Thomas Frank praised Tottenham’s mentality after Joao Palhinha’s stoppage-time leveller rescued a “huge” point at home to Wolves.

Palhinha struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to deny the visitors a shock victory after Santiago Bueno tapped in a 54th-minute opener for bottom-of-the-table Wolves.

Frank shares what he liked from his Tottenham side in Wolves draw

Wolves arrived in north London after five consecutive Premier League losses and three points for Tottenham would have sent them second within two points of leaders Liverpool, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances until Palhinha’s fine curled finish late on.

Frank elected to play Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur together in midfield again, which was also the case in the 1-0 home loss to Bournemouth in August.

The experienced duo have impressed this season and bring a level of defensive steel, but little creativity.

Frank praises Bentancur and Bergvall alongside Palhinha

Asked about his midfield selection, Frank said: “I will always look back at it but a good, old coach told me once that the line-up you picked, you did that for a reason and you don’t know what would happen if you pick the other one. Maybe you would have lost 2-0.

“So, I need to go with what I believe in of course. That is not to say I am not watching the game back and not reflecting and thinking. I actually think first half was quite good and we created enough.

“We would like to create a bit more, yes but actually after I took Rodri out, you could say it didn’t work because we lost the structure, so who knows? One thing is for sure, we need to do a little bit better in the second half.

Saved by Palhinha: Frank must instantly drop Spurs star who dropped a 6/10

Tottenham salvaged a point against Wolves in the Premier League.

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 28, 2025

Pereira reacts to late Spurs equaliser

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira praised the fight of his players, but conceded letting victory slip at the death was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after no points from their first five Premier League matches.

“One I am proud of my players and happy with the spirit they show in the game and the ambition they show in the game, but frustrated because when we have three points and we lose two in the last minute, it is difficult,” Pereira said.

“The question is did we win one point or lose two? My answer is we lost two points because the team showed that we came here to win the game, especially in the second half.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Fernando Diniz convocou a Seleção Brasileira neste sábado (23), de olho nos jogos contra Venezuela e Uruguai, pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2026. A grande novidade da lista foi a presença de Gerson, do Flamengo, que gerou questionamentos dos torcedores, que não enxergam o meio-campista em tão boa fase para estar na lista. No entanto, o treinador bancou o chamado pelo seu gosto pessoal.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Há pouco mais de um mês, Gerson se envolveu em uma polêmica no Rubro-Negro, quando no dia 15 de agosto brigou com o lateral-direito Varela e chegou a desferir um soco no companheiro de equipe. Três dias depois, Diniz convocou pela primeira vez a Seleção, mas o flamenguista não esteve na lista de 23 jogadores.

+ Garanta a sua vaga no curso que Pet, Dante e outros craques da bola participaram também. Cupom: LANCE400

De lá para cá, Gerson fez seis partidas pelo Fla, todas como titular. Seu grande destaque no período foi o golaço da vitória sobre o Coritiba, por 3 a 2, fora de casa, pelo Brasileirão. Foi a única participação direta do meia em um placar nesse recorte. Ele também ajudou na classificação para a final da Copa do Brasil ao eliminar o Grêmio. Mas nada de muito destaque.

– O Gerson é um jogador de muita mobilidade. No Flamengo ele já jogou de volante, mais à frente e no meio. É um jogador forte, de uma mudança positiva de uns tempos para cá. É um jogador combativo, convoco ele com muita tranquilidade. Merece, tem feito por merecer – declarou Diniz na coletiva deste sábado (23).

A fase do Flamengo também é um fator que deixou a opinião pública desagradada com a convocação de Gerson. Foram três vitórias, duas derrotas e um empate com o meia em campo no período. No entanto, foram raros os momentos em que o time jogou bem, principalmente neste momento de questionamento do trabalho de Jorge Sampaoli.

