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    Tottenham boss Postecoglou blasts his own team for ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ defending following costly loss to Arsenal

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU blasted Tottenham’s defending as “unacceptable” after their first-half debacle in the North London derby.But he is still not overly-concerned by his side’s set-piece record, despite two more goals shipped from corners taking the total to FOURTEEN for the season.”This wouldn’t happen at an under 12s football match” 😬Paul Merson didn’t hold back on Tottenham’s defending for Arsenal’s opening goal 👀 pic.twitter.com/evU4COmxry— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2024

    Ange Postecoglou cast an angry eye over Spurs’ dodgy defendingCredit: EPATottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg nets his own-goal openerCredit: AFPThat is the fifth worst in the league after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal and Kai Havertz’s header came either side of a Bukayo Saka breakaway strike.Arsenal’s 3-2 away win was built on that triple burst before the break and Postecoglou said: “They had too easy access to our goal.”They got there three or four times and scored three times in the first half.”It is just unacceptable at this level and we paid a price for it.”READ MORE TOP STORIESSpurs mounted a second-half fightback with Cristian Romero’s strike and a Son Heung-min penalty – but it was not enough.Once again Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was targeted at set-pieces as Arsenal exposed the hosts’ frailties.Yet Postecoglou said: “If I thought fixing defensive set pieces was the answer to us bridging the gap then I’d put all of my time and effort into that. But that’s not where we’re at.“For us it’s about, when I was focused on the details of, not just set pieces but a lot of moments in games where we don’t sense that you give good opposition the time and the space to do things then they’re going to hurt you.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“They maybe had four attempts on goal in the first half and they conceded three. I don’t think it’s about one part of it, it’s a bigger, broader picture than that, but our defensive set pieces for those two were very poor. But there’s a lot more than that to fix.”The defeat, which came two weeks after a 4-0 tonking at Newcastle, left Spurs seven points behind Aston Villa in the race for fourth spot.Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsThe performance of Argentina star Romero was a rare bright spot for the hosts.Postecoglou added: “He’s a World Cup winner and I’ve just got to get some of what’s in him into some of the others.”🗣️ “This game is over!”Jamie O’Hara says Tottenham ‘look like a pub team’ when defending set pieces against Arsenal ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xCC5yCpFOM— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2024 More

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    Arsenal fans fume ‘Raya what have you done’ as catastrophic blunder lets Tottenham back into North London derby

    DAVID RAYA had Arsenal fans pulling their hair out after his blunder against Tottenham.The Gunners were cruising 3-0 in the North London derby when Raya’s mistake gifted Spurs a way back into the game. David Raya had Arsenal fans pulling their hair out after his blunder against TottenhamCredit: RexHe attempted to chip the ball over Cristian Romero only to fail epically and set the defender up. Romero capitalised and coolly slotted home to pull one back for the hosts – leaving Gooners bemused.One said: “We haven’t conceded an away goal in 2024 and Raya does that.”Another added: “What is Raya thinking”READ MORE IN football One asked: “What is Raya doing?”Another fumed: “What the actual… Raya FFS.”It was the first time Arsenal have conceded an away goal in over ten hours of football.The Gunners raced to an early lead after Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s own goal on 15 minutes. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGoals from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz then looked to have left Arsenal home and hosed by half-time. But Raya’s gaffe afforded Spurs a route back into the game and then Declan Rice gave away a penalty. Eight times Arsenal and Tottenham’s North London rivalry got pettyTottenham skipper Son Heung-min converted from the spot to leave it all to play for with ten minutes to go.But Arsenal held their nerve to take an important three points back to the Emirates in their fight for the title. More

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    I played against the Invincibles when they won the league at White Hart Lane…Spurs must focus on themselves today

