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Son Heung-min Set to Extend Tottenham Stay as Club Triggers Contract Option

Son Heung-min, a pillar of Tottenham Hotspur’s squad since 2015, is set to extend his stay at the north London club as Spurs activate a one-year option in his current contract. This decision will ensure Son’s presence at Tottenham for a second decade, reinforcing the loyalty and passion he’s consistently shown for the club. As reported by The Telegraph.

Son’s Commitment to Spurs: More Than Just Goals

Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, Son has cemented his place in Tottenham’s history. With 123 Premier League goals, he ranks as the joint-third top scorer currently active in the league, trailing only Mohamed Salah and Jamie Vardy. But for Spurs fans, Son is far more than just numbers on a scoresheet. His energy, commitment, and genuine connection with the club and its supporters have made him a fan favourite and, as of this season, the team captain.

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Ange Postecoglou’s appointment of Son as captain reflects the player’s impact both on and off the pitch. Son has shown tremendous consistency, reaching double figures for goals in all but his debut season. His determination is clear, especially with comments earlier this season when he emphasised his goal to end Spurs’ 15-year trophy drought: “I am fully focused on this year and just want to win something that everybody at the club – the players, all around – deserves.”

Postecoglou and Son’s Combined Vision for Success

Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have been pushing to establish themselves as a formidable presence, both in the Premier League and in European competitions. Son’s new captaincy role, filling the void left by Hugo Lloris, illustrates Postecoglou’s faith in the South Korean star to lead this transformation. While Spurs currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League, they’re only two points shy of fourth place and well within reach of a Champions League spot.

On the European stage, Tottenham has performed well in the Europa League, currently second in the 36-team table with three wins out of three. Their progress is complemented by an EFL quarter-final matchup against Manchester United next month, a fixture that further highlights the ambitions of Son and Postecoglou for this season.

Photo: IMAGO

A Legacy to Last: Son’s Unbreakable Bond with Tottenham

At 32, Son’s commitment to Spurs is an uncommon sight in modern football, where loyalty can often be overshadowed by transfers and contract disputes. This extension reflects both his dedication and the club’s recognition of his impact. Son’s journey at Spurs, from his £22 million signing to his status as captain, is a testament to his importance at the club. The bond between Son and Tottenham has solidified him as one of their finest acquisitions in recent memory—a true rarity in football.

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Son has been more than just a player; he’s a symbol of hope and consistency during years of ups and downs. His captaincy under Postecoglou has brought a renewed sense of purpose and drive that the squad, and fans, can rally around. Spurs supporters have watched him flourish and have felt his dedication as he’s continued to give everything for the club, year after year.

The fact that he’s choosing to remain, especially after nearly a decade, speaks volumes. For Spurs fans, the idea of Son lifting a trophy as captain would be a dream come true, and this contract extension keeps that dream alive. Many believe that with Son’s leadership, the team’s potential in the Premier League, Europa League, and EFL Cup this season could mark the turning point for Tottenham’s future.

This loyalty and resilience resonate with fans who value not just the trophies but the journey and the bond between the club and its players. In Son, they have a player who understands what it means to be Spurs through and through, and who’s willing to fight for a future they can all be proud of.

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Tottenham Hotspur’s recent resurgence has been nothing short of exhilarating. After the setback against Crystal Palace, Spurs roared back with an electrifying win over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and followed it with an emphatic 4-1 comeback victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League. These successes, however, may have come at a significant cost, with injuries starting to pile up for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

One of the most concerning injuries for Spurs fans is that of Cristian Romero. The centre-back, known for his tough and uncompromising play, was forced off during the match against Villa after a robust challenge on Morgan Rogers left him nursing a sore foot. Postecoglou’s post-match comments highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Romero’s condition. “Romero yeah, it was in that challenge again. He felt his foot was sore. I don’t have any sort of further information. Obviously, he’s a pretty tough cookie, so for him to come off, it must be sore, but yeah, look it’s not ideal,” said the manager.