+ Com presenças de Neymar e Vini Jr. e volta de Gerson, Fernando Diniz convoca Seleção Brasileira para jogos com Venezuela e Uruguai

Em conversa informal na saída da coletiva, Diniz chegou a comparar Gerson com Paquetá, jogador que ficou fora mais uma vez da convocação. Para o técnico da Seleção, são jogadores com características que “têm a ver” e que têm mais coisas em comum do que diferenças. Pode ser também uma forma de encontrar um substituto para um jogador que faz uma função bem importante na atual fase da Amarelinha.

+ A favor ou contra? Convocação de Gerson divide opiniões e gera série de debates nas redes sociais

Comparando com a convocação anterior, Gerson ganhou a vaga que foi de Joelinton, do Newcastle-ING, que não foi chamado desta vez. Caso seja essa mesmo a vaga do flamenguista, ele deve iniciar na reserva, uma vez que Bruno Guimarães e Casemiro parecem ser os titulares absolutos do meio-campo. Além disso, Neymar tem feito a função do meia armador.

As part of a Golden Generation which proved to be incredibly disappointing, Steven Gerrard has now revealed where his England side went wrong and why he “hated” international duty.

Who was part of England's Golden Generation?

To this day, it beggars belief that a generation involving Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and so much more failed to ever win a trophy. From goal-line controversy in the 2010 World Cup to Rooney’s stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006, there’s far more moments to forget than there are to savour, but how many stars did this generation really have?

England's Golden Generation divided by club rivalries

To put into context just how many talented players England had at their disposal in the 2000s, their starting line-up when they crashed out against Portugal on penalties in 2006 included Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Cole, John Terry, David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Rooney. It couldn’t have got much better than that.

Alas, silverware never arrived and the failure of that generation remains one of England’s greatest regrets. It makes the task of the current generation even greater, too.

Whilst the 2000s featured Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard, Beckham and others, the 2026 World Cup squad is likely to feature Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden. Once again, the pressure is on.

Whether the Three Lions have learned from their mistakes at Euro 2024, which saw them lose against Spain in the final late on, or from their mistakes at the 2022 World Cup, where they crashed out in the semi-final against France, is the big question.

The Golden Generation never quite learned and many have had their say as to why that proved to be the case, including Gerrard. The former England captain has now revealed where his side went wrong and why he “hated” international duty.

Gerrard slams "egotistical losers" in England generation

Speaking about England’s failiure to use the Gerrard, Scholes and Lampard trio, Gerrard dubbed the Golden Generation “egotistical losers” and said he “hated” England duty because of the divide in the camp between club rivals.

The former midfielder said: “I hated it. I didn’t enjoy it. Hated the [hotel] rooms. In my early days, I’d have days where I was down, like low down. Like I’m in this room for seven hours, what am I going to do.

“There was no social media, we didn’t have a DVD player or anything. Channel 1 to 5 or whatever it was on TV. I used to get low and down.

“I used to love the games.

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“I used to love playing for England. I was really proud. I used to enjoy the training sessions but it was 90 minutes a day. And then I was just on my own. I didn’t feel part of a team. I didn’t feel connected with my team-mates with England.

“I didn’t feel that with Liverpool. They were the best days of my life. I felt like the staff looked over me, like I felt special. I felt like I couldn’t wait to get there. With England, I just wanted the games and the training sessions and then to be away.”

Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a sensational loan move for out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German has found himself frozen out after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No.1. He has been pushed aside to make way for Joan Garcia, the former Espanyol star who was one of Europe’s standout performers last season. Barcelona’s decision to spend €25 million (£22m/$29m) on Garcia has caused internal friction as it is understood that Ter Stegen was livid at the signing, viewing it as a declaration that his era was over.

Ter Stegen's rift with Barcelona

After undergoing a back surgery earlier in the summer, Ter Stegen stunned club officials by posting his own injury update on social media, without notifying Barcelona’s medical department. It was seen as a lack of professionalism by the board. Moreover, tensions flared up again when Ter Stegen allegedly refused to sign a release form allowing the club to access his medical documents, delaying García’s registration just days before La Liga kicked off.

