Thomas Frank has enjoyed an impressive start to his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, only losing three of his first 14 competitive games in charge of the club.

However, many fans still aren’t convinced by the Dane, especially after the defeat against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old only made four changes to his starting eleven, but one of which proved to be a huge mistake – with Mohammed Kudus dropping down to the substitutes bench.

The Ghanaian has been the Lilywhites’ shining light in 2025/26, as seen by his tally of one goal and four assists within his first nine Premier League outings.

Such creativity was hugely lacking against the Magpies, with the £55m leaving the responsibility down to one of the other big-money names to move to North London this summer.

Xavi Simons’ best game in a Tottenham shirt

After spending £52m on the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, huge excitement was generated within the Spurs fanbase – but it’s safe to say he’s failed to live up to such expectations.

The Dutch international has registered just one assist and failed to score a single goal in any of his 11 outings, further backing up his lack of impact in North London.

However, his showing against Newcastle was arguably one of his best for the club, with Frank finally starting to utilise the 22-year-old in his natural attacking midfield role.

Simons featured for the entirety of the defeat, subsequently creating three chances for his teammates – but none of which resulted in a goal for Frank’s men.

Richarlison was often the man on the end of his chances, but the Brazilian’s wasteful nature was highlighted in his own tally of two big chances missed.

There’s no doubt he’s been unlucky during his opening few months in England, but the manager can certainly solve such an issue during the next couple of matches.

The Spurs player who can finally get Simons firing

In Spurs’ nine Premier League matches throughout 2025/26, the side have already netted 17 goals – subsequently averaging nearly two goals per game in England’s top-flight.

The goals have been spread around the first-team squad, as seen by centre-back Micky Van de Ven’s tally of three goals, which puts him joint-top of the goalscoring charts.

Richarlison has also netted the same number of goals, but has been called into question over the last few weeks for his inability to find the back of the net.

The Brazilian has failed to score in any of his last eight outings for the Lilywhites, often being wasteful within the final third – as seen by his misses against the Magpies.

Dominic Solanke has been unavailable over recent months due to an ankle issue, with Frank needing to hand fellow centre-forward Randal Kolo Muani the chance to impress.

The Frenchman joined on a season-long loan from PSG on deadline day, but has only started one game to date as he builds up match fitness after a stop-start pre-season.

However, despite his minutes off the substitutes bench, the 26-year-old has still demonstrated glimpses of his quality, which could see him handed a needed run of games as a regular starter.

He was even brought on with 25 minutes remaining at St James’ Park earlier this week, making an immediate impact with his direct run through the midfield, halted by referee Chris Kavanagh.

Kolo Muani, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, may have failed to score for the Lilywhites to date, but his temporary spells elsewhere have showcased his clinical nature.

Games played

22

Goals scored

10

Shot on target accuracy

55%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

Key passes made

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.5

Carries into opposition box

1.2

Aerials won

1.2

He scored 10 goals in just 22 appearances with Juventus last campaign, even managing to put 55% of the shots he took on target – highlighting his accuracy in front of goal.

Such numbers would allow Simons to increase his own tallies in North London, with his incredible defence splitting passes falling into the path of a clinical talisman.

Creativity has been the Dutchman’s strong point prior to his move to England, but it’s been massively neglected given Richarlison’s inability to find the back of the net.

However, that could all be about to change if Frank decides to start Kolo Muani, with the pair having the talent to make the 2025/26 campaign one to remember for the Lilywhites.

Forget Kudus: Spurs star is rapidly becoming one of the "best in the world"

Tottenham Hotspur now have a world-class talent on their books under Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 29, 2025

Celtic are back in action in the Europa League on Thursday as they travel to Denmark to take on FC Midtjylland in their latest match in the League Phase.

It will be Martin O’Neill’s first venture into Europe since he took over as interim head coach after Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation at the start of last week.

With the Scottish giants still looking for a permanent successor to Rodgers, who won two Scottish Premiership titles in two seasons back at the club, O’Neill will be in the dugout again on Thursday.

The 73-year-old manager won his first two games in interim charge against Falkirk and Rangers, sealing a place in the League Cup final with a win at Hampden Park on Sunday,

Two wins from two games as the interim manager means that O’Neill has provided the board with a chance to take their time to find a long-term successor to Rodgers.

The latest on Martin O'Neill's future at Celtic

There has been speculation that the experienced head coach, who is in his second spell in the dugout at Parkhead, could stay on in the position beyond the upcoming international break.

O’Neill, who won three Premiership titles in his first stint at the club, is a safe pair of hands who could keep the seat warm until the next manager comes in with the summer transfer window ahead of them next year.

