Daily Mail

Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Thomas Frank just eight months after appointing him, with the north London club languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.

Spurs' disappointing 2-1 defeat at home against Newcastle United on Tuesday proved the final straw for Tottenham's hierarchy, with the Dane having come under significant pressure over the last few weeks with a series of concerning results.

The writing seemed to be on the wall for the former Brentford manager, who was struggling to churn out wins in the Premier League despite successfully qualifying for the Champions League knockout phase.

Frank is also thought to have grated on his players with repeated gushing references to Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal.

'He was constantly going on to the players about Arsenal and they quickly got sick of it,' a dressing room source told The Telegraph. 'Even before and after the game at the Emirates, he was telling them how good Arsenal were. The feeling among some was very much "just shut up about Arsenal".'

This did not help Frank then, when he was pictured drinking out of an Arsenal branded cup before Tottenham's 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. Players and staff are believed to have shared the images of their boss around and made light of it.

Frank won just seven and lost 11 of his 26 league games in charge to leave Tottenham a mere five points clear of the relegation zone on Tuesday.

A statement on Wednesday morning confirming the news read: 'The club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.

'Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

'Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward.

'We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.'

Daily Mail Sport understands that the decision to sack Frank was taken reluctantly by chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, but it was based on recent results and Spurs' position in the table.

Their verdict was relayed to the club's board who consulted with the Lewis family before it was finalised.

They retain significant respect for Frank and what he was trying to achieve, realising that another managerial sacking does not create the stability they are looking for at the club.

It is more likely that an interim replacement, rather than a permanent appointment, will be named, although Roberto De Zerbi's exit from Marseille on Wednesday could throw a spanner in the works given the Italian is now available if he is looking to immediately return to work.

Meanwhile, under Frank, Spurs were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Aston Villa, and the last-16 of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle, although they did finish fourth in the Champions League League phase.

However, Frank's team were unable to convert their promising European form into the Premier League, a competition in which Spurs haven't won since December 28, a run of eight games.

They have picked up just two points in their past six league matches and Frank and the players were heavily booed during and after the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle, while the 52-year-old was again subjected to chants of 'sacked in the morning' by his own fans.

Nevertheless, the Dane came out fighting afterwards and told Tottenham’s board it would be a mistake to sack him now, before adding that he expected to be in charge for next Sunday's North London derby against Arsenal.

When asked if he still believed he was the right man for the job, Frank said: ‘I am 1,000 per cent sure. But I’m also 1,000 per cent sure I never expected us to be in a situation like this with 11 or 12 injuries.

'I know when you need to build something and get through something you need to show unbelievably strong resilience. It’s fair to say there’s sat a few before me up here, not only for Tottenham but many clubs, who have lost their head.

'You need to have a calm head and carry on, keep fighting and make sure we stick together. You can only get through this together - that’s the board, the leaders, the players, the staff, that’s me, the fans.

‘I understand the mechanism in football (that a manager is the easiest thing to change). But there are also a lot of studies that it’s not the right thing to do.

'The only thing I focus on is fighting to do the right thing with everyone else. Of course, we are not in good situation, but with everything in life you need to stay calm and keep going.’

When pressed on whether he would still be in charge for the visit of Arsenal, Frank added: ‘Yes, I am convinced I will be. I understand the question. It’s easy to point on me. But it’s never only the head coach or ownership or staff or players or directors, it’s everyone. Everyone knows the position we’re in and what we need to improve.

‘I understand the fans’ frustration. But this situation the club has been in for two years. There is clearly a pattern where we struggle to manage Europe and the Premier League. We need to learn to deal with that better.

'Injuries and suspension do not help. Then we face a Newcastle team struggling lately, but if you look at the team they put on the pitch, it’s quite different to us.

'Injuries need to be massively taken into consideration. I haven’t said it too much, everyone can see it’s impacting things.’

