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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank played down an incident in which two of his players seemingly refused to acknowledge both him and the fans following their 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Shortly after full-time footage emerged of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence appearing to decline their manager’s request to thank the Spurs supporters after the final whistle: a 'small issue' in Frank's eyes.

And while there have been far worse displays of rank insubordination, that it was these two players - especially Van de Ven as Frank’s vice-captain - felt significant and led observers to speculate about unrest behind the scenes.

It was surely a night to forget for Spurs, who were listless once more in front of their own fans as they stumbled to their third home Premier League defeat of the season - a stark contrast to their blistering form on the road.

Joao Pedro's goal on 34 minutes ultimately decided the game after a poor Xavi Simons back pass gave Van de Ven no chance against the busy Moises Caicedo who teed up the Brazilian to sweep home from close range.

Going behind hardly inspired a response from the hosts, who registered just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. While Spurs remain in the Champions League spots - at least until Sunday - Frank certainly has much to ponder.

On the defeat and lack of creativity

There were precious few positives for Frank to point to post-match as he conceded that his side were second best as they fell to their third home league defeat of the season. Indeed, Spurs are 17th in this season’s home table.

“We performed badly,” Frank said. “I think we lacked energy and intensity and that freshness, we didn’t have that. Then I think the high pressure they came with, I don’t think we solved it well enough even though we worked on it, so that we need to keep working on.

“I think our high pressure, we lacked a little bit in the beginning until we got on top of it and then they went up 1-0 and we are chasing. Then it’s a bad circle where we are chasing, lacking intensity and energy and bad decisions.”

Not for the first time this season, Spurs failed to create clear-cut openings which will be a cause for concern among supporters and stakeholders alike. Here, they registered 0.05 xG (expected goals), their worst tally since the statistic began being recorded.

“I've never been in charge of a team that created that little in one game, never,” Frank said. “So that, of course, I will look into what we can do to make it better.

“But I think that's one thing. I think everything is a little bit linked. And today, yeah, we didn't hit the level.”

On Van de Ven and Spence snub

Frank was inevitably asked about the Van de Ven and Spence incident during his post-match press conference, and the Spurs boss remained characteristically measured in his response, suggesting it was not a ‘big problem’.

“All the players are of course frustrated,” he explained. “They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that.

“I think it is about - which is difficult to be - consistent in good times and in bad times. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that.”

When pressed on the subject, he added: “I think that is one of the small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence who are doing everything they can.

“They perform very well so far this season and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don’t think it is a big problem.”

On Simons’ omission

Simons is perhaps taking longer to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League than first expected. And while this could be easily managed in other top sides, so bereft of creativity are Spurs that pressure has piled on the Dutch international to produce from the get-go.

But after setting up Pape Matar Sarr on debut, Simons has not delivered any goal contributions in his 10 subsequent matches. Thus, against Chelsea, Frank opted instead for Lucas Bergvall.

Simons did replace the Swede in the first half, though, as the Spurs medical staff followed the Premier League’s concussion protocol after the ball had struck Bergvall’s head.

The reasoning for Simons’ initial omission? The Spurs manager pointed to the schedule, citing a build-up of minutes in recent weeks. He explained: “I think he's played two starts, short turnaround. Also, that energy and freshness I talked about, played 90 minutes Wednesday night. So that's why we decided that, and then he played 70 minutes here.

“So I think that was nothing. It's just because it looks different when you come on after three minutes and get subbed off.”

When asked for his opinion on Simons’ performances and tendency to give up possession, as he did for the goal, Frank said: “I think when players make mistakes on the pitch, if they lose a ball or they miss a pass, of course I can get irritated. In general, I'm not talking about a specific situation.

“But that's part of football. How many times have you seen a player miss a pass or do something? That happens. And that can be flow, that can be confidence, that can be everything, whatever it is. So mistakes are part of football.”

It was yet again Chelsea who emerged victorious against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, with Joao Pedro's first-half strike being enough to win it for Enzo Maresca's side.

