Hotspur HQ

Tottenham produced their most fluid and dynamic performance of the season without star attacker Mohammed Kudus on Tuesday night, but they desperately need the Ghanaian back for Saturday's clash with Manchester United.

After falling flat on their faces against Chelsea last weekend, Thomas Frank's side have another chance to produce a statement performance and win when an improving Red Devils outfit come to town.

The nature of their 4-0 victory over Copenhagen in the week allowed optimism to resurface in N17 ahead of the duel, with Spurs performing with a swagger against, albeit sub-par, opponents.

United, who we beat four times in three competitions last season, have vengeance on their mind this weekend, and Frank will be sweating over the fitness of Kudus.

Mohammed Kudus injury update ahead of Man Utd clash

The Ghanaian has been a hit since joining the club from West Ham in the summer, often functioning as a one-man brigade in Frank's attack. He leads Europe's top-five leagues for completed dribbles, and his five goal contributions in the Premier League this season co-lead the Tottenham charts with Richarlison.

He has looked more subdued since the October break, inhibited by Spurs' poor attacking balance and a couple of nasty challenges. James Garner and Joelinton have subjected Kudus to more than mere levellers in recent outings, and the knocks he's endured have taken their toll.

The winger missed training on Monday, although Frank suggested Kudus "could and should" be available for Tuesday's Champions League bout. However, the Ghanaian was left out, raising doubts over his status for the weekend.

There's been no update from Frank, but Kudus himself was in a talkative mood. According to Sun Sport's Jake Sanders (via Last World On Spurs on X), the Ghanaian has said his injury is 'getting better' and is hopeful of returning for United's visit.

Another journalist, Rahman Osman, went a step further. After a "lovely lil catch up with Kudus", Osman said the winger will be "fine for the weekend".

Despite a relatively quiet run, Kudus' swift comeback would be a big boost for the Lilywhites ahead of the final international break of 2025. We could really do with the 25-year-old remaining in north London as opposed to travelling with the national team. Ghana, who qualified for next summer's World Cup in October, have friendlies against Japan and South Korea scheduled.

If Kudus isn't risked this weekend, Brennan Johnson, who scored before seeing red on Tuesday night, is the most likely to step in to fill the void.

No matter what Randal Kolo Muani does for the remainder of his career, he will always be associated with one of the most significant butterfly effects in modern football history.

Lionel Messi wouldn't have gotten his hands on a legacy-sealing, career-completing World Cup if Kolo Muani had beaten Emiliano Martínez's outstretched left leg with 20 seconds to go in one of the all-time great finals.

Cristiano Ronaldo 'stans' have cursed the Frenchman since.

Those who cherished Ronaldo in Turin subsequently enjoyed what many felt was far too brief a taste of Kolo Muani at Juventus. Outcast in Paris, the versatile forward thrived for six months in Italy, but Juve's failure to reach an agreement with PSG for his services in the summer opened the door for alternative buyers.

And a forward-needy Spurs seized the opportunity. Thus far, though, Kolo Muani's time in north London has been dominated by contusions and whiffs in front of goal.

Despite that rather uninspiring summary, it's also become evident that Lilywhite supporters won't want to let go of the 26-year-old.

Randal Kolo Muani's impact clear despite goalscoring woes

It was an awkward summer for Kolo Muani, who was in limbo for much of it. He played at the Club World Cup with Juventus and was expecting to remain in Turin. A detour to north London at the end of the summer window meant he arrived undercooked.

A dead leg further delayed the start to his Tottenham career, and he didn't make his Premier League debut until October 19, during the 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.

Frank has since entrusted the French international with three starts in five, and while there's rust to shake off, Kolo Muani is proving himself to be the centre-forward this Spurs side needs in Dominic Solanke's continual absence.

"I think he’s just taking steps in the right direction, and he’s getting more and more fit," the manager said of Kolo Muani's performance against Copenhagen on Tuesday night. "And I will still go as far as I don’t think he’s fully firing yet. But you can see he’s such a handful to play against."

The Frenchman somehow ended a feel-good rout without a maiden Spurs goal, first placing an effort wide at the crescendo of some intuitive combination play that's seldom been a feature of our work with the ball so far this season. The striker then headed over from Xavi Simons' pinpoint cross at the end of the first half.

