Senesi to leave - where next?published at 11:56 BST
11:56 BST
In announcing he will leave Bournemouth, it remains unclear where Marcos Senesi will go and, although he is known to have spoken to multiple clubs, he is choosing his next move carefully.
Sources at Chelsea have played down any suggestion they will make a move for him this summer, with Tottenham, Barcelona and Juventus also linked.
However, Senesi has just turned 29 and this could be the last - and perhaps only - major contract of his career.
His demands for substantial personal terms saw him leave Bournemouth after three offers, and they will be key for any club looking to sign him - potentially saving on a transfer fee but having to offer a competitive salary.
That will be central to any deal for Senesi, whose stock has never been higher after making only his second and third appearances for Argentina during this campaign.
FA Cup final: Who scored the best goal?published at 10:33 BST
10:33 BST
Alex Bysouth BBC Sport Senior Journalist
There's something magical about those seconds before the FA Cup final kicks off. Trumpets and tin-foil trophies, players as tense as the travelling fans, gaffers pacing the dugout in full club suits. The anticipation of a new hero emerging.
Some goals, though, are written in FA Cup folklore, rolled out for every cup final montage - they're the belters, the moments of individual magic, the strikes that sealed shock wins.
I've chosen 10 that make an all-time list and here's a sneak peek at one of them.
At number one on my list it's the beauty and pure adrenaline-fuelled emotion of Ricky Villa, a man who was devastated to have been taken off a few days earlier as Spurs and Manchester City drew 1-1 at Wembley.
Cometh the replay, cometh the bearded Argentine.
With the game tied 2-2 with 14 minutes remaining, and having already netted earlier on, Villa set off on his famous dribble - shorts clinging to his upper quads, hair billowing in the Thursday evening Wembley breeze, Chas & Dave ringing in his ears, skipping through light blue shirts under a floodlit glare and slotting between hapless Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan's legs.
"I remember getting the ball and my first instinct was to attack," Villa told BBC Radio 5 Live. "As soon as I ran towards the goal I forgot about everyone around me.
"I lost control of the ball just a little before the goal but I shot and I was lucky before I scored. Sometimes you need a little luck and this is what happened.
Tottenham and Chelsea set for latest chapter in 'unique' rivalrypublished at 12:40 BST 14 May
12:40 BST 14 May
Bardi Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
True Spurs fans knew this was always going to be our destiny. Like a classic computer game, we would have to vanquish the end-of-level boss to progress.
We hoped three points against Leeds would render this trip to Chelsea inconsequential, but thanks to Mathys Tel's ill-timed acrobatics, we now need something from Stamford Bridge.
The rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea is unique in London. The 'Cockney Cup Final' in 1967, the first all-London FA Cup final, is widely viewed as the moment the modern rivalry began. Then, as hooliganism and culture wars spread through football in the 1970s and 1980s, both sets of supporters grew to truly despise each other, with Spurs establishing themselves as the dominant side in the rivalry.
But then everything changed.
The balance of power swung towards blue following Roman Abramovich's arrival. Despite Chelsea rising to the summit of English and European football, the hatred between the two fanbases never softened. No matter how successful they became, beating Tottenham still mattered. The Premier League archives are filled with classic encounters, wonder goals and reckless two-footed lunges.
There have been running battles, countless red cards, 4-4 draws, ghost goals in semi-finals, League Cup final victories for both sides and, of course, Chelsea somehow winning the Champions League in 2012 to deny Spurs a place in the competition. Yet, if you asked any Chelsea fan where relegating Tottenham would rank, it would probably top the lot.
Thankfully, Roberto de Zerbi's remarkable work over recent weeks has denied Chelsea the chance to send Spurs down themselves. But if West Ham beat Newcastle, they can still push Tottenham's head deeper into the mud.
History is not with Spurs. In 32 Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, we have won once and drawn eleven times. This season, perhaps more than any since the 'Battle of the Bridge' in 2016, Chelsea will be desperate to beat us. Tottenham will need to play the perfect game and lean heavily on their away form, the only thing currently keeping our heads above water.
Stamford Bridge has been a graveyard for our dreams for decades. We just have to hope De Zerbi has us 'Big Boss' ready.