Barca were furious with the goalkeeper, and legal action was reportedly discussed internally. They even stripped Ter Stegen of the captain’s armband, sending a clear message that no player was bigger than the institution. A fragile truce was eventually brokered, and the German was reinstated as captain weeks later. Wojciech Szczesny offered his support to the keeper and insisted that he believes in Ter Stegen's ability, and the keeper could still make a comeback. 

Speaking to , Szczesny said: "I don't think it's a pleasant situation. I was in the same situation with Juventus and decided to retire from football. I don't advise the same thing to Marc, because he still has a lot to contribute to football, but I think sometimes, in this job, you have to accept that some decisions hurt you. The club decided to sign Joan and had the opportunity to bring in a world-class talent who can play for Barca for the next 15 years. It must be frustrating for him after being such an important player for so many years, but Marc is a very intelligent guy, and I think he understands. It's not just a decision for the club's present, but also for the future. We spoke a lot this summer, and I think he understands. The most important thing for him now is to get back into shape, because he missed the entire last year. He's currently dealing with an old injury, so as soon as he recovers, I'm sure he still has a lot to contribute to football."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesChelsea could swoop for Ter Stegen

According to , Chelsea are exploring a loan deal for the German shot-stopper as part of their desperate bid to strengthen between the sticks. The news comes amid continued uncertainty over Robert Sanchez's position as long-term No.1. The Blues are looking for experience and leadership in goal, believing Ter Stegen could be the calming presence they’ve lacked since the departure of Edouard Mendy. They view both Ter Stegen and Mike Maignan as elite-level options capable of restoring defensive confidence. The choice, however, may depend on timing. While a loan for Ter Stegen could be struck as early as January, Maignan remains Maresca’s long-term dream signing.

Maignan remains an option on the table for Chelsea

Chelsea have admired Maignan for over a year and came close to signing him during the mini transfer window before the Club World Cup. However, AC Milan’s valuation forced them to back off, knowing they’d get another chance when his contract runs out in 2026. It is understood that Chelsea remain confident that Maignan will walk away from Milan at the end of the season, leaving him available on a free transfer. His arrival could potentially turn Chelsea into genuine Premier League contenders again, especially under a manager like Maresca, who values ball-playing keepers capable of dictating from the back. But the Blues aren’t alone in the chase. Juventus and Bayern Munich are both reportedly preparing to enter the race for Maignan’s signature, setting the stage for a fierce tug-of-war next summer.

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Getty Images SportChelsea weigh up their transfer options

If Maignan proves unattainable before next summer, Chelsea’s hierarchy see Ter Stegen as the perfect stopgap. A short-term loan would allow them to secure world-class experience without committing to another big-money deal. Chelsea’s scouting department has reportedly also drawn up a third option in Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. However, any potential deal will be complex as the keeper has a contract until the summer of 2028. Still, Chelsea’s determination to fix their goalkeeper issue is clear. After years of uncertainty between the sticks, the club is willing to explore every possible avenue to bring stability back to the backline. 

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has decided not to get carried away with the club’s hopes of winning the Serie A title this season. He believes that Milan’s main objective remains finishing in the top four and securing a place in next season's Champions League. The Italian tactician has set a target of at least 74 points for the season and aims to restrict goals conceded to between 20 and 25.

• Milan on top of Serie A after initial setback

  Milan’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina ensured that the club ended Matchday seven at the top of Serie A. The game turned controversial while the score was still 1-1, when Fiorentina defender Fabian Parisi was judged to have brought down Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez. Fiorentina coach Stefano Pioli was furious with the decision, claiming that Gimenez had dived to win a penalty and criticised VAR for encouraging players to simulate. The resulting penalty was converted by Rafael Leao, who scored a brace to help Milan come back from 1-0 down.

