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Harry Kane last night became England’s record appearance-maker – days after signing a new Bayern Munich contract that’s reported to contain an intriguing clause.

Kane followed up his recent Ballon d’Or triumph by winning his 126th cap for his country against Croatia, surpassing Peter Shilton’s long-standing record, and last week he put pen to paper on a new deal keeping him in Germany until 2029.

That will take the striker up to the summer of his 36th birthday, although a key detail of the contract has given Spurs fans a glimmer of hope that he could still return to his former club before the end of his career.

The Spurs clause

As with his previous deal, it’s been reported that his new contract contains a clause that allows Spurs to match a bid from any other club for his services, should Kane leave Bayern before the summer of 2029.

Former Spurs and England star Chris Waddle doesn’t expect him to return to North London before the end of his career, though.

“People ask me ‘Do you think Harry Kane will go back when he’s 36?’, but why should he go back?” Waddle said.

“He might have a soft spot to go back, but do Tottenham want somebody back at 36 or 37? I don’t think so, even if it is Harry Kane. I think Tottenham are looking to move on and are looking at much younger profiles.

“The Bundesliga is slower than the Premier League, so at 36, he could still be wearing the Bayern Munich No.9 shirt.”

Waddle left Spurs himself to move abroad in 1989, enjoying a successful spell in France with Marseille, and sees how Kane has similarly benefited from playing in a new country.

“He made the right decision, and he probably never thought it would go as well as it has,” said the former winger, speaking in association with iGaming.com.

“When I went to Marseille, I didn’t know what was going to happen, and it turned out to be three unbelievable years in my career.

“I didn’t want to leave Tottenham, but when I look back, it was probably the best move I made. Harry Kane, for all his time with Tottenham – and he loves Tottenham, rightly so – would say that Bayern Munich made him a far better player.”

Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro has opened up about leaving N17 once again.

The World Cup winner signed a new deal with the Lilywhites over the summer to keep him in North London until 2031, after back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

After well-documented interest from Spanish giants, the Tottenham man has opened up to boldly tell reporters “it's true” he will return to his homeland, as Real Madrid and Barcelona circle for his signature.

Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro: 'I don’t want to get into any trouble - but it’s true, and no secret…'

In comments relayed by Sport Witness, Porro has opened up once again to link himself away from Spurs.

The outlet records this as the sixth time that the Spaniard has spoken about moving – despite the implication that he's talking about his long-term future – with Porro even prefacing his comments this time with, “I don’t want to get into any trouble”.

“I’ve just renewed my contract with Tottenham,” Porro began, “I have a great deal of respect for my club, and I’m very grateful for the support they give me.

“It’s true, and no secret, that I hope to return to Spain one day, as it’s my home country. But first and foremost, I want to emphasise my respect for the club I’m currently under contract with. As for the future, well, we’ll see.”

As long ago as March, the 27-year-old spoke of a “dream” when asked about Real Madrid interest, while most recently, he called Barcelona president Joan Laporte's praise of him “flattering” and said, “I’m focused on the national team now, and then we’ll see.”

Real were initially linked with a move for Porro towards the back end of last season but after purchasing Denzel Dumfries to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold – and manager Jose Mourinho deploying Federico Valverde at full-back, too – it appears as if the door has closed on Porro moving to the Bernabeu for now.

Barça, meanwhile, have their own defensive issues with Jules Kounde currently out injured – while La Masia duo Brian Farinas and Xavi Espart have both started at right-back for boss Hansi Flick.

With Ronald Araujo on loan at Liverpool and Kounde linked with an exit over the summer, there is certainly potential for the Blaugrana to shop for a new right-back in the coming months.

Whether Porro really is talking about returning to Spain now or in the distant future will surely become apparent, should Barça come calling for his services.

Since Mauricio Pochettino arrived in English football with Southampton in January 2013, Manchester United have cycled through a dozen interim, caretaker or permanent managers, from Sir Alex Ferguson to Michael Carrick.