The visitors showed a great level of intensity from the first whistle in this one, consistently catching Spurs in possession high up the pitch.

The home side, for large portions of the game, were shaky defensively and unable to sustain possession in more advanced areas. Too often were Thomas Frank's side made the easy pass instead of taking risks

Story of the match

It was a stop-start opening ten minutes into proceedings, mainly due to a head injury to Lucas Bergvall, who was eventually forced off the pitch after Tottenham's medical staff deemed he was not fit to continue.

Xavi Simons came on in his place, the Dutchman looking to make an impact against the side he looked like he was heading for in the summer.

As expected, Chelsea were enjoying plenty of the ball in the early stages of the encounter, but Thomas Frank's side looked more than happy for this to be the case.

It was made clear from the first whistle that this was going to be a physical affair. Both teams were putting in some firm tackles, but some fair ones.

Chelsea were the team on top in the opening twenty minutes, enjoying more of the ball and getting into some threatening areas. Enzo Fernandez was at the centre of a lot of these, particularly linking up with Alejandro Garnacho well down the left.

But Tottenham grew their way back into it, getting into more advanced positions but failing to create anything of real threat.

Joao Pedro had the first good chance of the game when Porro's blocked clearance rebounded to the Brazilian, leaving him one-on-one with Vicario. The forward's effort was saved by Vicario, but it felt like the home side was hanging on.

Chelsea kept up their intense pressing and eventually got their reward through Pedro. Moises Caicedo did brilliantly, charging down his man before winning the ball back and squaring it to the Brazilian, who dispatched his effort into the back of the net.

It was quite a half for Pedro, who could have had a brace in the latter stages of the 45 minutes. Gusto was found in acres of space, giving him plenty of time to deliver a threatening ball into the box that was struck first time by Pedro. Vicario did very well to make an instinctive save, ensuring the game did not get worse for his side.

Robert Sanchez was also called into action late in the half as Kudus's first-time shot was parried out of danger by the Spaniard, who made sure the ball would not fall in the path of the oncoming Djed Spence.

Chelsea would go into the break in control of this encounter. It was a much more impressive display from the Blues, who would be looking to pick up where they left off in the second half.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank would not have been pleased with what he was watching in the first half, as his side looked incredibly shaky defensively.

Ten minutes into the second half, and things were not going any better for the home side. Frank's team talk had not seemed to have worked as of yet, as Chelsea were continuing to win the ball back with ease.

Most of the encouragement, albeit not a lot, for Spurs was created by Chelsea, who at times did not clear the ball as convincingly as they would have perhaps liked to.

Arguably, the Blues should have had a much more comfortable advantage by the latter stages of the first half, having created considerably more threatening chances than their opponents. In fact, they had not really given their opponents a sniff in front of goal on the night.

Groans around the Tottenham Hotspur stadium were a persistent theme of the evening, as the fans clearly voiced their frustration over the lack of intensity from their side.

Chelsea had two more chances in injury time as Jamie Gittens fired over the bar from point-blank range before Vicario denied Pedro yet again. The scoreline certainly flattered Spurs at this stage; it could have been much uglier than it was.

The full-time whistle blew to a chorus of boos all around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - apart from the away end, that is, where yet again the Chelsea fans celebrated a victory.

It was a mature display from the Blues, who, after a lot of disciplinary issues, certainly answered some questions in this encounter.

For Spurs, their torrid home form continues as the fans certainly made their thoughts on the match known to Frank and his players.

Player of the match-Moises Caicedo

It was another performance of the highest quality from Moises Caicedo, who just never slowed down from the first whistle in this encounter. The Ecuadorian made his presence known at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, consistently winning the ball back in dangerous areas.

The goal summed up Caicedo's night perfectly, winning the ball back twice in quick succession, before setting up his teammate for the goal that won the Blues the game.

It was just another night in which the Ecuadorian ran the midfield, not allowing Spurs to feel any sense of control in this one.