  Milan, who began their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese, have clawed their way to the top of the table thanks to Allegri’s astute defensive setup. The Rossoneri have conceded just four goals in seven games, making them the second-best defence in Italy after Roma. Despite losing star forward Christian Pulisic to a hamstring injury and veteran midfielder Adrien Rabiot to injury, Allegri has relied on the leadership and charisma of Luka Modric to drive Milan forward in the absence of key players.

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  Allegri quells talks of Scudetto and says target for the season is top four

  In the pre-match press conference, Allegri refused to get carried away with Milan’s position at the top of the table, stressing that the club’s main goal this season remains Champions League qualification. He said: “Winning is not easy. It would be important because it would allow us to take another step in the standings and gradually get closer to securing a place in the Champions League. That is our objective. Now we have a major mini-cycle ahead of us, and we need to create the conditions to be in an optimal position in March to fight for a top-four finish.”

  The Italian tactician also emphasised that Milan must target 74 points this season, regardless of what Napoli or Inter do. “We need to get at least 74 points without thinking about Napoli or Inter. A breakaway? That’s not possible. We are only on matchday seven. We must take it slowly and keep our feet on the ground,” he added.

• Allegri's experience and his target for goals conceded this season

  Allegri first joined AC Milan in 2010, guiding the club to its 18th Scudetto in the 2010/11 season. During that campaign, he managed a star-studded squad featuring players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, and Filippo Inzaghi, blending tactical discipline with attacking flair to deliver success.

  After his first stint at Milan, Allegri moved to rivals Juventus, where he cemented his reputation as one of Italy’s top tacticians. At Juventus, he won five Scudetti and five Coppa Italia titles, and led the team to two Champions League finals, showcasing his ability to manage high-pressure situations and guide elite squads.

  Following a brief sabbatical from football, Allegri returned to Juventus and added another Coppa Italia to his achievements before being appointed manager at San Siro once again at the start of the current season.

  Allegri believes that Milan must limit how many goals they let in, setting a maximum for the season: “To aim for the Scudetto, Milan must concede a maximum of 20-25 goals.”

  With Allegri having won the scudetto multiple times after collecting 16 points in seven games, Allegri waved away the comparisons saying teams change as he has experienced this multiple times at Juventus  “Teams are always different, and even the same team changes every year. I can say this from my experiences at Juve.”

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  What comes next?

  Milan will be boosted by the return of Christopher Nkunku from injury, after he missed the game against Fiorentina. The Rossoneri will host Pisa on Friday and will aim to extend their lead over Napoli and Inter, who face each other on Sunday.

Former England seamer loving the challenge of getting back to shortest format with Lancashire

Andrew Miller13-Jun-2025

James Anderson doesn’t have many regrets in his long and illustrious career. However, as he dives back into life at Lancashire at the age of 42, he does wish he’d had the chance to play more T20 cricket – after 11 years without a single game in the format.Anderson, who is set to feature for Lancashire against Worcestershire on Friday evening, has made a remarkable impact in his three Vitality Blast fixtures to date. He has claimed seven wickets at 10.14 and an economy-rate of 6.45, including a best of 3 for 17 in his comeback fixture against Durham at Chester-le-Street.”I’m absolutely loving it, it’s been amazing,” Anderson said at Lord’s this week, during an event for DP World.Related