Frank had also been involved in an awkward final interview with TNT Sports when he was repeatedly pressed on his future, the relationship he has with the Spurs hierarchy and a message for those fans that wanted him out.

As the interview went on, the Dane's answers became increasingly short and he gave the interviewer a firm stare as it came to an end.

In the build-up to the Newcastle game, Frank had danced around the 'R' word and did his utmost to avoid saying it. Only once did he utter ‘relegation’ during a 30-minute press conference dominated by questions on the subject.

That moment came in response to a parallel drawn to Tuesday night's opponents Newcastle and their team featuring Michael Owen, Shay Given and Damien Duff, relegated in 2009 after being dubbed as too good to go down.

Frank’s point was that if Spurs were ‘a little bit higher’ the questions would be about reaching the ‘top four’, but because they were ‘not as high’ the questions were about ‘relegation’ and either way, his answer would be the same, that he was only focused on the next game.

‘There’s no doubt we are desperate to win games,’ Frank said and reinforced it for effect. ‘Desperate.’

‘When you haven’t won enough, you need to be desperate, because if you’re not desperate, you don’t understand the situation you’re in.

'In terms of you don’t win enough. You need to turn it and win enough football games. That’s what we want for the fans, that’s what we want for the team, for the club.’

The uncomfortable truth, however, is that Spurs are deep in a trench of relegation form. And Frank has paid the price.

Cristian Romero took another swipe at Tottenham's recruitment strategy as they closed the transfer window without enough reinforcements to satisfy their World Cup winning captain.

Spurs beat Arsenal to 18-year-old striker James Wilson from Heart of Midlothian on deadline day. Wilson will join on six-month loan with an option in the summer and spend the rest of the season with the Under-21 squad in north London.

Soon after the window closed at 7pm, however, Romero took to social media and with reference to Sunday's fightback to draw 2-2 against Manchester City in the Premier League, a game in which he came off at half time feeling unwell, he said: 'Great effort from all my teammates yesterday, they were incredible.

'I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn't feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available – unbelievable but true, and disgraceful.

'We'll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together. All that's left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans.'

Pedro Porro, Dominic Solanke, Djed Spence, Conor Gallagher, Pape Matar Sarr and Kevin Danso were among those who 'liked' the new post by Romero.

Spurs this month have signed England international midfielder Gallagher signed for £35million from Atletico Madrid and teenage Brazilian left back Souza signed for £13m from Santos.

They have sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m and, in January, lost a cluster of players to injuries, including most of the defence.

When Romero went off on Sunday against City, it left Thomas Frank without a dozen of his first team squad and a defence including midfielders Archie Gray and Joao Palhinha and centre half Radu Dragusin who made it through 90 minutes on his first start for more than a year out with a serious knee injury.

Romero and Micky van de Ven could return to face Manchester United on Saturday and Spence hopes to be back soon from a minor calf problem, but the others are not expected back for weeks.

Frank has explained the Spurs transfer strategy this month has been to hold their nerve and not be tempted into a short-term fix which goes against the long-term plans.

They were in the scramble for Antoine Semenyo who left Bournemouth for City for £65m and scored at Spurs on Sunday, and they were close to a deal for left back Andy Robertson, but Liverpool picked up injuries, too, and would not let him leave without a replacement.

Robertson will be a target again when his Anfield contract expires at the end of the season.

Romero, however, is clearly not satisfied by the explanation and it is the second time this year he has taken to social media to release his frustration.

Having signed a new contract tying him to the club until 2029, when he was made captain in the summer, the Argentina international posted on social media after a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in January.

'At times like this, it should be other people coming out the speak, but they don't – as has been happening for several years now,' said Romero.

'They only show up when things are going well, to tell a few lies.'

He later deleted the bit about 'lies' but it was liked by teammates including Richarlison, Porro and Xavi Simons, and was widely interpreted as a dig at the board and their lack of ambition.

It's transfer deadline day - and there are huge moves in the works in the Premier League ahead of tonight's 7pm (UK time) closure of the January window.

