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It’s encouraging to witness teams like Bournemouth and Sunderland surpassing expectations at the Premier League summit – a sentiment that extends to Tottenham as well.
While there have been instances of underwhelming performances under Thomas Frank, particularly at home, it’s important to acknowledge the challenge of rapidly transforming a squad to reflect his vision. Few Tottenham supporters likely anticipated their current third-place standing.
Criticism persists, particularly regarding the need for greater creativity in open play, which is understandable. However, a measured approach is often necessary.
Last season’s glaring issues revolved around excessive goals conceded and vulnerability. Frank’s initial priority upon arriving at Tottenham likely centered on rectifying these defensive frailties.
Indeed, their progress from the season’s outset is demonstrably influenced by the ‘Thomas Frank effect’.
This effect manifests in a team that is now defensively well-organized and proficient at set-pieces.
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Van de Ven scores twice as Tottenham beat Everton
Admittedly, at times, their attacking play has appeared somewhat one-dimensional, relying heavily on moments of brilliance from Mohammed Kudus to generate opportunities.
However, I am optimistic that their attacking prowess will improve upon the return of injured players, notably Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, with James Maddison’s return further down the line.
Therefore, despite imperfections, Frank’s efforts have generated considerable positive energy and anticipation.
Spurs arguably possess their strongest squad in recent memory, accumulating points despite not always playing brilliantly, and occupy a favorable position in the table, with significant reinforcements on the horizon.
While it remains early, Frank has made an exceptional start in revitalizing a squad previously lacking in confidence, and I anticipate further progress.
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Spurs ‘pragmatic’ approach to set-pieces setting them up for future creativity – Analysis
Supporters value a team’s identity, and Frank has already instilled one at Spurs in under 10 league games.
Currently, they are a well-drilled, hardworking side, difficult to defeat, and not fixated on playing out from the back at the expense of creating unnecessary chances.
Their reasonably pragmatic approach, relying heavily on set-plays as evidenced in their 3-0 victory at Everton, is not inherently negative.
Many teams adopt a similar strategy, and Spurs boast formidable targets and capable deliverers.
Presently, they appear to rely on individual brilliance from their forward players to create magical moments, rather than a cohesive system to penetrate opposition defenses.
In this regard, Kudus requires support, which I believe is forthcoming.
However, the primary reason for my belief in their improvement lies with Frank himself.
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Tottenham focus on set pieces is ‘crucial’ – Frank
I do not consider Tottenham’s current identity immutable, given Brentford’s evolution under Frank over several seasons, and he is only beginning his tenure here.
Upon entering the Premier League, Brentford employed a very direct, predictable style.
However, last season’s approach was markedly different, playing out from the back through Christian Norgaard, demonstrating versatility beyond a one-dimensional approach.
This Tottenham team will also evolve, but Frank has first established a solid foundation, similar to his early days at Brentford. This is evident in the more restrained positioning of their full-backs, compared to their more adventurous approach under Ange Postecoglou.
This was apparent on Sunday, as Spurs drew criticism for sitting back and inviting pressure from Everton in the second half.
At times, I questioned their reluctance to advance and relieve pressure, but the context of the preceding game must be considered.
Spurs had traveled to Monaco for a Champions League fixture on Wednesday, clinging to a draw.
Tottenham made four changes from the side that drew with Monaco, with Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson and Djed Spence coming in for Richarlison, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray
The majority of that team started on Sunday, holding a 2-0 lead at half-time after a solid performance that limited Everton’s opportunities.
Considering the travel and intensity of the Monaco game, Frank’s decision to protect their lead after the break is understandable.
In retrospect, he likely desired greater quality in possession during breakaways, as they ceded possession too easily and invited unnecessary pressure.
In upcoming matches against higher-quality opposition, relinquishing possession and defending so deep could prove costly.
Hopefully, they will possess greater stamina for these tougher tests, and some of their missing attacking players will have returned.
Ultimately, Frank must strike a balance between an attacking, entertaining style of play and a game plan that prioritizes winning by being difficult to play against.
This balance has historically eluded Tottenham, contributing to frequent managerial changes – Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte representing one extreme, and Postecoglou the other.
Based on his tenure at Brentford, I believe Frank will provide fans with both the desired style of football and positive results.
He has a significantly stronger squad at Spurs than he ever had at Brentford, making it naive to assume that this team will not progress and become more aesthetically pleasing – I am confident they will, unequivocally.
Danny Murphy was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
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