This weekend sees Thomas Frank's Tottenham Hotspur welcome London Rivals, Chelsea, to North London as they look to continue their impressive form in the Premier League. The home side currently sit fourth in the Premier League, with a win being enough to take them to second, albeit depending on other results. They look to build on a strong showing in Merseyside last weekend, where they defeated David Moyes' Everton 3-0.

Standing in their way of a potential three points are Enzo Maresca's Chelsea. The Blues have been hit-and-miss so far this season, with inconsistent being a good word to sum up their season so far. The visitors currently sit 11th in the Premier League, but a win would see them shoot up the table. In fact, a 2-0 win would be enough for the Blues to move above Spurs. Maresca's men will be looking for significant improvement in the defensive performance after a concerning second half in Wolverhampton midweek.

Chelsea have been very tough customers for Spurs in recent seasons, but the hosts will be hoping that their more impressive form will be enough to see Chelsea off back to West London.

Team News:

Tottenham Hotspur:

Spurs have an incredibly high number of players out, but Thomas Frank was able to deliver some good news in his press conference prior to this encounter.

He confirmed that the trio of Wilson Odebert, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie will be ready to play a part in this match. The head coach has remained cryptic on whether any of these three players are ready to feature from the first whistle.

Meanwhile, James Maddison, Archie Gray, Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma all remain out of contention.

Chelsea:

The big blow for Chelsea is the absence of Liam Delap. The Englishman was expected to at least play a part in this encounter, but two yellow cards against Wolves midweek mean he is going to have to watch this one unfold from the bench.

Cole Palmer remains out of action but is looking to return to action in around a month as the festive period begins.

Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill also remain out of contention for the Blues, the latter not expected to feature again this season.

Predicted Lineups:

Tottenham Hotspur:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Bergvall, Simons; Kolo Muani

Chelsea:

Sanchez; James, Fofana, Acheampong, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Fernandez, Gittens; Pedro

Key Players:

Tottenham - Micky Van de Ven

Not particularly renowned for his goalscoring, Van de Ven comes into this one fresh off a brace against Everton last weekend. Considering Chelsea's struggles defending set-pieces, he could find the back of the net yet again.

But where he is required, the most in this one, is to stop Chelsea's pacy counterattacks. The Blues are consistently threatening when playing the game at high speed. If Van de Ven can counter this and slow the game down, then he could play a big part in a good result for Tottenham.

Chelsea - Joao Pedro

It feels like the Brazilian really needs a good game for the Blues. Since his electric start at the Club World Cup for Chelsea, it feels like the spark surrounding him has diminished.

The striker has already proved that he can find the back of the net for Chelsea, and what an important game it would be to score in. Maresca's men desperately need a result to climb back up the table, and it feels like Pedro could have a big say in this

Match Details:

Where is the match being played?

This match is being contested at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

What time is kick-off?

This match commences at 17:30 GMT

How can I watch?

Sky Sports is showing this match.

Thomas Frank discussed the defensive options for Tottenham Hotspur against Chelsea.

Micky van de Ven netted twice from corners in a 3-0 over Everton last week, earning his coach’s praise for his performances in the boxes and attitude as a leader from the back.

Along with Dominic Solanke, club captain Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are also available for selection in the squad, and their presence could produce a change in the team’s setup.

“Micky, let's start with the ball - very good composure, brilliant left foot, can go long, can go short, stand on the ball when we need to. Of course, his pace is quite unique. Then there's the next, the cool defending in the decisive moments. I think he's doing that better and better. Then there's leadership. Then there's how good are you on set-pieces, both boxes? I think he ticks a lot of boxes.

“"I’m very aware of trying to be able to take the best possible decisions. Of course, in the end, I'll get a lot of information from medical staff, performance staff but in the end, it's always on me. If a player breaks down, it's on me. It's not on the medical staff.

“It's always on me. I take decisions, I get all the information and then I need to take a difficult choice or a brave choice or an easy choice or decision. So, that's it. If [Cristian] was fit enough, he would have been involved Wednesday. So, he's ready to be involved tomorrow and let's see how much.”

