Tottenham Hotspur’s games as of late have been filled with thrills and last-minute drama. Despite missing key players in Harry Kane and Dele Alli, they’ve shown unrelenting spirit to dig out victories in the dying moments. Spurs have won their last three bouts in dramatic fashion, displaying unmatched resolve into finding the winner late into the games.

Following the frustrating loss to Manchester United at home, Mauricio Pochettino’s been reinvigorated into reigniting the players’ belief. They might be missing their captain, but Spurs always have an encouraging manager whose urging his players forward even when games feel finished.

The Argentine manager’s ability to reinvigorate his players’ never-say-die attitude has been exemplified in the last couple of weeks. Spurs snatched victories from the jaws of dropped points, maintaining their discreet surge towards an unlikely title challenge.

Be it a very late winner at Craven Cottage, an inspired come-back against a resolute Watford or carving open an impenetrable Newcastle at home, Pochettino’s side has won their last three games after the 80th-minute mark. Late goals are their new favourite thing.

Be it inspired substitutions or moments of brilliance from talented individuals the recent victories have truly brought to light Pochettino’s motivational ability. If not anything, he’s proven that it’s not only the Kanes’ or Alli’s who can come up with goals.

Having etched a must win at all cause attitude into every single player, irrelevant or crucial, it seems the Argentine’s coming up with his own version of “Fergie Time”. Indeed, perhaps he could have added yet another string to his bow and the most important time possible, helping Tottenham to really challenge for the title.

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Mauricio Pochettino handed Oliver Skipp only his second Premier League start of his career on Sunday afternoon when Tottenham Hotspur welcomed Leicester City to Wembley.

On the chalkboard

Skipp, just 18 years of age, started on the left side of central midfield at the weekend alongside Harry Winks and a slightly more advanced Moussa Sissoko.

It was a big call from Pochettino on a day which saw Youri Tielemans – a rumoured target for Spurs in January – line up for the visitors in midfield.

The academy product was relatively quiet before he was withdrawn after 71 minutes, but fleeting bursts of energy and desire to recover possession pointed towards a natural ability to thrive at this level.

Pochettino’s show of faith is key

That Pochettino trusted Skipp to start in the centre of his midfield against a side of genuine quality speaks volumes about how highly he is regarded.

His performance may well have been mediocre but he was facing a strong set of players with James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Tielemans all starting for Claude Puel’s side in the centre of the park.

The learning curve can be long and arduous for any aspiring player, and the fact Winks is only managing to establish himself as a first-team regular at 23  suggests that Skipp is an incredibly precocious talent to watch for the future.

Spurs fans cannot expect instant fireworks from their next aspiring academy talent, but the level of trust Pochettino has already placed in the youngster proves the Argentine is expecting him to rise through the ranks and evoke the type of enthusiasm for his performances that Winks has been producing of late.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Leeds United have relied heavily on loanees this season, but next summer represents a chance for the Whites to make some of those moves permanent.

The Yorkshire club are already tied into a deal that will see them pay £15m for Helder Costa at the end of this season, while they also have an option to buy Jack Harrison at the end of the campaign.

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It’s unknown how much United’s option to buy the winger will cost them, but Phil Hay has suggested that Harrison could be available for around the £10m mark.

This is a deal that Leeds simply have to do, no matter whether they go up or not.

Of course, if they are promoted the financial aspects of the deal won’t be a problem, but even if they don’t it’s a signing they should look at making, even with their limited room for spending in regards to FFP.

Ok, FFP may not allow the Whites to outlay £10m on one player this summer as they’re already committed to spending £15m on Costa, but there is a small loophole that Leeds could benefit from.

The higher-ups at Leeds could do worse than following Wolves’ example from a few seasons ago when they triggered Benik Afobe’s option to buy, only to sell him a few days later for a profit.

If Harrison is indeed available for the price Hay mentions, Leeds would be foolish to not trigger his option to buy, even if they just sell him on.

Man City valued the 23-year-old at £10m coming off the back of a season where he contributed to just eight league goals, and that value is likely to have increased as he’s contributed to that many efforts in just his last 11 games, scoring four goals in total this term.

It’s not too far-fetched to say that the winger’s actual value could be well north of Leeds’ current reserve price if he continues the form he has been showing in recent weeks.

If Harrison keeps up his good form, Leeds simply must trigger this clause, regardless of whether it’s financially viable for them to keep him or not.

