Tottenham Hotspur

Watch full match highlights as Xavi Simons scores again to help Tottenham defeat Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Bardi
Fan writer

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There's been something agricultural about Tottenham in recent weeks. The games have been a slog. We've barely turned up for some of our fiercest rivalries, and churned our way through others, but slowly things have started to loosen.

Against Brentford we showed some enterprise and then against a tricky customer in the Champions League on Tuesday, we saw Spurs bring out all the party tricks and flicks, with a little bit of help from our Slavic friends.

This wasn't Tottenham fixed, or Tottenham unchained, but it was a Tottenham we can all get behind. A Spurs team that takes shots, and tries to do something different.

At the heart of it, in my opinion, is a footballer from good stock - young Archie Gray.

His youthful enthusiasm and can-do attitude has addressed the "can't cook, won't cook" attitude that has defined the last month or so. He's not the missing piece, but he offers us something no one else does and seems unfazed by the weight of expectation.

Alongside him Xavi Simons has found some confidence and with those two cooking, Spurs can afford to play a potwasher in Palhinha or Bentancur.

When Xavi was signed our hope was he'd bring guile and subtlety to our play and slowly, especially in the Champions League, we're seeing that.

When Spurs have the ball, Xavi has the ball and when he's involved we look good. The task now for Frank is figuring out how we can keep giving the ball to the Dutchman in the Premier League.

For now our European adventure has become something of a retreat away from the questions and doubts that have followed us domestically. But maybe the tanker is turning after a rousing comeback against Newcastle, a rare home win, and a juicy three points and goal difference bump under the lights on home soil.

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We asked for your views on Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Here are some of your comments:

Norman: Yes, a win! But an own goal and two penalties does not convince me that this is a team that can go further in this competition. We should have murdered Prague, particularly in the first half when we had over 60% possession and the opposition were all at sea.

Graeme: Great to see Xavi looking much stronger and better able to hold off strong challenges. This allied with his high skill level augurs well.

James: The doubters who have shown negativity about Spurs' performance should view this and the win on Saturday as Frank's persistence in getting his philosophy across, and it's beginning to reap benefits for the manager. The only way is up.

David: New blood desperately needed. Going nowhere with this squad unfortunately, ticking over each week. Frank needs his type of players to make a mark.

Dan: The result really flatters us. Allowed a very mediocre side multiple chances and the three goals disguise the fact that they were penalties and an own goal. We would have struggled against most Premier League teams. Some positives in the individual performances - particularly Simons - but the team mechanics are still disjointed, offensively and defensively.

Mike: Very enjoyable, open game which Spurs dominated throughout. We are still very open to the quick counter-attack, so we have to fix this before we meet the top teams.

Terry: Let's not get carried away. Champions League has a lot of average teams. Competition has been devalued by this league format. But all you can do is win.

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Former Spurs midfielder Andy Reid, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the 3-0 Champions League win over Slavia Prague:

"Tottenham were really on top. They were dominant and creating chances quite frequently before the first goal so there was nothing really for the fans to get on the players' backs about.

"Although it's a positive night for Spurs, you don't want to get carried away because Slavia Prague were not great and found it difficult.

"It was a good performance but it should be put in context. Spurs could have had a couple more but they good the job done and there is more positivity for Thomas Frank.

"I do think there is still a lot of work to do. They look a bit open at times and they are not clinical enough at times.

"But you can't knock it - two home wins in a row.

"They have got a tough run coming up - Forest at the weekend, then Liverpool, then Palace.

"It's going to be a tough next couple of weeks and we will probably know more about where this Tottenham team are going after that."

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Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario spoke to TNT Sports after Spurs's 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague: "We proved what we can do two days before this game. We did well for 60 minutes but we need a bit more composure across 90 minutes.

"I had this feeling that if we were a bit more calm this result could have been better and goal difference is important in this league phase. But we're still aiming for top eight.

"They had some shots outside the box, they are aggressive, man to man all over the pitch. If you miss a pass or don't win a second ball we are a bit open. Their game is to open up teams.

"Three good points and we'll see. Two more games to play in the league phase, next round will be tough against Dortmund."

Shift in momentum? "Probably, I hope so. We are judged every three days and football can change every three days in a good or bad way. We have to keep momentum, you need to have balance when things are going well or bad. If the result is good everyone is happy but we need to stay calm and focused and try to do our best."

On fans booing him: "It happens to all professional sports people - when you do good things you are the best and when you make mistakes you are not the best. I'm 29-years-old so I will have a few more years left. I'm happy when the fans cheer for me but I'm aware when I make a mistake or have a good game. I'm just trying to stay balanced, that's my personality.

