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The stage is set for an exhilarating Premier League clash as defending champions Manchester City aim to shake off their recent slump against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium this Saturday. Pep Guardiola's side, currently enduring a disheartening four-match winless streak, will be eager to turn the tide after their previous encounter with Spurs, where they faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat in the League Cup. In a show of commitment, Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday, ensuring he remains at the helm of the Citizens until 2027, adding to the urgency of rectifying their form.

On the other side, Tottenham Hotspur also enter this fixture on a low note following a surprising home loss to Ipswich Town, marking the Tractor Boys' first Premier League victory of the season. As it stands, Manchester City finds themselves five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who are set to clash with basement dwellers Southampton on Sunday. With a daunting trip to Anfield looming next weekend, City cannot afford any further slip-ups.

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, November 23 (IST)

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Kick-off: 11:00 PM IST

Live Telecast: Viewers can catch all the live action on the Star Sports network.

Manchester City are set to clash with Tottenham Hotspur once again, with their eyes firmly fixed on avenging their recent exit from the Carabao Cup fourth round.

After a disheartening international break marred by four successive defeats, Pep Guardiola's men are eager to return to Premier League action, hoping the respite helps them find their footing once again in England's top flight.

This week witnessed Guardiola sign a new two-year contract, igniting optimism among the squad as they head into this crucial encounter. Currently resting five points behind league leaders Liverpool, Manchester City desperately need to claw back points, and this match against Spurs serves as a vital opportunity.

Meanwhile, Tottenham arrives with its own set of challenges, having struggled with form in recent outings. Despite a commendable performance against City in the Carabao Cup and a win over Aston Villa, recent defeats to Galatasaray and Ipswich Town have raised eyebrows.

Head Coach Ange Postecoglou, known for his innovative tactical approach, is under pressure to stabilize the team's erratic performance after failing to maintain defensive solidity, securing only three clean sheets in the league so far, leaving them languishing in 10th place.

In their last match, Manchester City faced disappointment, conceding two late goals to Brighton & Hove Albion, which left them fuming after Erling Haaland had put them ahead in the 23rd minute but unable to extend their advantage. Joao Pedro and Matt O'Reily's strikes cemented City’s fourth consecutive defeat.

Tottenham had a similar fate, collapsing against Ipswich. Goals from Sammie Szmodics and former City player Liam Delap handed Ipswich the points, amplifying the pressure on Postecoglou's side.

As Manchester City looks to reverse their fortunes, all eyes will be on the Etihad Stadium this Saturday. Kick-off is set for 17:30 GMT.

The officiating team will be led by John Brooks, officiating his fifth match of the season following notable encounters including Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea. He’ll be joined by assistants Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan, with Craig Pawson serving as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee will be Michael Salisbury, alongside Nick Greenhalgh.

Unfortunately for City, their injury woes continue as Mateo Kovačić joins long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb on the sidelines with an injury set to keep him out for a month. Pep Guardiola faces the dilemma of finding a new midfield solution ahead of this crucial tie.

While City’s defence has caught the ire of their supporters, there is a flicker of hope with John Stones and Manuel Akanji back in training, and Nathan Ake possibly returning to the fold as well. Furthermore, Jérémy Doku, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish have returned to training and are expected to play.

On the Spurs front, they will miss Wilson Odobert and Richarlison due to hamstring injuries, while defenders Micky van de Ven and Christian Romero remain absent. Timo Werner is nursing a hip issue with an expected return in early December, while Mikey Moore faces uncertainty due to illness. Rodrigo Bentancur is set to serve part of a seven-match suspension.

Historically, City leads the head-to-head record slightly, with 68 wins to Spurs’ 67. This weekend’s clash presents an opportunity for Tottenham to level the score as they aim to improve on their recent away form– claiming just two victories from their last eleven league matches and only two from their five outings this season.

Despite having the same goals scored and conceded as last season—23 and 13 respectively—Spurs find themselves 10 points adrift of the previous year's tally at this stage.

Bernardo Silva continues to be a key figure, having registered 17 shots in the league without finding the back of the net yet, the highest of any player in that predicament. Last May, City triumphed 2-0 in North London and will be looking to replicate this success for their first back-to-back wins against the North London side since 2019.