    LEDLEY KING puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen when he is reminded about an unfortunate anniversary.The former Tottenham captain is doing some community work ahead of the North London derby – 20 years to the day since he and his Spurs team-mates were unable to prevent Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles from winning the Premier League at the old White Hart Lane.Ledley King celebrates scoring for Spurs against Arsenal – but six months after the Gunners won the league at the LaneCredit: AP:Associated PressArsenal players did celebrate at the end after Spurs has led the wayKing, now 43, said: “20 years? “Our main emotion was to play our best game but also to do everything in our powers to stop them winning the league on our home turf.“We didn’t manage that, but we took a satisfaction in our performance and the pride we showed throughout the game. “The fact that we didn’t get beat gave us something to take away from it.”Arsenal came to the Lane on April 25 2004 needing only a draw to confirm themselves as champions. Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Jamie Redknapp pulled one back just after the hour, then Robbie Keane won and converted an injury-time penalty to complete the Spurs comeback.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGunners legend Thierry Henry has revealed that Wenger’s team agreed before the match not to go overboard if they clinched the title, for fear of provoking Tottenham fans.But after the Spurs players celebrated their late equaliser, that vow went out the window.Most read in FootballA smiling King recalled: “The fact that we got a late goal put us in a happy place at the end of the game and probably played a role in them celebrating in the end as well.“Football is a game of emotions.”Tottenham star James Maddison opens up on three-month injury layoff which stopped him being a dad to newborn twinsBut King, now a club ambassador, is adamant that Tottenham’s players must leave the emotions to the fans today.He said: “This is different. Arsenal won’t win the league if they win this game.“It’s more for the fans, the bragging rights, which we all understand and the players want to provide the fans with that feeling. “While after the job is done there will be a sense of satisfaction to take out of it [if Spurs have dented Arsenal’s title hopes], that can’t be the players’ focus.“They can only focus on playing their best game, using emotions in the right way without crossing the line, and using the fans as a 12th man.”Unlike 20 years ago, Tottenham have much more to play for than local pride.Back then Spurs had a tough season, sacking club legend Glenn Hoddle as boss in the autumn and finishing 14th under director of football David Pleat.But a victory today would keep alive hopes of snatching fourth place from Aston Villa. And more importantly maintain the feelgood factor that Ange Postecoglou has brought back to Tottenham.King said: “Now it’s a very different place.“With a new manager and losing your record goalscorer [Harry Kane], people weren’t sure how Tottenham would do this season “But we have exceeded expectations in terms of performances and where we are in the league at the moment. “The atmosphere in the stadium at games this season has been incredible.“That’s down to the manager, the type of football he’s instructing us to play.“It’s only been positives this season and it’s exciting that we know the manager wants to do big things.”READ MORE SUN STORIESVictory – or even another draw – against Arsenal today would be a big thing for Spurs fans in particular.Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important playerBy Dean Scoggins
    KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
    But has now well and truly found his feet.
    The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
    But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
    In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
    That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
    Click here to read all about it.
    Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.

    Ledley King meets Sophie Andrews OBE, CEO of Noah’s Ark Children’s HospiceCredit: Alex Morton/THFCAnge Postecoglou is putting ther feelgood factor back into TottenhamCredit: RexNoah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is the official charity partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and will be celebrating its partnership with the Club at Sunday’s north London derby, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:30 Sunday 28 April. Visit https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/ to find out more. More

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    Premier League star could become Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing as he informs club of free transfer exit

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO has reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer – sparking a scramble to snap him up on a free.SunSport revealed back in December the former Manchester City kid, 26, was looking to quit the club when his deal expired this summer.Tosin Adarabioyo is set to leave Fulham at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyArne Slot could make the Fulham defender his first signing as Liverpool managerCredit: PAHe has since snubbed the offer of fresh terms – which would have made him one of the highest earners at the West London club.And he will now walk away for nothing at the end of June.Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Liverpool and AC Milan.And Arne Slot could make him his first signing as Liverpool boss after he reportedly agreed to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Reds are said to have agreed a compensation deal with Feyenoord worth £9.4million.Liverpool’s interest in Tosin comes with the club are uncertain about the futures of both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.Tottenham also considered moving for Tosin last summer.The centre-back has made 132 appearances for Fulham since joining from Man City in 2020.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTosin has started all but two of Fulham’s league games since early DecemberHe was plagued by injury during the early part of this season, but has been ever-present since the turn of the year.He has started 18 of Fulham’s last 20 Premier League games, helping to keep six clean sheets.Who is Arne Slot?Marco Silva’s side sit 13th in the table, three points adrift of the top half with four games remaining. More

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    Man Utd outcast Anthony Martial ‘thrown Premier League transfer lifeline’ but could join former Champions League winners

    ANTHONY MARTIAL could reportedly be thrown a Premier League lifeline this summer.The Manchester United forward is set to leave the club at the end of the season with his contract expiring.Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Anthony MartialCredit: AlamyMartial, 28, is on the lookout for his next club and has been linked with the likes of Inter Milan and Fenerbahce.The Frenchman could also have more options on the table as Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest.Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed that the North London outfit are looking at the forward.Spurs will have to fight off interest from Serie A giants Juventus.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Bianconeri are also said to be considering a move for Martial to strengthen their attacking options.The club had wanted to sign former West Ham star Felipe Anderson once his contract expired at Lazio.However, they missed out as he confirmed that his new club will be Brazilian side Palmeiras.Tottenham could have the edge over Juventus as the Italians may struggle to afford Martial’s wages.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe is said to be on £240,000-a-week which could be too much for Juventus.The forward could get Ange Postecoglou a more direct option in his attack should he move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The manager currently has Heung-min Son, Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in his attack.Martial could take up a spot as a more traditional striker but would also be another option on the wing.He has struggled this season at Man United for fitness and has only featured 13 times in the Premier League.In total, Martial has played 19 times in all competitions, scoring two goals. More