Adding to Spurs’ defensive concerns is the situation with Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender, who has been a vital part of Postecoglou’s backline, left the pitch in tears during the win over Manchester City. While initial fears suggested a severe issue, Postecoglou later confirmed it was a hamstring strain. “He has strained a hamstring,” the manager explained. “It is not too serious, but probably after the international break for him.”

This update, while somewhat reassuring, means Spurs will need to adjust their defensive strategy in the coming matches.

Richarlison’s season has been marred by injuries, and the forward’s campaign took another unfortunate turn during the Villa match. After coming on as a substitute and assisting Dominic Solanke’s second goal, Richarlison felt a twinge in his hamstring. Postecoglou’s cautious words, “Yeah, I know Richy obviously felt something in the action of setting the goal up, his hamstring, so we’ll see,” suggest further evaluation is needed before a clearer timeline can be established.

Wilson Odobert’s promising start at Spurs has hit a significant roadblock. After making his return from a month-long hamstring injury in late October against AZ, the 19-year-old winger has encountered a serious recurrence. Postecoglou provided an update, noting, “The only other one missing out which is a bit of a disappointment is Wilson, who has had a setback during the week and it seems like it is a serious one so we’re just waiting for more information.” Although not the exact same injury, it affects the same area, adding to the concern.

Odobert, who joined Spurs from Burnley for £25 million, has managed only five appearances this season, and this latest development is a blow to both the player and the team’s attacking depth.

Among the injury updates, there is a glimmer of hope with right-back Djed Spence. Despite suffering a groin strain during training, Spence’s recovery appears to be on track. Postecoglou’s pre-match comments before the wins over City and Villa indicated optimism: “Getting closer so we’re hoping next week [he will] join back in training.”

As Tottenham Hotspur head into a crucial period, injury concerns are mounting, particularly surrounding their captain, Heung-min Son. Following a hamstring injury sustained in the Europa League win over Qarabag, Son’s fitness remains a point of concern for manager Ange Postecoglou. With pivotal clashes against Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Galatasaray on the horizon, Spurs face a race against time to have their star forward fit and ready.

Heung-min Son’s injury on September 26 kept him out of action for four matches across all competitions. Despite missing South Korea’s international fixtures to focus on recovery, Son returned to Spurs’ lineup in the London derby against West Ham, marking his comeback with a goal and a spirited 70-minute performance in their 4-1 triumph. However, his return was short-lived, as Postecoglou later confirmed Son experienced “some soreness” post-match, ruling him out of their recent Europa League encounter with AZ Alkmaar.

Postecoglou explained that Son “would not have played in that game anyway” due to his recent fitness struggles. The situation took a disappointing turn for Spurs fans when Son also missed the Premier League match against Crystal Palace, where Tottenham suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat. His absence has amplified the uncertainty surrounding his availability for upcoming high-stakes fixtures. Postecoglou remains cautious but hopeful, indicating, “Sonny is still not right or feeling 100 per cent…unlikely for the weekend, and we’ll see how he is beyond that.”

Another player whose return could impact Spurs’ fortunes is Djed Spence. The versatile full-back, who recently extended his contract until 2028, has been sidelined with a groin injury sustained during training. Spence’s absence has limited Tottenham’s defensive options at a critical juncture, though there’s optimism surrounding his progress.

According to Postecoglou, Spence is “getting closer,” with hopes that he could rejoin training at Hotspur Way next week. While he missed the recent Palace fixture, his availability could bolster Spurs’ defence for either the Manchester City clash or their subsequent match against Aston Villa. The manager’s cautious yet optimistic approach highlights Tottenham’s current balancing act in managing injuries as they juggle league and cup commitments.

Potential return date: Wednesday, October 30, vs Manchester City or Sunday, November 3, vs Aston Villa

With a Carabao Cup last-16 face-off against Manchester City just days away, Tottenham’s injury challenges are arriving at a challenging moment. As Spurs prepare for a hectic schedule with multiple competitions in play, the urgency to have both Son and Spence back on the pitch is evident. Fans are left anxiously awaiting updates, hoping the team’s depth and resilience will carry them through this demanding stretch.