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“I’ve only played three games – and my opinion might change very quickly over the next couple of weeks – but I feel like I’ve missed out over the last 10 years. It is so much fun. I wouldn’t change anything in my Test career, but it would have been nice to play a little bit more [T20] over the last 10 years.”Anderson remains England’s leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket, with a tally of 269 scalps that may never be beaten. However, he claimed just 18 in his 19 T20Is, with his last match in the format coming against South Africa at Centurion in 2009.”I was really nervous before my first game, but just being around Lancashire for the last however-many years, I’ve been dipping in and out,” he said. “It has been nice to settle in and get to know the guys properly, and try to have an impact in the team and on the squad. Hopefully, I can stay fit and keep doing it for the rest of the year.”He credits his ability to adapt to the format, despite such a long absence, to his unrelenting thirst for self-improvement: a trait that was in evidence throughout his Test career, with his mastery of the wobble-seam delivery a key example of this.”I do watch a lot of cricket. I’ve been around a lot of cricket. I was with the England white-ball team in the winter, so you do kind of learn all the time, watching different things – watching The Hundred, watching the Blast over the last ten years.”I’ve always had slower balls, but it’s getting back into nailing them down. It’s something I’ve loved throughout my career, developing skills and working at them.”Even so, it has been a curious experience watching Anderson in action in the Blast, without his habitual cordon of slips to back him up, and with his breakthroughs coming in unconventional areas of the ground.”All of my wickets have been caught either in the ring or on the boundary,” he said. “But that is the nature of the game. It is a bit different to what I’m used to, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.””The game I played [against Northamptonshire], the edges I got – you don’t have a slip in – went for four. You have to deal with that, and obviously they’re trying to hit you out of the ground. I have found it really fun. I am trying to learn all the time and tap into the other guys who’ve played a lot of T20 cricket to see where it takes me.”Anderson’s desire to extend his career was shown by his entries into both the IPL auction and the Hundred draft. Though he went unselected in both, the Hundred does have the intriguing second chance of a potential wildcard pick, which are awarded to the stand-out performers in the T20 Blast.”I have no idea,” he said, on that prospect. “I haven’t heard anything. I just keep ploughing along. What I am finding out is that there is a lot of cricket in a county season, and it is tough. We have two more T20s and then two Championship games, and I want to play in those, so it’s about trying to manage your body as well. It has been great though. I have absolutely loved it.”James Anderson was speaking at a DP World Beyond Boundaries Initiative, a mission to make the game of cricket more accessible across the globe

A league official was hopeful MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ which would ease any concerns about the participation of the players

Matt Roller05-Jun-2025Major League Cricket (MLC) officials hope that Afghanistan players including Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will be able to fulfil their contracts for the 2025 season after US president Donald Trump signed a travel ban which will come into effect next week.Trump’s proclamation will “fully restrict and limit the entry” into the United States of nationals of 12 countries: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. He said the ban is designed to “protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people”.There are seven Afghanistan players under contract for MLC 2025: Rashid, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq (all MI New York); Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil (all Seattle Orcas) and Noor (Texas Super Kings).Related

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The ban, which is effective from 12.01am Eastern Time on Monday, June 9 includes an exemption for “any athlete or member of an athletic team… traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State”.The order also states: “This proclamation shall apply only to foreign nationals of the designation countries who: (i) are outside the United States on the applicable effective date of this proclamation; and (ii) do not have a valid visa on the applicable effective date of this proclamation.”ESPNcricinfo understands that some relevant players have already reached the United States after receiving visas, while others are yet to apply or travel. A league official told ESPNcricinfo they were hopeful that MLC will be classified as a ‘major sporting event’ by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, which would ease any concerns about the participation of Afghan players.An official at one affected franchise told ESPNcricinfo that they would explore all options, including the possibility of flying affected players into the United States before the ban kicks in. The official added that they will lean on MLC and other relevant authorities for guidance.An MLC spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and are working with the relevant authorities to minimize travel disruptions for overseas players ahead of the start of Major League Cricket next week. We continue to attract some of the best players from around the world to come over to the US to showcase their talent, along with the best cricketers from the USA, and we are set to have the most exciting tournament to date this summer.”The order specifically mentions the Olympics, which will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, as an event for which athletes will be granted exemptions. Afghanistan should, therefore, be eligible to compete in the men’s T20 cricket event at the Games if they qualify.MLC’s 2025 season starts on June 12, with a rematch of last year’s final between Washington Freedom and San Francisco at the Oakland Coliseum.

Arsenal have built an outrageously talented squad over the last five years or so, one capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League.