UK viewers can catch the action live on Sky Sports’ Main Event and Premier League channels starting just before the 17:30 GMT kick-off. In the United States, fans can tune in via Peacock and NBC for comprehensive coverage.

For full global TV listings for this intriguing encounter, check HERE!

City Xtra will provide live updates across all social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram throughout match day, alongside our website cityxtra.co.uk and YouTube!

SEOUL, Nov. 23 — South Korean prodigy Yang Min-hyeok, an 18-year-old forward, is set to make an early entry into the fray at Tottenham Hotspur, a month ahead of schedule. Yang, who inked a deal with the Premier League giants over the summer, made the announcement following a stellar performance in his final appearance for Gangwon FC.

After netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Pohang Steelers at Gangneung Stadium, Yang expressed his excitement about the move. "I’ll be heading to England on December 16," he disclosed during a televised interview. "Tottenham requested that I arrive early, so I’ll be taking some time to recharge before I make the leap. I aim to acclimatise quickly and make the most of this opportunity."

Yang couldn’t have scripted a better farewell with Gangwon. His goal not only secured the win but also propelled the team to an impressive second place finish in the league, amassing 64 points—the highest in the club's history.

Throughout the season, Yang proved to be an indispensable asset, concluding the campaign with an impressive tally of 12 goals and six assists, making him the standout rookie of 2024. He finished just shy of the club’s top scorer, Lee Sang-heon, showcasing his remarkable talent at such a young age.

Yang's journey began as he made history by becoming the youngest player to score in K League, doing so in March while still in high school. Initially signing on a semi-professional contract, his deal was upgraded to a full contract by June.

This season saw Yang clinch the Young Player of the Month award an astounding five times, along with nominations for both the MVP and Young Player of the Year accolades.

Reflecting on his journey, Yang said, "This year has been filled with gratitude. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many incredible coaches and teammates who helped me finish the season strongly. I’m truly delighted we ended on a high note with a win in our last match."

Signed by Spurs until 2030, Yang is also noted for being the youngest South Korean to join a Premier League outfit. Although he may not hit the pitch immediately, Tottenham is keen to integrate him into their setup early, aiding his transition into a new league and country.

Having the experienced South Korean international Son Heung-min leading the Spurs should work in Yang's favour as well.

"Since I'm joining Tottenham mid-season, my priority will be on physical recovery after the K League," Yang admitted. "This is just the start of my football journey, and I hope to have the continued support of everyone as I take this next step."

Tottenham Hotspur has officially revealed its newly redesigned logo, a subtle change that has sparked varied reactions among fans. The club has decided to simplify its branding by eliminating the words 'Tottenham Hotspur' situated beneath the iconic cockerel crest that has long been a symbol of the club.

The new badge is the result of an extensive nine-month collaboration with sports branding experts Studio Nomad, emphasizing the club's deep-rooted history and heritage. Alongside the main crest, Tottenham has introduced a new silhouette version of the logo, a modernized font, and has reinstated the THFC monogram, which aims to create a unified visual identity for the future.

The revamped logo is set to make its debut at the upcoming Europa League match against AS Roma on November 28. Head coach Ange Postecoglou shared his vision for the club, stating: "We aspire to be a distinctive football club; we all crave success, but we wish to achieve it uniquely. Our brand reflects our ongoing quest for excellence and a desire to create something truly remarkable."

Postecoglou continued, expressing the importance of instilling dreams within the fanbase and differentiating Tottenham from others in the league. "Our values are deeply embedded in what this club represents, and we intend to evolve in a way that resonates with our supporters," he said.

Executive director Donna-Maria Cullen elaborated on the club's mission, declaring: "This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents our relentless drive for innovation both on and off the pitch. Our goal is to encapsulate the excitement and boldness of Tottenham as we push boundaries and instigate positive changes."

Cullen emphasized that the new branding honors the club's traditions while steering it towards a fresh future, a vision shaped by insight from fans and staff alike. "We have engaged with everyone within the club to ensure this evolution is something the whole Spurs community can rally behind."