Follow all the latest, breaking news and exclusive updates here - and join our transfer window deadline day live Q&A here at 3pm today as our experts answer your questions.

Overlook the six games without a win in the Premier League, and the meagre return of four points from a possible 18 since the turn of the year and things are looking up for Thomas Frank.

His team were applauded from the pitch after an undeniably brilliant fight back from two down against Manchester City to claim a draw despite worsening injury problems.

When Cristian Romero came off at half-time having been struggling with illness for days it left Spurs without a dozen senior first-teamers, so their second-half performance bristling with energy and intent is worthy of acclaim.

The return of Dominic Solanke has been central to it and the progress of Xavi Simons as a creative force but Frank’s part in the revival was clear too, as he tinkered with the system and made substitutions that quickly paid off.

Perception is everything but after two strong victories in Europe and a point at Burnley, the last couple of weeks has delivered a little promise in N17. Just as long as you can resist the urge to the look at the Premier League table.

Back to the back four

Frank’s back three worked a treat in Europe and seemed to suit many players still standing, but it was torn apart by City for 45 minutes.

Antoine Semenyo pinned in Joao Palhinha and stopped him stepping out into midfield as he had done to great effect in Frankfurt. Semenyo threatened in the space between Palhinha and Archie Gray, also in an unfamiliar position at right wing back.

Erling Haaland meanwhile tormented Radu Dragusin. The visitors overloaded the home side by rolling wide midfielders Nico O’Reilly and Rayan Cherki inside into the pockets of space provided by the Spurs system.

After surrendering the early initiative and without the recovery pace of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, the back line was deep and anxious, and it left so much space in the centre of that pitch that City’s midfield quartet ran riot for 45 minutes.

Yet for all of this, Spurs were most vulnerable when they were on the ball in their own defensive areas. Both goals conceded came from careless errors in possession. First by Yves Bissouma and then by Dragusin, players who have barely played this season and not sharp.

Culture not systems

Managers always try to resist the media obsession with tactical systems. Frank likes the business jargon about culture eating strategy for breakfast. Here there was a little bit of both at play.

Abandoning the back three at half time and getting the running power of Pape Matar Sarr into midfield helped Spurs back into the game but it was equally the change of attitude which hauled them back and brought the crowd onside.

Spirit shone in adversity, with warrior personalities such as Palhinha and Dragusin by chance at the heart of the team.

And they earned a little bit of good fortune, because the first goal could have been ruled out on another day for a foul by Solanke on Marc Guehi. Pep Guardiola certainly thought so.

From jeers to cheers

The transformation was as complete as it was unexpected. Sarr replaced Cristian Romero, who was ill, and injected fresh energy and aggression into the team.

Spurs disrupted City’s passing rhythms and swung momentum their way. Even before the disputed Solanke goal. Wilson Odobert came on and looked sharp and threatened the goal.

Suddenly, with Solanke up front, Simons is sparkling and Spurs look as if they might score from open play. Forwards are threatening the goal. In the second half, Conor Gallagher produced his best 45 minutes since joining from Atletico Madrid.

On the mend

Frank claims the upturn in performances comes over a dozen games, starting with Liverpool at home just before Christmas when they lost 2-1 and finished with nine men.

But signs are certainly there over the last four games in all competitions, three or them with Solanke at the vanguard of the team. His performance against City cannot fail to have made an impression on England boss Thomas Tuchel who was in the stands.

Just don’t look at the table because there is no room to relax with Forest now within three points.

Jose Mourinho being overcome by modesty. Harry Kane missing in front of goal. Arne Slot getting the credit he deserves at Liverpool. Roy Keane saying something nice about Michael Carrick. Chelsea buying a player over the age of 30.

Every single one of them may seem so far-fetched as to be utterly laughable but, trust me, at half-time of Tottenham’s game against Manchester City, none of them seemed as absurd as the notion that Spurs might rescue something from a game that had turned into an embarrassment for them.