“I would say that to have [Cristian] back, it could open up for [a back five]. Also, we've got Destiny back, so that's also positive. It was a little bit more of a challenge against Newcastle with a few less options but, as I said, I think we performed well in many areas.”

Thomas Frank looked back at the key takeaways from a 3-0 victory for Tottenham at Everton.

The unbeaten record remains away from home in the Premier League as Spurs have only dropped points at the Amex Stadium in a 2-2 draw with Brighton, their best performance of the campaign.

Frank does not want to make too much of the away form, but a central role for Mohammed Kudus and the display of deputy Kevin Danso were particular observations that attracted media attention.

“It’s still a relatively small sample. Hopefully, at the end of the year, the stats are fantastic away and fantastic home. It's a new team, but still a team that needs to find each other.

“We now have nine Premier League games, 14 games in total and we had one bad performance against Bournemouth, second half against Wolves, second half against Monaco, a bad performance. So, I think in general, we're building.”

“Kevin definitely deserves praise. He's stepping into the defence and needs to help the team. Every coach will love him, he’s a fantastic character and personality. I think yesterday he was very good.

“I think he was good and calm on the ball. He had some strong battles with Beto and Thierno Barry up front. From crosses, but especially from set pieces in the second half, where they bombarded us a bit, it was like he had a magnet head. So, everything went to him and he cleared it well. He did well.

“I sometimes try to change it a little bit, tweak it a little bit in the game. I wanted to have Brennan Johnson, who's very good from the right, his ability to run in behind and produce crosses as well.

Thomas Frank spoke about managing the Tottenham squad ahead of a midweek encounter.

The side struggled with injuries under Ange Postecoglou in his second season in North London, and the schedule does not relent due to the team’s qualification for the Champions League through winning the Europa League final in May. The head coach has now got his work cut out for him.

Spurs must now prepare to play against Newcastle United in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in their bid to win their first domestic title since 2008. Their coach has been keen to mix and match to manage minutes as he learns about the players, and that pattern is likely to continue on Wednesday.

“It's all good from guys who played on Sunday. Dominic Solanke: steps forward. Cristian Romero is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny Udogie is on the pitch as well.

“Now it's a cup tournament. It's one game. So, it's a little bit more at stake, you can say, but it needs to be the same mindset. So, I changed four players from Monaco to Everton and three from Aston Villa to Monaco.

“So, of course there will be a little bit of rotation, like I’ve basically have done from game to game, because we played every third or fourth day, you need to do it. Every club does it. If you want to compete, that's the next thing.

“So, if you want to compete over 60 games, you can't play the same 11 for 60 games because risk of injuries and fatigue and lack of performance, that will just naturally happen. So, it's that fine balance to try to manage that, but that's what we're up for. That's one of the beauties of being Head Coach and sleepless nights to try to figure everything out. That's part of the good fun.”

Thomas Frank was quick to heap praise on his Tottenham side after they kept their unbeaten away streak alive, defeating Everton 3-0.

The Danish manager was a much happier man compared to earlier this week when his team were held to a goalless draw in Monaco.

However, it was a strong reaction from Spurs. Three headed goals saw them hand Everton their first loss at the new Hill Dickinson stadium and climb up to third in the league.

“I’m extremely happy with the win, very happy with the performance," said Frank.

"To be able to go away at any away ground in the Premier League and win 3-0 is quite remarkable and this against a good Everton side, the first time they lose here at the new stadium.

“I was happier with the first half. I liked how we did in phase one and phase two - more control, more passes, good pressure. I really liked that bit. Obviously, set pieces were top, which is crucial.

"The second half was a little bit more of a dogfight, but I said it from the beginning, can we get that clean sheet mentality into the boys? If we can, then we will win a lot of games when we're not on top. There's a lot of things we'd like to improve but, overall, it was a good, solid away performance.”