When asked if he would be open to extending his stay at Parkhead, the Northern Irishman said: “The very obvious answer would be yes, I would do. But I genuinely don’t know what to expect.

“When I saw the games they had and then the international break, I thought they’ll have a couple of weeks to think about it. I haven’t even spoken to him since that. In a perverse sort of way I’ve enjoyed the two games – but not a lot.”

Football Insider reported at the end of last month that O’Neill could take the job until the end of the season if his spell as the interim is a success, which suggests that the next two matches against Midtjylland and Kilmarnock could be pivotal.

Midtjylland

Europa League

Kilmarnock

Premiership

St Mirren

Premiership

Feyenoord

Europa League

Hibernian

Premiership

Dundee

Premiership

Hearts

Premiership

Roma

Europa League

Falkirk

Premiership

St Mirren

League Cup final

The Hoops have nine more games left to play, including the next two matches before the international break, before the League Cup final clash with St Mirren at Hampden Park.

However, it currently remains to be seen whether or not O’Neill will get the chance to lead the team out at Hampden for a second time, after winning the semi-final there on Sunday.

Whilst O’Neill’s short-term future at Parkhead remains up in the air, there is work going on behind the scenes to identify the long-term successor to Rodgers.

Celtic are making moves for Belgian head coach

According to Voetbal Nieuws, as relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Club Brugge tactician Nicky Hayen to Glasgow.

The report claims that the Hoops are eyeing up the Belgian head coach as a potential option to replace Rodgers, and that they are making moves behind the scenes to make it happen.

Manager Focus

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It adds that Hayen has a release clause in his contract with Club Brugge, which would make negotiations slightly easier for Celtic, but it does not reveal how much that clause is worth.

The outlet also relays comments from the Club Brugge boss when he was asked about interest from the Scottish giants. He said: “I haven’t thought about that for a second. I have someone who looks after my interests and who also knows exactly when to inform me. That’s not on the agenda yet.”

It was a fairly coy response from Hayen, who did not suggest that he would not be interested in the move, and the Hoops must, now, press ahead with a deal for his services.

Why Celtic should appoint Nicky Hayen

On face value, the Scottish giants should appoint the 43-year-old head coach because he has shown that he can win trophies as a manager.

Hayen, who one analyst on social media has described as “tactically unbeatable”, has won three trophies, including a Pro League title, in less than 100 matches in charge.

On top of his credentials as a winner, the Club Brugge boss could be the perfect appointment to develop players at Celtic, who have a rich history of developing and selling talent, including the likes of Matt O’Riley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Virgil van Dijk.

Hayen’s impressive work with Brugge forward Christos Tzolis suggests that he has the coaching skills to make Sebastian Tounekti a superstar at Parkhead.

Tzolis was signed by the Belgian giants for a fee of around £5.7m in the summer of 2024, after a spell of three goals in 30 games with Norwich in England, per Transfemarkt.

The Greek international racked up 21 goals and 16 assists in 56 appearances in all competitions on the left of Hayen’s 4-2-3-1 formation in the 2024/25 campaign, which attracted interest from the Premier League.

Crystal Palace had an offer of £26m turned down for the winger, who was valued at £35m by Brugge, which shows that his value has soared by millions under the Belgian coach.

xG

1.33

Top 35%

Goals

1

Bottom 48%

xA

1.41

Top 12%

Chances created

15

Top 7%

Cross accuracy

37.5%

Top 19%

Assists

0

Bottom 3%

Successful dribbles

11

Top 21%

As you can see in the table above, Tounekti has shown signs of promise in the Premiership for Celtic since his £5m move from Hammarby in the summer, but he needs to add consistency to his end product if he wants to be a superstar.

The Tunisia international, who has scored two goals for the club so far, has been exciting to watch with his dribbling skills and direct play, and Hayen could help him to take the next step in his career.

Club Brugge’s head coach helped Tzolis to add consistency to his play in the final third, leading to goals and assists on a regular basis from the former Norwich man, and he could do the same with Tounekti, who plays in the same position.

Therefore, Celtic could turn their Tunisian winger into a superstar by appointing Hayen to help with his development for the Hoops.

Their own Klopp: Celtic can replace O'Neill with "kamikaze" 4-3-3 manager

Celtic could find their own version of Jurgen Klopp by hiring this reported managerial target.

ByDan Emery Nov 5, 2025

Shea Lacey has been “tearing it up” in Manchester United training, leaving Ruben Amorim impressed, following a behind-the-scenes change from the manager.

Amorim has been blending youth with experience in his starting XI so far this season, with the likes of Amad Diallo and Leny Yoro emerging as regular starters, alongside Casemiro, and the Brazilian midfielder has enjoyed a resurgence.