"We [Thomas Frank] didn't speak but I know the gaffer is by my side. I can thank him for what he said, it's part of football. I'm a big man and I can handle these things. They are part of the game and we move on."

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Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons spoke to TNT Sports after the win over Slavia Prague: "Really happy to win another game at home with the fans. We have to continue, really happy.

"It's always a pleasure for me playing Champions League, I'm enjoying my dreams.

"It's a team that play man-to-man and you have to look for space and create chances. First half we had those chances but didn't score, luckily we had two goals in the second half."

On the chat before taking penalty: "I wanted to take the first one but Mo [Kudus] came over. I really wanted to shoot the second one so happy he [Cristian Romero] gave it to me."

On building consistency: "That's what we're trying to do. Two games, two wins. The weekend will be a tough game at Forest, we hope we can continue this run."

Antoine Semenyo is wary about joining Tottenham, with Arsenal and Manchester City also interested. However, Liverpool is the forward's preferred destination. (Sun), external

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank speaking in his post-match press conference:

"Very happy with the win, strong position to progress. Just happy to have four days before Forest now."

On Xavi Simons: "I think he built on a good game on Saturday, produced again. Good link-up play, nice turns in the middle of the pitch and has acceleration to go past a player. I like his work ethic, and there was great recovery run on 90 minutes, which is crucial for us. I think it was more banter with Cristian [Romero] for the penalty.

On Son Heung-min's return: "Good to see him. Mainly saw him after the game. I'm happy at the well-deserved reception he got. A true Tottenham legend returning home."

On creativity in Son's absence: "Mo [Kudus] at the start of the season did well and then had a dip, and now the past three or four weeks he's got fresh energy, acceleration and decisiveness in his actions. Getting more in sync with the team, too - all that is important.

"The way Prague play they will be a threat on transition, and you need to close that down. I liked a lot from our performance, but I also think we can be much better in the future. Be more in control, but we've had four games in not many days."

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was in upbeat mood from the moment Son Heung-min received a rapturous reception on his first return to the club since signing for Los Angeles FC in the summer.

An emotional Son, who scored 173 goals in 454 games and made his farewell as captain in the Europa League victory against Manchester United in Bilbao, addressed the fans who idolised him before kick-off.

And it was the perfect platform for Spurs to show positive intent in an atmosphere stripped of the toxicity that has been in evidence here this season.

Richarlison should have opened the scoring in the opening moments, but he was denied by a brilliant reaction save from Slavia Prague keeper Jindrich Stanek, although the Brazilian should have given him no chance.

Opposite number Guglielmo Vicario was up to the task when Slavia threatened, and even though there was a hint of farce about the opener from Zima's own goal, it was no more than Spurs deserved.

Spurs could have added to their tally but were denied by Stanek, especially when he made a superb double save from substitutes Mathys Tel and Pape Sarr.

This was exactly what Thomas Frank and Spurs needed to continue the momentum from the draw at Newcastle United, when they twice came from behind to earn a draw, then the 2-0 win against Brentford.

The only sour note on Spurs' night was a yellow card for key defender Micky van de Ven, which rules him out of their next Champions League game at home to Borussia Dortmund.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Get in touch with your views here

Come back to this page on Wednesday to find a selection of your replies

Thomas Frank makes two changes to the side that beat Brentford at the weekend.

Randal Kolo Muani and Rodrigo Bentancur drop to the bench with Joao Palhinha and Wilson Odobert given the nod.

Mathys Tel is on the bench after receiving a late call up to replace Dominic Solanke in Spurs' Champions League squad.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Palhinha, Simons, Richarlison, Gray, Romero, Kudus, Porro, Spence, Odobert, Van de Ven

Subs: Kinsky, Gunter, Danso, Tel, Bergvall, Sarr, Bentancur, Davies, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, Olusesi, Williams-Barnet

Slavia Prague XI: Stanek, Zima, Ogbu, Chaloupek, Holes, Sanyang, Sadilek, Provod, Moses, Doudera, Chytil

There are nine games in the Champions League on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Kairat Almaty v Olympiacos (15:30)

• Bayern Munich v Sporting (17:45)

• Atalanta v Chelsea

• Barcelona v Eintracht Frankfurt

• Inter Milan v Liverpool - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Monaco v Galatasaray

• PSV Eindhoven v Atletico Madrid

• Tottenham v Slavia Prague - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Union Saint-Gilloise v Marseille

All kick-off times 20:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Inter Milan v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Slavia Prague".

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.

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Winger Mathys Tel has been added to Tottenham's Champions League squad in place of injured forward Dominic Solanke.

Summer signing Tel was left out of Thomas Frank's initial European squad as Spurs were over the limit of the 22 players that they could register due to a reduced number of homegrown players.

