Brentford fans have had to stage a longer goodbye than many had first imagined.
In September 2020 the Bees officially said goodbye to their home of 116 years, Griffin Park, as it was closed following a Championship play-off semi-final win over Swansea.
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Griffin Park underwent demolition work in 2020Credit: Getty
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New images show that little has changedCredit: COPA90
Demolition work started soon after, yet new images from COPA90 show that things haven’t progressed much since.
Shots from a hole in a fence next to the ground show one stand still up, while the rest of the old stadium looks like a derelict building site.
Griffin Park, which is best known among EFL fans for having ‘a pub on every corner’ was transferred to developers EcoWorld London in 2020, but little has changed since early demolition.
In November 2024, The Sun claimed that EcoWorld were still chasing planning permission for their plans to develop 149 new homes in west London.
It was claimed that 41 of those would be new houses, with the rest apartment blocks, while 1,770 square meters of public green space would also be produced.
That would be a stark transformation from its original use as an orchard.
The ground was initially owned by the Fuller, Smith and Turner brewery in 1904 and Brentford leased it to start playing games that year.
Its standing capacity reached 38,00 while it survived World War II bombing and a fire to take the team to the top flight in the 1930s.
Yet Griffin Park narrowly missed out on Brentford’s glorious return to the top of the football pyramid, as it was with their new home that they first competed in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s side moved into the Gtech Community Stadium in the summer of 2020, and avoided the play-off final heartbreak of the previous season by downing Swansea at Wembley.
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The Gtech has been part of Brentford’s path to the topCredit: Getty
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But parts of Griffin Park remain as a reminder of how they got thereCredit: Getty
Brentford have remained in the top flight ever since, finishing as high as ninth during the 2022/23 season.
The 17,250 seater Gtech is now a Premier League regular, and has also hosted the Women’s European Championship in 2022.
Fans still look back fondly on Griffin Park, though, particularly as they were never able to properly say goodbye.
The stadium was closed during the height of the COVID pandemic, pre-vaccinces in the summer of 2020.
That means one of world football’s oldest stadiums never got a thank you, but locals can clearly still pop along for a spot of nostalgia.
Throwback to Sepp van den Berg admitting he didn’t want to leave Liverpool ahead of his move to Brentford
Ange Postecoglou‘s men thrashed Pep Guardiola‘s side 4-0 at the Etihad in late 2024 before enduring a terrible run of form.
Read more on Premier League
However, with a few players back from injury, Spurs have won their last three league fixtures.
Meanwhile, City have slightly improved in recent weeks, but a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday showed just how far away they are from being back to their best.
Still, they are well in the race for Champions League football, and three points here would be huge.
Elsewhere, Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest, knowing that the Tricky Trees can move just three points behind them with a win.
The Gunners’ title challenge for this season is all but over after a 1-0 defeat to West Ham at the weekend.
Liverpool then beat City to take an 11-point lead over Mikel Arteta‘s men.
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It has been a season to forget for Guardiola
Of course, Arsenal players will insist the title race isn’t over, but it would require an almighty slip-up from Liverpool for this to even be a possibility now.
Instead, the Gunners just have to ensure they claim Champions League football and second place.
Meanwhile, Forest have lost their last two in the Premier League to Fulham and Newcastle, respectively.
But Nuno Espirito Santo will be encouraged by his team’s comeback at St James’ Park at the weekend, where they came from 4-1 down to narrowly lose 4-3.
Certainly, this won’t be an easy game for Arsenal.
Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League are basically goneCredit: AFP
The Reds have one hand on the Premier League trophy now, but Arne Slot will want his side to keep being relentless.
The chance of a treble is there, but the Toon gave Liverpool a very hard game when they met earlier this season.
At St James’ Park, these two served up a thrilling 3-3 draw, and Eddie Howe‘s men will be looking to make a statement ahead of the Carabao Cup final meeting between the two later this month.
