Tottenham Hotspur secured a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Thomas Frank’s side moving into third place.
Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:
Tottenham’s poor home form continues
A clash against Manchester United is never an easy one, and coming into this league fixture, many Tottenham Hotspur fans would not have expected a straightforward game.
That proved to be the case, as United fought right until the end and refused to stay down even when Spurs equalised and grabbed what looked to be a winner through Richarlison’s strike.
A 2-2 draw might seem a fair result, yet Frank would still be scratching his head over how his side once more failed to collect three points on home soil.
Coming into this clash, Tottenham had managed just three wins in their last 19 league fixtures at home, a run equivalent to going an entire season with only three victories at home.
That, of course, is not good enough for a side looking to secure a spot in the European places, but at the moment, that is Tottenham’s reality.
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The struggle clearly continued today, with Spurs dropping what seemed like three points right at the death, leaving Frank with more questions than answers about his side’s home performances.
Destiny Udogie must start every game to give Tottenham width on the left
This is the sort a match that would have left mixed feelings for many Spurs supporters who watched their team struggle for large spells of the contest.
The first half was flat from Tottenham, who failed to record a single shot on target and looked devoid of creativity or invention.
Credit must go to Frank for acting quickly, as he withdrew Randal Kolo Muani and later replaced a poor Pedro Porro with Destiny Udogie.
Those two changes transformed the game, giving Tottenham far better balance down the left-hand side.
Udogie came on and linked superbly with Wilson Odobert, combining both on the inside and outside channels.
His ability to deliver first-time crosses added a fresh dimension to Spurs’ attacking play, something they have lacked when Djed Spence has been deployed in that role.
It was fitting that a cross from Udogie eventually led to Tottenham’s equaliser through Mathys Tel.
The balance of the team looks far better with him in the side, and as long as he is fit, he simply has to start every game to maintain width and structure on the left flank.
Mathys Tel scores off the bench after boos when Xavi Simons went off
Tottenham fans have not seen much of Mathys Tel in recent weeks, but the Frenchman used this game to remind everyone of his quality.
He did not start, yet his work rate after coming off the bench was impressive as he helped defensively and provided an extra spark in attack.
His goal was expertly taken, controlling the ball before turning and finishing clinically. It came after he replaced Xavi Simons, who had shone in midweek against Copenhagen but struggled badly on this occasion.
Simons offered little going forward, and Tottenham fans made their frustration clear when he was substituted, booing as Tel replaced him. However, the change proved inspired as Tel rewarded his manager’s decision with a crucial contribution.
Wilson Odobert is winning the left-wing battle for Spurs
Many Tottenham supporters would agree that the right flank is firmly owned by Mohammed Kudus, the £55 million signing who has made the position his own since joining from West Ham United.
The left wing, however, remains up for grabs, with Tel, Odobert, Muani and Brennan Johnson all in contention for the spot.
Frank initially deployed Richarlison on the left, but at half-time, he switched things around, moving the Brazilian up top and introducing Odobert for Muani.
The young Frenchman changed the tempo of the match, linking up well with Udogie, beating his man several times and delivering dangerous balls into the box.
He is beginning to find rhythm and confidence, and after scoring on Tuesday, he followed it up with an assist today for Richarlison. Odobert may not yet have cemented his place, but he is undoubtedly the one leading the battle for that left-wing role.
Tottenham need injured players back over the break
This game underlined how vital squad depth is, as Frank’s substitutions ultimately salvaged a result.
However, Tottenham are still not at full strength, with ten players currently sidelined through injury.
Cristian Romero appeared to pick up a late knock in this encounter, something that will concern Frank and his coaching staff.
The upcoming international break could not have come at a better time, allowing Spurs to recover key players for the busy festive period ahead.
Dominic Solanke is expected to return after the break, while Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall would be closer to full fitness after the pause.