Tottenham Round-Up, Sunday 1st November: Spurs Make It Three Straight Wins as Luca Williams-Barnett Steals the Show Against Palace
Spurs continued their impressive revival under Roberto De Zerbi with a 2-0 win over 10-man Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making it three Premier League victories in a row for the first time in 616 days (BBC Sport) (Football.London) (Spurs Web) (Spurs Web). Jean-Philippe Mateta saw red early on for the visitors, leaving Palace to play the majority of the game a man light (BBC Sport). BBC Sport's Phil McNulty wondered whether De Zerbi's side are finally discovering some much-needed consistency after the result (BBC Sport), while De Zerbi himself said the turnaround is down to his squad now truly "playing as a team" (ESPN). The Italian did, however, warn his players that three wins alone are not enough, even though he admitted the mood in the camp is a happy one (Spurs Web). Archie Gray echoed that sentiment, saying the squad feel like "brothers on the pitch" following their recent training camp in Marbella (Spurs Web).
There was plenty of individual praise to go around. De Zerbi hailed Sandro Tonali's display as being like having "12 men" on the pitch (Spurs Web), while Jan Paul van Hecke, Tottenham's leading scorer this season, said he was pleased with the performance and offered an exciting prediction for what's to come (Spurs Web) (Spurs Web). Archie Gray, who got on the scoresheet, was substituted at half-time but De Zerbi moved to ease any injury concerns (Spurs Web) (Spurs Web). The headline act off the bench, though, was teenager Luca Williams-Barnett, who impressed hugely on his Premier League debut - De Zerbi called him a "big, big talent" (Spurs Web), Jamie Redknapp and Xavi Simons were full of praise (Spurs Web), and fans and pundits alike were quickly telling each other to "get to know him" (BBC Sport) (Football.London) (Spurs Web) (Spurs Web). James Maddison, meanwhile, was an unused substitute, with De Zerbi explaining the thinking behind that decision (Spurs Web). Dominic Solanke was taken off on 66 minutes as De Zerbi searched for a second goal, with Conor Gallagher introduced in his place (GiveMeSport). Spurs fans also took the opportunity to pay a touching tribute to academy graduate Harry Kane during the game, following his Ballon d'Or triumph (Spurs Web).
On the injury front, there was a double fitness boost as De Zerbi gave updates on Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie ahead of the trip to Leeds, revealing that what until now, was not possible may soon change for the returning pair (TottenhamHotspur.com) (Spurs Web). There was also news on Wilson Odobert, with De Zerbi suggesting the winger could finally return to training in January, nearly a year on from his serious injury (Spurs Web). Elsewhere, Spurs Web reported some concern over Mykhailo Mudryk's plans for a comeback after two months out (Spurs Web).
On the transfer front, Spurs Web reported that Tottenham have received a "nibble" of interest after lowering Richarlison's asking price ahead of January (Spurs Web), while Pedro Porro continues to be linked with Barcelona, though Spurs Web suggested recent comments from Barcelona's side might offer some comfort to Spurs fans (Spurs Web). The club were also reported to be keeping tabs on a £125m winger, though Arsenal are said to be in the race too (Spurs Web), as well as Antonio Nusa, with a possible opening for Spurs to hijack Arsenal's interest (Spurs Web). A versatile Juventus defender has also been mooted as potential back-up for Porro, though again Arsenal are credited with interest (Spurs Web). TeamTalk reported on Tottenham's chances of landing a rival Premier League striker following his return from injury (TeamTalk).
Away from the pitch, Spurs Web carried a story on a former Tottenham defender spotted back at Hotspur Way after earning his UEFA B coaching badge, with a De Zerbi connection emerging (Spurs Web), while Harry Redknapp recalled how close he once came to signing an Arsenal icon during his time in charge (Spurs Web).
In the women's game, Tottenham captain Drew Spence became the WSL's all-time appearance record-holder as Spurs won 4-1 at Birmingham, with Spence saying she felt "very proud" of the achievement (ESPN) (BBC Sport).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
