Tottenham Hotspur had one last bullet left in the chamber this season, and that was the hope that they could buckle down and treat the FA Cup as their main competition with it being their only shot at following up Ange Postecoglou's 2024/25 Europa League triumph with a follow up trophy in 2025/26.
But once again, Spurs were outclassed and outmanaged, falling 2-1 to top three side Aston Villain the Third Round of the FA Cup. They showed urgency in the second half and played better, but another woeful start to a game doomed them.
There was not a whole lot to admire about Tottenham again in this one, but a few players did stand out individually. And quietly, Xavi Simons continues his streak of positive games, only broken up by an unfair suspension brought on by the Liverpool brigade.
Thomas Frank is the common denominator
Simons was impervious on Saturday afternoon despite a putrid performance by many of his midfield teammates. The Dutch No. 10 had three key passes, three fouls drawn, and two interceptions in an all around display of excellence, especially creatively.
Spurs fans have been desperately waiting for a big game from Simons like this one and for him to string a few of these together. Hopefully, this is the start of something. But as impressive as Simons was, his latest breakout performance at the heart of everything good for Spurs was the reminder of a harsh truth that the club's brass must reconcile with.
Because as good as he was, you could not help but thinking watching Simons and Tottenham as a whole, how much better and more impactful he would be as a playmaker and even as a potential goal threat from the No. 10 if he were not saddled by one of the worst managers in the Premier League in Thomas Frank.
Imagine how much more expressive and expansive both Simons's and Tottenham's football as a whole would be without Frank restricting it and playing so negative and defensive. Imagine Simons coached by a more innovative manager with Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke, and Wilson Odobert to link up with in a young, well rounded attack with Solanke unselfishly anchoring it as the veteran man.
One can only dream, because, as of right now, Simons and Spurs supporters still have to be stuck with Frank, as the upper management has no intention of even thinking about firing him; they have lost the ambition and imagination the fans still have.