Tottenham captain, Micky van de Ven was the standout player of the match, grabbing a brace to make it five goals for the Dutchman this season, while remaining solid defensively to keep a clean sheet.

The Lilywhites boss was especially pleased with his skipper.

"First and foremost, I think he's really growing and taking some big steps. I'm very pleased with him overall. I think he's taking more leadership. I think he's defending better and better, not only using his pace but also more clever positions.

"I said, actually at the beginning of the season, I said, it's okay you score with your left foot and your right foot, but you need to score more goals with your head.

"We have worked with it and that's a big praise to Micky, but especially to Andreas and the way he, how can you say, attack the ball, also get in there where it hurts, I think is key. Now, yeah, hopefully it will continue."

Tottenham Hotspur moved up to third after two first-half headers from Micky van de Ven were followed by Pape Sarr also nodding home late on sending Everton to their first defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s side made it 13 points from a possible 15 away from home courtesy of a trio of deadly headers, of which two further demonstrated their prowess at making set-plays count.

“Going here to Everton, a very good team and unbeaten here so far, and winning 3-0 away is a very good result,” said Frank. “I’m very happy with the set pieces and the clean-sheet mentality is a good foundation.

“We need to do more but it is an inexperienced Champions League squad so to go every three or four days and keep the energy and focus showed a lot about the mentality.”

Tottenham sit just five points behind leaders Arsenal and face their north London rivals next month after meetings with fellow top-four contenders Chelsea and Manchester United.

When asked whether Spurs could enter the title race, Frank replied: “No, I think there are a few teams ahead of us.”

Van de Ven’s goals took his tally to five so far this season despite the defender failing to find the back of the net at all last season.

“I told him at the start of the season he should be scoring more goals with his head,” Frank said.

“I think he is really growing and taking some big steps, taking more leadership, defending better and better, using his pace and more clever positions than at the start of the season.”

'We were undone by set-pieces'

Everton had a set-piece goal of their own chalked off as Jake O’Brien’s header was ruled out because Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish were adjudged to have impeded Guglielmo Vicario from an offside position.

But Moyes said: “I think the goal we got chalked off for offside was the correct decision.”

It was the first time Everton had conceded goals from corners this season and that frustrated the Everton manager more than the performance.

“We actually played well. We have been undone by set-pieces, we are not happy about it but the other parts of the game there were lots of good things,” Moyes added.

“The players will always take responsibility and I will, we have been very good at set-pieces in the main but Thomas’ teams have always been good.

"They got their head on them and we didn’t. I’m disappointed, I really am. There are a couple of things we could have done better.”

Aston Villa’s fine form continued as they claimed a fifth straight victory in all competitions, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Unai Emery’s side were made to work hard for it after falling behind early, with Rodrigo Bentancur firing Spurs ahead from close range following a recycled set-piece. But Villa responded superbly - Morgan Rogers opening his account for the season with a looping effort over Guglielmo Vicario, their only shot on target in the first half.

The second period saw a tactical shift and, crucially, the introduction of Ollie Watkins. Moments later, substitute Emi Buendia completed the turnaround with a precise left-footed finish after fine work down the right from Matty Cash and Lucas Digne.

Villa's win now sees Emery's side move up to 11th in the Premier League table, with Manchester City up next in the league at Villa Park.

Aston Villa Player Ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 7.5

The Argentine had little chance with Bentancur’s opener but dealt calmly with everything else that came his way.

Martinez produced a fine save to tip Joao Palhinha’s effort around the post and later denied Bentancur’s header - even if it wouldn’t have counted. Dependable as ever.

Matty Cash - 8

The Polish international was tireless up and down the right flank. He might have been frustrated to drag a first-half shot wide, but he more than made up for it with a sublime pass that set up Digne in the build-up to Buendia’s winner.

Ezri Konsa - 7

Composed and consistent throughout, Konsa rarely looked troubled despite Spurs’ pressure. The England defender was assured in possession, often stepping out from the back to start attacks.