Even more coaches have been linked with the post, with the same names seemingly popping up every time the Old Trafford dugout is vacant.

Former Tottenham and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is one such manager and, according to the man himself, this was not just gossip column speculation.

Pochettino: ‘Manchester United have always shown interest in me, but the ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialised’

The Argentine was first linked with Manchester United a decade ago, speculation that gathered pace when he met Sir Alex Ferguson for lunch in 2016, during which time he was in charge of Spurs.

“United have always shown interest,” Pochettino revealed to FourFourTwo in an interview earlier this year. “But the ideal scenario to manage there has never quite materialised.

“In any case, that lunch with Sir Alex had absolutely nothing to do with it,” he continues before explaining how the meeting came about.

“In his final season as a manager, we played a great game against United with Southampton. In the press conference after, he said we’d been the most complete opponent that United had faced.

“Through the secretary of the League Managers Association, he asked for my phone number so that we could have lunch. It was a meeting in London between colleagues – between a genius and an apprentice.

“My English wasn’t great, but Jesus Perez helped. When we asked for the bill, I wanted to take it, and so did he. We started arguing over who’d pay! “He said, “Stop Mauricio, I’m going to ask you a question. If you answer correctly, you pay. If not, I’ll pay.” I had no idea what he was going to ask.

“He said, “Name an Argentine player who scored in the 1930 World Cup final.” I replied, “Stabile.” He couldn’t believe it. The name came to me out of nowhere! In the end, I paid the bill.”

Speculation mounted again six years later in 2022, when the Red Devils would eventually go on to appoint Erik ten Hag.

“I was under contract at PSG,” Pochettino continues. “After our Champions League elimination against Real Madrid, we had no option but to make sure we secured the Ligue 1 title at least.

“United were in a hurry to announce their new manager before the end of that season because the situation had become unsustainable. I couldn’t negotiate, whereas Ajax gave Ten Hag the flexibility to do so.”

Pochettino is widely expected to replace Carrick in the dugout at Old Trafford ahead of Man United's derby with Liverpool later this month.

The Argentine coach is reported to have a $10 million break clause in his USMNT contract, which was extended over the summer following the United States' World Cup campaign.

Man United chiefs are meeting in Monaco this week to discuss the club's next steps.

Watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur for free from anywhere, as Roberto De Zerbi's side travel to Elland Road looking to claim their fourth successive win in the Premier League. FourFourTwo has all the details on live streams and TV channels, wherever you are in the world.

Leeds are beginning to slide down the table after a five-match winless run, so three points would be very welcome indeed for Daniel Farke's men ahead of the international break.

They face a Spurs side on the opposite trajectory, with the visitors experiencing something of a revival after winning three games in a row. They also have fond recent memories of Elland Road, having won their last three fixtures there 2-1, 4-1 and 4-0.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur online and from anywhere, including for free, in this Premier League Saturday-lunchtime kick-off.

Watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur for FREE

If you''re in the US you can watch Leeds vs Tottenham for free thanks to YouTube TV's 21-day free trial, which carries USA Network.

Fubo and DirecTV Stream also carry the service and offer 5-day free trials.

Abroad and looking to access your free-trial? Use Proton VPN to unblock them so you can stream Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur for free from anywhere in the world.

Watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur from anywhere

What if you're away from home when Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur is on, and find access to your usual streaming service geo-blocked? The solution is a VPN, a piece of software that sets your devices to appear to be in any country in the world.

FourFourTwo’s tech-obsessed office-mates over at Tom's Guide know everything there is to know about VPNs, and they rate Proton VPN as one of the best for unlocking streams. Plus they have a MEGA Black Friday deal right now:

How to watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

Fans in the UK can watch live coverage of Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur on TNT Sports.

The Premier League clash is being shown on TNT Sports 1 and its streaming platform HBO Max, with kick-off at 12:30pm GMT.