Kulusevski's World Cup omission 'right thing' - Potter published at 14:33 BST 13 May
14:33 BST 13 May
Image source, Getty Images
Sweden boss Graham Potter has revealed Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski has made "progress" on his road to recovery but the World Cup comes too soon for the midfielder.
Kulusevski was left out of Sweden's squad for this summer's tournament on Tuesday after 12 months on the sidelines with a right patella injury.
Back in March, after Kulusevski had a second procedure on the long-standing problem, he declared his "knee is great now" and had targeted an unlikely appearance at the major international tournament, but Potter officially ended the dreams of the 26-year-old this week.
"With Dejan, again just a very, very difficult decision," said Potter.
"I think we have to think about what is right for the team, that's important but also Dejan is in a place where he has had a long fight and he is making progress.
"I think it's important now that this time he can really focus on getting himself ready for the start of the season.
He continued: "I think the aim for him would be to start the next season with Tottenham, hit the ground running and to get back on the pitch and do the thing he loves."
Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi had cast doubt on Kulusevski's World Cup involvement last Thursday but did reveal he was due back at the club to continue rehabilitation at some point this month.
Potter acknowledged it had been difficult to take away Kulusevski's World Cup dream, but was concerned over how quickly he could get up to speed.
He explained: "Sometimes you have to take a decision of what does this look like. What is the impact for the player? What is the impact for the team?
"And it just felt in my stomach it was the right thing for us and for him, but of course now it's tough to see that, because he wants to be there and he wants to play, I understand.
"He is a professional person and he accepts it, of course but it is also very difficult as it is with all the guys. These things don't come along very often, it's a dream and you're ending a dream which is not a nice thing believe me."
'Kinsky's team-mates could learn from their goalkeeper'published at 11:20 BST 13 May
11:20 BST 13 May
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Desperate times call for calm heads.
In a game that epitomised Tottenham's season, with few clear-cut chances created and the majority of those squandered, composure was at a premium in N17 on Monday evening against Leeds.
As defenders jumped into tackles, midfielders rushed their passes, strikers snatched at shots, and Roberto de Zerbi received a yellow card for letting his feet – and his emotions – spill outside of his technical area, one man remained as cool as ice in the Spurs goal.
Two months ago, most Spurs fans didn't think Antonin Kinsky would ever play for us again, let alone be our number one for the relegation run in.
Yet it was Kinsky who was exactly who we needed him to be in this fixture against Leeds: our saviour.
While everyone else around him lost themselves to the chaotic desperation that comes with a relegation battle, the young Czech did his best to single handedly keep us in the game. His spectacular save from Sean Longstaff's blistering shot in stoppage time could well turn out to be the decisive action that keeps us in the Premier League.
Calm head. Quiet determination. Resilient temperament. Kinsky's team-mates could do with learning from their goalkeeper's key attributes – and quickly.
While many might see the draw with Leeds as two points dropped, given our healthy goal difference over West Ham, it could prove to be a vital point gained – and one that we wouldn't have if it wasn't for Kinsky.
With everything left to play for in the final two games, if the rest of our team can channel even half of the character Kinsky has displayed during his redemption arc, Spurs will be playing Premier League football next season.
Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May
11:18 BST 13 May
Media caption,
Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.
In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.
Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".
You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"
Can De Zerbi's Spurs show rare resilience at Stamford Bridge?published at 09:55 BST 13 May
09:55 BST 13 May
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's trip to Chelsea brings with it a daunting record at the worst possible time.
Spurs have won just one of their last 35 away league games against the Blues.
And, such is the state of the Premier League table, Robert de Zerbi's men could be in the bottom three when the game begins next Tuesday if West Ham overcome Newcastle on Sunday.
De Zerbi however is seemingly the source of hope that may just be making Spurs fans believe that one solitary win in 35 outings - achieved under Mauricio Pochettino in 2018 - can be repeated.
Under De Zerbi, Spurs have taken as many points from their last four Premier League games - eight - as they had in their previous 17 matches combined.
Much of their success has come from being more resilient, only letting in one goal in the opening half of their five matches under their new manager in contrast to conceding in the opening 45 minutes of the 11 games before he joined their charge.
De Zerbi's impact is clear. What better way to crystalise it though than by landing a rare win at Stamford Bridge.