When the half-time whistle went, the boos rained down on the Spurs players as they trudged towards the tunnel. Two goals down, with the promise of more to come, they were heading into the eye of an humiliation. They were steeling themselves for the lampoons that were surely coming their way.

Thomas Frank looked like a man besieged. His team was being totally outclassed by Manchester City. They were being embarrassed. The spectre of relegation seemed to going clearer and larger. The general expectation was that the second half would get ugly for both manager and players.

Then an astonishing thing happened. Frank, who is struggling to make Spurs fans believe in him, made a change at half-time. He switched Spurs’ formation to a back-four, took off Cristian Romero and brought on Pape Matar Sarr. And everything changed. Spurs were a team possessed. City wilted.

Dominic Solanke got one back. Then he scored again with a fantasy goal, a Scorpion kick that looped over Gianluigi Donnarumma. It was a ‘football, bloody hell’ moment. Xavi Simons played like Superman. So did Archie Gray. It was a breathless, wonderful game.

Spurs could not quite get a third although they did come mighty close. But this will still go down as one of the season’s great comebacks. Sure, Chelsea pulled one off on Saturday night, coming from two down to beat West Ham, and Spurs could not turn this one into a win.

But this felt like the more improbable comeback of the two. Because Spurs are not as good as Chelsea. And Manchester City are a lot better than West Ham. Even amid their joy, the Spurs fans in their steepling new stadium were gripped by a sense of wonder at what was unfolding in front of them.

The bigger picture is that the result completed an excellent day for Arsenal. Aston Villa lost to Brentford earlier in the afternoon and City surrendered a two-goal lead to fall to another draw. City have now won only once in their last six Premier League matches. Arsenal are six points clear of them at the top of the table, and eight points clear of Villa.

There were early signs that Spurs were going to struggle to contain City’s attack. Only two minutes had gone when Haaland was allowed space to turn just inside his own half and set Antoine Semenyo free on the left. Semenyo’s shot was saved, at the second attempt, by Vicario.

Those concerns for Spurs were confirmed after 10 minutes. Yves Bissouma dawdled on the ball in the centre circle and was dispossessed by Bernardo Silva. The ball was moved to Rayan Cherki who ran at Radu Dragusin and drove a shot past him and past the flat-footed Vicario.

On the touchline, Frank turned away in disgust and hurled a water bottle to the floor. A few minutes later, City should have doubled their lead. Haaland ran on to a long ball from Rodri, out-muscled Dragusin and tried to lob Vicario. His effort landed on the top of the net. Spurs fans voiced the first mumbles of discontent.

The game was so one-sided it was faintly embarrassing. Midway through the half, Cherki sprinted clear on the half-way line and advanced on goal. He slalomed past a couple of hapless challenges, sat Dragusin down on his backside with a feint and then curled his shot towards the far post. A brilliant finger-tip save from Vicario diverted the ball just wide.

Spurs were paralysed by caution when they attempted to venture forwards. They seemed in constant fear of risk and the roar of dismay that a misplaced pass or a failed dribble might bring forth. Instead, it was their sideways passes that provoked anger in the home support.

The inevitable corollary of that caution was that City should add to their lead. It duly happened on the stroke of half-time. To the surprise of no one, Spurs were, once more, authors of their own downfall.

Dragusin hoofed a ball out of defence to no one in particular. Unfortunately for him, it landed at the feet of Rodri. Rodri played in to Bernardo Silva, he slid it to Semenyo and Semenyo, with time to pick his spot, lifted the ball past Vicario. The Ghana forward failed to land his celebratory backflip.

Gymnastics moves were more difficult than playing football against this Spurs side in the first half.

Frank made that change at half-time. He brought Pape Matar Sarr on for Cristian Romero and switched to a back four. Five minutes into the second half, Spurs confounded expectations by nearly scoring.