On Tuesday, we have Chelsea taking on Southampton, with the Blues looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
There is a south coast derby between Brighton and Bournemouth, which promises to be full of goals.
Wolves are edging away from the relegation places, and they welcome Fulham.
Meanwhile, resurgent Crystal Palace host Aston Villa, with Unai Emery‘s side looking to close the gap on those above them chasing European football.
The Bees couldn’t stop winning at home in the first part of the season but are winless in five league matches at the Gtech, while Everton are finding some form under David Moyes.
And on Thursday, Graham Potter will hope to see West Ham build on their brilliant win over Arsenal, while Leicester must bounce back from being thrashed by Brentford.
So, there are plenty of excellent fixtures, and here is how you can follow them all across the talkSPORT network.
Premier League gameweek 27 fixtures
Tuesday, February 24
7:30pm: Brighton vs Bournemouth – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
7:30pm: Wolves vs Fulham – talk exclusive
8:15pm: Chelsea vs Southampton – talkSPORT exclusive
Wednesday, February 25
7:30pm: Brentford vs Everton – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Manchester United vs Ipswich – talkSPORT App exclusive
7:30pm: Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal – talkSPORT exclusive
7:30pm: Tottenham vs Manchester City – talkSPORT 2 exclusive
8:15pm: Liverpool vs Newcastle – talk exclusive (second half on talkSPORT)
Thursday, February 27
8:00pm: West Ham vs Leicester – talkSPORT exclusive
Fanatics have announced they will be opening their first-ever global flagship store ahead of a stunning new Premier League deal.
The shop will be located on the iconic Regent Street, showcasing the brand to a footfall of around 70 million people when it opens in spring.
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Fanatics will be hosting more events with athletes like Dominic Solanke at their new Regent Street storeCredit: Topps
It marks a big step as Fanatics look to expand further into Europe having dominated America as a $25billion behemoth.
The store, which will showcase the brand’s collectibles which cover UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, MLB, NBA, WWE, UFC, Formula 1 and more.
Fanatics last year announced that they had beaten Panini to the rights for Premier League trading cards and stickers, which will be made under the Topps brand it bought in 2022.
That deal will begin in June, and their new store in London will allow fans from around the world to enjoy a new interactive community space.
The store will include an a state-of-the-art breaking studio, where creators can open packs and boxes for their audiences, interactive customer education touchpoints, and a personal card creation suite
There will also a central display of the rarest and most-desirable cards, all with a giant suspended circular screen above.
The space, as well as selling collectibles has hosted events, including a night with Tottenham star Dominic Solanke and Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The pair known for their love of collectibles opened boxes of Topps products with fans and creators for an unforgettable experience.
And there will be more of the same to come at the Regent Street store.
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The new store will span 803 square meters (8,647 square feet)Credit: Fanatics
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The breakers studio will allow interactive events within the storeCredit: Fanatics
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The Fanatics store will take pride of place on Regent StreetCredit: Fanatics
“We are incredibly excited to cut the ribbon on this amazing community-building retail space, one that we hope will delight collectors and be a true home for the hobby in Europe,” said Topps President of Trading Cards, David Leiner.
“It’ll be a destination for millions of fans as well as our own internal partners – and team and club partners, the latter using our dedicated space to launch and showcase new products in a way that has never been done before.”
While the store will, in the most part target the enormous trading market, there is going to be plenty more to do and buy.
Apparel from Toppsand Fanatics-owned Mitchell & Ness, will be on sale as well as memorabilia, such as signed kits, jerseys, balls and other equipment.
There will also entertainment stock on sale after the recent success of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, Garbage Pail Kids, Stranger Things products.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo left stunned after he packs himself in Topps cards
With four months left to play, this season’s Premier League title race is far from decided… surely?
Many fans may believe that this is very much the case, but Thomas Frank believes there is one clear winner for the crown.