'Relegation fight on a knife edge' for Tottenham and West Hampublished at 08:23 BST 13 May
08:23 BST 13 May
Prudent Nsengiyumva BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
With two games left, the relegation fight between Tottenham and West Ham is on a knife edge - and their recent form tells two very different stories.
Tottenham have somewhat steadied themselves under Roberto de Zerbi. They are four games unbeaten (W2 D2), their longest run without defeat this season, and one that reflects a side finally showing some resilience after months of turbulence.
Their last unbeaten run of five matches came in December and January, a period that seems a long time ago now.
Momentum has rarely been Spurs' friend this year, but avoiding defeat at this stage is no small thing.
West Ham, by contrast, are sliding at the worst possible moment. Defeat at Newcastle would make it three losses on the bounce, something that has already happened twice under Nuno Espirito Santo - once in October and again in December.
When results dip, they tend to dip quickly, and the Hammers' season has been punctuated by damaging spells that have dragged them back into trouble.
Spurs still have their fate in their own hands, while West Ham's margin for error is shrinking fast. Over the next two defining games, survival may hinge on who holds their nerve.
'De Zerbi seems to be getting a tune out of these players... I live in hope'published at 13:48 BST 12 May
13:48 BST 12 May
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham fan Chris Cowlin says he feels "confident" Spurs will avoid relegation as there is a "real belief and confidence" under Roberto de Zerbi.
Monday's home draw with Leeds means Spurs should need a maximum of four points from their remaining two games against Chelsea and Everton to seal survival, given their superior goal difference to West Ham.
"I feel like it is an opportunity missed but we are still in the driving seat," Cowlin told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"It was a frustrating one last night as, like De Zerbi said, we deserved to win but we just weren't clinical enough in front of goal.
"The fans were excellent and behind every single player. With Mathys Tel, you stick with the positives - he scored a fantastic goal. Antonin Kinsky made some big saves - and a world-class save at the end - so when you look at if it was a point gained or two lost, it could easily have been a defeat in the end.
"I feel confident because in the past four games we've picked up eight points - two wins and two draws - and there is a real belief and confidence under De Zerbi, so thank goodness he came in when he did.
"It was a waste of time under Igor Tudor but De Zerbi seems to be getting a tune out of these players. I live in hope.
"We now watch West Ham go to Newcastle and hopefully they don't pick up any points there and then Spurs need to just go and get a result at Stamford Bridge. That's a huge game."
'De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in' - Kellypublished at 11:16 BST 12 May
11:16 BST 12 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly says Roberto de Zerbi was "absolutely the right person" to lead the club in their relegation battle and there is now a "resilience" among the players.
Spurs took the lead in Monday's key visit from Leeds, but eventually squandered the opportunity to take a significant step towards Premier League safety by drawing 1-1, leaving them just two points above West Ham with two games to play.
"There has been an upturn and it feels like De Zerbi was absolutely the right person to come in," Kelly told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
"It feels like there is a spring in the players' step to some extent and their body language is better.
"When you watch them play, if things aren't going well they don't seem to be going in on themselves and capitulating like they have done before this.
"Every time something had been going wrong in a game you could see that was it and they couldn't get back into it, whereas at the moment they are fighting, working hard, and there is a resilience about them.
"It is a roller coaster at the moment. There are so many facets of how Spurs are. There's wonderful play at times in the forward areas, there's calamitous defending at times which they have done throughout the season, and they are unlucky at times as well.
"There are so many reasons why Spurs are down here but overall the performance levels have just not been good enough - they can't buy a win at home. That can't happen. You can't be a top Premier League side, or even one that doesn't want to be relegated, and not win matches at home.
"It doesn't take much for the fans to get behind you. Spurs are just always on the edge where they feel the fans will drop off and the players just don't seem to be able to cope with the noise and the size of the stadium which is a weird thing."
Col boy: Summed up our season. Scored and looked good but, as usual, the lack of quality from Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani cost us. The lack of discipline from Mathys Tel was no different to that of Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven in previous games. Clearly a problem with the players. Once we concede, players' heads drop when they should do the opposite. Not sure if the players have the bottle to get a result at Chelsea.
John: Never easy with Spurs! Need a clearout of underperforming players whatever league we end up in next season!
