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    Tottenham 1 Aston Villa 2: Son Heung-min has hat-trick of goals disallowed as Villans leapfrog Spurs into fourth

    HOW El Tel would have loved this thriller – if not the result.This was breathless, bonkers, barn-storming football fit to please any crowd.
    Watkins’ goal saw Villa leapfrog above Spurs in the tableCredit: Getty
    The in-form England man hit his seventh of the seasonCredit: Reuters

    And an appropriate tribute to the man who delivered us England 4 Netherlands 1 at Euro 96 with some of the most entertaining attacking play our nation has ever produced.
    Tottenham, the club most associated to the late, great Terry Venables, conjured up most of the thrilling fare, at least in a relentless first half.
    Ange Postecoglou had gone full Ange with his team selection after the disappointing defeat at Wolves before the international break.
    With the handbrake off, his Spurs side scored one but should have had four. They conceded two, yet it could have been five.
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    Playmaker Giovani Lo Celso, making his first league start in more than two years, got the ball rolling with a deflected blast.
    But his former Villarreal team-mate Pau Torres headed home in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time.
    It sent Villa boss Unai Emery, who managed them both at the Yellow Submarine, potty in celebration.
    Emery’s half-time tactical tweaks then came up trumps as Ollie Watkins hit a second-half winner.
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    Pau Torres’ header levelled the score going into the breakCredit: Getty
    He headed home well from a brilliant Douglas Luiz free kickCredit: Reuters

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    It pushed Villa into fourth, just two points off top, and saw them leapfrog Spurs, who for all their exciting play have now lost three on the bounce with Manchester City away to come next week.
    Tottenham were 1-0 up at Wolves a fortnight ago heading into injury time, but somehow lost it 2-1. 
    Postecoglou admitted this week he did not like his team’s performance at Molineux nor how his side ‘looked’.
    The Aussie has not been afraid to make bold calls in his brief tenure so far and did so again here, despite injury and suspension robbing his team of several key men.
    He benched the more conservative Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, played a back four full of full-backs, moved Dejan Kulusevski to No10 and brought in the wiry Bryan Gil.
    The brave approach saw his side make an electric start, playing the kind of football Venables, who passed away yesterday (SUN) at 80, would have appreciated.
    El Tel spent four great years at Spurs between 1987-91, presiding over an FA Cup-winning side blessed with Gary Lineker’s goals and Paul Gascoigne’s genius.
    The home crowd gave the much-loved Venables, who also played more than 100 times for the club, a heartfelt send-off by chanting his name and applauding his memory for a minute before kick-off.
    The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium paid respects to Terry VenablesCredit: PA
    With both sets of players leading the minute-long applauseCredit: Reuters
    Then began the madness as Spurs’ players, wearing black armbands in honour of their former manager, made a blistering start that threatened to overwhelm Villa.
    Destiny Udogie, back from a ban, should have scored inside three minutes when played through by fellow full-back Pedro Porro but blazed over.
    Seconds later, Kulusevski cracked the post, Brennan Johnson saw a rebound deflected and Villa eventually, just about cleared, albeit the ball appeared to bounce on Ezri Konsa’s arm in the process.
    Yet Villa missed a sitter to go ahead two minutes later as Torres rose to meet a Lucas Digne free-kick but somehow planted his header wide.
    Midway through the first half we finally had a goal thanks to Lo Celso smacking the ball in off Diego Carlos after Pedro Porro’s corner had fallen to the Argentine on the edge of the area.
    Lo Celso punched the air in celebration, as did his manager, and you were left wondering if this might be the moment at long last for his Spurs career to take off.
    Signed for a whopping £55million back in 2020, the 27-year-old has had an underwhelming stint in North London – and at one point was bombed out by Antonio Conte.
    But his talent on the ball is obvious and with Postecoglou’s style of play, it could be a winning match, particularly in the injured James Maddison’s absence.
    It was a frustrating day for Son, who had the ball in the net three timesCredit: The Sun
    Giovani Lo Celso looks to have breathed life back into his Spurs careerCredit: Reuters