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Two Nunez goals boosted Liverpool’s title hopesCredit: AFP
Liverpool travelled to Frank’s Brentford on Saturday and won 2-0 in dramatic fashion thanks to their substitute hero Darwin Nunez.
He netted in the first and third minutes of stoppage-time to hand a massive boost to the Reds’ title credentials.
A draw was an increasingly likely prospect as the minutes ticked down but Liverpool held firm to leave west London with the three points.
Arne Slot‘s side have lost just once in the league all season and left rivals including Manchester City and Arsenal playing catch-up.
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Given their dominance so far, Frank believes that Liverpool will be the ones who lift the coveted Premier League trophy in May.
“I think we did a lot of things right against a fantastic Liverpool team that I think is very complete is many ways,” he told reporters after.
“Probably the best team in the world right now. They are big favourites to win the Premier League, in my opinion.
“We just faced [Manchester] City, Arsenal and now Liverpool in close succession and I think they, right now, are a level above the two others all the way around.”
“They are a fantastic team,” he later added, before also claiming: “I’m convinced they will win the title.”
Liverpool’s win put them seven points clear of Arsenal, who had the chance to reduce this gap to four against Aston Villa in the evening.
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Liverpool remain in control of the title race ahead of City and ArsenalCredit: Getty
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Frank can’t see anyone but the Reds winningCredit: Getty
However, despite earning a two-goal lead at the Emirates Stadium, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw and therefore earn just one point.
Although it means Liverpool are six clear of the Gunners, they can go even further and extend this to nine thanks to their game in hand.
The Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park last month was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
It has now been rescheduled for February 12, by which time Liverpool could be even further in front in the title race.
Reigning champions City may already be out of the question as they sit in eighth and 15 points behind the Reds.
Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup fixtures will coincide with their league campaign in the coming weeks.
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Liverpool will be delighted with their six-point lead and game in hand
However, Liverpool have so far shown that they not only have the quality to win the title, but also the resilience to overcome their tests.
Frank saw that on display on Saturday as his team were the latest to be swept aside by the Slot revolution.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot conceded Darwin Nunez was ‘lucky’ to escape a red card just seconds after his match-winning goal heroics against Brentford.
The Uruguayan forward answered his doubters in fine style by coming off the bench to secure a huge three points for the Reds – but then was almost inexplicably sent off shortly before the full-time whistle.
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Darwin Nunez almost when from hero to zero against BrentfordCredit: AFP
Nunez made quite the impression, scoring twice in stoppage-time to give Arne Slot’s side a 2-0 victory over the Bees in a game that looked destined to end in a 0-0 draw.
But it was a moment of madness just seconds later that left talkSPORT duo Adrian Durham and Troy Deeney flabbergasted – and left his manager breathing a big sigh of relief
Speaking on GameDay Live, Durham said: “He’s already been booked, Darwin Nunez, for taking his shirt off to celebrate the first goal, and now he’s just gone flying into a challenge on Nathan Collins who felt the force of that. That’s a second booking, isn’t it?”
Deeney replied: “It definitely is. The referee looked after him once because he did go back into the fans after the second goal.
“We’ve just had a lovely view of Arne Slot who winced because he should have been sent off.
“He went into the crowd after his second goal. So it should’ve been three yellow cards. All day it’s a sending off. It totally encapsulates him.”
Durham continued: “The referee bottled it. It’s clearly a second yellow.
“The referee sort of put his fingers together to say that it’s close to being another yellow card – no, it is another yellow card.
“What a sub appearance that would have been – two goals and a red card!”
To which Deeney replied: “That’s why he’s not got one, because it’s the last action. The game’s already over.”
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Nunez had already been booked after his first goal for the RedsCredit: Getty
Even Slot admitted he would not have complained had Nunez been given his marching orders.
Speaking to talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, the Liverpool manager said after the game: “It would have been realistic if that was a yellow… I couldn’t have complained if he got a second yellow for this foul.