Terry: After the performance against Aston Villa, a similar performance would have been very welcome against Leeds. Unfortunately, we didn't get one. If Spurs play like this against Chelsea and Everton then we will be relegated. A lot of the Spurs players really need to step up to the plate. I feel some of them really couldn't care less about their performance for our club and the quicker they leave Spurs the better. I really hope that Roberto de Zerbi rips into his squad after this really poor result. They got what they deserved, which wasn't much.
Steve: Why have we not had a penalty all season? Everyone wants Spurs relegated. Let's make sure that doesn't happen.
Leeds fans
David: Leeds were fantastic. Slow start but they snuffed out Spurs in the first half. Second half, someone should have been on Tel - then he doesn't score. No idea how he didn't get a red for the penalty. Ref not the best. Antonin Kinsky's save was amazing - otherwise we'd have won. MOT.
Billy: Another tremendous result. Could have won it but a draw was probably fair. Great credit due to the players and manager. However, we need to strengthen for next season. Unfortunately, we're carrying a few and they need to be moved on.
Kevin: We're getting stronger and very hard to beat. A few signings in the summer and we start next season in good shape.
Eric: A very lacklustre first 45 minutes and even the start of the second half. But Leeds grew into the game and were unlucky not to grab all three points. Questions surely have to be asked about where those 13 added-on minutes came from?
'Kinsky save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in Premier League'published at 08:35 BST 12 May
08:35 BST 12 May
Jess Anderson BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Two months ago questions were raised as to whether Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky would ever play for the club again.
The Czech Republic international endured a nightmare 17 minutes in their Champions League last-16 match against Atletico Madrid in March, during which he conceded three goals before being substituted by then-manager Igor Tudor.
But after making one of the saves of the season to deny Leeds United a late winner on Monday - ensuring Tottenham earned a point towards potential Premier League survival - the 23-year-old may just have gone some way to redeeming himself.
Mathys Tel's 50th-minute strike had put Spurs ahead but the forward conceded a penalty for a high boot on Ethan Ampadu 24 minutes later and Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the spot to level at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both sides probed for a winner in 13 minutes of added time and Leeds thought they had found it in the 99th minute when James Justin played Sean Longstaff through and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike at the near post from close range.
Enter Kinsky, who stretched to get fingertips to the ball and ensure it clattered off the crossbar and not into the roof of his net.
"That save is one of the saves of the season," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.
"Football is an absolute rollercoaster and who would have thought he would ever play for Tottenham again - and then he does that.
"You would have to have a heart of stone if you weren't delighted for him. Everyone thought his career was over but that save can be the moment that keeps Tottenham in the Premier League."
Tottenham 1-1 Leeds: What De Zerbi saidpublished at 23:03 BST 11 May
23:03 BST 11 May
Media caption,
Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We didn't play a great game. We played a good game. I think we deserved to win anyway but maybe the pressure, the crucial game, the crucial part of the season, we suffered too much. Anyway I am happy because I watched my players with the right spirit, with the right mentality.
"We made too many mistakes. If we want to win we have to reduce the mistakes, but we know before this game it will be tough until the end of the season, until the last game. It is tough for us and tough for everyone."
On gaining a point over relegation rivals West Ham: "I think we have to consider the result but we have to consider the performance. We played a good game, we are making points, in the last four games we made eight points. Congratulations to Leeds, they played a great game, they have to play the last game at West Ham and we've no doubt that they will play the same way."
On the VAR calls: "The VAR in West Ham-Arsenal was a foul, it was clear. Today, I did not see honestly. I didn't watch the [James] Maddison penalty, maybe yes, maybe no. I heard my assistant but I don't want to come inside a polemic.
"The referee was not calm today. Maybe he felt the pressure of yesterday? He is human and it can happen, but no problem. He was good on the pitch. We prepare the next two games."
On Maddison's return: "He is a different player. We have had a lot of injuries but we are good enough to stay up with these players."
Did you know?
Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win any of their last 10 home league games (D4 L6); it's only the second time they've gone 10+ home league games without a win after April 1994 (14).
Mathys Tel is the first Spurs player to score a goal and concede a penalty in the same Premier League game since Robbie Keane against Bolton Wanderers in February 2007.