Crystal Palace Secure Victory Over Tottenham in Premier League Clash

In an electrifying match at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace clinched a crucial victory against Tottenham Hotspur, marking their first win in this season’s Premier League. The game’s pivotal moment came when Jean-Philippe Mateta, reinstated to the starting lineup, exploited a defensive lapse to net the winning goal. This strike not only sealed the match but also spotlighted the forward’s crucial role, adding to his impressive tally after last season’s 16-goal feat.

Defensive Drama and Offensive Opportunities

The encounter between Crystal Palace and Tottenham was rife with intensity and strategic gameplay. Early on, Spurs defender Micky van de Ven lost possession deep within his territory, leading to a chaotic scramble that concluded with Mateta’s decisive shot. Tottenham responded vigorously, nearly equalising through a deflected corner kick that hit the post, demonstrating the game’s fine margins.

As the match progressed, Dean Henderson, Palace’s goalkeeper, was a standout performer. One of his critical contributions was a remarkable save against James Maddison, denying the midfielder on his 200th Premier League appearance. This fingertip save was crucial in maintaining the lead and showcased Henderson’s pivotal role in the squad.

Photo: IMAGO

Palace’s Strategic Execution

Under the guidance of their management, Crystal Palace showcased a well-executed defensive strategy paired with rapid offensive transitions. Eberechi Eze was particularly notable, proving to be a persistent threat. His ability to unsettle the Spurs defence was evident, although his potential goal was disallowed for offside. The decision not to award a penalty after Eze was brought down in the box only added to the game’s tension.

The latter stages of the match saw substitute Richarlison miss a significant opportunity to draw level for Tottenham, his misconnection in the six-yard box mirroring Spurs’ frustrations throughout the game. On the flip side, Adam Wharton was close to doubling Palace’s lead with a spectacular long-range effort, which was superbly saved by Guglielmo Vicario.

Grit and Determination Seal the Deal

Crystal Palace’s resilience was on full display as they managed to withstand Tottenham’s late onslaught. The home defence, which has been under scrutiny for their solitary clean sheet this season, held firm against a desperate Spurs attack. This defensive solidity was instrumental in lifting the team out of the relegation zone, providing a significant morale boost.

The match’s outcome has far-reaching implications for both teams. For Crystal Palace, the victory is a vital lifeline and a testament to their strategic prowess and determination. Tottenham, on the other hand, will have to regroup and reassess their approach, particularly in penetrating tight defences and capitalising on their opportunities.

In conclusion, this Premier League fixture was not just a demonstration of tactical football but also of the sheer unpredictability and excitement that the league brings. Crystal Palace’s ability to secure a win under pressure is a positive sign for their campaign, potentially setting the tone for their season.

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Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar Competition: Europa League Kick-off: 20:00 UK time

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has picked his starting line-up and substitutes to play host to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this evening.

Spurs have won both their Europa League league phase games so far and another victory tonight would mean a foot in the qualification zone early on.

They take on an AZ side who arrive in poor form, having lost their last four games across all competitions, including one in the Europa League, at Athletic Bilbao.

Tottenham start as firm favourites, but AZ did win their Europa League opener, against Elfsborg, and will be eyeing a shock in north London.

Fraser Forster is in goal for Tottenham this evening, while at the back Postecoglou picks Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie as a four.

In the engine room, Tottenham go with Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison, while Mikey Moore and Richarlison support Timo Werner.

Postecoglou can chop and change if needed and his options tonight include Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson.

Tottenham Hotspur Team vs AZ Alkmaar

Robert Vilahamn felt we needed to be stronger in both boxes as Chelsea claimed a 5-2 victory in the Barclays Women’s Super on Sunday evening.

Similar to our performance against Manchester United last weekend, we started well and were on the front foot, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock through Maika Hamano on 10 minutes. However, this time we fought back and found an equaliser midway through the second half as Amanda Nilden’s cross was dropped by Hannah Hampton and was adjudged to have bounced over the line.