However, for all the incredible stars Mikel Arteta has signed over the seasons, from Declan Rice to David Raya, it would be fair to say his most important player remains Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has transformed from an academy prospect into a world-class forward, and the fact that he produced his 100th league goal involvement on his 200th appearance at the weekend is a testament to that.

So, it’s incredibly exciting to see that the club are producing another academy talent who looks destined to become someone of Saka-level importance in the years to come.

Saka's academy career

Saka joined Arsenal in the Arsenal academy set-up at seven years old, after spending some time with Watford.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The youngster’s first game for the Gunners’ U18 side came in a 4-1 loss to Fulham’s U18s in August 2017, and while he failed to make much of an impact in that game, he did end that season with eight goals and four assists in 22 games.

The following season started with the “future legend,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, continuing to play for the U18s while also making appearances for the U23s.

However, while he was used in the FA Youth Cup at the turn of the year, and the final of the U18s Premier League, it was increasingly clear that the young dynamo was too good to stay in that age group, and so the U21s became where he spent most of his time.

In all, the Ealing-born gem made 24 appearances for the U23s across 18/19, in which he scored six goals and provided nine assists, but something else happened that season: he made his first-team debut.

Former manager Unai Emery gave him a chance off the bench in a Europa League clash with Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava in November, and then started him at home against Qarabağ FK a month later.

Appearances

28

25

Goals

16

6

Assists

6

9

With him now featuring for the senior side, he would make his final appearances in junior football the following season, playing a single game against Everton in late August for the U23s.

In all, Saka produced 37 goal involvements in 53 appearances for the junior sides before establishing himself as Arsenal’s most important player over the following years, and now it looks like Hale End has produced someone else capable of doing the same.

Arsenal's future Saka

While last season saw Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly make it into the first-team, the Hale Ender set to become as crucial as Saka is someone even younger: Max Dowman.

It feels like the 15-year-old is the most talked-about youth prospect Arsenal have had in a generation or more, and it’s not just coming from supporters.

For example, at the start of last season, respected talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to claim the teenager was the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal”, and considering the Spaniard’s absurd ability, that is an astounding thing to say.

As if that wasn’t enough, you also had senior professionals waxing lyrical about the youngster, with Rice labelling him “the best 15-year-old in the country.”

Finally, away from players and scouts, Hale End expert Will Balsam probably had the boldest opinion of the lot, arguing that the Chelmsford-born gem is “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End.”

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

As if that wasn’t enough, he also claimed that he’s “the biggest talent in England,” a statement supported by his statistics for the youth sides last season.

For example, in just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 times and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Finally, what makes it really feel like he could become as big a star for the first team as Saka has is that in his few senior appearances, he has looked incredible, most notably against Leeds United at home and Newcastle United in pre-season.

Ultimately, there is still a long way to go for Dowman, but as things stand, he looks destined to become a world-beater for Arsenal.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 9, 2025

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank hailed Joao Palhinha’s role as emergency centre-half and opening goalscorer in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Doncaster.

Palhinha’s improvised strike, a Jay McGrath own goal and Brennan Johnson’s stoppage-time breakaway comfortably disposed of League One Rovers.

Frank hails Tottenham star Palhinha

On-loan Portuguese midfielder Palhinha, who picks £7m per year, wants to seal a permanent move to north London in 2026. He stepped into an injury-hit back-line while Archie Gray, often forced to play auxiliary centre-back under previous boss Ange Postecoglou, took his preferred midfield role.

“Archie can play centre-back and right-back but I see him as a midfielder and I like to see him there.”

Spurs would have scored more but for two remarkable air shots from Mathys Tel from only six yards out. Tel has yet to find the net since making a permanent switch to north London this summer but Frank said: “I don’t think he’s having a bad run.

“I think it was a step up in terms of performance. He got into good situations.”

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Spurs went ahead in the 14th minute after Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor missed his punch at a corner.

Sean Grehan headed the loose ball off the line but only as far as Palhinha, who hooked an overhead kick back over the defender and into an empty net.