Xavi Simons, their best player, played a neat pass to Destiny Udogie and Udogie hit the ball sweetly. His drive was rising towards the roof of the net when Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a brilliant save to tip it over.

Three minutes later, to a general air of astonishment, Spurs went one better. Solanke forced his way in front of Abdukodir Khusanov to get on to a ball from Simons and as the ball bounced, Marc Guehi tried to tackle Solanke.

Guehi got his foot to the ball, Solanke tried to kick through the ball but connected with Guehi’s leg and some of the ball instead. The ball squirted past a bemused Donnarumma. Spurs were fortunate the goal was allowed to stand. But fortune has been in short supply here. Few begrudged them a little of it.

It was an improbable revival but now it gathered pace. Conor Gallagher broke a tackle and burst down the right flank. His cross was just behind Solanke but the striker improvised superbly and diverted the ball goalwards with something approaching a Scorpion kick.

The ball looped into the air and sailed in a lazy arc past Donnarumma’s flailing right hand and into the net. It was a wonderful moment of open-mouthed amazement. When the goal was replayed on the giant screens in the stadium, there were gasps of excitement as the full extent of what they had just witnessed became evident.

The game turned into a classic. Spurs pressed for a third. Donnarumma made a stunning save from a Simons shot that was arrowing its way into the top corner. City hit back. A goalmouth melee of prone bodies and swinging boots ended with Haaland scooping an effort over the bar from a few yards out.

Tottenham handed arch rivals Arsenal a major boost in the Premier League title race on Sunday afternoon when they came back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against Manchester City.

But who found the game 'a real struggle?' Who is 'obviously going to become a real star' in the future? And which world-class midfielder 'needs time' to hit their usual standards?

The result means the Gunners are now six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with City again slipping up from a commanding position to put their chances of regaining the title in greater doubt.

As for Spurs, it was a spirited comeback for Thomas Frank and his side, who built on their success in the Champions League with a solid second-half showing. They are still 14th in the standings, however.

A stunning goal from Dominic Solanke - who Spurs will hope is not injured again after he limped off - and some strong performances in an injury crisis were the main pluses for the hosts, though.

Daily Mail Sport's MATT BARLOW and JACK GAUGHAN were at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium to run the rule over the players.

Tottenham (3-4-3)

Guglielmo Vicario - 6

The first went past him a little too easily from an angle but made a fabulous save to deny Cherki a second soon after and was hopelessly exposed for the second. Never inspired anything but various degrees of panic with the ball at his feet.

Joao Palhinha - 6.5

Pinned in during the first half by Semenyo who stopped him stepping forward as he did effectively from this position against Eintracht Frankfurt. Strong second-half display as an orthodox centre half in a back four. Won some big tackles and important physical presence.

Cristian Romero - 5

City left him spare in the centre of the back three and forced him to make decisions when to step out and engage in midfield, but when he did they zipped the ball about too quickly he could not influence the game. Withdrawn at half-time.

Radu Dragusin - 5

A real struggle on his first start for more than a year. Haaland sought to play on him with Cherki in support thriving in space. Unable to close down Cherki for the first. Poor ball out of defence led to the second. Credit due for battling through to a better second-half.

Archie Gray - 6.5

Started in an unfamiliar position at wing back. Too preoccupied by Semenyo to threaten anything going forward. Far more comfortable at right back in a back four in the second half and dug in until the end despite being in discomfort.

Conor Gallagher - 6

Swamped by City's mobility in the first half. Rolling O'Reilly and Cherki inside to create midfield overloads, the visitors dominated the game. Brilliant break from midfield and early cross for the second Solanke goal and important defensive contributions late on.

Yves Bissouma - 5

Brought in from the cold and caught cold for the City opener. Dithered on the ball deep in midfield, inviting Silva to make the steal and the Spurs defence was exposed. Overrun in the first half and replaced by Odobert.

