Underlying statistics make for a grim reading as Thomas Frank’s first 16 Premier League games are compared to Ange Postecoglou’s first 16 from last season at Tottenham.
Thomas Frank has his work cut out in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout this season, with performances and results proving wildly inconsistent.
Tottenham have already suffered six defeats from their opening 16 league matches, and since a strong start in August, when they lost just once in their first five outings, Spurs have yet to piece together a sustained winning run.
That lack of rhythm has inevitably led to pressure from sections of the Tottenham fanbase, with many supporters unconvinced that Frank is the right fit to lead the club through its latest rebuild.
Tottenham stats highlight Thomas Frank struggles compared to Ange Postecoglou
The manager has faced criticism for a pragmatic approach that feels at odds with the front-foot football many Tottenham supporters have grown accustomed to, particularly over the past couple of seasons.
WhoScore have now compared Postecoglou’s first 16 matches from last season with Thomas Frank’s opening 16 games in charge, and the figures make for uncomfortable reading from a Spurs perspective.
Ange Postecoglou, Frank’s predecessor, delivered on that attacking promise despite ultimately being dismissed after finishing 17th in the league last season, a campaign that was chaotic yet still defined by a clear identity.
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According to the data, Postecoglou’s side from the previous campaign outperforms Frank’s current team across every measured metric.
The Australian posted a better win rate and points per game, scored more goals per match, conceded fewer, created more big chances, recorded more touches in the opposition box and also registered a superior pass success rate.
Tottenham currently find themselves in 11th place in the Premier League table, with 22 points from their opening 16 games, their worst point return at this stage of a season since 08/09.
Meanwhile Postecoglou had Spurs in 10th place at this stage last season, with 23 points.
Spurs numbers raise questions over Thomas Frank direction
The statistics are difficult to ignore, particularly given that Postecoglou’s side also performed better defensively, despite Frank being viewed as a coach who prioritises structure and control without the ball.
It inevitably raises questions about what the Dane’s identity actually is, because 16 games into the season, there has been little evidence of a clear evolution in Tottenham’s overall play, with last season’s output still setting the benchmark.
Frank has already acknowledged that building a squad takes time, and the Tottenham board has chosen to show patience by not making knee-jerk decisions.
However, if the numbers continue on this trajectory, Spurs risk finishing in a worse position than they managed last term.