BBC

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham after just under eight months in charge following their dismal 2-1 defeat at home against Newcastle on Tuesday.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and just five points above the relegation zone following a dreadful run of form.

The north London side are winless in their past eight Premier League games - their longest run without a victory since October 2008.

They have won just two of their past 17 league matches and picked up only 12 points in that time.

Tottenham said they had been "determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together", but recent results meant "a change at this point is necessary".

Frank took over as head coach in June after Ange Postecoglou was sacked and signed a deal until 2028, but proved unable to notably improve the club's league form despite strong results in European competition.

Against a mixed Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats this season, the Dane led Spurs to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing fourth in the group stage.

However, they are out of both domestic cup competitions, having been beaten by Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October and Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round last month.

"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward," Tottenham said.

"We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Despite the loss to Newcastle, Frank still expected to be in charge for the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.

Asked by TNT Sports on Tuesday night if his job was under threat, Frank said: "I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no.

"I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's part of the job unfortunately.

"I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that."

Spurs were loudly booed after the defeats at home by Newcastle and fellow strugglers West Ham in the past few weeks.

Frank was also taunted by his own fans with chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.

After being booed off at half-time while 2-0 down to Manchester City, Frank's side responded to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Captain Cristian Romero was critical of Tottenham's board after that result, calling it "disgraceful" that the club only had 11 fit senior players available against City.

The Argentine then received a straight red card - his second of the season - against Manchester United on 7 February, who went on to win 2-0.

The Tottenham hierarchy now has a huge decision to make.

Thomas Frank's future at the club is uncertain. That isn't a secret, of course - it has been the case for weeks.

Large sections of the supporters want him sacked. The boos that rang out at full-time were testament to that prevailing feeling from a disgruntled fanbase.

Crucially, there has been a loss of support towards the Dane internally.

So, the fact Frank's disastrous first season in charge lurched to deeper depths with this home defeat by Newcastle may have significant consequences.

If Nottingham Forest, who occupy 17th, beat Wolves on Wednesday they will go level on points with Tottenham.

Frank is understandably hesitant to admit his side are in relegation fight - but the numbers don't lie.

That said, it may not be Frank's problem for much longer - Tottenham's latest loss will push the beleaguered manager closer to what appears an inevitable exit.

Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank's immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club's leadership group.

The fact the Spurs board has stuck by Frank during such a difficult period proves the desire is for the appointment to work.

The easier decision would have been to show Frank the door by now, but the belief is the 52-year-old has been dealt a rough hand.

There is an acknowledgment the season has been disrupted by multiple injuries to key players and also recognition the squad needs repair work - particularly considering the departures of their two main sources of goals in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

There is also a sense behind the scenes the squad is lacking leadership - it was why they signed England international Conor Gallagher and tried to land Andy Robertson from Liverpool.

There is also a sense from Spurs' executive team that they require a period of managerial stability.

If the decision is made to part ways with Frank in the immediate aftermath of this Newcastle defeat, they will have 12 days until their next fixture against Arsenal on 22 February.

That leaves Tottenham with a prolonged window to execute their replacement plan and leave Frank's successor with time to implement a blueprint for the north London derby.

The pressure on Frank is at breaking point. We are about to find out if Tottenham crack.

It is hard to think of a more contrasting scene at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

On a night Spurs manager Thomas Frank was subjected to humiliating chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning" from a section of his own supporters, opposite number Eddie Howe was repeatedly serenaded by a buoyant away end.

Howe was even pushed in front of the travelling support by Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier to take the acclaim of the crowd after his side's 2-1 win.

The Newcastle head coach is not usually one for doing so.

But he could not help but punch the air before waving his arms up and down as Newcastle supporters roared in response.

"That was a special connection," he said. "I'm grateful it's still there."

Those words were uttered just a few days after Newcastle were booed off at St James' Park following a 3-2 defeat against Brentford.

That was an evening a crestfallen Howe admitted he was not doing his job "well enough at the moment".

It led to a lot of soul searching for Howe behind the scenes following just one win in eight games in all competitions.

"It was not an act," he said. "That was me being very real and very genuine in terms of how I felt.

"I'll say it again. I've got to believe that I'm the right person to be in the job with all the sacrifices that it entails and I've got to feel that the players are playing for me.

"Today they showed that they are – but that has to be consistent moving forward."

The sight of a number of Howe's players struggling with cramp in the closing stages certainly told you they were fighting for him.

They were maxed out on a night some familiar names and some more recent additions delivered for Newcastle.

The club's recruitment has rightly come under intense scrutiny - Newcastle have not seen much of an immediate return from a £250m summer spend - but three of Howe's signings stepped up on Wednesday.

Malick Thiaw, the one undoubted early success, opened the scoring, the rapid Anthony Elanga put in his most impressive performance yet and Jacob Ramsey scored what proved to be the winner after netting his first goal for the club in the second half.