Destiny Udogie - 6

Subdued and uncertain in the first half as Cherki tormented him and Dragusin. Rarely convincing when asked to defend. Unleashed as an attacking force in the second. Fierce shot saved as Spurs launched a fight back.

Randal Kolo Muani - 5

Goal in Frankfurt but continues to find the Premier League difficult to crack. Anonymous out wide in the first-half. Slightly more effective up front with Solanke for 20 minutes after the interval before replaced by Tel.

Xavi Simons - 8

Brighter than most on the ball in the first half. Increasingly influential in the second half. Perpetual motion, finding pockets of space, threading passes despite lots of physical attention and forcing a fine save from Donnarumma. Booked for a late tackle on Rodri.

Dominic Solanke - 8.5

Left to forage alone in the first half and made little impact on the counter because City are so quick at the back. Great strength to protect the ball for the Guehi own goal. Wonderful flick for the second. Four in four since his first start of the season and with England boss Thomas Tuchel in the stands.

Substitutes

Pape Matar Sarr - 7.5

On at half-time for Romero as Spurs switched to a back four to combat City's fluent system. Key to the revival. Injected energy, aggression and endeavour to the midfield. Won the ball and helped hustle the visitors from their comfortable passing rhythms.

Wilson Odobert - 7

On for Bissouma 68 mins. Lively. Pace gave City problems as Spurs pushed for a winner at 2-2. Forced an excellent save from Donnarumma and close to latching onto a Simons cross.

Mathys Tel - 5

On for Kolo Munani 68 mins and worked hard to little effect. 5

Junai Byfield (for Solanke, 90+1)

Manager

Thomas Frank - 6

Man City (4-2-3-1)

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8

Top save to deny Udogie at the start of the second-half. Kept City in it after that as the visitors almost buckled.

Matheus Nunes - 6

Performance dipped after the break, allowing Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel to have a bit more joy down Tottenham's left.

Abdukodir Khusanov – 6.5

Obviously going to become a real star. Even while occasionally manoeuvred into uncomfortable positions, remains aggressive in his duels.

Marc Guehi - 7

The picture of calm for much of the game, although even he looked ruffled when Spurs were on top. Unfortunate for the first goal but some moments of proper defensive quality.

Rayan Ait-Nouri - 5

Somewhat erratic at left back – especially in the early part of the second-half. Struggles with the defensive side of the role.

Rodri – 6.5

Doesn't look match fit and patrolling deep midfield alone was a big ask. Positionally still remains sharp as ever and his statistics were strong but needs time.

Rayan Cherki – 7.5

Mesmeric off the right of City's narrow midfield. Stunning opener and bamboozled with his dribbling. Almost netted a sublime second. Came off injured.

Bernardo Silva - 7

Major contributions to both first-half goals and his usual bundle of energy with a bit of quality on the ball. Appeared to injure his hamstring.

Nico O'Reilly - 6

In and out. Progressed the ball well when City were cruising yet didn't win enough of his one-on-one battles.

Erling Haaland – 6.5

Improvement on recent performances, dropping off the front to link, before tailing off as City lost control and then later coming back into it.

Antoine Semenyo – 6.5

Looked to be having a tough day where nothing was coming off before confidently stroking home the second goal.

Substitutes

Nico Gonzalez (for Ait-Nouri, 69) - 6

Tijjani Reijnders (for Cherki, 69) – 5.5

Phil Foden (for Silva, 88)

Omar Marmoush (for Rodri, 90)

Manager

Pep Guardiola - 6

No more boos, just cheers.

In fact, the Spurs fans are actually singing as the final whistle is blown, they are happy again.

That was some second half from Tottenham. Nobody saw a comeback coming at the break, but Spurs turned the game on its head through a Dominic Solanke brace.

What a game!

There have been a lot of yellow cards in this game, haven't there?

Now Nico Gonzalez goes into the book for stopping a Spurs counter, and he has no complaints.

A chance to pump one into the box?

Rodri is being saved from getting a second yellow here by Pep Guardiola.