In other news, one Leeds man has openly criticised a Championship referee on social media.

Despite an upturn in fortunes against Aston Villa on Saturday, Southampton’s season hasn’t been going well.

The Saints are struggling to keep hold of their place in the English top-flight and currently sit just a place above the relegation zone.

Maybe all of that could change come the January transfer window if they manage to snatch a quality reinforcement or two, but there are still players in their squad that they should be looking to get rid off.

With that in mind, here are two players that Ralph Hasenhuttl should axe in the new year…

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Maya Yoshida

The clock seems to already be ticking for the 31-year-old centre-back. After all, his contract is due to run out in the summer of 2020 and Yoshida is one of the fringe players scarcely used by Hasenhuttl.

Can you score at least 80% on this Ultimate Premier League Quiz? Test your knowledge now…

The Japanese defender can only boast with 678 minutes in the ongoing campaign and with the likes of Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens ahead in the pecking order, separation in January might be both inevitable and desirable.

He has been a good servant to the Saints over the years but the club may as well try to get a few pennies for the centre-back while they still can.

Sofiane Boufal

One of Southampton’s most expensive purchases ever back in 2016, Boufal has largely failed to meet the expectations that come with such transfer fees.

Even though glimpses of potential have been here and there throughout his stay with the Saints, four goals and five assists in 73 games is not enough of an impact for an attacking player.

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Hasenhuttl should waste no time in trying to recoup some of the money that was invested all those years ago and reinvest it back into the squad.

Seeing how he’s only tallied 641 minutes in the ongoing campaign, providing two assists in return, that particular course of action wouldn’t really come as a surprise or seriously impact the strength of the first-team squad.

Spurs have struggled to find consistency this season and much of that is due to the performances of certain individuals, who have shown their best qualities on too few occasions.

One man who epitomises that is Tanguy Ndombele. The Frenchman arrived in the summer with big expectations after impressing at Lyon, and although he has showcased his ability, it has been far too infrequent.

As such, he is yet to cement his place in the first-team ahead of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, which is quite disappointing, particularly because it’s not due to a lack of ability.

The 22-year-old has only completed one full match in the league and has struggled with his fitness throughout, due in part to concern over previous injuries reoccurring.

That led Jose Mourinho to leave him out of the matchday squad against Brighton, a bold move that is a typical Mourinho gesture and one which should act as a warning that he must work on that area of his game, as some fans note.

While fans and management are frustrated with the midfielder, it is certainly worth preserving with him.

Forever a Spurs legend: Honour Pochettino by getting 100% on this all-Poch quiz…

Ndombele has two goals in eight Premier League starts and has demonstrated the power he possesses by averaging 2.6 dribbles per game in the Champions League, providing a drive from midfield which neither Winks nor Sissoko can emulate.

His fitness issues are a worry but he has already shown how effective he can be, so when he does fully get up to speed he should be a real danger for the opposition and perhaps even a pivotal member of the team.

Right now though he has work to do in order to win over the Tottenham faithful, some of whom believe he has displayed the wrong attitude thus far, which is a little harsh considering he has had his fair share of injuries.

Other supporters have urged for patience with Ndombele. After all, this is his first season in English football and is having to adjust to the rigorous demands of the league.

Their sentiments are fully vindicated and it may just be better to wait until next term to see him at his best.

Meanwhile, Spurs are reportedly targeting a 24-year-old Championship player which would be very interesting given he wouldn’t be a typical Mourinho signing.

After ending 2019 on a high with victories over the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City in the month of December, Manchester United were brought crashing back down to Earth with a 2-0 defeat away at rivals Arsenal on New Year’s Day.

It was hardly the best way to start off a new decade, but United have an immediate chance for some respite when they compete in their fourth competition of the season with the FA Cup kicking off on Saturday. The Red Devils face Wolves at Molineux in the third round, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side know full well the perils of such a trip after getting knocked out by them last year.

But whilst making it through would undoubtedly be well-received, Solskjaer already admitted in his pre-match press conference that he would be forced to make changes due to injuries. And with that in mind, below is a look at how United may line up at Wolves.

With it being a cup competition, Sergio Romero has been confirmed to start by Solskjaer, whilst the make-up of the back four in front of him could see major changes too. The likes of Brandon Williams and Ashley Young are all set to come in after giving way for the clash against Arsenal, whilst Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof may keep their places due to injuries to the likes of Eric Bailly, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Axel Tuanzebe and Marcos Rojo.