    Watkins thought he had levelled 23 seconds later as he headed in Digne’s cross, but a forensic VAR check eventually adjudged him offside.
    Rodrigo Bentancur was making his first Spurs start since damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in February.
    So there was understandable anger from the home players when the Uruguayan was crunched by Matty Cash’s naughty tackle.
    It took its toll as on 32 minutes, Bentancur hobbled off and was replaced by Hojbjerg.
    Son Heung-min thought he had doubled the lead just before half-time with a peach of a strike, but again he had strayed offside.
    Torres then made up for his earlier wastefulness with a thumping header from Douglas Luiz’ free-kick with virtually the last touch of the half.
    Emery hauled off the booked Cash and the ineffective Moussa Diaby at the break, bringing on Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey who both had a quick impact.
    Bailey struck the woodwork when his shot was spilled by Vicario, who then kissed the loose ball as he gratefully scooped it up.
    Bentancur’s injury hell looks set to continue after being on the wrong end of a tackle by Matty CashCredit: Reuters
    The story of the game as Villa leapfrogged SpursCredit: The Sun
    While Tielemans played a smart one-two with Watkins just after the hour, allowing the England striker to fire past Vicario and put Villa back ahead.
    Villa came close to another as Digne’s dangerous free-kick was tipped away and Watkins then flicked agonisingly wide.
    Yet Postecoglou’s men pressed on just as he wants them to, no matter the scoreline, and Emi Martinez had to be at his best to deny Johnson and then Hojbjerg from range. 
    Spurs had the ball in the net again with five minutes to go but once more it was ruled out for offside Son, who had turned home the rebound after Porro hit the post.
    It was not to be for the hosts who are now going through a rough patch of results after such a fine start to the campaign – even if the entertaining football keeps on coming in N17. More

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    Ivan Toney at centre of three-way transfer scrap with Chelsea battling two Premier League rivals for £80million striker

    CHELSEA are braced for a three-way battle with their London rivals for Ivan Toney.The club’s top brass suspect Tottenham as well as Arsenal are poised to move for the controversial £100 million-rated Brentford striker during the next transfer window.
    Chelsea are prepared to battle Arsenal and Chelsea for Ivan ToneyCredit: Getty
    Toney is training again while serving the remainder of an eight month ban he received in May for breaking rules on betting.
    And as he warms up for a long-awaited return in January, the Premier League’s big clubs in the Capital are starting to circle.
    Chelsea and Arsenal have long-established interest in Toney, 27, who scored 21 goals for The Bees before copping his ban towards the end of last season.
    But insiders at Stamford Bridge are also convinced that Tottenham are lining up a bid to buy Toney as a replacement for Harry Kane.
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    Spurs have played down speculation linking them to Toney, claiming they are more focused on adding defensive cover in the new year.
    But sources at Stamford Bridge are not convinced and are preparing to go head-to-head with their city neighbours in the transfer market.
    Kane quit Spurs for German giants Bayern Munich in the summer and he hasn’t been directly replaced despite the £47.5 million signing of forward Brennan Johnson.
    Arsenal have been tracking Toney for some time to boost their forward line as they bid to push defending champions Manchester City for the Premier League title.
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    Current striker Gabriel Jesus has only this week returned from a month-long injury absence by playing for his country Brazil.
    Chelsea’s need for a dedicated centre forward has been obvious despite recent goals from new signing Nicolas Jackson.
    The Senegalese has scored four in two games in the absence of crocked Christopher Nkunku.
    But Chelsea failed to find the net in home matches against Brentford, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. More

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    Mauricio Pochettino demands Chelsea HIJACK £35m Tottenham transfer for prolific striker in January

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has reportedly demanded Chelsea hijack Tottenham’s £35million move for Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez.The Mexico striker netted 23 goals in all competitions last term as his side cruised to the Dutch title.
    Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea to sign Feyenoord’s Santiago GimenezCredit: Getty
    The Argentine is ready to take on Spurs for the Mexican strikerCredit: AFP
    But Gimenez, 22, has been in even more prolific form this season, already netting 15 times in as many games for Arne Slot’s side.
    It’s reckoned the hitman is now being lined up for a big-money January switch, with Spurs leading the way.
    Ange Postecoglou is determined to add a new forward after winning eight of his opening 12 Premier League games, despite not having replaced Harry Kane.
    And Gimenez’s profile makes him the ideal candidate, with a £35m valuation also well within Tottenham’s limits.
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    However, the north Londoners are now set to face competition from rivals Chelsea.
    The Blues look to have turned a corner after firing eight goals past Spurs and Manchester City in their last two games.
    But doubts remain over Nicolas Jackson’s ability to regularly hit the target.
    Christopher Nkunku is edging back to fitness after a lengthy injury absence.
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    And Pochettino wants to sign a new No9 once the winter market opens.
    Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are two players on his radar.