Despite the profligacy, the striker left the field in the 73rd minute to a standing ovation. A satisfied home faithful were appreciative, given the role he played in teeing up Wilson Odobert, who doubled our lead at the start of the second half. The striker harried Dominik Kotarski into his second notable blunder of the night, then plucked the ball out of the sky with the calm precision of a cricketer snaffling a catch at long on.

Surely desperate to atone for his earlier misses, Kolo Muani, who'd done so much to create the opening, instead opted to present Odobert with his first Champions League goal. In one fell swoop, the 26-year-old manifested his persistence, high technical level and selflessness.

He'll want to get off the mark sooner rather than later, but Kolo Muani's abilities as a combiner and facilitator will ensure Frank's Spurs enjoy a few more party-like nights as they did against Copenhagen.

Tottenham Hotspur have been slogging through games and dropping points when they should have been claiming all three, but for as many setbacks as there have been in the early going under new manager Thomas Frank, there have been more victories and a pervading sense that the club is heading in a better direction in the 2025/26 season than they were last season, especially in the English Premier League.

After a dreadful showing over the weekend in league play against powerful rivals Chelsea, Tottenham were able to get things right on Tuesday night in the Champions League with a 4-0 win over Copenhagen, finally taking advantage of a weaker opponent in the competition after previously drawing Bodo Glimt - one of their old Europa League punching bags.

On this day, young left winger Wilson Odobert was a cut above the rest on the flank, and with Mohammed Kudus out injured, the young Frenchman answered some serious questions that were posed to him by his own fanbase.

Odobert is too raw to be THE solution on the left wing every week, but with each passing week, the young prospect grows more confident. That quiet confidence was on display against Copenhagen, as Odobert won a trio of dribbles and even scored a well-taken goal in the 51st minute to put Tottenham truly in the driver's seat of the match.

For his youth national team of France, Odobert is a standout in nearly every match and provides obvious glimpses of the quality to become a future Premier League star. And on this day against Copenhagen, Odobert made his presence felt on the big stage.

He's been criticized more than he's been praised throughout the 2025/26 season, owing to the expectations placed on his shoulders as one of the main left wing options in a world without Son Heung-min, who rode off into the California sunset this summer transfer window.

But the praise needs to be as loud as the disrespect, and Odobert answered a lot of harsh criticisms with class and composure. His intelligence, nifty touches, and technical quality have not been lacking this season, and while the confidence and consistency have, that's the case for most young wingers playing for big clubs.

Odobert looked a lot more confident and effective against Copenhagen, and as he begins to truly put it all together for Tottenham, Frank may be looking at his new starting left winger for the next few months, at a minimum.

Richarlison has become a stain blighting the Tottenham Hotspur attack, which hasn't been particularly impressive even without him on the pitch. On more than one occasion this season, Richy has been the difference between victory and defeat in a negative way, and even when the rest of his teammates seem to stand out, the former Everton star has a knack for being the one big thing worth criticizing.

Such was the case again on Tuesday night in the Champions League. Tottenham romped to a 4-0 victory, and yet Richarlison flubbed his opportunity to regain some stature in the squad, coming in off the bench to help man the front line. All Richy did was proceed to miss golden opportunity after golden opportunity, which has merely become par for the course for him this season.

But what really irked Spurs supporters was how he almost seemed to actively hold promising young striker prospect Dane Scarlett back. Scarlett already gets so few opportunities, but he came right in and shined brightly. What Richarlison did, though, was steal that shine by running into his lanes, effectively sabotaging his ability to impact the game. And then, instead of letting Scarlett take the penalty, Richarlison took over and missed it poorly.

Richarlison was too selfish

Juxtapose Richarlison's selfish, single-minded display as a forward with Randal Kolo Muani's all-around quality and you can see why, even though RKM himself isn't doing much to score goals, the choice between the two No. 9's is obvious for Thomas Frank.

When Dominic Solanke finally returns from his pesky foot injury, there will be truly no place left for Richarlison. Kolo Muani and Solanke are obviously better, and after watching the two play against Copenhagen, it's honestly hard to justify giving Richarlison minutes over Scarlett when the latter has more long-term viability to Spurs.