But, once again, like last time out at United, we conceded on the stroke of half time, Amanda heading home into her own net, to find ourselves behind at the break. Then, two goals in a five-minute spell put the hosts in control in the second half and, despite Eveliina Summanen cutting the deficit with a free-kick from the edge of the box, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd netted her second of the game to seal the win for the Blues.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY after the game, Robert highlighted the importance of being sharper inside our own box to avoid the goals we conceded, but was pleased with parts of our performance against one of the top teams in the WSL.

“A 5-2 loss is not fun at all, especially when it’s your third defeat in a row, but then you need to calm down after the result and see what was good, we have just played Chelsea away and we played some good football in parts,” he said.

“The first half was quite good, but what’s killing us is the goals we’re conceding too easily, we need to fix that, find ways to be better and sharper in those situations… we need to fix that as it’s not good enough.

“On the other hand, you need to see where we are, a team that’s wanting to grow, build an identity and compete with the top teams, so we came to Chelsea and played our football and that’s a big step, but we need to make sure we take steps in other situations as it’s too easy to concede five goals.

“We scored two goals away at Chelsea, which is offensively good, and we created chances but, if you look at it the other way, you are like ‘how can we score even more goals’ and I absolutely think we could have scored three or four more. However, if we want to win the game 2-1, we need to look at how we defend, collectively and also individually, and some of the goals are brilliant stuff from the Chelsea players but we need to defend better.”

We now head into an international break before returning to action with a home clash against West Ham United on Sunday 3 November (2pm UK) and Robert was asked about coming back strong for another London derby.

“There’s still positives to take and, of course, we want to be a top team and we want to compete in these games, but we also need to accept that it will take a bit more time, Robert added. “So, in the upcoming weeks, with a small group, is to make sure we have good training sessions, reflect on this game and, then with the other players coming back, we need to make sure we have a good game plan for West Ham.”

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn says that he strongly believes that his side are capable of beating Chelsea this weekend.

The Lilywhites travel to Kingsmeadow to take on the Barclays Women’s Super League champions on Sunday evening.

Chelsea will be the huge favourites going into the game but Spurs boss Vilahamn has faith in his side’s ability if they deliver the perfect performance

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“I feel that we have a more clear identity now, everybody knows how to play,” Vilahamn said when speaking in the pre-match press conference. “We have some quality players but I know that we are playing one of the best teams in the world away, so we need to have a perfect game to win. I know that we can do it, we have the characters in this squad to do it but we also have to nail the whole game.

“We know how good Chelsea are but we know we can compete against them and we know what we need to do to win. We have a good chance and I strongly believe that we can do it.”

Going on to discuss Chelsea, Vilahamn knows that The Blues are not yet at their most fluid but they have found ways to keep winning game-on-game.

He said “Sonia [Bompastor] has a very impressive CV. I went up against her in the Champions League with Häcken and they had a strong team and a good identity.

“You can see that she has adapted to the English league in a very good way, she’s got really good players and you can tell that they know how to win games because they’re not looking brilliant in every game but they are finding ways to win. You can see that they have tactical stuff where they do rotations as well. She’s a great coach, it’s a great team and it’ll be a tough game.

“On the other hand, we had some good games against Chelsea last season and I feel like we are performing quite well. We just need to make sure we have a really good defensive mindset and some really good finishing then we will have a chance.”

Spurs go into the game off the back of tough defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United. The North Londoners lost the first game through a soft penalty before conceding poor goals against Manchester United last weekend. Vilahamn has been pleased with the players’ response in midweek.

He said “When you get two hits in consecutive games, you can go down and feel sorry for yourselves or take action. It was fun in the week to see that the players wanted to replace yoga with boxing to make sure they get a really good attitude and energy. I think that was a really good call because they showed that they wanted to take the fight and keep going. We’ve had a great training week, we’ve given constructive feedback from the games and the team took it well.

“We have a tough schedule. In six games, we play all of the top five from last season. You also need to understand that every game is a tough game; you need a really good game plan and performance to get the result. If you don’t get that, you have to realise that the table only matters after 22 games.

“We are making sure we train hard and develop every week because sooner or later, the way that we play and create chances is going to be very effective for us.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Chelsea kicks-off at 6.45pm on Sunday evening.

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