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“It’s like Comedy Central at the back for Spurs” – Williams
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank departed Turf Moor to a soundtrack that is becoming increasingly familiar, underscoring what appears to be an unsustainable tenure.
Cristian Romero’s late header salvaged a 2-2 draw, narrowly averting further embarrassment for the under-pressure Dane as Burnley came close to securing their first Premier League victory in 14 games.
The moniker ‘Dr Tottenham‘ – a sardonic reference to their perceived ability to offer respite to struggling opponents – nearly manifested in the most dramatic fashion, until Romero intervened.
However, if Frank believed this result would quell the growing discontent among the traveling supporters, he was mistaken, as he faced their collective frustration once more after the final whistle.
Indeed, signs of unrest surfaced even during the first half, with Spurs fans chanting “sideways and backwards everywhere we go” in response to perceived aimless passing.
Micky van de Ven’s opening goal was met with ironic cheers of “we’re staying up” from the away end.
Upon the final whistle, Frank was subjected to deafening chants of “sacked in the morning” and other, more colorful expressions of disapproval from his own fanbase.
Frank’s position has reportedly come under internal scrutiny following a home defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham United, with BBC Sport reporting that at least one member of the club’s executive team has considered the possibility of terminating his tenure in recent weeks.
The club’s hierarchy now faces the decision of whether to act decisively and relieve him of his duties or grant Frank an opportunity to reverse Tottenham’s fortunes.
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Late Romero header rescues draw for Tottenham at Burnley
Frank experienced some respite with the Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund, a result that highlighted the stark contrast between Spurs’ performances in the Premier League and in European competition.
Spurs have secured just two wins in their last 14 Premier League matches. However, a potential positive lies in the fact that a victory at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday would guarantee their progression to the Champions League last 16.
Despite this, the palpable discontent directed at Frank shows no sign of abating, raising the question of when, rather than if, Spurs will initiate a change.
It was difficult to dispute Frank’s assertion that Spurs should have won the game, based on the chances created and the outstanding saves made by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. However, they ultimately had to fight for the point secured by Romero’s powerful header.
Van de Ven’s goal had given them a deserved lead, but Spurs then switched off, allowing Axel Tuanzebe to score Burnley‘s equalizer in first-half stoppage time.
Spurs had more opportunities after the interval, but the fragility of Frank’s team was evident as Burnley, currently 19th in the table, showed resilience and seized control, leading to Lyle Foster’s second goal for the Clarets.
Had Burnley secured the win, a decision regarding Frank’s future would likely have been unavoidable.
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‘We did not defend well enough’ – Frank
Frank attempted to maintain composure and emphasize the positives after the game, but his frustration was palpable as he punctuated his words by striking the table three times, insisting that Spurs should “never, ever, ever” concede goals like Tuanzebe’s, repeating the message and actions when discussing Foster’s goal.
“You can’t say we didn’t do everything to win,” he told Match of the Day. “We just need to keep improving. The only way it can be is calm heads, carry on and keep doing what we think is the right thing.
“You see the game. We do more than enough to win the game. We just need to defend better in two situations. And, of course, score another goal that could make the difference at 1-0.”
Once again, Frank relied on defenders for goals, highlighting the lack of potency – and resources – within his attacking options.
Only Richarlison, with eight goals, has scored more than Van de Ven, who has netted seven this season. The Dutchman’s tally also surpasses that of any other Premier League defender across all competitions.
Romero has scored four Premier League goals this season, but his latest was insufficient to alleviate the growing animosity directed towards Frank.
“Van de Ven and Romero got the goals but there were more problems at the back against a Burnley side who’ve now gone 14 games without a win,” said ex-Wales defender Ashley Williams, a pundit on Saturday’s Match of the Day.
“I just think in the second half it was so easy for Burnley. They had four big chances in the game and I’m sure Thomas Frank will be unhappy with how his team defended. There’s a lack of discipline and focus when Spurs need calmness from their big players and leaders.”
This largely explains the pursuit of Liverpool’s Scotland left-back Andy Robertson, with ongoing discussions.
If Spurs can secure the required result in Frankfurt, Frank may find some respite. However, the situation bears all the hallmarks of a crisis point, especially with a challenging fixture list looming.
Following Frankfurt, Spurs host Manchester City before traveling to Manchester United. They then host Newcastle before a north London derby at home against Arsenal.
Life is anything but easy for Thomas Frank, and his joyless, toxic reign at Tottenham is unlikely to improve.
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