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    Why Dele Alli’s Sky Sports MNF appearance will save Everton £10m from Tottenham transfer fee

    EVERTON will save £10million through Dele Alli’s appearance on Monday Night Football.The midfielder will make his punditry debut on Sky Sports for the Toffees’ trip to Chelsea.Dele Alli’s Monday Night Football appearance will save Everton £10millionCredit: GettyIn doing so, he will save his club from having to pay Tottenham a fee as part of his January 2022 move.Alli joined Everton two years ago on a free transfer with a series of appearance-based add-ons.As part of the deal, Everton would have to pay Spurs £10million if Alli made 20 Premier League appearances.However, injuries and a dip in form have limited him to just 13 league appearances.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith Everton having just seven matches remaining this term and Alli’s contract expiring in the summer, his appearance on Sky Sports means he cannot end the campaign with any more than 19 league appearances for the club.As a result, he will save Sean Dyche’s side £10million by joining Jamie Carragher and David Jones in the studio.Alli, 28, has failed to make an appearance so far this season after struggling with a muscle issue that has ruled him out since March 2023.The injury has prevented him from playing for Everton since returning from a loan spell with Besiktas last summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also confirmed he has undergone rehabilitation for his mental health in an emotional interview with Gary Neville.The 28-year-old also revealed in the interview last year that he was sexually abused as a child.Eric Dier says he ‘has lots of regrets’ and admits to being ‘disappointed he didn’t do more’ to help Dele AlliAlli was twice named the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2015/16 and 2016/17 after emerging as a key man for Tottenham.Meanwhile, at international level, he has won 37 caps and scored three goals for England.Those caps include appearances at both the 2016 Euros and 2018 World Cup. More

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    Former Tottenham skipper Jenna Schillaci says Spurs can become one of the best teams in the country

    FOR Jenna Schillaci playing in a Tottenham women’s football side once seemed an impossible dream.Today the retired former Spurs defender hopes the team can fulfil their dream of reaching a Women’s FA Cup final by beating Leicester.Jenna Schillaci believes Tottenham have the capability to challenge for the biggest honours in the women’s domestic gameCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe team will battle Leicester City for a place in this year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PALike Tottenham the Foxes are competing in a Women’s FA Cup semi-final for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyA feat that would be a new milestone for the Women’s Super League side who have come a long way from the part-time club Schillaci joined 24 years ago.Back then the team, whose players included nurses and teachers, used to train on a North London council estate and competed at an amateur level.Reflecting on those days Schillaci, 40, who played for Tottenham for 12 years and once captained side, said: “My family are Spurs mad.“My earliest memories are going down to White Hart Lane every other Saturday with my two brothers and just dreaming of one day playing as part of a team.Read More Football Stories“But back then, it wasn’t even really a dream because I never saw women’s football. “It wasn’t visible for me, so it was like an impossible dream.“When I used to go and watch the men’s (team), I would read the (matchday) programme before the game.“I once saw a really tiny section about a women’s team, which I didn’t know existed, but I couldn’t join it until I was 16 years old.Most read in Football“I showed my dad and my mum and told them, ‘As soon as I’m 16, you’ve got to take me down there’ and they did that.“They used to train on a Wednesday night on an estate in Tottenham and it was the last slot of the night from 9:00pm until 10:00pm, a bit late for a 16-year-old to be out.“But I remember just turning up and absolutely, living my dream there. “I would be running rings around the players. I was the youngest by about 15 years because it was a women’s team.“For the warm-ups I recall jogging around the estate. “I’m sure my mum used to follow us in her car, just to make sure we got around safely.“But this was a dream come true and I couldn’t believe my luck that I was playing for Tottenham. “And you’d play anywhere from muddy grassroots pitches to Hackney Marshes on a Sunday afternoon.”Today’s FA Cup semis clash between Spurs and Leicester will be battled out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A stark contrast to the muddy pitches Schillaci and her old team-mates once competed on during the early stages of her playing career at the club.Following the completion of a physical education degree at Greenwich University and stints at Queen Park Rangers, and Enfield Town, Schillaci returned to playing for the side in 2009.She went on skipper the team, that once competed in the Greater London Women’s Football League, helping them rise up the pyramid to promotion to the WSL in 2019.Since Schillaci’s retirement in June 2020, Spurs achieved their highest ever top-flight finish in fifth spot two years ago before avoiding relegation and finishing ninth last term.  This season has seen them flourish under boss Robert Vilahamn who took charge of the side last July, four months after the sacking of former manager Rehanne Skinner.Under the Sweden-born head coach the team have achieved some new firsts.These include beating Arsenal in a WSL derby and reaching the FA Cup semis for their first time in their history by defeating Manchester City. And Schillaci expects the team will eventually challenge City and WSL giants Chelsea and Arsenal for the game’s biggest domestic honours.She adds: “They had a tough season last year in a relegation battle and they survived that.“When you look back at it from then to now it’s like a million miles apart. “You’ve only got a look at the calibre of players at the club.“You’ve got Bethany England, a Euros winner, a young Lioness in Grace Clinton, Celin Bizet and Charlie Grant.Schillaci believes Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, including signing Grace Clinton on loan from Man United, has reaped rewards for the team this seasonCredit: Getty“They’re really investing in the recruitment and they’re also going for younger players now and you can see the strategy.“It’s incredible to see the rise and it’s down to a lot of people. It’s a really exciting time for the team.”The infrastructure that they have there now and have had over the last couple of seasons, is probably one of the best in the country.“And you’re seeing it this season with the team competing with the best.”I think in a short period of time, they will become one of the best teams in the country.”Four years after hanging up her boots Schillaci now works as operations manager in Tottenham Women’s Academy.Among the players who have risen through ranks and could feature against Leicester today is England Under-23s starlet Jessica Naz.The Spurs forward, 23, who has made 17 WSL appearances this term, helped the Young Lionesses to go unbeaten in the Under-23s European League.Schillaci said: “Jess is a key example of one of our own, a local girl has been with us through our pathway, doing well on an international stage.“I remember when she joined the club when she was 15 or 16. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She was a team-mate of mine for three or four seasons. She was a nightmare to defend (against) in training.“For her to be there competing every day with world class players (in Tottenham’s first team) I think it’s pushing her on and her future is so bright.”Schillaci has high hopes for Jessica Naz with the forward impressing for Tottenham this termCredit: Getty More