HBO Max plans that include TNT start at £25.99/month with TNT also available to add to your Sky, Virgin Media or EE packages.

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How to watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur in the US

As mentioned above, USA Network will show Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur live in the US. Kick-off is at 7:30am ET.

USA Network is a linear channel, so you will need a cord-cutting package. YouTube TV (5-day free trial), DirecTV Stream (5-day free trial), Hulu+Live TV (3-day free trial) and Sling Blue all carry USA Network.

Remember: Use Proton VPN to unlock your Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur stream on USA Network if you're away from home.

How to watch Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur in Australia

Viewers in Australia can stream Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur on Stan Sport, with kick-off at 11:30pm AEDT.

Stan Sport comes in at just AU$29.99 (£15.70). That also gets you live coverage of every single Premier League, Champions League and Europa League game.

Not in Australia? Proton VPN will unblock your Stan Sport stream of Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur.

Tickets

Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview

It is not yet panic stations at Elland Road, but if Leeds United fail to beat Tottenham Hotspur then their wait for a Premier League win will stretch beyond two months — and that would be concerning.

Daniel Farke's side have lost just two of their nine league games, but a five-match winless run has made the locals restless, even if the manager himself still appears relaxed about the situation.

Their bid for a first victory over Spurs since 2021 has been hampered by injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach, with all three players doubtful for the visit of the North London club.

However, James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson are available, while key defender Joe Rodon could make his first appearance since August after recovering from a hamstring issue.

SEE ALSO How to watch Premier League 2026/27: TV Guide for Matchweek 10

While Leeds have begun to fade after a strong start, Spurs have rocketed up the table to ease fears of another season battling at the wrong end of the table.

After beating Coventry City, Chelsea and Crystal Palace, Tottenham are now looking to win four successive Premier League games for the first time since October 2023 as their revival under Roberto De Zerbi gathers pace.

Spurs could be boosted by the returns from injury of Savio, Tosin Adarabioyo and Lucas Bergvall, while Rodrigo Bentancur is available after serving his three-match suspension for his red card at Manchester United last month.

Attacking players Mykhailo Mudryk, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Leeds United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Farke's side have been draw specialists this season and we can see that continuing against Spurs.

Watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace for FREE as the two sides meet in today's 5:30pm kick-off in the Premier League.

FourFourTwo has all the details on live streams and TV channels, wherever you are in the world.

Tottenham continued their upward trajectory with a spirited 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

On the other hand, it's been a miserable start for Crystal Palace, who are currently just outside of the bottom three after only two wins from ten games so far this term.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace online and from anywhere, including for free, in this Saturday-evening Premier League clash.

Can I watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace for free?

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace isn't technically available to watch for free, but there is a way that viewers in the US can stream the game at no cost.

NBC has live coverage in the States and is available on YouTube TV, which currently comes with a 5-day free trial for new customers.

Outside the US? Use a VPN to access your free Tottenham vs Crystal Palace stream from anywhere in the world.

Watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace from anywhere

Away from home right now? You don't have to miss Tottenham vs Crystal Palace.

The solution to your geo-restriction nightmares is a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a piece of software that can make your devices appear to be in any country in the world.

FourFourTwo’s tech-obsessed office-mates over at Tom's Guide know everything there is to know about VPNs, and they rate ProtonVPN as the best VPN you can buy.

How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace in the UK

Viewers in the UK can watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports.

Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will have live coverage of the Premier League clash, which kicks-off at 5:30pm GMT.

How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace in the US

As mentioned above, NBC is showing Tottenham vs Crystal Palace in the US.

That means the game is also live on Peacock, NBC's streaming platform.

Kick-off is at 12:30pm ET.

How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace in Australia

Fans in Australia can stream Tottenham vs Crystal Palace on Stan Sport.