“It wouldn’t have had any impact in this game, it was at 2-0, but it would definitely have made an impact on the next one, because Jota was not available today. Let’s hope he is for the next one, but then Darwin would also not have been available too [if he was sent off].
“So we were a bit lucky in this situation, but being lucky once in a while is nice.”
Despite his near-miss with a potential sending off, Nunez’s goals proved to be the difference for Liverpool and sent them seven points clear at the top of the table as the whistle blew in their game.
Just the fifth and sixth goal the 25-year-old has scored this term, Nunez has attracted plenty of criticism but received praise from ex-Watford striker Deeney, who threw his support behind his fellow frontman.
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Nunez made a match-winning contribution for Liverpool off the bench against BrentfordCredit: talkSPORT/Opta
Speaking on talkSPORT, Deeney said: “Darwin Nunez, you have been the butt of a lot of jokes this season.
“It just shows what a goal can do.
“Darwin, I believe in you, sir. Don’t worry about anyone else.”
Those goals could also go a long way to earning a more regular spot under Liverpool boss Slot, following the Dutchman’s comments about the striker this week.
Ahead of the Brentford game, Slot said: “Darwin is a striker we have to use in a certain way and we were not able yet to bring the best out of him this season.
“Against Accrington Stanley again you saw that he has a lot of pace but, unfortunately for him, most teams sit back a lot against us.
Arne Slot’s telling response to Darwin Nunez goal drought after Liverpool star’s cryptic message to fans
“If you look back at the goals he scored for us, I remember the one against Villa when he went around the goalkeeper on a fast break, that is his main strength.
“He has other qualities as well – but we are still working on getting him in the best possible positions against a low block.
“That involves the right timings, the right crosses, the right position to start from and making the right run.”
Liverpool are next in action on Tuesday night when they face Lille in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola says he offered praise for Stefan Ortega despite screaming at him after Manchester City surrendered a two-goal at Brentford.
Phil Foden scored two goals in the second half in west London to set the reigning Premier League champions on course for three points.
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Christian Norgaard’s late goal saw City crumble at BrentfordCredit: Getty
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Guardiola appeared to be raging with OrtegaCredit: @OptusSport X
However, Yoane Wissa reduced the deficit late on before Christian Norgaard levelled the scoring in stoppage-time.
City goalkeeper Ortega got a hand onto the Brentford man’s header but was unable to keep it out of his goal as the points were shared.
The 32-year-old, who filled in for the benched Ederson, appeared to be on the receiving end of a frustrated rant from Guardiola.
Footage shows the City boss shouting and screaming at Ortega at the full-time whistle.
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Guardiola screamed and then hugged the goalkeeper three times in what was a contrast of emotions.
One angle shows the Spaniard looking particularly incensed but he and Ortega calmly walked away from each other at the end.
However when speaking afterwards, Guardiola revealed what he said to Ortega and insisted it was praise: “[Josko Gvardiol] played incredible! I was satisfied! The same with [Ortega].
“I said how good he played, the actions with the ball, the pass to Erling [Haaland], how happy and satisfied I am, especially with these two players and what they have done…”
After a dismal run of form towards the end of 2024, City appeared to turn a corner with recent results thanks to three-conservative wins.
However, their attempts to climb further up the Premier League table have taken another hit with the result at Brentford.
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Guardiola did also hug the goalkeeper despite his frustrationCredit: @OptusSport X
A win would have taken them fifth and level on points with Arsenal, who have a superior goal difference.
But they will now rue their late mistakes away at the Bees, with the draw denting their title defence hopes even further.
Foden offered an explanation for their collapse when he told TNT Sports after: “We just looked tired at the end, the last 20, 30 minutes. We looked leggy and they put the pressure on and put longer balls into the box.
“We didn’t cope with the physicality at the end. It’s one of the toughest places to come and they give you different challenges.
“I was happy with the performance up until we went 1-0 up and then after that we let our performance slip and gave the ball away. It’s something to learn from. They gave us a challenge today and we did the best we could.”