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    Newcastle forced to automatically trigger £35million transfer just seconds after 4-0 thumping of Tottenham

    NEWCASTLE’S 4-0 win over Spurs has triggered a unique transfer clause – making Lewis Hall’s big-money move from Chelsea permanent.The left-back signed on loan for £4million, with a full move for £24m extra to follow if the Toon came 15th or above in the Premier League.Lewis Hall now knows his Newcastle move will become permanentCredit: RexEddie Howe says he always planned on keeping Hall for the long termCredit: RexSaturday’s surprise romp over high-riding Tottenham guaranteed a deal for Hall – even though he was an unused substitute.Add-ons could eventually take the England Under-21 star’s fee to £35m.And Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe has insisted he always wanted to keep the 19-year-old, despite his limited starts.Howe said last month: “It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.READ MORE TOP STORIES“He was always brought in with a long-term view.“Something we just need some patience. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.“We have always believed in him and his quality, and we have been working really hard with him on his game.”Sixth-placed Newcastle are, of course, targeting a European place rather than just doing enough to recruit Hall – for which they merely had to finish outside the bottom five.Most read in FootballAnd Chelsea will also be happy to cash in on him Stamford Bridge co-owner Todd Boehly is battling to balance the book at the end of the season to comply with the Prem’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.Newcastle stars vow to unveil new celebration if they score against Tottenham for heartwarming reasonAnd the fee for Hall counts as 100 per cent profit as he is a home-grown player.TOON SIGNINGS SINCE APRIL 2020 TAKEOVERLEWIS HALL is becoming the latest Toon recruit since their huge Saudi takeover. Here’s a guide to the main incomers:
    Sandro Tonali, AC Milan, £50mHarvey Barnes, Leicester, £41mTino Livramento, Southampton, £35mYankuba Minteh, Odense BK, £7mLewis Hall, Chelsea, £35mAlexander Issak, Real Sociedad, £60mAnthony Gordon, Everton, £42mSven Botman, Lille, £34mMatt Targett, Aston Villa, £15mNick Pope, Burnley, £10mHarrisaon Ashby, West Ham, £2.6mGarang Kuol, Central Coast, £300kBruno Guimaraes, Lyon, £38mKieran Trippier, Atletico Madrid, £13mDan Burn, Brighton, £12mChris Wood, Burnley, £25m More