At the moment, the manager seems to have found the right balance, as United have won three games on the spin in the Premier League, and their summer signings have been particularly impressive, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring a brace against Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

Given that Matheus Cunha is also now off the mark, it may be difficult for any other forwards to force their way into starting contention, but a youngster has started impressing in first-team training…

Lacey impressing Amorim in Man Utd training

As reported by GiveMeSport, Amorim has made a behind-the-scenes change by introducing more and more youth players to first-team training, with the manager eager to restore the link between the academy and the senior squad.

The 40-year-old wants youngsters to start pushing for places in the first team, and Lacey, an 18-year-old winger, has been impressing staff and teammates, with one source saying: “He’s been tearing it up – fearless, creative, and always looking to make something happen. He’s really caught the eye.”

Amorim has personally taken notice of the starlet, and there is a feeling he could be introduced to the match-day squad before the end of the campaign if he maintains his current standard.

Bringing through youth players is in United’s DNA, with the ‘Class of 92’ famously going on to play a major role in Man United’s dominance of English football during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

As such, it is always good to see youngsters progress through the ranks, and the Liverpool-born winger is held in high regard by scout Jacek Kulig, who singled the Englishman out for praise after his debut for the Three Lions U17 side.

Not only has Lacey impressed in first-team training, but he is also off to a flying start in the Premier League 2 this season, picking up two goals and an assist in his opening four games.

With Mbeumo and Cunha impressing, the England U20 international may find it tricky to get into the starting XI in the Premier League, but it would be good to see him get a run out in the FA Cup later this season.

Shea Lacey could take the #7 shirt off Mason Mount Watch out Mount: Man Utd's "incredible" talent can steal the no.7 shirt

Manchester United have a star on their hands who could take the number seven shirt off Mason Mount.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 17, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A Conmebol irá adotar a mesma postura de casos anteriores e investigará os atos de racismo direcionados à torcida do Palmeiras na partida contra o San Lorenzo, no Estádio Nuevo Gasómetro, pela estreia das equipes na atual edição da Copa Libertadores.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras

Relatos, vídeos, fotos e demais provas serão encaminhadas à Unidade Disciplinar da Federação que, em geral, necessita de 48 horas após a apresentação do material para abrir um expediente disciplinar, ou seja, indiciar os acusados.

O artigo 15 do Código Disciplinar da Conmebol prevê uma punição de 100 mil dólares (aproximadamente R$500 mil) para esta ocorrência. Em casos de reincidência, a multa chega a 400 mil dólares (cerca de R$ 2 milhões). Sanções como fechamento total ou parcial do estádio também podem ser impostas ao clube argentino.

continua após a publicidade

A Unidade não se manifestará sobre o caso antes do julgamento, o que leva em média 20 dias. Assim que a Confederação tiver uma posição definitiva, a mesma será publicada no portal oficial da instituição.

– Qualquer Associação Membro ou clube cujos torcedores insultarem ou atentarem contra a dignidade humana de outra pessoa ou grupo de pessoas, por qualquer meio, tendo como motivo a cor da pele, raça, sexo ou orientação sexual, etnia, idioma, credo ou origem, será sancionado com uma multa de pelo menos CEM MIL DÓLARES AMERICANOS (USD. 100.000). Em caso de reincidência, o infrator poderá ser punido com multa de DÓLARES AMERICANOS QUATROCENTOS MIL (USD 400.000) – diz um trecho do código disciplinar da Conmebol.

continua após a publicidade

Em contato com a reportagem, a Conmebol afirmou que considera qualquer manifestação de racismo ou outras formas de descriminação em seus torneios inaceitável. Vale lembrar que Alejandro Domínguez, presidente da Confederação, garantiu em entrevista que a atual edição – da Libertadores e Sul-Americana – terá “tolerância zero” com casos de racismo.

– Tolerância zero para nós. Essa é uma questão muito importante para nós, que falamos na FIFA, porque não é só os jogadores daqui da América que sofrem com a discriminação – disse Domínguez.

Em texto publicado nas redes sociais, o Verdão afirma que está “enraizada” na história da instituição a luta contra todo tipo de preconceito.

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

CONFIRA O HISTÓRICO DE PUNIÇÕES

Segundo levantamento realizado pelo Lance!, baseado em informações do Observatório da Discrminação Racial no Futebol Brasileiro, foram realizadas 48 denúncias ou flagrantes de racismo em partidas de competições organizadas pela Conmebol entre 2014 e maio de 2022.

No entanto, apenas 11 casos renderam alguma forma de punição aos acusados. Em 32 ocorrências, os autores sequer foram identificados pelas autoridades responsáveis.