City will hope to return to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday then they travel to Ipswich Town.
Graham Potter believes Jarrod Bowen is ahead of schedule in his return from injury at West Ham.
The Hammers captain suffered a fractured foot in their 5-0 defeat to Liverpool at the end of 2024.
There were initial fears that Bowen could sidelined for a lengthy period of time, but there appears to be positivity over his recovery.
On Monday, Potter said: “I think if you speak to Jarrod, he will try to tell you he’s ahead of schedule, for sure.
“He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible. We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way and it’s [in] a good way for him, because we want to get him back and we want him to stay back.
“But you know Jarrod, he wants to be out there, he wants to play and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around. He’s fantastic to have around the place.”
Potter added: “He’s just champing at the bit and he wants to get out and help. But he just has to take his medicine at the moment and just do his rehab properly.
“He was out jogging today with the individual physio, so it’s positive. I think if I’m looking at it now, Jarrod will be ahead of schedule rather than behind schedule.
“It’s not a rocket scientist prediction, that is it really.”
Tottenham and Newcastle kicked off a thrilling day of Premier League action, but Brentford and Bournemouth did their best to steal the headlines.
Spurs continued their ‘Ange-ball’ ways but slumped to a third defeat in four as Newcastle and talisman Alexander Isak continued their climb up the table with yet another victory, this time 2-1 in north London.
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Newcastle made it five wins on the bounce as Spurs went four without a victoryCredit: Getty
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Bournemouth continued their incredible campaign with a goal of the month contenderCredit: Getty
Elsewhere, yet another win for Bournemouth, 1-0 against Everton, saw them stay just a point behind champions Manchester City who thumped West Ham 4-1 to leave Julen Lopetegui in big trouble.
Brentford, who have been stellar at home but terrible away, picked up their first three points on the road in commanding fashion by hammering a sorry Southampton 5-0.
And there was also frustration for title challengers Chelsea and Arsenal, who were both held to 1-1 draws by Crystal Palace and Brighton respectively.
With big wins but even bigger defeats the order of the day, talkSPORT pair Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara had plenty to pick from in their winners and losers from the action.
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Winners
Bryan Mbeumo
Long regarded as the most underrated player in the Premier League, Bryan Mbeumo is making sure everyone knows him now as he leads his side following Ivan Toney’s departure.
In Brentford’s 5-0 win over Southampton he scored twice and assisted another to take his total for the season to 13 goals and three assists in the league.
Aged just 25 and with a contract until 2026, it surely won’t be long until Champions League sides come knocking, and Cundy can’t believe they haven’t already.
“Bryan Mbeumo off the right side is as good as anything outside of Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka right now, he is so good,” the former Chelsea defender said.
“Thomas Frank was asked about him leaving in January and said something along the lines of ‘good luck with that one’ but let me tell you, they’ve shown in the past they will sell.
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Mbuemo peppered Southampton’s goal in another Man of the Match display
“They don’t want to because Ivan Toney’s already gone, but this boy, his goals, his assists, he’s got the whole lot, he’s as good as anything right now in the Premier League.
“I said Arsenal might look at him, but he’s going to cost a lot, I’m looking at Liverpool if Salah leaves, they should be looking at him.”
Andoni Iraola
It wasn’t Saturday’s most thrilling game, but it certainly saw the best goal when a first-time David Brooks volley earned a 1-0 win for Bournemouth over Everton.
The result made it nine wins and 33 points in 20 games, and the Cherries are well on course to obliterate their best-ever Premier League point tally.
In fact, they could even be heading to Europe for the first time, and Cundy puts it down to manager Andoni Iraola.
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Bournemouth are well on their way to a best ever top flight campaign
“They’re flying high, they are now three points outside the top four, that is unbelievable for them, it’s incredible,” he said.
“For them to be there tucked in behind Man City by one point, without question he deserves to be in there.”