What serves as a last straw on the Richarlison case for Tottenham fans is how selfish he was on Tuesday. Instead of helping Scarlett out and fostering the young striker's development, Richy took away from him and held back the team in doing so. When Tottenham were playing as well as they were against a subpar team in Copenhagen, Richarlison can't have any excuses at that point for not performing as a scorer, dribbler, or passer. He was a 0/10 in so many phases of the game, and at this point, the Brazilian international has made it official that he is untenable as a key member of the squad.

After Daniel Levy's departure was confirmed in the wake of the summer transfer window, some supporters, having celebrated the exit of a perceived tyrant, must've veered into a realm of existential doubt.

What now? Who can we blame for our failings? A new scapegoat had to emerge.

A hierarchical reshuffle means little is known about the new higher-ups in N17, and a fresh project should offer Thomas Frank some breathing room from mass scrutiny. However, the Dane came close to turning heads for all the wrong reasons against Chelsea on Saturday.

Spurs have been productive at the start of Frank's reign, but watchability has been an issue. Some of the performances have been particularly drab, as bad as we've seen in years, and the majority decided to place blame upon Frank's selection of Rodrigo Bentancur alongside summer arrival João Palhinha in midfield as the root of all evil.

Together, the pair worked well in the UEFA Super Cup and the impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City. But Frank's persistent usage of the partnership has been deemed emblematic of the manager's caution. Most are happy with Palhinha because of his defensive output, and perhaps it's the shiny new toy syndrome which has seen Bentancur catch most of the flak for Spurs' inability to shift possession from defence to attack.

But the Uruguayan can still play. His performance against Copenhagen proved that.

Rodrigo Bentancur is still good... when he doesn't play with João Palhinha

After Saturday's dire defeat to Chelsea, during which the Blues ruthlessly exposed Spurs' limitations in possession with a Bentancur x Palhinha pivot.

So, Frank opted to change tack on Tuesday night. In came Pape Matar Sarr for Palhinha, and Spurs produced their most fluid and efficient work in possession all season.

The issue isn't Bentancur or Palhinha individually, but the partnership simply doesn't work. Well, it has its place for specialised circumstances, but how can you explain Bentancur's sudden reversion to his 2022/23 Lilywhite apex just three evenings removed from a performance where Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher later accused him of lacking the "courage" to get on the ball?

" I don't think Bentancur has given the ball away once tonight."

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher

He recorded a season-high 78 touches against Copenhagen, and one of his five ball recoveries led to the opening goal. Overall, Bentancur performed with an assurance that has often eluded him since his injuries. He was confident and assertive, in contrast to Saturday.

We know Bentancur can be a progressive force in the middle of the park. He's technically good enough to be the man who unlocks Xavi Simons ahead of him, but performing alongside Palhinha, who's brilliant at what he does, only seems to inhibit the Uruguayan. Together, they exacerbate each other's flaws, but, as I've alluded to, there will be times when the partnership makes sense.

The Portuguese's arrival on Tuesday offered greater security with a man disadvantage, and Spurs subsequently scored twice. Palhinha completed the rout by rounding off an utterly bizarre counter-attacking sequence that was led by Cristian Romero.

Simons' excellent hour earned him Player of the Match honours, but Bentancur was perhaps more deserving for returning to his elegant best. A new contract means the Uruguayan will be sticking around for a little while longer, and the midfielder proved against Copenhagen that he can thrive in a more dynamic framework.

Despite what social media will lead you to believe, Xavi Simons' start to life at Tottenham Hotspur hasn't been egregiously poor.

Underwhelming, you could say, but to suggest there haven't been flashes from the Dutchman would be a flat out lie. Simons was bright on debut at West Ham, excellent off the bench at Brighton, and good at Elland Road before the October break.

He hasn't been aided by a rather primitive framework that had struggled to platform Spurs' No. 7, and Simons' early issues came to a head in the ugly 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. "Really poor throughout the game," Jamie Carragher said of the Dutchman, while former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara went on a mini tirade bereft of critical thought. It's not even worth quoting him, but O'Hara's opinion was one that, unfortunately, represented a faction of the fanbase.

Thus, Tuesday's Champions League bout with Copenhagen wasn't solely significant for Spurs as a collective, but Simons, the individual. The rigours of the Premier League have so far proven tough to adjust to, but Simons is familiar with the bright lights of Europe's premier club competition. With tame opponents visiting N17, the Dutch playmaker had the chance to subdue those who have already written him off.

