Xavi Simons gave Tottenham a mountain to climb in the 2-1 loss against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday.
Thomas Frank hosted Arne Slot’s team at home on 20 December, with the North London outfit looking to get back to winning ways after losing to Nottingham Forest.
Simons has had a slow start to life at Spurs, but the former RB Leipzig midfielder has put in decent performances in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old had an evening to forget, though, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after being sent off in the 33rd minute.
Xavi Simons challenge on Virgil van Dijk really bad in Tottenham vs Liverpool
Andy Townsend believes Simons’ challenge on Virgil van Dijk was right on the cusp of being a red card.
MORE SPURS STORIES
While John Brooks initially showed the Netherlands international a yellow card for the foul on his compatriot, VAR recommended an on-field review.
The midfielder can arguably have no complaints about the decision after dangling his leg and catching the centre-back with his studs.
Speaking on the World Feed on 20 December, Townsend said: “It’s not a good challenge at all from Simons. That’s a shocker. That’s a really bad one. Only he knows how much contact he wanted to apply there. But I tell you, that’s a really bad challenge. Absolutely deserving of a yellow. I think that’s right on the cusp.”
Liverpool were seen as slight favourites against Spurs, but Simons’ red card undoubtedly made things more challenging in N17, with the Reds scoring two quick goals after the break.
While the North London outfit showed glimpses of quality and fight after Richarlison’s goal, it wasn’t enough, as Cristian Romero also saw red.
ENIC to get on phone at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Frank risks getting sacked at Tottenham, with the North London outfit’s Premier League form not up to standard.
Spurs hired the former Brentford boss after Ange Postecoglou’s woeful domestic record last season, but improvements are still needed in N17.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see ENIC get on the phone to enquire with potential replacements for the Danish head coach.
The mood among the fanbase is starting to get sour, and it remains to be seen how long the owners will remain patient with Frank.