A couple of naughty challenges which should be reprimanded, and Guardiola doesn't want to risk him any longer.

Omar Marmoush is on.

Oh no...

Tottenham's hero Dominic Solanke is down here, and Thomas Frank will be sweating over this.

And he can't continue, hopefully it's just a knock and nothing serious. It would be a real blow if he's out for a long time.

Young Ju'nai Byfield replaces him for his Premier League debut.

I have no idea who is going to win this.

I'm pretty sure we will get a winner of some sort, but I just don't have a clue who is going to score it.

Phil Foden has just replaced Bernardo Silva, will it be him?

This is becoming a basketball match now.

Suddenly, Spurs throw bodies forward again, and Xavi Simons does brilliantly well to win the ball and drive forward.

He puts the ball on a plate for Pape Sarr, but Marc Guehi just about scrambles there first to out him off.

It's all set for a grandstand finish.

Ohhhhh... that is so close.

Manchester City are having a bright spell again, and they really should be ahead.

Erling Haaland nods the ball into the path of Tijjani Reijnders, who dives at the ball and heads just wide.

I thought that was in.

What the hell just happened there?

Erling Haaland scoops an effort over the bar, but my word, it's absolute mayhem before that.

It's almost like children's football as a bunch of players fight over the ball by the penalty spot. They all want a piece of it.

Eventually, Haaland does shoot, of course, but that was crazy.

Sky Bet are offering four Price Boosts for today's blockbuster clash in north London - as 7/2 outsiders Tottenham Hotspur and odds-on favourites Manchester City meet in a 'Big Six' showdown.

The first two boosts require Phil Foden to win 2+ fouls, and Cristian Romero to have 1+ shots on target.

The odds for those two bets have been enhanced to 1/1 and 3/1 respectively according to Sky Bet.

Romero has had a shot on target in each of his last four games in all competitions - three of which have resulted in goals.

Meanwhile, the other two boosts are for each team to have 2+ shots on target in each half at 5/1, and Erling Haaland to have 4+ shots on target at 15/2.

Tottenham and Manchester City both had four shots on target apiece in the reverse fixture - a game in which Spurs won 2-0 at the Etihad.

Additionally, Haaland has netted 27 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season.

Sky Bet Price Boosts for Tottenham vs Manchester City:

Phil Foden to win 2+ fouls

WAS 8/11 NOW 1/1

Cristian Romero to have 1+ shots on target

WAS 9/4 NOW 3/1

Each team to have 2+ shots on target in each half

WAS 4/1 NOW 5/1

Erling Haaland to have 4+ shots on target

WAS 6/1 NOW 15/2

When some Tottenham supporters celebrated losing to Manchester City and sent Ange Postecoglou into a rage about the club’s ‘fragile foundations’ there was at least some logic involved.

It was May 2024 and Arsenal were top of the Premier League, one point clear of City with only one game remaining when Pep Guardiola’s team descended upon N17 to face Spurs in their penultimate game of the season.

Goal difference meant they had to win to take control of the title race going into their final game at home to West Ham.

Even a draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would have handed the initiative to Arsenal so plenty of Spurs fans were relieved to lose despite it ending all hope of finishing in the top four.

Sure enough, five days later, City were crowned champions, clear at the top by two points, and those on the blue-and-white side of North London’s great divide were spared the gloating neighbours.

Postecoglou lost the plot. With his Glasgow Old Firm background, he thought he understood the intensities of a city rivalry but came to accept the psychological complexities of this one had him beat.

It turned out to be the beginning of the end of his love-in with the Spurs fans.

Circumstances this time are very different. It is the start of February not the middle of May. Fourteen more fixtures await every team after this weekend. Anything can happen.

Yes, the title race could become another duel between Arsenal, with the strongest team and deepest squad, and City, perennial winners over this course and distance under Guardiola.

