A stellar performance in the Champions League (at home!) for Spurs followed by last minute drama on Saturday.
Puskas award secured?
Tuesday night saw an apprehensive return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Saturday's disastrous performance against Chelsea. It seemed that pre-match was filled with pessimism about the squad, manager and overall vibe around the club. Frank was forced into some personnel change due to yet more injuries, namely Kudus and Bergvall, but the return of Udogie and Romero into the starting 11 is always a positive one. The game started quick, with Spurs on the front foot and the offensive four looking very positive.
Xavi Simons threading through Johnson to round the keeper for the opening goal was only starting the party. Simons really seemed to find his feet on Tuesday, confident on the ball and finding space in the pockets. Some more clinical finishing from Kolo Muani could've given him multiple assists, including some intricate build up play, which was just dragged wide by the Frenchman.
Xavi Simons' first half by numbers vs. FC Copenhagen:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) November 4, 2025
28/32 passes completed
4 chances created
3 big chances created
2 duels won
2 touches in opp. box
1 successful take-ons
1 assist
Could have had a hat-trick of assists. 🅰️ pic.twitter.com/8yB0337ZDR
The second half continued in the same vein. With some excellent pressing and hold up play by Muani, giving Odobert the simple task of slotting the ball past a beleaguered keeper. Odobert was simply brilliant on Tuesday, linking up excellent with the attack and Udogie, who is always such a welcome return. The following 20 minutes followed a crazy sequence of events, ranging from a rather harsh Johnson red card, to Van De Ven proving he is simply not human, charging the whole of the pitch to power the ball in for a magnificent third goal. It was almost reminiscent of Sonny's Puskas winner against Burnley. What can't this man do?
The scoring concluded with another rapid attack, where Romero somehow found himself playing the ball across the box for Palhinha, getting his 4th goal for the club. The energy around the stadium would make you think Saturday was just a bad dream and although there were empty seats again... the place was bouncing. The only disappointing part of the match was Richarlison missing the penalty that was won by Dane Scarlett during his brilliant cameo. I hope to see Dane more this season with our strikers lacking confidence.
TNT rightly calling out the ticket prices, a horror show from the club. A travesty that it’s this empty for a CL game and only themselves to blame
— Billie (@Billie_T) November 4, 2025
It was a brilliant way to start the week, as we continue our Champions League campaign unbeaten, whilst also having clean sheets in 3/4 of those games. But last weeks redemption was not complete, Manchester United to follow...
So close yet so far
Saturday lunchtime against Manchester United was a perfect game to set up the weekend, and I came into it fairly confident given our recent form against them and also with very fond memories of that night in Bilbao. The line-up surprised me and fans, which seems to be a common theme with Frank's team selection. Odobert and Udogie had been so impressive midweek so it was a shame to not see them starting, however it was understandable given Udogie's recent injury issues.
The game started lacklustre, without many chances, I thought Johnson was lively and almost had an assist from a gorgeous cross that Richarlison couldn't quite get his head onto the ball. Soon after, some comedy attempts to get rid of the ball left Mbuemo open to head the ball in and give United the lead. In my opinion it wasn't deserved, but Spurs weren't exactly blowing me away. Xavi seemed isolated in the 10 and his lack of options were pointed out on the TV coverage. Booing rang round the stadium as the half time whistle blew.
No opposition player has scored more Premier League goals at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium across the last five seasons than Bryan Mbeumo (4). ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/PlqzAhDtfw
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 8, 2025
The second half was electric and seemed to fly by. Spurs got on the front foot and dominated, with their attempts being kept out by Lammens on multiple occasions. The changes really made the game burst into life, Odobert and Udogie were soon deployed and the left side looked so much more threatening. It really seems like Odobert has found his confidence these last few games and many fans are loving this side to him that we were desperate to see. It took until the 84th minute to finally draw level as another substitute, Tel had a deflected strike beat United's keeper. It was brilliant forward play by the Frenchman, holding off De Ligt and finishing. The following minutes truly summed up Spurs, Richarlison cleverly directed Odobert's shot into the far corner to cue pandemonium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Finally, it seemed the tides were changing and we had the rub of the green at home.
Lets not forget who we are talking about here. Before we could even finish celebrating, De Ligt found himself free at the back post to draw the game level. Heartbreak. In all honesty I think a draw was deserved, our substitutes did change the game, despite initial booing from fans when Xavi was taken off. Frank stated that the two sides 'neutralised', each 0ther and ultimately Man United seem to be a side finding their feet, whilst Spurs... well who even knows?
So another heavy run of fixtures come to an end and now we await our next test, a North London Derby. I think I am willing to wait two weeks for the outcome of that one. This week has definitely been an improvement from Halloween horrors and I can only hope its onwards and upwards in this squad. In this upcoming international break, can no-one get injured please?