Nonetheless, the decision to alter the logo has not met with unanimous approval. Several fans took to social media to express their confusion, with one simply asking, "But why?" Another commented, "After watching it three times, I’m still puzzled about what’s actually changed." In a more critical light, a fan noted, "It's fundamentally the same logo. Removing some text hardly qualifies as a rebranding effort."

As Tottenham moves forward with this rebranding initiative, it will be interesting to see if the changes resonate positively with supporters or if skepticism continues. Stay updated and join our WhatsApp community for the latest in football news and exclusive offers. You can opt-out at any time, ensuring your engagement is fully voluntary. Read our Privacy Notice for more information.

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In a clash that exuded tension and excitement, Ipswich Town emerged victorious with a stunning 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, putting an end to their 22-year wait for a Premier League victory. On paper, Spurs were the heavyweights, buoyed by a squad assembled at a staggering cost of over £500 million and boasting the league's highest goal tally entering game week 11. Having claimed seven out of eight home victories across all competitions this season, the North Londoners were not to be taken lightly.

Town’s manager, Kieran McKenna, expressed unwavering belief in his squad’s potential to upset the odds, emphasizing that success hinged on flawless execution. And execute they did, setting the tone with a near-perfect away performance.

From the get-go, Ipswich targeted Spurs' shaky set-piece defence. Cameron Burgess came close with a towering header that rattled the crossbar during an early corner. With Spurs' high defensive line exposing vulnerabilities, Town capitalized, pressing reliably and launching incisive counterattacks.

The breakthrough came in the 31st minute thanks to a brilliantly orchestrated move. A fine build-up led to Jens Cajuste’s precise delivery from the right, where Liam Delap’s fierce intent met the cross, setting up Sammie Szmodics for a spectacular overhead kick finish. Szmodics, a testament to hard work across the Football League, now counts goals scored at both the Etihad and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium among his achievements.

Another goal arrived just before halftime, orchestrated by a momentary lapse from Spurs' defence. With a renewed focus, Town surged forward, and after a slick exchange involving Ben Johnson and Omari Hutchinson, Guglielmo Vicario’s attempted save on a low cross mistakenly bounced off defender Radu Dragusin, allowing Delap to pounce. The youngster was determined to claim that goal, ensuring it wasn't chalked up as an own goal.

Delap’s aggressive play was a constant source of annoyance for the Spurs defenders, epitomized by his relentless clashes with Cristian Romero. With five goals from his first 11 Premier League outings, Delap's impact is undeniable, evoking comparisons with legends like Harry Kane and Alan Shearer.

Tottenham's reputation for resilience was tested as they sought to come back from a two-goal deficit—having secured eight home comebacks already this season. However, Ipswich exhibited resilience and tactical discipline, providing a strong defensive foundation in the first half that would need to be fortified in the second.

Defensive stalwart Axel Tuanzebe, battling through an injury, helped solidify the backline. Town's formation shifted adeptly between a resolute 5-4-1 and an attacking 3-4-3, showcasing tactical versatility. As the second half commenced, Ipswich weathered the Spurs’ onslaught, exemplified by impressive performances from O'Shea and Burgess, who thwarted several attempts with sound defensive work.

The importance of goalkeeper Aro Muric cannot be overstated; he was pivotal in denying Spurs with vital saves, including a standout leg save during stoppage time against Dominic Solanke.

Yet fortune smiled on Ipswich as they benefited from two VAR decisions. A potential Solanke goal was ruled out for handball, while a contentious handball appeal for a Tottenham penalty was dismissed due to inconclusive evidence.

As the game progressed, the tension mounted. With Spurs pushing hard following Rodrigo Bentancur’s header that reduced their deficit, the atmosphere was electric. Yet, Ipswich’s game management prevailed. Omari Hutchinson played a key role in maintaining control, drawing fouls to ease defensive pressure and marshaling the game to its conclusion.

For all the drama and effort, there was no late heartbreak for Town this time. The final whistle resonated with euphoric relief as players collapsed in exhaustion, having out-muscled and tactically outsmarted a formidable opponent.

This win not only enhances Ipswich’s position above the relegation zone but also reinvigorates hope for the season moving forward. With three of their next four fixtures at home against high-caliber teams, including a tantalizing encounter with Manchester United, the momentum is firmly on their side. So, as the international break approaches, both players and fans alike can bask in the glow of a momentous victory.