Anthony Gordon
Newcastle extended their run as the Premier League’s form team by making it five wins on the bounce away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Isak incredibly made it seven-straight top flight games that he’s scored in, matching Newcastle’s all-time record.
Yet it was his wingman that left Cundy most impressed, as Anthony Gordon slots into the winners’ column.
England and Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon responds to Harry Kane calling out Premier League dropouts
“He’s doing good stuff and he could’ve had another goal, he’s had another stellar start to the season and [England manager] Thomas Tuchel was there to see it,” he said. “Well done to him, and Newcastle are a problem.”
O’Hara added: “I like him a lot, Newcastle are back amongst it and flying and Gordon is a big part of that.”
Losers
Ivan Juric
It’s now three games and three defeats for Ivan Juric, but this one was the worst of the lot.
Pumped 5-0 at home by a Brentford side who were yet to win away, O’Hara had to put Southampton’s new manager in the losers’ bracket.
“It’s a disaster class he’s putting out every week,” the former Spurs midfielder said. “They got beaten 5-0 at home by a team that never wins away from home.”
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Juric could combine with Russell Martin for a worst Premier League point total
Cundy wanted to defend the Croat, but quickly changed his mind.
“He’s taken over a rabble, it’s harsh on him. He’s in there for a reason but they’re rabble,” he began.
“He’s in there, though. To lose at home with Brentford’s away record this season, they’ve got more points today than the whole of 2024 so he’s in there.”
Frank Lampard
Stepping away from the Premier League, it was a legend of the division that took the headlines in the Championship.
Frank Lampard was well on course for another win as Coventry manager as Milan van Ewijk had them leading away from home at Norwich into injury time.
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Lampard was left reeling on the Coventry benchCredit: Getty
Yet Amankwah Forson turned the game on its head, not just by equalising in the 91st minute, but by adding an astonishing winner four minutes later.
Feeling sorry for his fellow former Blue, Cundy said: “To be leading that late into the game… the goal and the way Norwich celebrate, they can’t believe they’ve equalised, then a few minutes later they get the winner.
“Brutal. Poor old Frank. There’s a saying in football – if you can’t win it don’t lose it!”
Ange Postecoglou
It’s back to where we started with today’s final pick, and it’s Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian made it one win in eight league games with defeat to Newcastle, and things got particularly bad when a Radu Dragusin injury left him without a centre back on the pitch.
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Postecoglou reacted furiously in an interview with talkSPORT’s Sam MatterfaceCredit: Getty
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Postecoglou was adamant that his Spurs side deserved to win
On top of that, Gordon’s opener came from a ball off the hand of Joelinton, which led to yet another painful interview as he told talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface about the game not being an ‘even and fair playing field’.
Listening back to the interview, Cundy commented: “Big Ange, he’s spat his dummy out there, his toy pig, his thrown his little teddy…
“Sam Matterface has done nothing wrong, they were all valid questions so why is he so chippy?
“The reason he gets the same question every week is because he gets pumped every week. Help yourself out by coming in to get interviewed after a win.”
Tottenham and Newcastle are considering a January swoop for defender Fikayo Tomori, talkSPORT understands.
West Ham and Brentford are also keen on the former Chelsea centre-back amid his recent struggles at AC Milan.
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Milan centre-back Tomori could make a return to England after four years awayCredit: Getty
Tomori was a regular for the Italian giants after signing in January 2021, initially on loan from the Blues before a permanent move was completed.
However, he has made only six starts in Serie A this season and has made just three substitute appearances since October 6.
In the last ten Serie A matches, Tomori has managed just 13 minutes on the field.
Spurs have experienced major shortages in defence in recent weeks with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both out injured.
It’s meant young midfielder Archie Gray has had to deputise at centre-back in the last five Premier League games which has seen Spurs ship 13 goals.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is also said to be eyeing a move for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
A move to Spurs would see him compete for a starting spot with Guglielmo Vicario, who’s currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
The experienced Fraser Forster has played in his absence, but has conceded 15 goals in seven league outings.