Kick-off is at 4:30am AEDT on Sunday.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: Preview

Tottenham sent eyebrows around the division after beating Chelsea 2-0 in their own backyard in a surprise result last weekend.

Roberto De Zerbi's side finally looks to be clicking in all the right areas, as Mike Penders put through his own goal before Mathys Tel struck the second to ensure a famous win for the Lilywhites.

With no midweek cup action to contend with, Spurs have had a solid week to prepare and are bidding to make it three wins from three this weekend.

James Maddison was forced off against the Blues and is likely to miss out, with Savio, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, Wilson Odobert, Mykhailo Mudryk and Xavi Simons all also currently sidelined.

SEE ALSO How to watch Premier League 2026/27: TV Guide, Streams & Fixtures

Pressure continues to mount on Palace boss Pierre Sage, who has found it difficult to fill the shoes of popular former manager Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles have managed just two Premier League wins so far this season, with Newcastle United claiming a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park last weekend.

There was a more positive result in midweek, however, as Palace secured a 1-0 win in the Carabao Cup against Fulham. The match also marked the return of club captain Dean Henderson, who has been sorely missed since picking up an injury in September.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to return to the starting attack, while Sage is hopeful that Jørgen Strand Larsen and Quinten Timber could also return to the squad on Saturday.

FourFourTwo's prediction

Tottenham 3-0 Crystal Palace

Spurs won and kept a clean sheet at Chelsea last time out and we think De Zerbi's men win against this week.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Pedro Porro has revealed a 'big dream' to return to Spain's La Liga despite signing a new Spurs contract in the summer.

Spurs offered new terms to Porro before he left for the World Cup, where he helped Spain to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. They conceded just one goal in the tournament.

Porro had already committed to a new deal that runs to the summer of 2031 and has the option for another year, but he has spoken about his wish to play in Spain for one of La Liga's top clubs.

'Tottenham probably asked for a lot of money for me'

Porro, who joined Manchester City from Girona and had a loan spell at Valladolid, was interviewed by Cadena Ser and explained that he feels happy and loved at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"I finalised my renewal before the World Cup to be at ease during the tournament, because that greatly influences performance," said the 27-year-old.

"Afterwards, they gave me a great tribute; I feel very loved, and that’s very important to me. They’ve given me a good contract, although if I had waited until after the World Cup, I would have gotten more.

"There were rumours, but I was focused on doing well for my country. If there’s real interest, they call you directly, and that didn’t happen. There were clubs that enquired about my situation, but there wasn’t any real interest.

"I didn’t want to listen too much. Tottenham probably asked for a lot of money for me because they value me as one of the best."

Like most players of his age, Porro is beginning to cast an eye towards the end of his career and considering where he might like to spend his footballing twilight. Returning to Spain is an obvious choice and he told Cadena Ser that he's keen.

"Obviously, I’d love to return to Spain someday. It’s my country, and I like the league," he said. "Right now, it would be very unfair to talk about anything other than my club because I’m under contract, but obviously, I’d love to go back to Spain; it’s a big dream of mine."

The right-back was sure not to indicate any preference between Real Madrid and Barcelona, smartly keeping his options open for a 'dream' swansong back home.

Porro left Man City to make permanent his long loan spell at Sporting CP without making an appearance for the Premier League club. He joined Spurs three years ago with a Portuguese league title to his name.

He's been a reliable performer in a turbulent period for the North London club. Porro played 90 minutes in the Europa League final in 2025, helping Spurs to a clean sheet and 1-0 win over Manchester United.

In February 2015, Tottenham Hotspur signed Dele Alli for £5m. The midfielder penned a five-and-a-half year deal with the north London side, and was immediately loaned back to MK Dons.

At 18 years of age for a player plying his trade for a League One side, it was a hefty outlay. Tottenham were taking a risk on the teenager. At the time, he’d struck 12 times in 25 appearances. He ended his final season for the Dons with 16 goals across 39 league outings. However, the step up from the third tier of English football to the Premier League was a big one to take. It was one he made with ease.