    But TeamTalk claims Gimenez has now emerged as the Argentine’s top choice.
    And he has urged Todd Boehly to get his chequebook out once again, with Gimenez likely keen on moving to Stamford Bridge.
    Should the striker move to Chelsea, Armando Broja could find his future in question.
    The Albania international has just two goals in 24 games for Chelsea after picking up a serious injury last term.
    And it’s believed West Ham are lining up a bid this January to coincide with Chelsea’s offer for Gimenez. More

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    How Tottenham could line up after major transfer splurge including Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite

    TOTTENHAM are on the hunt for a new centre-back in January amid their defensive crisis.Things were going swimmingly for Ange Postecoglou’s men until their clash with Chelsea earlier this month.
    Marc Guehi could partner Cristian Romero in Micky van de Ven’s absence
    Micky van de Ven pulled up injured against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Ange Postecoglou wants defensive reinforcementsCredit: Reuters
    The affable Aussie lost Cristian Romero to suspension and Micky van de Ven injury during the chaotic London derby.
    He subsequently fielded a makeshift backline comprised of Ben Davies and Eric Dier against Wolves, and is likely to have to do so again until Romero’s suspension ends in two games’ time.
    According to the Mail, Spurs have drawn up a five-man shortlist of centre-backs they could target in January as extra cover for the oft-suspended Romero and crocked Van de Ven.
    It is headed up by Premier League duo Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite.
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    While AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon and Benfica’s Morato are also on their shortlist.
    With Van de Ven’s injury set to keep him out until some time into the new year, it’s possible that a new acquisition would slot straight in next to Romero.
    The Argentine had looked a calmer presence this season, prior to his reckless moment against Chelsea.
    Should he be in top form, he would be the perfect man for a new centre-back to slot in next to.
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    Jarrad Branthwaite could partner Guehi if Romero gets another suspension
    Guehi could even partner Van de Ven when the Dutchman recovers
    Romero, 25, has averaged a red card every 18.75 appearances for Spurs, however.
    So if he were to get suspended yet again, or injured, Tottenham may look to recruit two extra defenders in January.
    This would be made more likely by a possible Dier departure.
    The England international is out of contract at the end of the season and very unlikely to be handed a new one.
    Spurs could look to cash in mid-season, with Dier’s former club Sporting Lisbon reportedly interested.
    In the event that Tottenham get two centre-backs they could even field the likes of Guehi and Branthwaite together, giving real competition for places at the back.
    Ahead of the defence, Spurs have recently been boosted by the return to fitness of Rodrigo Bentancur.
    The Uruguayan can help add class to the Lilywhite’s engine room, which will be particularly handy during James Maddison’s injury lay-off.
    Richarlison should return to fitness in the next few weeks after undergoing surgery, although Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon remain long-term absentees.
    Marc Guehi’s form for Crystal Palace has earned him an England call-upCredit: Rex
    Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed for Everton this seasonCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham draw up FIVE-MAN transfer shortlist after Van de Ven injury including England ace and top Man Utd target

    TOTTENHAM have identified two Premier League defenders as January transfer targets, according to reports.Ange Postecoglou is set to be without star defender Micky van de Ven until the new year.
    Tottenham are looking at two Premier League rivals for defenders they could make a transfer forCredit: Reuters
    Star defender Micky van de Ven is set to be out until the new yearCredit: Rex
    The 22-year-old, who signed for Spurs in the summer, sustained a hamstring injury in the north London sides 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
    And with the Dutchman ruled out until 2024, Spurs are looking to add a new body to their thread-bare defence.
    According to the Daily Mail, the first of these is Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
    Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is also on the club’s January wish list.
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    The pair were earmarked in a meeting held this week to discuss defenders they could sign in the new year.
    Eric Dier’s contract running out in summer 2024 is an added factor in these talks.
    In all Spurs are said to have identified five targets.
    AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, Benfica’s Morato and Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon are all targets on mainland Europe.
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    Both Guehi and Branthwaite have impressed for their respective clubs so far this season.
    Tottenham have not been helped by a hit to Destiny Udogie and the suspension to Cristian Romero.
    James Maddison being out has also added to their list of worries.
    A late loss to Wolves in their last game has also soured an otherwise strong campaign for the club.
    They have tough games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Ham in their next three fixtures.
    Marc Guehi is one target identified by SpursCredit: Rex
    Jarrad Branthwaite is also on the listCredit: Rex More

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    FA launch probe into Jermain Defoe’s transfer from Tottenham to Portsmouth over alleged dealings with unlicensed agent