In midfield, Solskjaer may decide to bring in Juan Mata alongside Nemanja Matic in the deeper role, not only to give Fred a rest, but to also add a sense of control in possession – the Spaniard has a career average of 42 passes per game at an accuracy of 87%. Further forward, the Red Devils could field a number of academy prospects including the likes of Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong.

How much do you remember about football in 2019? Our quiz will test your knowledge…

With trying to achieve Champions League football the focus this season, Solskjaer may deem Saturday afternoon’s game against Wolves as the perfect chance to rest both Martial and Rashford. It’s a gamble he deems completely necessary in the grand scheme of things.

Meanwhile, this former Manchester United star has delivered his verdict on what he wants to see more of from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

According to Goal, Wolverhampton Wanderers are one of three Premier League clubs vying for the signature of Atletico Madrid attacker Thomas Lemar.

What’s the word?

It is believed that Diego Simeone is keen on adding a striker to his armoury this month, but for that to happen, there has to be a departure of some kind with Thomas Lemar being the ‘chosen one.’

Simeone claims the Frenchman hasn’t lived up to expectations in Madrid.

The report suggests that the La Liga outfit has circulated his availability, resulting in interest from the west Midlanders as well as Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Lemar is a client of super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has deep ties with Wolves having brokered many deals since Fosun took ownership in 2016.

The Portuguese representative has even completed a few between the two clubs with Jonny and Diogo Jota both switching the Spanish capital for Molineux in recent seasons.

Jota upgrade?

Lemar’s time at Atletico has been nothing short of disappointing after a £52.7m move from Monaco in the summer of 2018. In 64 appearances, he has managed just three goals and six assists, per Transfermarkt.

However, the red and white stripes of Madrid has notoriously been an unhappy hunting ground for many a forward under Simeone – their creative issues have been highlighted here, while his style of play is well renowned for being defensively-focused.

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Therefore, Lemar can be given a free pass, for the time being. He’s only 24 after all and still has plenty to offer, which is why Wolves must pursue him at all costs this month.

The wide man helped Monaco to a Ligue 1 title as well as a Champions League semi-final, and directly contributed to 55 goals in his 127 appearances at the club, via Transfermarkt.

Phillipe Tranchant, who unearthed Lemar’s talent as a 12-year-old playing football in Guadeloupe, once labelled him as “extraordinary” while his dribbling ability, versatility and impressive use of both feet are also highlighted throughout the same article.

This makes him an exciting prospect for Nuno Santo, especially given Jota’s struggles this term – he has bagged just three times in 19 league matches, two of which in the same game while he is yet to provide an assist, which is poor considering he’s hit at least five in the previous two seasons, per WhoScored.

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If the Portuguese boss can unearth the player that was at Monaco, then Wolves will have an elite talent on their hands, one that would be an instant upgrade on the faltering Jota.

He would also bring squad depth with his ability to play anywhere across the front three.

And in other news, John Ruddy believes he knows exactly who can replace the departing Jesus Vallejo this month…

Speaking at the club’s AGM on Tuesday night, Everton director of football Marcel Brands dropped a solid hint at where the club’s next transfer business could be, as per The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe.

What did he say?

Well, the Dutchman was speaking about how the squad has changed during his time in the role – he was appointed at the end of the 2017/18 season – and picked out a position he sees as a potential weakness after current manager Carlo Ancelotti arrived and changed the formation to 4-4-2 – Marco Silva preferred 4-2-3-1 previously.

According to O’Keeffe of The Athletic, Brands said: “The new manager has changed the system to 442 and so we have more options in the middle and maybe a little less on the right side. We’re always looking for new players but have to be careful and think about the numbers.”

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He isn’t wrong

While the likes of Bernard, Richarlison and Alex Iwobi are able to play on the right if required, they are more suited to playing on the left – or in the case of Richarlison and Iwobi maybe even through the middle given the former’s performance up front this term and the latter suggesting his strongest position is as a No.10.

That leaves Theo Walcott as the only natural senior option to play on that flank, and even he has largely flattered to deceive this term with no goals and two assists in 19 appearances in all competitions.

Call yourself an Everton expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?