Xavi Simons produces best Tottenham performance yet in Copenhagen win

Simons entered Tuesday's bout with just a single goal contribution to his name—an assist for Pape Matar Sarr from a corner on his first Spurs appearance.

Within 20 minutes, the Dutchman doubled his tally when Brennan Johnson latched onto his delicately curled pass in behind before rounding a wild Dominik Kotarski surge and finishing from a tight angle. Unlike in previous outings, when Simons has received superbly on the half-turn but been unsure with the next action, he was decisive and pinpoint here.

His best work arrived in tight spaces, enjoying the connection with compatriots Wilson Odobert and Randal Kolo Muani. The latter was guilty of costing Simons two more assists, but the striker's associative play was key to Spurs' improvement as an attacking unit.

Facing a Copenhagen side that weren't keen on pressing high undoubtedly helped, and we saw plenty of the 3-2-4-1 possession shape that supplied promise against Everton and Newcastle. Simons was often stationed in the right half-space behind Copenhagen's midfield line, and a distinct mentality shift (as well as Cristian Romero's return) meant Spurs appeared more willing to pick out their chief creator.

As a result, Simons notched 49 touches in 61 minutes of action. At that rate, he would've recorded 72.2 if he completed 90 minutes, which is just shy of 14 more than his season average (per 90)—one which was elevated by Tuesday night's display. Touches matter for rhythm, but the zones where those touches take place are more significant.

With Simons enjoying the company of those in close proximity and having the freedom to receive on the half-turn, he created what Squawka define as three 'big' first-half chances, which is the most recorded by a Tottenham player in this competition since 2016/17.

Brennan Johnson's red card brought Simons' fun to an end, but the party in N17 only continued. Still, the Dutch international was named UEFA's Player of the Match for his hour of craft, and his post-match interview with TNT Sports depicted a player who's perhaps been taken aback by the scale of the acclimatisation, but carries an underlying assurance that he will come good.

"I know what I can bring to the team, the things will come 100%," he said. Tuesday night, as Thomas Frank commented, was a "step forward" for Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur seemed to be coming into Tuesday night's Champions League tilt against underdog side Copenhagen in huge trouble, as Mohammed Kudus was, despite some optimism from manager Thomas Frank, unable to play on the right wing due to a knock he picked up in the tragically humiliating 1-0 London derby loss to Chelsea at the weekend.

Normally, Tottenham look absolutely hopeless without Kudus, who has been the lone saving grace of Frank's ailing attack this season. Kudus is the one taking guys on, making defenders miss, progressing the ball, and creating the brunt of the chances, especially out wide with no other standout options on the wings.

Well, in their own ways, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson stepped up on the flanks in a 4-0, statement-making Champions League win over Copenhagen with Kudus out, while fellow new signing Xavi Simons finally showed his superstar quality with three big chances created.

But Tottenham's win without Kudus was a reminder that for as impressive as the Ghanaian forward has been as a new signing and for as important as he is to the team's overall attack, there is no singular more impactful player to Tottenham right now than captain Cristian Romero.

A world-class player for Tottenham

It's no surprise, honestly, that Spurs were so putrid over the last few games, as Romero was out during that timespan with an injury he suffered a couple of weeks ago during the warm ups just before the loss to Aston Villa.

Romero was back on the pitch and in fine form against Copenhagen - and not just defensively. Everyone knows Romero is a world-class center back for his crunching tackles and defenisve quality, but he's also one of the elite ball-playing defenders in world football, which ends up being so incredibly vital to Spurs as a whole.

The Argentinian World Cup winner was first on Tottenham in both pass attempts and pass completion percentage against Copenhagen, standing out above his peers as a focal point in the build up phase. Tottenham were so dominant on the ball and so much more effective in getting forward with Romero on the pitch, as he does Rodrigo Bentancur's job much better than the midfielder can.

Romero's impact on Tottenham cannot go underrated, and if it is neglected, then it is only because he is taken for granted. His absence ended up costing Spurs dearly, and the difference between Tottenham both offensively and defensively with Romero and without Romero in the lineup should seal his status as Spurs most important player.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters were begging for an immediate turnaround, and on a Champions League night against one of the smallest teams in the competition in Copenhagen, Spurs were ripe for a bounce-back performance.