Frank has been able to swap Solanke for Tel because Uefa allows a team to bring in a squad substitute if a player has been ill or injured for 60 days.

This rule can only be exercised up until the sixth game of the group phase, which coincides with Tuesday's match against Slavia Prague.

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The FA Cup third round will take place between Thursday, 8 January and Monday, 12 January.

Find out who your Premier League club will play below.

• Wolves v Shrewsbury Town

• Tottenham v Aston Villa

• Wrexham v Nottingham Forest

• Charlton Athletic v Chelsea

• Manchester City v Exeter City

• West Ham v Queens Park Rangers

• Sheffield Wednesday v Brentford

• Fulham v Middlesbrough

• Everton v Sunderland

• Liverpool v Barnsley

• Burnley v Millwall

• Portsmouth v Arsenal

• Derby County v Leeds United

• Newcastle v Bournemouth

• Macclesfield v Crystal Palace

• Manchester United v Brighton

See full draw here

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game against Slavia Prague at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 20:00).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Frank revealed that defender Destiny Udogie would be out until January after picking up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game last week.

• He said Brennan Johnson is "touch and go" after missing training on Monday.

• Midfielder James Maddison returned to training on Monday but Frank said it will still be "a long time" until he's fully fit: "It's very early stages, still a long term injury. Good to see him out there, but no specific time frame."

• The Spurs boss also revealed that there is an internal investigation into midfielder Yves Bissouma, who was recently filmed inhaling nitrous oxide: "It's an internal matter we are dealing with at the moment."

• On following the weekend win over Brentford: "It's always good to build momentum, to get more consistent performances. We will try to build on that tomorrow night, we have a good opportunity against a Slavia Prague side who are very direct and physical, man mark all over the pitch. That can particularly make it difficult for us. It is about us making sure we perform well, with forwardness and directness in attacking play."

• When asked about back-up keeper Antonin Kinsky, who joined from Slavia Prague last season, Frank said: "Toni is a very good goalkeeper, he has a great future ahead of him. It is difficult for any player, if you are not playing you are not 100% happy. You just need to keep your head down and keep training every day."

Follow all of Monday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mohammed Kudus spoke openly about the incident involving Christian Romero and Micky Van de Ven during their win against Brentford.

Reflecting on the clash, the Ghana international emphasised the importance of honesty within the squad, the emotional intensity of the game and the need for every player - including himself - to be held to high demands.

With Spurs chasing their first clean sheet since 26 October, the stakes were high. So when Kudus tried a flashy flick near the touchline and then gave the ball away for a throw-in, frustrations boiled over.

Brentford almost scored from the ensuing move, prompting Romero and Van de Ven to immediately confront Kudus and demand he stay switched on.

"I think it's very important to be honest with each other and demand a lot from each other," Kudus said. "It was a moment in the game where emotions are everywhere. Definitely they demand a lot from not just me but the whole team. It's part of the game. I just get on with it and kept playing."

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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Has Thomas Frank found the missing piece to his puzzle in one of our youngest stars?

As much as I remain a big fan of Joao Palhinha, and while his partnership with Rodrigo Bentancur initially added a robustness to our defensive play in the first few games of the season, there was clearly an issue regarding how they linked with our attacking midfielders.

Enter Archie Gray.

After spending much of his debut season at Spurs playing out of position due to an unprecedented injury crisis, the Leeds academy product is finally being given an opportunity to flourish in his preferred role as a central midfielder.

Gray's statistics from Saturday's much-needed home win against Frank's former side Brentford were impressive.

Completing 31 out of the 33 passes he made, Gray was the most accurate passer on the pitch out of those who played 45 minutes or more. Significantly, five of his passes were directed into the final third.

The teenager did not neglect his defensive duties either – making two tackles, one interception, two recoveries and four clearances. No Brentford player succeeded in dribbling past Gray for the entire game.

These statistics show that, not only is Gray shining in his preferred position, but the combination of his astute reading of the game, competent defensive positioning, and confident forward play is all enabling his more attacking team-mates to sparkle. That fact was noted by Frank in his post-match interview.

In contrast, after losing possession six times, failing to complete any of his own dribbles, and being dribbled past on one occasion, Bentancur was swapped for Palhinha after 65 minutes.

So, the next decision for Frank is not if Gray should be in his starting XI, but rather what is the best supporting cast to perform alongside him?

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The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place on Monday, 8 December at around 18:40 GMT, before the broadcast of Brackley Town v Burton Albion - the final game of the Second Round.

Former England internationals Joe Cole and Peter Crouch will conduct the draw that will consist of 64 teams on TNT Sports.

The 20 winners of the second-round ties will be joined by all 20 Premier League clubs and 24 Championship teams in the third round.

All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 10 January 2026.

Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra-time and if necessary, a penalty shootout.