Made several crucial interceptions and looked in complete control alongside Pau Torres after Mings’ early exit.

Pau Torres - 7

A calm and progressive display from the Spaniard. Confident on the ball, Torres pushed forward whenever the opportunity presented itself and kept Tottenham’s front line largely quiet.

His distribution from deep was crisp, setting the tone for Villa’s build-up play.

Lucas Digne - 9 [MOTM]

The Frenchman’s attacking influence continues to shine. Constantly overlapping and stretching the pitch, Digne delivered several testing crosses and linked superbly with Rogers on the left. His first touch to bring down Cash’s pass before teeing up Buendia was outstanding.

A classy and composed showing from Villa’s left-back.

Boubacar Kamara - 8

A masterclass in midfield control. Kamara dominated the centre of the park, covering ground tirelessly and breaking up play with precision. He won the most duels (14) and fouls (4) in the game, dictating tempo and rhythm.

Amadou Onana – 6

A mixed afternoon for the Belgian. His misplaced pass indirectly led to Tottenham’s opener, and he often looked uncomfortable receiving the ball under pressure.

However, he grew into the game after half-time, using his physicality more effectively.

Evann Guessand - 6

Guessand worked hard defensively and offered reliable cover on the right, though his attacking impact was limited. The young Frenchman found himself pinned back for much of the first half and was replaced shortly after the hour mark.

A disciplined if unspectacular outing.

John McGinn - 7

Deployed in a more advanced role, the captain brought energy and drive to Villa’s midfield.

The Scot threaded a clever ball through to Malen for his side’s best early second-half chance and battled tirelessly throughout. His leadership and pressing set the tone, even if his influence waned slightly late on.

Morgan Rogers - 8.5

The Englishman produced his best display of the season. His brilliant looping finish to equalise showed confidence and technique, while his willingness to take on defenders constantly stretched Spurs.

His sharp turn of pace and quick feet earned Van de Ven a yellow card - a marker of the threat he posed all game.

Donyell Malen - 6

Cut an isolated figure up top, particularly in the first half, with limited service. The Dutchman’s only real sight of goal came when he fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

Malen worked hard off the ball but lacked the cutting edge and presence Watkins later provided.

Substitutes

Emi Buendia - 8

The Argentine was sensational off the bench once again. His third goal in four matches was a thing of beauty - a measured, curling finish with his weaker foot to seal all three points.

His energy, creativity, and composure made the difference.

Ollie Watkins - 7

Watkins’ introduction immediately changed the tempo of Villa’s attack. His movement stretched Spurs’ backline, creating space for Buendia to exploit.

The Englishman looked sharp and hungry after his recent knock - a positive sign moving forward.

Ross Barkley - N/A

Thomas Frank discussed key turning points in a 2-1 defeat for Tottenham against Aston Villa, marking the third time that the team have dropped points at their home ground in four league matches.

Rodrigo Bentancur fired a volley into the back of the net after the first five minutes of the match and Frank felt that the team could have turned the screw before the Villa leveller from Morgan Rogers.

Mohammed Kudus doubled the lead for the hosts, but he had strayed into an offside position before getting the ball. Wilson Odobert also had a couple of chances in transition that he could have scored.

There was also a rough moment for the head coach involving a substitution. He wanted to put on Lucas Bergvall and Randal Kolo Muani late in the second half when the two teams were level. However, the changes only came when Emiliano Buendia had put the Villans in front at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Frank explained why this luckless instance of timing occurred.

“Villa defended well which we know they in general they do. [Creativity] is something we work very hard to improve. The most disappointing thing, the area like to improve a little bit better were these four or five very good transition moments where we are in in good positions, could have done more.

“The big detail there is that there was a set piece. So we did not want them to get on in the set piece. That is normally the go-to rule you have when you are a coach. So unfortunately I think they maybe one or two and then definitely extended and then they scored. So I think that's why I looked low.

“But I would have loved to have them on at 1-1. I think that could made a difference.”