    FA chiefs are investigating potential breaches of agent rules involving Jermain Defoe’s transfer from Tottenham to Portsmouth in January 2008.Both clubs and Harry Redknapp, Pompey’s boss at the time, are said to have dealt with an unlicensed agent during negotiations over the ex-England striker.
    Jermain Defoe was at Portsmouth 12 months after joining in January 2008Credit: Getty
    Defoe arrived at Pompey from Spurs but later returned to the London giantsCredit: Action Images
    The matter is being treated as serious, with potentially huge sanctions facing anyone found guilty.
    Clubs could be hit with a transfer ban, points deduction or even RELEGATION, while agents and players could be hit with anything from a warning to a fine or ban.
    Luton Town were deducted ten points for breaking agent regulations in the same year, but the FA took no action for the Defoe case.
    However, the organisation have now reopened the matter and will be “reviewing the arbitration panel award”.
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    Tottenham have declined to comment on the matter.
    But Portsmouth have stressed the transfer came under an old regime that has long since departed the club.
    TalkSPORT quote Pompey as saying: “The signing … occurred under a previous ownership and those involved in the transfer of the player’s registration from Tottenham Hotspur are no longer at the club, having left many years ago.
    “The current board and ownership acquired the club in 2017 from the Pompey Supporters’ Trust and club presidents, who themselves formally acquired the club in 2013.
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    “The board and the new executive therefore have no knowledge of any negotiations that led to Portsmouth Football Club’s registration of Jermain Defoe in 2008.”
    Defoe spent 12 months on the South Coast, scoring 14 league goals in 30 games but was unable to play in their FA Cup-wininng run as he had already played for Spurs in earlier rounds.
    He returned to North London after just a year at Fratton Park.
    The former England star had five more years in the capital before moving on to a host of clubs including Toronto, Rangers and Sunderland.
    Defoe returned to Spurs 12 months after departing, and was reunited with ex-Portsmouth chief Harry RedknappCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd and Chelsea dealt huge transfer blow as wonderkid signs for agency who represent hatful of Tottenham stars

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Roony Bardghji.The 18-year-old star burst on to the Champions League scene in Copenhagen’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the Red Devils.
    Roony Bardghji has been linked to Premier League clubsCredit: AP
    The Copenhagen star with new agent Christian EmileCredit: Instagram @christianemile
    Bardghji scored the winner in the 87th minute to leave United in danger of crashing out of Europe.
    Despite his young age, he has already made 66 first-team appearances and he has scored ten goals in 23 games this season.
    The winger has been tipped to become a future star and he has been snapped up by agency CAA Base.
    His new representative Christian Emile said: “He’s one of the most exciting talents in the world and also the future of Swedish football since Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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    “It’s natural that he is being monitored by major clubs.”
    On the chance of him leaving Copenhagen, Emile added: “It’s too early to say now but one thing is for sure, you’ll get used to seeing Roony perform on the biggest stage.”
    Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle are all reportedly keen on signing the wonderkid.
    But Tottenham will now fancy their chances of tempting Bardghji to North London.
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    This is because CAA Base look after several Spurs players.
    They already have James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Richarlison, Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and even manager Ange Postecoglou on their books.
    CAA Base have plenty of experience in the Premier League as they also represent Eberechi Eze, Raphael Varane, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. More

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    Barcelona identify Tottenham midfielder as transfer replacement for Gavi after season-ending injury

    BARCELONA are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso as Gavi’s replacement ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Barca lost their star midfielder for the rest of the season after he suffered a heavy knee injury while on international duty with Spain.
    Barcelona are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso to replace GaviCredit: Alamy
    Barcelona ace Gavi has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injuryCredit: Rex
    And the Catalans are now rigorously searching for the right person to fill in for the 19-year-old wonderkid, who will be out for nine months.
    According to the Standard, Barca are keeping tabs on Lo Celso ahead of the winter market.
    However, Spurs are not keen to sell the midfielder, even though he has dramatically fallen down the pecking order with only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
    That is due to a recent injury crisis that has hit Ange Postecoglou’s side.
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    Lo Celso is expected to return to Postecoglou’s starting line-up on a regular basis until at least January following James Maddison’s ankle injury.
    Maddison is expected to be sidelined until the New Year and thus Tottenham will reject any approaches for the Argentine.
    The 27-year-old is expected to get even more opportunities after the England international returns.
    That is because Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away on international duty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
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    Bissouma will be playing for Mali while Sarr will be representing Senegal from January 13 with the competition coming to a close on February 11.
    Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Lo Celso since the summer and faced competition from Atletico Madrid as well as his former club Real Betis.
    The Spanish champions’ manager Xavi is thought to be a major admirer of the Tottenham ace.
    However, the Argentine is expected to stay in North London until June and could return to action on Sunday against Aston Villa with Bissouma suspended. More