Dele scored 10 and provided nine assists in his debut season at the club. He added 18 goals and registered a further seven assists in his second campaign in the capital. Successive PFA Young Player of the Year awards served to highlight a player with the world at his feet. Nine goals and 10 assists across the 2017/18 season was another superb haul.

‘We’ve got Alli! Dele Alli!’ would reverberate around the old White Hart Lane. He forged a fine attacking partnership with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen in Mauricio Pochettino’s favoured 4-2-3-1 setup.

The attacking performances attracted interest from Real Madrid at one stage. However, the showings began to deteriorate in the 2018/19 season. The quality of his displays slipped, owing largely to a series of hamstring complaints during Pochettino’s final full season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helm.

The Argentine’s Spurs exit in November 2019 was ultimately the beginning of the end for Dele. Jose Mourinho succeeded Pochettino in north London, and the Portuguese warned the midfielder that an unprofessional attitude could negatively impact his career. In the widely shared scene from the All or Nothing documentary focussed on the 2019/20 season, Dele didn’t necessarily adopt a relaxed attitude, nor did he look particularly receptive to Mourinho’s comments.

Rather, he sat in the manager’s office, arms crossed, and didn’t appear to be taking Mourinho’s advice on board. Things hardly improved for Dele during his time under the former Chelsea and Inter Milan head coach, though he refused to blame Mourinho for a lack of game time during his short stint at Spurs. “The only person I blame is myself,” he said back in 2021.

At one stage, he opened up on personal problems during an episode of The Overlap with Gary Neville, revealing he was sexually abused by a friend of his mother at just six years of age. Dele also admitted that, at one point, he suffered from an addiction to sleeping pills and alcohol. That said, the player himself never used his off-field issues as an excuse for a dip in on-field performances, though such trauma would have impacted anybody regardless of their mental fortitude.

Ultimately, a Spurs career that started with a bang ended with a whimper, and in January 2022, he completed a move to Everton. A fresh start with a change of scenery was seemingly the best course of action for the player. It failed to have the desired effect. Dele managed just one league start in the second half of the 2021/22 season before moving to Turkish side Besiktas later that year.

Everything seemed to be going well for him in Istanbul, though it took a turn for the worse when Senol Gunel took over the reins in October 2022. “Let’s not discuss Dele Alli as a player, but he is below expectations in terms of efficiency,” Gunel said of Dele shortly after his appointment. He didn’t play for Besiktas again after February having scored two goals across 13 league outings. Just as things looked to be falling into place for Dele, everything came tumbling down once more.

The 2023/24 campaign was a write-off due to injury, and while his Everton contract expired in June 2024, the club allowed Dele to use the training facilities as he continued his rehabilitation. A switch to Como followed in January 2025, and another opportunity for a new beginning.

Head coach Cesc Fabregas warned against Dele making an immediate impact, which is to be expected following an 18-month spell away from the game, but in March 2025; the midfielder made his first appearance in over two years as he took to the field in a Serie A clash with Milan. He lasted just nine minutes after a VAR review upgraded his yellow card for a foul on Lucas Da Cunha to a red. Dele was released in September 2025. He hasn’t played competitively since.

It’s not to say Dele hasn’t been trying to remain on top of his fitness in order to secure a move. He was training at Hotspur Way earlier this year. Some fans would even love to see Dele return to the squad to provide a confidence boost. He was reportedly set to move to West Ham United over the summer, while League Two contenders Barnet had been credited with an interest.

On potentially signing Dele, who had been using the club’s training facilities, head coach Dean Brennan said: “You’d be mad not to. Everyone deserves a second chance in life.” While a move to the Bees is yet to come to fruition, it’s an offer that remains on the table for Dele.

