He has scored in two of his last three matches and a goal this weekend would be his 50th in the Premier League.

It’s not all about the home team though, Michail Antonio has scored more Premier League goals against Tottenham than he has against any other opponent with six and five of them have been the opening goal of the match.

Antonio’s presence could cause a few jitters in the Tottenham ranks, especially after surrendering a 2-0 lead to Brighton last time out. Danny Welbeck gave them a torrid time and it may see Postecoglou’s men put on the back foot.

However, we’re backing Spurs to atone for their mistep against Brighton by turning the tables on West Ham. The freshness of Johnson, Solanke and Maddison may loom large. A price of 5/1 on football betting sites appeals for Tottenham to win from behind.

Tottenham v West Ham prediction: Tottenham to win from behind - 5/1 Bet365

Hammers captain Jarrod Bowen is another player who will want to impress the new England manager Thomas Tuchel after being left out of the last England squad by interim boss Lee Carsley.

Bowen has made a strong start to the season, with two goals and two assists from his seven league games. He has been involved in 34 attempts at goal so far with 15 shots and 19 chances created, more than any other West Ham player.

Last time out against Ipswich he became the first Hammers player to have five or more shots and create five or more chances in a single league match since Antonio against Arsenal in March 2021.

Bowen is a dangerous player and with the way that Tottenham defended in the second half against Brighton, there could be opportunities for Bowen to capitalise.

We like the value for Bowen to cause a stir in the final third and rack up two or more shots on target at odds of 8/1 on betting apps.

Tottenham v West Ham prediction: Jarrod Bowen to have two or more shots on target - 8/1 William Hill

Always practice responsible gambling whether you’re using established operators or new betting sites. Always stick to a budget and never chase losses even when using free bets. When the fun stops, stop!

Gambling sites offer responsible gambling tools, like deposit limits, profit and loss trackers and self exclusion options, to help them stay in control. If you feel that you’re losing control of your time or funds use these tools for assistance.

If users do require further assistance there are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

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 Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur today in the WSL:

Tottenham first-team coach Ryan Mason is in talks with Anderlecht to take his first managerial role, the PA news agency understands.

Mason has held a variety of positions at Spurs, including two spells as interim boss, since he returned to the club in 2018.

The once-capped England midfielder was forced to retire from playing at the age of 26 following a fracture to his skull in a game for Hull at Chelsea in 2017.

He started his coaching career at boyhood club Tottenham months after his retirement before he was asked to take charge of the first team in 2021 following the departure of Jose Mourinho.

Mason subsequently led Spurs in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Antonio Conte promoted Mason to his coaching staff upon his appointment and the 33-year-old had another interim spell towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign.