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Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham prepare to host Manchester City

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Tottenham Hotspur are currently 14th in the Premier League and have one league win in their last six games. They lost to West Ham and drew with Burnley in their last two games.

Last week they only just avoided defeat at Turf Moor, thanks to a late goal from Cristian Romero. Romero is currently one of the club's top scorers with two goals from their centre back in their last two league games.

Yet in Europe, they have qualified for the Last 16 in the UEFA Champions League and have had some impressive results, notably a recent win over Borussia Dortmund.

The pressure remains on manager Thomas Frank and many of the Spurs supporters are not convinced that he is the man to take the club forward.

Manchester City will undoubtedly provide a tough test and it will be a challenge for a Spurs side who need to start picking up points sooner rather than later.

Pep Guardiola's side remain second in the table and will be looking to keep the pressure on Arsenal. However, before their win last weekend, they were without a win in their previous four league matches and had lost ground in the title race.

When the sides met back in August, it was a 2-0 win for Frank's side.

Time to climb the table?

After disappointing results lately they have slipped down the table and with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest starting to pick up points, Spurs may have started looking over their shoulder.

It may seem too early to talk of Spurs in a relegation battle but they are only three points ahead of Forest and two ahead of Leeds.

They have tough fixtures coming up in their next four games and City is the start of this but they need to start putting points on the board and climbing the table.

Performances in recent weeks may have improved slightly but the results have not been what is expected of the club.

The lack of an out-and-out goalscorer has hindered the sides chances of winning games.

Why the difference between Europe and the Premier League?

Spurs finished fourth in the Champions League yet are 14th in the Premier League.

The difference is stark. Last season they won the UEFA Europa League yet finished 17th in the league but there would have been an expectation that they would improve this time around.

Thomas Frank will point to the injuries and that he feels as though it will take time to turn the club's fortunes around. However, they have struggled for consistency.

In the one-off games in Europe, Spurs have produced some good performances and successful results.

Previous success against City

In recent games against City, Spurs also have had some promising results such as a 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium last season under Ange Postecoglou.

When the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium first opened, City did not enjoy any of their first five visits. They lost all five without scoring.

They have improved in recent years as they won back-to-back matches in 2024. This included a 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round win in January of that year, followed four months later by a 2-0 Premier League win, courtesy of two goals from Erling Haaland.

This will be remembered as the game in Postecoglou's first season where the club missed the opportunity to finish in the top four but the City win meant that Arsenal's chances of winning the league suffered.

Spurs will be hoping that they can put in a good performance against City.

As with Europe, they have been able to raise their levels for games against some of the tougher opponents, on paper, so they may be able to reach those levels against City and pick up some vital points.

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Thomas Frank feels the ‘mental and physical load’ has required adaption for Tottenham

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Thomas Frank has reflected on the performance of Tottenham in the Champions League.

Despite the side’s struggles in the Premier League, the continental competition has been their relief. Spurs now sit in fifth place in the league phase of the European competition, and they can ensure automatic qualification for the Round of 16 if they defeat Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday.

“I'm very happy that the team and the Club we are in a position where, with a win tomorrow, we can finish top eight in the best club tournament in the world, and it's super, super competitive, as we know. So that we are very, very pleased with. Those results and some of those performances are also what we need to take going forward, of course, and build on that.

“Again, it's me, it's my job to look a little bit in the bigger perspective. You know, even that we haven't won as much as we want, it's very, very few things that need to go our way. You know, the small margins - keep doing the right thing, keep improving things you want to do, and getting quality players back, such as Dominic Solanke as I’ve talked about before.

“The mental and the physical load on players to produce every third and fourth game is very big. It's so big and it's more difficult to do that. And, of course, the bigger the competition, from Conference League to Europa League to Champions League, it's just better teams.

“That means you need to give more and that you need to have players in a squad that is, I would not say used to it but are learning over time to go out and produce no matter what. That's a big thing.

“We've studied [Eintracht Frankfurt] closely. They may not be in their best form, but it's a team, I think, done fantastic in the league last year. I still think they have done some fantastic results and played fantastic games this season. Recently, they just played 3-3 with Borussia Dortmund.

“They have very good players, and they have a clear identity in what they want to do. I expect a very difficult game, where they will come in a man-man pressure tomorrow. I think they are very good in the transitions. I expect a difficult game. I know they are in pain.

“They don't have anything to play for, but sometimes you can play free. I've been in this game long enough that usually you don't know what you're going to face [on Wednesday]. It, of course, needs to be thoughts on us, with big respect for Frankfurt. We know all their strengths, no doubt about that.”

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Four things we learnt from Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Burnley

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After last week's disappointing defeat at home to West Ham, there would have been hope for a reaction. Particularly after Thomas Frank was boosted by a midweek UEFA Champions League victory against Borussia Dortmund.

Spurs took the lead through Micky Van de Ven but were pegged back by Axel Tuanzebe before Lyle Foster put Scott Parker's Burnley ahead. Burnley drew with Liverpool last week and have shown some fight in recent matches. A win would have been a big result for them.

In the 90th minute, Cristian Romero scored the equaliser as the game ended 2-2 and it is a point that helps neither side. Frank's team do not climb the table and Parker's side remain in the bottom three and with a significant gap to close.

Here are four takeaways from the game:

Defenders the scorers again

Romero and Van de Ven are centre backs yet they are Spurs' joint second highest scorers this season with 4 goals each.

Whilst it is helpful for Frank that his defenders are chipping in with goals, it is also part of another issue as they are one of his higher scorers. It suggests the forward players are not delivering and he cannot be relying on his centre back pairings to be the ones grabbing the goals.

Defensively, Van de Ven and Romero may not have had their best game but their goals - particularly Romero's - may have contributed towards keeping Frank in the job for another week.

However, it would likely be a more pleasing situation if the defenders were keeping clean sheets and the strikers were the ones scoring.

Wilson Odobert played well

One attacking player who put in a promising performance was Wilson Odobert as he was often looking to get forward and had several attempts on goal.

Spurs looked strongest in the first half and Odobert was at the centre of most of their good work. He has not always lived up to expectations since arriving at the club, so there will be a hope that this performance demonstrates that there is more to come from him.

Tough fixtures coming up

A draw with Burnley will go down as a disappointment. Avoiding defeat represents a positive but, whilst it was an improved performance from that against West Ham, it is not what is expected.

Next weekend, Frank's side play Manchester City. At times, in recent years, Spurs have managed some positive results and memorable wins against Pep Guardiola's side but it is a game where Spurs will go into it in poor form.

Despite their win in Europe, there is little doubt that Spurs are low on confidence and there will not be too many positives to take from the 2-2 draw.

The pressure remains on Thomas Frank

It is not a result or performance that will offer much reassurance and belief that Frank is the man to guide Spurs up the table.

It does not seem sustainable that these conversations will occur each week after every result but that is the pressure he is under at the moment. After the win against Dortmund, there would have been a hope that it would be the boost they needed to show that they can compete with the best and get results.

Time is what all managers want but Frank is still fighting to prove to supporters that he is the right man to take the club forward.

Their league position and lack of wins will become of an increasing concern when the teams below them are picking up points.

Next up is a Champions League game and they have the chance to progress automatically to the next phase, but even a comfortable win there would likely not offer the required confidence to suggest there will be an upturn in their Premier League form.

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Thomas Frank: "If your back is up against the wall, you fight"

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Many people believed that following Tottenham's late defeat to rivals West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday that would spell the end of Thomas Frank's tenure as some sections of the Spurs' faithful have lost faith with the 52-year-old Dane and their opinions could be heard immediately after the final whistle blew.

Following meetings with the Tottenham hierarchy, it was agreed Frank would be in charge for Tuesday's home UEFA Champions League fixture against Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.

Thomas Frank revealed he went for lunch with Nick Beucher, Vinai Venkatesham, and Johan Lange and relayed that he feels the trust from the board.

He said: "I've just been, how can you say, feeling the trust along the way. I've said that at every press meeting that there is backing and support.

"I had lunch with Nick and Vinai and Johan today, so all good. I know it's part of the, how can you say, the media circus. The only focus I have is to do everything I can for us to win tomorrow against Dortmund.”

He also admitted that he only has eleven of his usual first team available for selection with attacking midfielder Xavi Simons playing with some pain.

He said: "We basically have eleven players of our outfield players available for the game, of our normal first team players. One of them is Xavi, the guy who was out there and didn't train today because it was a bad tackle from Bowen - not that Bowen is a bad guy, wouldn't do anything intentional - a bad tackle from behind that injured his ankle, he has a swollen ankle, but because he's so strong mentally, he will play through pain tomorrow. So that's big credit, of course, to Xavi.

"So, we have eleven players available, and we maybe have three players that need to push massively to get through 90 minutes physically. So, that's why we need everyone to support us, and we need everyone to support us from minute one.

"All of us, especially the team, especially the players, especially if it's not going too well, need support because if we do get that support, everything can happen and magic can happen. We have a good opportunity tomorrow and we go all in for it.”

Frank also reiterated that he can win the Tottenham supports around.

He said: “Yeah, I'm not in doubt of that. I think you can say that in this game, you always need to show resilience. I listened to something interesting thing the other day where the three biggest things in showing resilience is one, you have good values.

"I see myself as a guy that has pretty good values. Two, you know reality, and reality is one in five normally don't like you, no matter what you do. One in five love you, no matter what you do. Both of them probably biased either way, too much."

He added: "Then there's the three in five that if you behave well, respectful, show integrity, do your best, normally they’re that's right.

"So, no matter what you do, reality is some will not like you, but I keep doing what I do, what I believe in and then the last bit, by the way, have perspective in life, which I have in abundance. So, I'm looking forward to the game tomorrow.”

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Xavi Simons: "We have to stick together"

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He said: "I would say this is the highest level of football and as we know as a group we have to stick together. It's not only the coaches, it's the whole club, I would say.

"That's the most important thing. We're playing every two or three days and we have to stick together, and tomorrow we have another opportunity to win.”

He added: "Everyone wants to win, not only the coach but the players as well. We want to change this, especially me, I'm a guy willing to give everything to win.

"Obviously, if I had really, really, really pain, then I wouldn't play, but it's now a situation that I can handle myself as well, even though I have a little bit of pain. I want to play the game, I want to help the team."

Xavi also shared his thoughts on how he feels the younger players can excite to Tottenham faithful.

He said: "I would say even me, I'm still young, but you can see the younger guys coming up and training every day with us. The excitement that they have and the willingness to play the game is immense, but I would say obviously we have to do our job and at the end, if one of them comes onto the pitch, it will be no age, no young guys, it will be football and I think they are all ready, so that's something nice.”

The former RB Leipzig star also said that playing against Borussia Dortmund is 'special' for him.

He said: "We want to turn this around, especially playing in the UEFA Champions League. I think it's the biggest stage, and me playing against Dortmund, I've played already in Germany.

"It's special, but at the same time, it's like every game, every game is a big game for me and for the team. We want to bring that momentum and to bring that three points at home.”

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He added: "At the end I think it's not fair to compare every club. Every situation is different, every manager is different, every place is different.

"I'm now here, I'm really happy to be here. Obviously, this is the situation we are into. I feel really good together with the team and we're trying to change this."

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Four things we learnt as Tottenham lost 2-1 to West Ham

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Tottenham Hotspur lost another game at home after Callum Wilson's late goal gave Nuno Espirito Santo's side a vital win. Spurs remain 14th in the table and many will view this as a missed opportunity to regain some confidence and start to look up the table.

The Hammers led for much of the match but Cristian Romero pulled one back to level it at 1-1. At that point, it may have been expected that Spurs would go on for the win. However, that never materialised and they conceded a late goal after some sloppy defending.

Here are four takeaways from the game:

Thomas Frank is under pressure

Manager Frank is rumoured to be close to losing his job. The home fans were not happy throughout the match as they turned on their manager and started chanting "sacked in the morning".

It has been a frustrating season for the side from North London and recent results have not been good enough. Performances have looked disjointed and, at one point it looked as though most supporters were prepared to give him time but, time appears to be running out for the Dane.

Another side without a win turns up and beats Spurs

It happened last time out at Bournemouth as the Cherries were without a win since October yet got three points against Frank's side. Earlier in the season, Nottingham Forest had suffered a poor run of results yet the only game they won over the festive period was a 3-0 home win against Spurs. Bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers were also stuck on two points for a long time yet got one of them against Spurs.

It even happened last season when Ange Postecoglou was in charge and newly-promoted sides Ipswich Town and Leicester City were both on losing runs yet recorded wins against Spurs.

Before this game, West Ham were ten without a win in the Premier League and suffered an embarrassing defeat to Wolves in their last away game. At home, they lost to Forest and many thought that would be a result that would send them down but then this three points has closed the gap again.

Yet another injury

Ben Davies went off on a stretcher after he suffered a leg injury in the first half. It will not be used an excuse but over the last two seasons they have suffered a huge number of injuries. Key players have been missing for a long time and it is likely that the Welshman will now spend a significant amount of time on the sidelines.

Spurs' next game is against Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League and it has been suggested that they could be missing as many as 15 first team players for the game against the German side.

Lack of a goalscorer

Despite the injuries, there is an argument that the players who are playing should be doing more. It was not the first goal that Romero has scored this season but their centre back has at times been a key scorer.

Randal Kolo Muani started up front but is yet to score in the Premier League.The club have previously invested in Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel but they have not delivered the goals and were criticised for their performance against West Ham.

Conor Gallagher has recently joined and he may be able to add some goals to the side but Frank will likely need to prove to fans and the club's owners that he should be the man given more funds to strengthen the side.

They can still make a success of the second half of the season as the table remains close but it feels like Frank has to see an improvement in results sooner rather than later.

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Thomas Frank says new signing Conor Gallagher is a 'very good player'

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Speaking in his press conference ahead of Tottenham's crunch clash with London rivals West Ham on Saturday, Frank spoke about new signing Conor Gallagher following the midfielders move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday from La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

He said: “I think it's a top signing. I can't praise Fabio, Johan and Vinai enough, the ownership for doing it and get it done, get over the line. I think what he brings in terms of abilities, first and foremost, he's a very good player, great experience in the Premier League, also in La Liga, captained several teams.

"So that character, that leadership, that experience, and still young, 25, with plenty of development to reach, but coming in on a good level, bring his pressing abilities, his directness, scoring goals, but also being able to find good positions on the pitch, is exactly what we need.”

He added: "I think every experience makes us better, in a way. Either clearly impact or reflection and learn from the experience. Quite a few conversations I had with Conor, he really liked the experience at Atletico Madrid.

"He really liked working with Diego Simeone. He really liked everything about it. Of course, we were privileged that he would like another chance and it was possible. I think that experience, added to how he ended his last year in Chelsea. I think he was at times unplayable."

Frank also highlighted the 25-year-old Premier League pedigree as Gallagher is set for his Tottenham debut when West Ham visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

He said: "I think he was a fantastic player for Chelsea that season. So, that's the Conor Gallagher we are looking at. That's the Conor Gallagher I'm thinking can step straight into this team and help us straight away.”

"I think of course one thing is the Premier League. Secondly is the project and the opportunity here. The role he could get in the team. I think first and foremost as a player that can help the team with his abilities.

"The character and the culture architect I think he is as well, in terms of pushing the group every single day, training and matches. I think you can see he is very exciting. There is some very exciting potential in this club.”

“Conor, I think, has a lot of good offensive abilities. You know, his ability to arrive in the box and score goals, his way of finishing. I think he's a clever finisher. As well, I think his skills around the last third is good in terms of arriving in the right positions.

"I told him about the project and the plan with him and the club and what we are aiming for and all that suited him very well and also I think he suited us and I think we suited him.”

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Thomas Frank says Tottenham should be at the 'top of the Premier League'

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Tottenham have not won in four games in all competitions since their 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, thanks to an Archie Gray header from close range.

Manager Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure going into Saturday's London derby with West Ham following their Third Round FA Cup exit to Aston Villa last weekend.

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Frank said the aim is for his Spurs side to be at the top of the Premier League.

He said: “Everything. You learn about the club, how it is working. You learn about the staff, the players. Every person I am working with here. That definitely makes me better, no doubt about that.

"The more you know, the better decisions you hopefully can make, the more precise you are about what needs to be done to get us to where we all want to be. Where this fantastic club should be, at the top of the Premier League. That is where we want to be.

Frank also touched on recent pressure he is facing following the inconsistent results of late.

He said: “For me, it is only focussing on what I can affect. There is a lot of noise. I know that because I have been told that, I am not stupid. Of course, I know we want more good results, but I am also focussing on what I can see is actually working.

"We need to do more of that. I know we need to focus on being calm and do the right thing and keep carrying on. If we do that, then you know it is a random game.

He added: "If we keep doing the right thing, then that randomness, hopefully, because we do more things right, and we have done that especially in the last six games, that randomness will turn, because we keep going after the positive and believe what we are doing is the right thing, then things will turn.”

Frank also expects the pressure to lift at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once Spurs' poor home form lifts.

Tottenham have only won two home games in the Premier League this season against Burnley on the opening day and then against Thomas Frank's former side Brentford early in December.

He said: "I definitely think something, especially when we turn this around and we won three games at home in every competition in a row, that would be a big step. I think it would be a very good idea to start on Saturday, that unbeaten run at home, in many ways.

"Sometimes it can feel a little bit not as smooth or easy, just coming, but as soon as you turn that corner, things will be a little bit more smooth, if that makes sense. So, hopefully that energy and then the collaboration between the team and the fans that you felt second half against Villa, first half against Sunderland, that is what we need to get more of.

"When you have that, then it is a fantastic place, our fantastic stadium, our home. That is where we need to be. I mean it. Any successful team needs to create a fortress. I know it has been difficult, but that is what we are aiming for. The more we do, the more we believe, the more we do together, the better chance we have.”

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Pre-Match Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host West Ham United

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Tottenham Hotspur are currently 14th in the Premier League and only have one win in their last five league games. They are not a team in good form and also suffered an FA Cup Third Round exit at home to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Manager, Thomas Frank, is under increasing pressure because it has not been good enough. Spurs had a tough season last year and finished 17th in the table but they did lift the UEFA Europa League trophy. This season fans expected an improvement and wanted to see their team competing higher up the table. There is still a long way to go and there have been some positive signs but in recent weeks they have faded and it is not looking great.

Last time against West Ham United, it was an emphatic 3-0 win for Spurs at the London Stadium. That was a day where everything Spurs did went their way but it has not been smooth sailing since then.

Last week Frank's side lost 3-2 at Bournemouth after a late goal. It was all the more frustrating as Bournemouth were without a league win since the end of October.

The Hammers, however, come into this game in 18th place and seven points from safety. They suffered a 2-1 defeat to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest last week and that result could prove costly in terms of their survival chances.

A chance to kickstart their season?

It could be argued that Spurs need this game to kickstart their season and hopefully start a climb up the table. They have suffered lately and things have not been going their way. At times their performances have looked disjointed and it has been hard to get any form of momentum going.

They may be at the point where results take priority over performances but their displays of late, even in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, did not offer enough for supporters to feel like a corner has been turned.

Nuno Espirito Santo's West Ham should not be underestimated because they are a side who should be playing with a point to prove. It is also a London derby so it will be a game with an extra edge to it. However, given the result from earlier in the season, Spurs should come into the game with a degree of confidence.

Their home form in the last year has also been very poor and fans have not had much to cheer about in north London but some fans might believe that West Ham are the ideal opponents to give them a lift.

How much longer will Thomas Frank get?

Thomas Frank has made the step up from Brentford to Spurs and the expectations are inevitably higher at a club like Spurs. It would be fair to say that they are not a club who have experienced too much league success in recent seasons. Therefore, Frank is not the only manager to find life difficult at the helm.

It is to be expected that people would start to question his position after a poor run. The last week has not helped his chances as an early cup exit is always disappointing and the manner of the defeat at Bournemouth was not good. Also, before the game, Frank was pictured holding an Arsenal cup and after the game players were seen in discussions with fans.

He probably does need a good result to buy himself some more time. He will tell the media that it is a project and that he cannot make all the changes he wants to make immediately. However, he has to prove to fans that he is the man for the long term and the one to be backed during the transfer window.

Is Dominic Solanke back fit and ready to fight for his place?

The striker has missed much of the season due to injury, which has been frustrating for the player and the fans, but he made his comeback against Villa in the cup.

Spurs will be hoping that Solanke can start scoring goals again and get his career in white going. They have been light up front at times so will be hoping that he is able to help solve some of their problems.

There are other key players who will be missing

Frank will not wish to use this as an excuse but there are key players in his squad who will be missing due to injury.

Richarlison went off against Villa with a potential hamstring injury and it has been confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur could be out for a while after he went off injured in the Bournemouth game. Former West Ham player Mohammed Kudus will miss the visit of his old employers as he is also out with an injury.

Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie could be fit for the West Ham game but it is unkown at this stage.

Then, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison have been out from the start of the season and will not be back anytime soon.

It is the same for every side but Frank would like to have some of these players available as they would be able to make an impact in games.

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