In the meantime, however, he has taken to live streaming on Twitch, attracting thousands of viewers as he calls former teammates on air, including James Maddison, Tammy Abraham and Harry Kane, though some, including Eric Dier, opted against answering the phone. It was the call with Kane, however, that really brought to light the fall from grace. “Working hard, I hope?” the Bayern Munich hitman asked, with genuine concern in his voice.

“Always bro. Come on, you know me,” Dele replied. He said so with a fragile smile.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? The player himself confirmed as such on a live stream, stating that “developments are happening behind the scenes”. It’s not yet confirmed where his next destination will be, but fans everywhere are hoping the possible move comes to fruition, be it with Barnet or elsewhere.

It’s truly a sorry state of affairs for a player who, briefly, had the world at his feet. He played with the arrogance and flamboyance of an attacker who looked destined for the very top. The world-class strike against Crystal Palace in January 2016 feels like a lifetime ago. “It makes your heart smile, that sort of goal,” Ian Wright said on Match of the Day.

Ask any Spurs fan now, and all they’ll want to see is a happy Dele playing football again. At just 30 years of age, there is ample time to return to the game. He may not hit the same heights supporters witnessed in the opening years of his Spurs career, but just watching him back in action would make even the most apathetic of hearts smile.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have become accustomed to the nervous wait for injury news. There aren’t many places in football where the words ‘scan this week’ are more feared.

Spurs are crossed their fingers and thumbs that attacking midfielder James Maddison will be back from his latest injury setback rather faster than usual. In these Kaneless, Son-free years, they need a spark more than ever.

Before Maddison’s early withdrawal against Chelsea, he starred in his first Premier League start for more than 500 days. The 29-year-old scored a brilliant opening goal in Spurs’ 3-1 win over boyhood club Coventry City. It was liquid Maddison.

James Maddison has a swagger Tottenham Hotspur can’t match without him

Spurs’ fresh start after dodging the drop under Roberto De Zerbi took some time to get going but they’re gradually finding their feet.

First came the goals, then the wins. Dejan Kulusevski’s return against Coventry is no coincidence but Maddison’s availability, brief though it was, gave Spurs a major boost. He’s a difference-maker and a wildcard, a player with that extra something special.

Maddison’s fabulous strike against the Sky Blues was a reminder of just one of the strings to his bow. He’s blessed with a natural charisma, a swagger, that courses through his game.

Attitude is the basis for Maddison’s creativity and impact. He’s a player for blockbuster moments and big matches, a talented damage-doer with an eye for the spectacular and an appetite for the attention and adulation that come with it.

It’s easy to forget that Maddison, fit and in full flow, is one of England’s foremost maverick midfielders. Football needs players like Maddison, like Jack Grealish, who play the game their way and on their terms without shunning their tactical responsibilities.

Maddison is into his leadership years. He’s a senior player for De Zerbi by any definition. Crucially, these are all characteristics Spurs at their worst have been lacking too. They need Maddison not only for what he can do, but for what he can mean.

Football is supposed to be fun. Players who deliver on that at the same time as being effective are worth their weight in gold to their teams and to the game as a whole. They are football’s great entertainers.

Rare is the team that thrives in unrepentant functionalism. For most, a little magic is a must. That’s what Spurs miss when Maddison is sidelined and injuries are affecting his prime.

Injuries are threatening to spike Maddison’s prime

Coventry-born Maddison has had star quality from the beginning, first with the Sky Blues and then with Norwich City. Loan spells back at Coventry and with Aberdeen were followed by a move to the Premier League and Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup and began what has, until now, proved a sadly meagre England career.

Injuries have been a sad reality of his career since he joined Spurs. His first season was interrupted when he missed the whole of December and most of November and January. In 2024/25, he sat out for a couple of weeks in the winter and then suffered a knee injury that knocked his pre-season off kilter.

Last season was a write-off because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament and Maddison’s 2026/27 has already been tripped up by two different injuries.