The Toffees then look to need some extra quality on the right flank, and that is perhaps why Ancelotti experimented with using Djibril Sidibe as a right wing-back in some matches recently – it wasn’t a decision that really paid off, however.

The other issue the Merseyside outfit have if they want to strengthen the right flank either this month or in the summer is money – they announced record losses of £111.8m for year to June 2019 at the AGM, although they insist that they remain compliant with FFP.

Despite that, you would think that a loan addition would me more likely in the short-term.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly closely tracking a Champions League recorded as being faster than Mo Salah this season…

Tottenham Hotspur could end up sending Giovani Lo Celso back to Real Betis this month.

Sources have told Football FanCast that Spurs are chasing a deal for Bruno Fernandes of Sporting Lisbon and that any deal could result in the termination of the Argentina international’s short-term stay at the club.

Of course, it has been widely reported that Spurs do have the option to sign Lo Celso this month should they so wish and so one has to ask the question: Who would be better?

Obviously, one must preface this with the fact that Lo Celso hasn’t had that much time to make his mark on Spurs.

He has made a total of 17 appearances for the club, scoring two goals, in the 4-0 thumping of Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, and the 2-1 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.

In total, though, he has made just five starts and one has to wonder if he will ever get a proper chance under Jose Mourinho.

His statistics, nevertheless, are somewhat instructive.

In the Premier League, he has averaged 0.6 shots per game, 0.5 key passes, 0.4 dribbles and is fouled 1.3 times. Defensively, he makes 0.9 tackles, 0.2 interceptions, 0.4 fouls and is dribbled past once.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

His numbers are better in the Champions League, where he has made two starts, he averages 1.3 shots per game, 1 key pass, 0.3 dribbles and is fouled once. Defensively, he makes 2.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 0.7 fouls and is dribbled past 2.3 times.

Bruno Fernandes, by comparison, is playing regularly.

He has scored 15 goals in all competitions and registered 13 assists. As he is Sporting’s captain, if he is available, he plays.

Offensively in Liga NOS, he averages 3.6 shots per game, 3.7 key passes, 1.7 dribbles and is fouled 2.5 times. He also makes an impressive 2.4 tackles per game, 0.2 interceptions, 1.5 fouls and is dribbled 1.2 times per game.

This is a player who is revelling in the role he has been given.

His statistics point to a player who is given licence to roam forward from the attacking midfield role he regularly occupies to support the striker.

One feels, then, that he and Lo Celso could well play together – the latter plays in a more withdrawn role than Fernandes but one thing that these stats certainly point towards is this: opportunity.

Last season, after all, Lo Celso scored nine goals and registered four assists in La Liga, averaging 2 shots per game, 0.8 key passes, 2 dribbles, while he is fouled 2.1 times. Defensively, he mucked in with 1.6 tackles, 0.5 interceptions, 1.1 fouls and was dribbled 0.8 times.

This was a more rounded, complete player and it is because he was playing.

Fernandes is evidence that game time equals chances to shine; it is about time Lo Celso was given his.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen may not be on his way to Inter Milan…

James Ward-Prowse enjoyed an exceptional display as Southampton drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

On the chalkboard

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in a game they dominated at St Mary’s Stadium.

Having beaten Spurs in the league, Southampton enjoyed the lion’s share of possession throughout the game and their midfield was orchestrated by Ward-Prowse.

Per WhoScored, Saints had 59.1% possession throughout the game and also had 10 shots to Spurs’ eight.

Ward-Prowse picked up the joint-highest rating of any player on his team, registering 79 touches of the ball, along with one key pass and a passing accuracy of 83%.

While he did not complete a dribble, he won four aerial duels, the joint-highest of any player on the pitch, along with five successful tackles, the highest of any player, and three interceptions.

He also managed to have one shot, testing Hugo Lloris in the away goal.

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A mature display

This was a fine performance from a player who showed a high degree of maturity in the centre of the pitch.

Whenever the ball came his way, he was able to distribute it effectively, and he also turned in a remarkably assiduous defensive performance.

He has been in fine form in the Premier League this season, scoring four goals and registering two assists, but he showed against Spurs that he can do the less flashy stuff too, keeping his side ticking over from midfield.

Ward-Prowse has been ever-present in the league thus far this term, and it is little surprise.

He is the man who makes Saints tick.

Meanwhile, Southampton fans have reacted to a major exit rumour!