Equally, there’s a whole host of possibilities over the next four months upon which Spurs have absolutely no influence. Arsenal could stumble under the pressure of chasing four trophies. There have been signs.

City could do the same even if they beat Spurs. They could lose at Liverpool next time out. Aston Villa might emerge as genuine contenders.

Spurs meanwhile have their own fight to win. Any of their supporters who go into the City game hoping to lose should forfeit the right to complain if their team is relegated.

There can’t be many of them seriously thinking that way. Not even those who have already taken firmly against Thomas Frank, despise the way the club is run by the ruling Lewis family and have mocked and jeered their own players this season.

Wins against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt either side of a draw at Burnley, hint at improvements.

Dominic Solanke’s return up front makes them better, but they are immature and confidence is fragile. Support and unity are vital to their hope of reviving terrible home form and climbing the table.

There is no better way to build momentum than to win. To beat an elite team at home. At least avoid defeat. There have been far too many of those to endure recently.

To cheer for defeat is lunacy. Completely illogical. The best way to damage Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title is to generate some hostility and take points off them when they travel down the Seven Sisters Road in three weeks’ time.

Dominic Solanke has been challenged to fire his way into England’s World Cup squad by Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.

Solanke has missed most of the season after ankle surgery but has returned in the mood for goals.

He has scored twice in three appearances since making his first start of the season, helping propel Spurs into a badly needed upturn in form.

'It’s for Thomas Tuchel and his staff to take that decision in the end but I think that Dom, when he is 100 per cent fit, sharp and performing, should be in the mix,’ said Frank. ‘All his qualities are there to be selected.’

Solanke, 28, has less than two months to convince England boss Tuchel he might be worth a closer look during friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan.

He made three appearances under Gareth Southgate and was selected in Tuchel’s first squad but not used, and his last cap came in a 5-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in November 2024.

Ollie Watkins, who picked up a hamstring injury playing for Aston Villa on Thursday, is firmly established as Harry Kane’s deputy.

Other centre forwards vying for attention at times this season have been Ivan Toney, playing in Saudi Arabia, Danny Welbeck of Brighton, Liam Delap of Chelsea and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds.

Tammy Abraham’s return to the Premier League, a move to Villa from Besiktas for £11million after five years abroad, also comes with the World Cup in mind.

The competition will be fierce, but Frank believes Solanke once back to his sharpest after the frustration of injury can make his point by weight of goals.

‘I never set targets, they do that for themselves,’ said the Spurs boss. ‘I just analyse and try to improve the process in terms of training, getting in right areas, video clips, things like that.

‘Most strikers, and I mean the guys who score the most goals, are inside the 18-yard box scoring from small slide passes, crosses and cut-backs and he is very good in those situations.’

Spurs have looked a much better team with Solanke leading the line coinciding with Frank’s switch to a new formation with three centre halves and wing backs which is coaxing more from others.

Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani have both looked more comfortable in the system but have also looked more comfortable in Europe and two of the last three games came in the Champions League.

‘Xavi has been on a positive trajectory for a while,’ said Frank. ‘He is progressing, looking more dangerous but no doubt the pace and the physicality in the Premier League is higher so there’s a bit of adaptation for him and Kolo.’

Juventus tried last week to prise Kolo Muani out of his season on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain. The France international enjoyed a successful loan at Juve at the end of last season.

He hoped to make the move permanent at the time, but it did not transpire and his first six months in London have been disrupted by fitness issues.

Despite an accident in his car on the way to the airport, he scored the opener at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, his third Spurs goal, and Frank was unequivocal when asked if he wanted to keep him.

‘Yes, next question,’ replied the Spurs boss. ‘I really hope this goal and the performance can give him some confidence. I always liked his qualities. He gives us a different dimension. That one-v-one ability and pace is frightening.

‘His goal is well taken, being in the right position inside the six-yard box. Also, his ability to go in behind. Sometimes you need rhythm. Hopefully now we are on the right end of things and he can be better.’