This past Sunday at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ipswich Town delivered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, marking a monumental day in the club’s illustrious history. Under the tactical guidance of manager Kieran McKenna, the Tractor Boys secured their first top-flight victory in over two decades, with goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap leading the charge.

"This is a significant milestone for us, and it's a moment to celebrate in the club's recent history," McKenna declared in the post-match press conference. After steering the team through consecutive promotions, he expressed pride in what this win meant for the supporters and the broader Ipswich community. "Looking back over the past 22 years, the emotional rollercoaster we've all experienced—today's result against a formidable opponent like Tottenham, in such a magnificent venue, represents a crucial day for our fans."

Despite an impressive footballing style this season, Ipswich had yet to register a victory in the Premier League prior to this match. However, they took fans by surprise with a 2-0 lead, only to see Rodrigo Bentancur pull one back for Spurs. "Holding on to secure the win was a pivotal moment for us," McKenna remarked. "It has been a journey filled with hard work and determination, and for those who have been with us throughout these challenging years, this victory feels particularly special."

Looking ahead with eight points from 11 matches, Ipswich currently sit in 17th place in the league table as they head into the international break. The club's fervent supporters, long yearning for this kind of success, can take solace in their team's newfound resilience.

Adding to the jubilance, famous musician Ed Sheeran, an ardent Ipswich fan who influenced the design of the pink jersey donned by the team for this match, celebrated with the players in the dressing room post-game. "He came in to congratulate the boys. It was a nice surprise, especially wearing the (pink third) kit designed with his input—maybe that's the charm we needed today!" smiled McKenna, who has roots at Tottenham as a former youth team player.

As the team takes a deserved break, McKenna emphasized the importance of regrouping, setting sights on the exciting fixtures that lie ahead.

In a thrilling display of raw talent, Tottenham Hotspur's prodigy, Luca Williams-Barnett, continues to impress as he bagged a stunning long-range goal against Leicester City, marking his second such strike in just weeks. The 16-year-old forward is making waves in the Under-18 league and has recently been named on the bench for the first team against Galatasaray.

On Saturday, during a challenging fixture where Spurs found themselves trailing 1-0 due to a goal from the Foxes' Kaleb Dyke just before half-time, Williams-Barnett seized the moment. From just inside the opposition's half, he unleashed a spectacular lob over the goalkeeper, leveling the match and electrifying the home crowd at the training ground.

This remarkable goal not only rejuvenated his team but also set the stage for a fantastic comeback, as Tynan Thompson and Jun'ai Byfield struck in the second half, sealing a 3-1 victory for Spurs.

Williams-Barnett's talent is becoming hard to ignore; just three weeks prior, he netted a long-range stunner against West Ham, though the match ended in a disappointing 4-2 defeat. On that occasion, he shot from even closer to the halfway line, demonstrating his penchant for audacious attempts.

Currently sitting third in the south division Premier League Under-18 league, Tottenham, under the guidance of former Stevenage and Gillingham midfielder Stuart Lewis, are enjoying a promising season. Williams-Barnett has emerged as a standout performer, earning accolades and a spot in the squad against Galatasaray, with first-team manager Ange Postecoglou showing his faith in youthful talent.

A youth international for England, this is Williams-Barnett’s first full season in Under-18 football, and many anticipate that he will ascend through the ranks rapidly. He may soon join fellow young talents Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear in earning more frequent first-team appearances.

As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how this young star continues to develop on his journey towards senior football.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has placed his faith in the budding talent of teenage forward Will Lankshear, who, despite a disappointing result, showcased his potential during the team's Europa League clash against Galatasaray.

In a thrilling match in Istanbul, the 19-year-old marked his second appearance in the competition by netting his first senior goal for Spurs. However, his night took a turn for the worse when he was shown a red card after just 60 minutes, leaving Tottenham facing an uphill battle in the match.

Postecoglou expressed his satisfaction with Lankshear's performance, confident that the young forward extracted valuable lessons from his experience. "Naturally, he is still finding his feet in senior football; thus, this match offered him important insights," Postecoglou remarked. "The red card was a result of his eagerness, leading to an unfortunate foul, but it’s all part of his learning curve."