And that's exactly what transpired on Tuesday night. With the embarrassing 1-0 loss to Chelsea fresh in everybody's minds, Tottenham went out there and played their hearts out for Thomas Frank, with the former Brentford manager finally playing the sort of free-flowing, attacking-minded football that Spurs fans thought they were getting when Daniel Levy hired the Danish coach for the job.

Yes, it was against Copenhagen, but given Spurs looked awful offensively against teams like Wolves and Bodo Glimt this season, a 4-0 drubbing against any opponent is impressive, especially when Spurs ended up playing about half the match with a man down.

No single player stepped up to the plate more than Xavi Simons. The Dutch attacking midfielder had a slow start to the 2025/26 season after being the club's record transfer this summer, and things reached a breaking point with his totally lethargic, borderline useless, display against Chelsea at the weekend, and Spurs fans could no longer accept his complete lack of involvement in matches.

Pulled the strings for Tottenham

While Simons still has to prove his meddle in the tougher Premier League fixtures, this performance against Copenhagen was a major step in the right direction and the return to brilliance from a player who used to stand out regularly in European competition for both PSV and RB Leipzig.

The young No. 10 pulled the strings in the Tottenham attack, like he should be doing in every game. Simons was far more confident and assured with his passing, creating a whopping four chances in total, including setting a decade record for most big chances created in the first half with three.

Tottenham really could have won this game by more if they capitalized on all the chances Simons was creating, as he was crafting beautiful opportunities for the likes of Richarlison. So while the attacking performance from Spurs was far from flawless, it was a major step in the right direction, and the rebound display from Simons as an individual was a huge catalyst in that regard.

GK Guglielmo Vicario

Another game where Vicario was not called upon often. There was not much for him to get involved with, and that’s the way we want games to go. Even on a quiet night like this, though, it does seem like he is more confident in commanding his area this season. This is true on corners, too, which were an issue last season. Thomas Frank likely takes a lot of credit for that, but it is good to see Vicario’s form improve as well. Bigger tests to come with this in the upcoming games.  Rating: 8

RB Pedro Porro

Not really tested defensively and looked to enjoy the opportunity to get forward as much as possible. Porro is at his best when he is roaming like this and getting in crosses. Was linking up well with Brennan Johnson before the red card. Johnson needs this support to get him involved in games far more than he has been. Â Rating: 8

LB Destiny Udogie

Great to see Udogie available to start and he, like the rest of the side, looked very much in control. Playing 73 minutes, as he returns from injury, Udogie was able to show what he brings going forward on the left. Like Porro on the other side, he linked up well with the winger in front of him, Odobert in this case. This was especially true in the first half with a few curling passes around the opposition to set Odobert away. When all are fit, it’s a difficult, but nice, decision for Thomas Frank as to who plays at full-back with Djed Spence available, too. Rating: 8

CB Christian Romero

I was a little surprised that Romero started today, thinking he might be rested with the next game in mind. He played most of the game though and was fully involved and dominant at the back. Romero does tend to get forward at certain times in games and is fairly dangerous when he does so. Seemed desperate to get in on the attacking action and looked like he might score himself, instead setting up João Palhinha’s goal to make it 4-0.  Rating: 9

CB Micky van de Ven

Micky defended with ease all game, but it’s his goal that will rightly be talked about. Whenever playing football in the park, the phrase “on your own” usually means everyone else is too tired to help you out and so their tactical advice is “do it all yourself”. Can’t imagine “on your own” is something pro players shout, but if so, Micky’s goal was the perfect time. Not necessarily due to tiredness but simply due to pace, no one was able to keep up with him (teammates or opponents). Running through player after player from the edge of his own area and then a confident finish was amazing to see. 6 goals for the season so far, this the best of the lot. Rating: 10

CM Rodrigo Bentancur

Very calm day for Bentancur. Kept things ticking over in midfield and was given time to do so. After getting pressed off the ball against Chelsea in the last game, Bentancur was able to thrive with the space he was given. He reads the game well and any time opposition attacks did threaten, he was able to intercept or win the ball back. Sat deep with Pape Matar Sarr at times, played a possession game, and controlled the midfield. Rating: 8

CM Pape Matar Sarr

Sarr always bring energy and tireless running, which, along with Bentancur’s play, was too much for our opposition. Particularly when down to 10 men, Sarr’s role was critical, ensuring we kept possession, and him sitting deeper was a main reason we were able to launch so many attacks after Johnson’s red card. Rating: 7