Spurs and their spark are back in scan purgatory. De Zerbi will be asked about Maddison in pre-match press conferences again. Supporters will see his name when team news is updated, and the player faces yet more days on the outside looking in while his teammates labour without the very skills he provides.

He went off early in the second half at Stamford Bridge, replaced by Conor Gallagher.

On that occasion it was the Blues who imploded. Stand-in goalkeeper Mike Penders punched the ball into his own net to give Spurs the lead before Cole Palmer, in some ways the inheritor of the unpredictable England artist role that might have been Maddison’s, finally got himself sent off.

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, those three points don’t detract from the fact that Spurs are a better, more potent, more entertaining team for Maddison’s involvement.

They’re in a nice groove after two wins in a row but getting Maddison back – again – would give them another lift as they strive to put the last two Premier League seasons behind them once and for all.

Tottenham Hotspur’s victory in the howling wind and rain was forged in a single destructive intervention.

Cole Palmer slamming his knee into Matheus Fernandes was a bolt of electricity sparking this game into life.

Within 15 minutes, Spurs had scored twice and Palmer had received his second yellow card.

Fully De Zerb'd victory

It was a gritty, muscular, emotional win for Spurs – yet it was built, subtly, on a tactical battle won by Roberto de Zerbi, whose high-octane football creates a psychological advantage by design.

The tactical pattern at Stamford Bridge meant Palmer’s aggressive act was only ever going to help Spurs.

Xabi Alonso, who has quietly abandoned his 3-4-3 recently, played a 4-4-2 with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer deployed as false nines, although they were so false they were more like ghosts, pressing erratically to leave Chelsea’s two-man midfield repeatedly exposed.

This was the foundation of Tottenham’s decisive tactical advantage – and Alonso had no answer, perhaps because he is not used to the Premier League’s speed and physicality, characteristics De Zerbi has embraced.

Had Alonso played his usual 3-4-3 then one of his spare centre-backs could have followed Marmoush and shut this down.

Or, had he acknowledged De Zerbi’s press-baiting tactics and told his forwards to hold their position, he could have shut this down.

That Alonso did neither tells us he is still very much in a learning phase.

Arne Slot has been linked with a stunning move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham collected their first win of the season on Monday night against fellow strugglers Coventry City at home, with Roberto De Zerbi's early-season warm-weather camp in Marbella proving a success.

But with the pressure still not completely lifted from the Italian's shoulders and Chelsea up next in the league, Spurs could well make plans to bring in a title winner with experience.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with stunning Arne Slot hire

De Zerbi has struggled at times in N17 since taking over from Igor Tudor midway through last season, overseeing a huge summer rebuild but simultaneously questioning his players' fight.

With a vast array of accomplished managers waiting in the wings for the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United to press the panic button, Sport Witness have relayed reports from the Netherlands that former Liverpool boss Arne Slot could be in the frame for the Spurs job.

According to De Telegraaf, Robin van Persie is a consideration at Nottingham Forest – with Oliver Glasner facing teething troubles at the City Ground – with Slot a contender for Tottenham.

The outlet notes that Slot's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, is in regular contact with clubs interested in Europe and that it is “certain that he will return to a major European club in 2027”

“Slot fills his spare time with a role as a technical observer at UEFA,” the report notes, mentioning that the Dutchman is currently assessing tactical trends during his time out of the game.

The 48-year-old was a big success in his first season at Anfield, lifting the Premier League title after taking over the reins from Jurgen Klopp – who had been Reds boss for nine years before his surprise resignation.

Slot was a success at Feyenoord, too, winning the Eredivisie in 2023 and leading the Rotterdammers to the inaugural Conference League final, where they lost to Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Things weren't quite so rosy last season for Slot, whose Liverpool side slumped to fifth in the table and failed to retain their title, as the manager appeared to lose the dressing room and Mohamed Salah was allowed to terminate his contract.

Slot was most recently linked with a move to the Netherlands national team, only for the Oranje to hire Xavi Hernandez instead.