Spurs doubled their lead three minutes later when Wilson Odobert raided down the left and sent in another low cross. Doncaster defender McGrath was unable to sort his feet out in time and succeeded only in bundling the ball into his own net.

Rovers almost pulled one back before the break when Owen Bailey’s Paolo Di Canio-style volley was tipped onto a post by Spurs keeper Antonin Kinsky.

That was the only moment of mild peril Spurs faced, however, and Frank was able to shuffle his pack by sending on Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison for the final 30 minutes as well as handing a late debut to 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett.

Johnson wrapped things up in stoppage time after being sent racing through on goal by Bergvall.

Rovers boss Grant McCann said: “I was disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“I don’t think we made it hard for them to score against us but in between that, especially in the second half, it was an excellent performance.”

Former USMNT star Eric Wynalda endorsed Cristian Roldan’s place in the USMNT picture, arguing the 30-year-old Seattle Sounders midfielder brings personality, resilience and a veteran attitude. Wynalda said Roldan’s temperament and work ethic indicated he is unlikely to fold under the pressure of the World Cup stage.

Getty Images SportSupport for MLS players on the national team

Roldan earned USMNT callups during the September and October windows after strong club performances for Seattle. That steady availability and the habit of producing at a high level have impressed Wynalda.

“MLS, for all that it is, isn’t the best way to prepare for a World Cup,” Wynalda said on Golz Tv. “Now that leads me to the real question. And it really is personified at the moment by Cristian Roldan. I’ve seen it a couple of times with players that play in the MLS, they get absolutely lambasted by our fanbase. And there’s a bunch of hate out there…

"First lets start with this: nobody pays anybody $1.4 million if they suck at whatever they do. Cristian Roldan is making that much money to play soccer as a professional for Seattle, which all things being equal, MLS with all its flaws is willing to pay that guy handsomely. Because he’s not a bad player, he just isn’t.”

AdvertisementPraise for Roldan’s attitude and personality

Wynalda framed the issue as one of temperament. He said Roldan’s personality and mentality make him less likely to be overwhelmed by the sudden jump in intensity.

“I was reading all the hate and I was like ‘Man this guy’s really catching it. Let’s see how he reacts to that.'" Wynalda said. "But this really was his opportunity. And very seldom have we seen somebody grab their opportunity the way he did… At the end of the day, he’s probably going to make the USMNT roster, and here’s why. He’s a good guy. He’s a really good human being and that may not matter to you as much as you think but it actually does.

"And it matters a lot to that locker room because Mauricio Pochettino knows that if he’s going to build this team, he’s going to have to build it around stars. But you've got to go through the process of thinning this herd. The process is not selecting the best players, it is eliminating the ones that can’t do it and a couple of guys have eliminated themselves from that process. And Cristian Roldan is not one of those people.”

Competition at midfield and forward lines

Roldan’s path into Pochettino’s plans is shaped by a crowded midfield and the coach’s preference for players who combine tactical discipline with physical reliability.

"He doubled down on himself," Wynalda said of Roldan. "That attitude that he brings is priceless. It’s worth a helluva lot more than $1.4 million, let me tell you that. Because the good news with Cristian Roldan is yes, he can handle it. Yes he can handle a World Cup stage, he can. That’s really important to know. There’s been guys in the past who we thought could and then didn’t. Ricardo Clark stands out, he got substituted in the first-half against England, it was that bad.

“That’s not going to happen with Cristian Roldan for all the reasons that I just stated. And he has the confidence in himself that he can do this. And I’ll tell you this, if in the event he does get out on the World Cup stage, 1) it’ll mean the world to him; and 2) his teammates will have his back. Because he has had theirs all this time, waiting for his chance to play.”

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Getty Images SportBroader implications for USMNT development

Roldan’s immediate task is to sustain strong performances for Seattle and to translate those club displays into continued value in national team camps. The Sounders qualified for the MLS playoffs and will face Minnesota United in the first round.