Another exciting prospect who took to the field that night was 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall. For him, stepping up to the challenge of European football is just as crucial. Postecoglou underlined the necessity of providing young talent with the chance to understand the demands of such high-stakes competition: "It’s all about exposing them to these environments for their growth and development."

The defeat in Istanbul marked Tottenham's first loss in this season's Europa League campaign, and the team is determined to bounce back with their upcoming fixture against Roma later this month.

Tottenham Hotspur have made their way back home following a disappointing Europa League encounter against Galatasaray, as they now set their sights on a crucial Premier League match against Ipswich Town. Manager Ange Postecoglou is eager to rack up three points and build momentum after last weekend's commendable triumph over Aston Villa.

As the press conference unfolds, supporters are keen to hear the latest team news. Prior to the trip to Turkey, the Australian tactician shared that both Mikey Moore and Cristian Romero would be absent due to illness and a minor injury, respectively. However, there is optimism that they may return to action soon, potentially in time for the weekend's fixture.

Adding to the injury concerns, Timo Werner was reported to have a minor issue, and Postecoglou is expected to shed light on his situation during the conference. In national team news, James Maddison was once again overlooked by Lee Carsley for the England squad, while Dominic Solanke earned his call-up.

Our seasoned football correspondent, Tom Canton, is stationed at Hotspur Way, ready to fire questions at the Spurs manager. Stay tuned for the latest insights and updates from this afternoon's press conference.

In a stunning twist that has sent ripples through the footballing community, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has traded the bright lights of the Premier League for the humble surroundings of Harborough Town, a seventh-tier club. At 35 years old, the Brazilian, who clocked up 106 appearances for Spurs during a successful four-year spell, hung up his boots in September 2023 after a brief sojourn in Portugal. However, the lure of the game has proven too strong, prompting him to don the boots once more and join the Bees.

Harborough Town, based in Leicestershire, competes in the Southern League Premier Central and has enjoyed a remarkable FA Cup run, advancing to the second round after triumphing over teams like Darlaston Town, Stourbridge, Leamington, Bury, and Tonbridge Angels. In the next round, they face a daunting clash against League One side Reading.

In a statement that hinted at the magnitude of the signing, Harborough announced the news with a cheeky suggestion that this transfer could "break the internet." Manager Mitch Austin expressed his excitement, stating: "What a phenomenal signing for the club! I find it hard to articulate my feelings right now."

"A few weeks back, we had a casual chat about football, and I shared our journey at Harborough Town with Sandro. Since then, he has been persistent in wanting to join us—it's truly surreal, and I am still in shock. Signings of this nature are rare, but when the opportunity arises to welcome an ex-professional who has graced the heights of the Premier League and represented Brazil on the international stage, it’s an opportunity you can't afford to pass up."

Club chairman Pete Dougan chimed in, saying: "What can I say? Mitch has pulled off yet another masterstroke! I don’t know how he does it, but this is a statement of our intent to elevate the club."

"When I first met Sandro, I felt a bit anxious, but I can’t commend him enough for his professionalism and determination to make this transfer happen. Everything surrounding this signing has been overwhelmingly positive; I can’t see any downside. His presence will undoubtedly uplift his teammates, and they will all be eager to play alongside him—what an exciting time for everyone at the club!"

Sandro initially joined Tottenham from Internacional in August 2010 for around £8.3 million. After a period of adjustment to English soccer, he quickly emerged as a key figure for Spurs. His standout performance came in February 2011 during a Champions League clash with AC Milan, where he was named Man of the Match in the second leg at White Hart Lane, earning high praise from then-manager Harry Redknapp.

However, his career at Spurs suffered a setback following a severe knee injury in January 2013, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He struggled to regain his first-team spot, making only 25 appearances in the 2013/14 season before moving on to Queens Park Rangers in September 2014.

Since leaving Tottenham, Sandro has had stints with clubs like West Brom, Antalyaspor, Benevento, Genoa, and Udinese. Throughout his career, he has played a total of 318 matches and earned 17 caps for the Brazilian national team.

For more updates and in-depth analysis, don’t forget to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, available on your preferred podcast platform.

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