RW Brennan Johnson

Was far more involved in the game than in previous weeks. Miskicked to waste a good chance to set up an easy finish early in the first half, but better to see him at least be in the position to do so. Johnson has too often not been in games at all recently, so getting into these positions is an improvement, even if execution is off. Was then heavily involved as two of the more dramatic incidents in the game revolved around him for different reasons. Scored the opening goal, which was not an easy finish from the angle, then was sent off for a late challenge. I think those red cards are harsh, but he was a long way from the ball and studs raised, so he can’t have too many complaints. Will be suspended for our next Champions League game, but the goal should help his confidence.   Rating: 6

AM Xavi Simons

Simons showed his best moments for us since he signed. There are two footnotes of course that he was substituted early for tactical reasons after the red card, and the opposition made it easier for him. However, that shouldn’t discount that we saw good things from Xavi here. A range of passing, as shown by an excellent ball for Johnson’s opening goal, and dribbling ability to attack directly. Set up a great chance for Randal Kolo Muani that should have ended up in the net. Looked frustrated to come off, though given how we played afterwards it should be said that Frank got that tactically correct. A player who I hope starts vs. Man United. Rating: 9

LW Wilson Odobert

Got on the scoresheet and looked to attack all evening. Tried several runs, some of which didn’t come off but kept going. Worked well with Udogie, providing an outlet for attacks and supporting him defensively. Still feels like a player where we will see more from as he develops, but a good performance today.  Rating: 7

CF Randal Kolo Muani

Like Simons, this was Muani’s best game for us. Had two great chances in the first half, both of which should have been goals. Was a threat in the second half, too, where he could have scored a couple of times. Showed good composure and touch to bring the ball down and set up Odobert for the second goal. Our best option as striker for the moment, at least until Solanke returns. Rating: 8

Substitutes: Kevin Danso, João Palhinha, Richarlison, Djed Spence, Dane Scarlett

Thomas Frank has insisted that all is well in the Tottenham camp, despite the antics of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence immediately after Saturday's defeat to Chelsea.

Spurs, having exited the Carabao Cup days prior, were nothing short of dire against the Blues, as their wretched run in the fixture perpetuated. Chelsea have now won five on the bounce head-to-head, and none came easier than their most recent success.

It had the makings of a special north London night, but the fantasy of a statement win was usurped by a glum reality. A Lilywhite team bereft of courage and intent barely laid a glove on one of their most bitter rivals, and the nature of their performance doubtless left factions of the fanbase in a state of consternation.

Many accepted Frank as the ideal successor to Ange Postecoglou, but some are starting to feel that they're yet to receive what was advertised from the Dane. Spurs have been a tough watch for much of the Frank era so far, and it felt like a nadir was reached in Saturday's defeat.

Thus, player frustrations would've been understandable, but seeing Van de Ven and Spence defy the manager's instructions in the aftermath was a worrying look.

Frank confirms Van de Ven and Spence apologies for post-Chelsea antics

Frank sauntered onto the field after shaking hands with Enzo Maresca, prepared to embark on his usual routine. Vehement boos rang out inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they did at the half-time interval, with supporters manifesting their discontent at what they'd just been subjected to.

The first two players he encountered, Van de Ven and Spence, as I'm sure you've all seen, walked straight past their manager and down the tunnel. Frank encouraged the pair to applaud the home faithful, but neither obliged.

The previous Sunday, Frank and Van de Ven were full of glee in tandem as they walked over to the travelling supporters at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium off the back of the Dutchman's match-winning brace. So much can change in such a short time at this football club.

Suddenly, the mood in N17 is bleak again, with the post-match sequence on Saturday sparking murmurs of potential dressing room discontent.

However, Frank hasn't allowed the situation to intensify, immediately describing it as a "small thing". Ahead of Tuesday's more important than it felt a week ago clash with Copenhagen, the manager confirmed that the two shunners apologised to him: "Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday [Sunday] unprompted to say sorry. They were just frustrated."

Hopefully, that is the end of that. The horror performance Frank's side produced on a significant occasion meant emotions were sky-high in the aftermath, and the incident perhaps felt more seismic at the time. All is well in the Lilywhite camp, but boy, do they need to offer supporters something on Tuesday night.