Newcastle have been on the lookout for a new centre-back in recent windows having tried to sign Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi in the summer.
The Magpies had their advances rebuffed by Palace despite putting in a club-record £65million bid in for Guehi.
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Tomori graduated from Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy, making his first-team debut aged 19 in May 2015Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Tomori has struggled for game time at the San Siro in recent monthsCredit: Getty
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He has started just six matches in the Italian top-flight this term
It’s also been reported that Newcastle were looking to bring Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah to St James’ Park in exchange for Anthony Gordon, however talks broke down.
Tomori could represent a more likely for Newcastle, although the player is contracted at Milan until June 2027.
Meanwhile, West Ham and Brentford are in the market to bolster their backline having both conceded 35 goals from their 19 Premier League outings this term.
Tomori rose through the ranks at Chelsea’s esteemed Cobham academy and made his senior debut in 2016.
The 27-year-old featured 27 times in total for the west London club before he left for Milan, with whom he won the Serie A title in 2022.
The Canada-born defender has five senior England caps to his name – his last coming in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta in November 2023.
Arsenal have avoided an alarming stat stretching to a tenth game as they began 2025 in the perfect manner.
Mikel Arteta‘s side picked up a big three points as they overcame Brentford 3-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on New Year’s Day.
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Arsenal picked up a big three points away to BrentfordCredit: Getty
It was Brentford who stole a surprise lead in the 13th minute as Bryan Mbeumo scored his ninth goal at home in the Premier League this season.
With the Bees ahead, it left the Gunners with an uphill battle to work their way back into the contest.
History was not on Arsenal’s side either, as they had failed to win their last nine away league games whenever the opposition had scored first.
Thankully for Arteta’s side, that worrying run did not extend to a tenth game.
Gabriel Jesus netted the equaliser for the Gunners in the 29th minute to spark jubilant scenes in the away end.
The Brazilian was on his toes to nod home the rebound after Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made an impressive stop to deny Thomas Partey from range.
Jesus’ goal was his sixth in his last four games for the Gunners across all competitions.
The tally matched Jesus’ haul from his previous 48 games for the club, emphasising the impressive form he’s enjoyed of late.
Arsenal then ripped the contest away from Brentford with two strikes in the space of three minutes early in the second half.
Mikel Merino found himself in the right place at the right time as Brentford failed to clear their lines from a cross, smashing home from close range after the ball pin-balled around inside the hosts’ 18-yard box.
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Martinelli notched his fifth Premier League goal of the campaign against the BeesCredit: AFP
Gabriel Martinelli added Arsenal’s third in the 53rd minute when Brentford once again could not deal with a cross.
The Bees defended Ethan Nwaneri’s whipped ball into the box but it landed straight at Martinelli, who controlled the ball before unleashing an unstoppable volley.
Martinelli’s strike was his third in his last three away starts for Arsenal and helped to give Arteta’s side some needed breathing space against Brentford.
Arsenal’s third goal sucked the life out of the Brentford fans and the team, who simply could not handle the visitors changing gears.
The win lifted Arsenal back up to second in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Nottingham Forest in the process.
However, they remain six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand over the Gunners.
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Arteta and his stars were all smiles having moved back up to second in the tableCredit: AFP
As for Brentford, the loss extended their winless run to a fifth match and was their second-consecutive defeat at home having previously been unbeaten all season long.
Despite the defeat, the Bees remain 12th on 24 points.
Thomas Frank’s side have a golden chance to snap their winless run when they travel to last-placed Southampton on January 4.
Arsenal are also in action on the same day as they make the trip down south to Brighton, who are in the midst of a run of seven games without a win.
Gabriel Jesus’ last six games for Arsenal
December 11 vs AS Monaco (Champions League): Assist
December 14 vs Everton (Premier League): N/A
December 18 vs Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup): Three goals
December 21 vs Crystal Palace (Premier League): Two goals