Tudo sobre

ConmebolFutebol NacionalLibertadoresPalmeirasRacismo

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is making his seventh All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday night in Atlanta, and he showed up rocking quite the dazzling accessory.

When the American League starters were announced at Truist Park on Tuesday, Judge was seen wearing a diamond chain of a gavel, paying homage to his last name. Turns out, this chain was a gift from his Yankees teammate Giancarlo Stanton. And, it cost a whopping $20,000, according to the .

The piece of jewelry isn't just of a plain gavel. The chain includes 14-karat white gold, 12 carats of diamonds and three bands of amethyst. Additionally, the chain has details of Judge's daughter's name Nora, and her birthday on it, his wife Sam's name and the names of his two dogs Gus and Penny. It also has "2x" written on it to honor Judge's two MVP awards. What an extremely generous gift.

When Judge first revealed the present Stanton gave to him in June, he shared that he's been wearing it every day. Showing off the chain at the All-Star Game was no different.

Let's see if the gavel brings Judge good luck during the All-Star Game.

We will be keeping tabs on how these five young women go at the latest edition of the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia

Shashank Kishore17-Jan-2025Caoimhe Bray (Australia)A seam-bowling allrounder like her role model Ellyse Perry, Bray became the youngest to feature in the WBBL late last year when she was just 15. She marked the occasion by dismissing Deandra Dottin and then hitting the winning runs for Sydney Sixers.She had come into the spotlight after amassing nearly 1000 runs in the New South Wales Under-18s competition in 2024, which included a double-century in the final. Last September, she made her Australia Under-19s debut in a tri-series, where she hit 84 and picked up 4 for 20 against New Zealand.Bray has also represented Australia’s junior football team as a 14-year-old at the AFC Women’s Under-17 championships in Indonesia.Tilly Corteen-Coleman has come through the ranks following an impressive initiation in domestic cricket•Getty ImagesTilly Corteen-Coleman (England)A left-arm spinner who dismissed Meg Lanning on her Hundred debut as a 16-year-old, England’s Corteen-Coleman has come through the ranks following an impressive initiation in domestic cricket, where she picked up four wickets in four deliveries for South East Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.She followed that up with an impressive outing at the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024, where she picked up nine wickets in eight games as South East Stars finished runners-up.Corteen-Coleman has already gained valuable experience in Asia, having represented England Under-19s in Sri Lanka last year.Niki Prasad recently led India to the Under-19 Asia Cup title•ICC via Getty ImagesNiki Prasad (India)As a 15-year-old in 2021, Prasad hit Deepti Sharma for towering sixes at a club tournament in Bengaluru, and there was a buzz around her in the cricket circles in the city. But a departure from her aggressive game to try and bat longer pushed her down the pecking order after she was initially in the running to play in the inaugural edition of this World Cup in 2023.Over the past 18 months, Prasad has rediscovered her big-hitting abilities through dedicated power-hitting sessions as well as a transformation in her fitness routine. In 2025, she will lead India as they hope to defend their crown. She is one of five players from the current India squad to have been picked up in the latest WPL auction; Prasad will play for the Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals.Karabo Meso has already featured in two T20Is as a wicketkeeper-batter•Cricket South AfricaKarabo Meso (South Africa)Set to play in her second Under-19 World Cup, Meso is seen in South Africa as the natural successor to incumbent wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta.Meso comes from a family with a sporting background. Her mother played netball and her father played softball. Meso herself started off as a prodigious track-and-field athlete before shifting to cricket and choosing the big gloves. She earned a maiden national call-up for the home series against Sri Lanka last April, and has subsequently featured in two T20Is.Related

All you need to know about 2025 Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup

Her eight dismissals and superb glovework at the previous edition of the tournament was noticed when she was picked in ICC’s team of the tournament despite South Africa not making it past the Super Six stage.Limansa Thilakarathna (Sri Lanka)Daughter of former Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, the Melbourne-raised Limansa, an Australian national, wants to be a legspinner like another famous Victorian, the late Shane Warne. In 2021, she became the youngest female cricketer – at 12 – to play at the premier level, when she was chosen for Cricket Victoria’s Under-16 squad. She currently represents Melbourne Cricket Club.Limansa’s Australian nationality has caused debate within Sri Lankan cricketing circles, but the selectors have stuck to their decision of picking her citing her all-round abilities – she bats left-handed and in the top four, apart from being a legspinner.

New Proteas Women’s head coach sees red-ball game as key

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2024Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes chat following the long-awaited appointment of a new Proteas Women’s head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, while recalling their highlights of the last year and looking ahead to 2025