"I keep saying the lack of training is slowing their development," Howe said.

"But they are beginning to feel at home in the team and once you feel part of it, and feel integral to how the team plays, you can only get better."

Yet it was striking how Newcastle started the game without two headline additions.

Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were left on the bench - just a few months after Howe spent £124m on the forwards.

That told its own story as the visitors lined up without a recognised striker for the second away league game in a row.

Anthony Gordon was instead tasked with leading the line on the road again after Howe took heart from the opening half an hour of his side's 4-1 defeat against Liverpool.

Gordon put Newcastle in front at Anfield that night, but it was still a bold call.

However, Gordon, Elanga and Harvey Barnes aggressively led the press out of possession as they hunted down Spurs' defenders and broke forward quickly with the ball.

There were still occasions where Newcastle were crying out for a poacher in the box to get on the end of a number of teasing crosses from Elanga.

However, the speed of Newcastle's front line caused Spurs problems and Gordon's dancing feet set up Ramsey's winner.

Remarkably, it was just travel-sick Newcastle's third away league victory of the season.

Newcastle have too often been soft, throwing away more points (19) than any other side in the division.

But this was an evening where they "really did inspire each other" following a difficult few days.

"If anything they used it in a positive way and reinforced relationships," Howe added.

"It made us all look inward and look at what we're doing and how we can do it better."

Thomas Frank insists his job is not under threat at Tottenham Hotspur, despite his side extending their winless run in the Premier League to eight matches.

Spurs suffered their 11th defeat of the season with a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle on Tuesday night.

It leaves Tottenham, one of six ever-present Premier League clubs in the top flight, five points above the relegation zone.

But Frank says he has been assured his position as manager is safe.

Asked by TNT Sports if his job is under threat, Frank said: "I spoke to them [owners] yesterday, so no.

"I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's part of the job unfortunately. I will work day and night to turn this around but it is not just one person. There is no doubt we need to improve and I need to be part of that."

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about supporters booing at full-time, Frank added: "I understand the frustration. It has been building up a little bit - last season it was similar playing in Europe and the Premier League.

"We need to be resilient, mentally and physically. I am 100% sure that it is a team effort, and it is not only one person. We are all aligned and we know what needs to be done."

Having taken 10 points from 15 in their first five Premier League fixtures under Frank, Spurs have managed just 19 from their next 21 matches.

Their run of eight games without a win is their longest since going nine without victory in 2008 under Juande Ramos - who was sacked with the club bottom of the table.

"You've got to say what it is and they are in a relegation fight," Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle told TNT Sports.

"The players have to understand that and the fans have to understand that.

"It is the reality and you have to scrap for every single point."

Boos rang around Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the final whistle, while there were pockets of empty seats at kick-off.

"A lot of fans have lost faith in what Thomas Frank is doing here," added former Spurs striker Les Ferdinand.

"It is desperate times. And desperate times call for desperate measures."

The Tottenham hierarchy now have a huge decision to make.

Thomas Frank's future at the club is uncertain. That isn't a secret, of course - it has been the case for weeks.

Large sections of the supporters want him sacked. The boos that rang round Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at full-time were testament to that prevailing feeling from a disgruntled fanbase.

Crucially, there has been a loss of support towards the Dane internally.

So, the fact Frank's disastrous first season in charge lurched to deeper depths following this defeat by Newcastle may have significant consequences.

If Nottingham Forest, who occupy 17th, beat Wolves on Wednesday night they will go level on points with Tottenham.

Frank is understandably hesitant to admit his side are in relegation fight - but the numbers don't lie.

That said, it may not be Frank's problem for much longer - Tottenham's latest loss will push the beleaguered manager closer to what appears an inevitable exit.

Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank's immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club's leadership group.

The fact the Spurs board have stuck by Frank during such a difficult period proves they want the appointment to work.

The easier decision would have been to show Frank the door by now.

However, the Tottenham hierarchy believe Frank has been dealt a rough hand.

There's an acknowledgment that the season has been disrupted by multiple injuries to key players.

There is also recognition that the squad needs repair work - particularly considering the departures of their two main sources of goals in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

There is also a sense behind the scenes that the squad is lacking in leadership. It was why they signed England international Conor Gallagher and tried to land Andy Robertson from Liverpool - both with plenty of Premier League experience.

There is also a sense from Tottenham's executive team that the club require a period of managerial stability.

But by the same token, sources have told BBC Sport that work towards a contingency plan in the event they make a decision they really don't want to make illustrates the precarity of Frank's position.

If the club decide to part with Frank in the immediate aftermath of this Newcastle defeat, they will have 12 days until their next fixture against Arsenal on 22 February.

That leaves Tottenham with a prolonged window to execute their replacement plan and leave Frank's successor with time to implement a blueprint for the north London derby.

The pressure on Frank is at breaking point. We are about to find out if Tottenham crack.

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Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank says he understands why the fans were booing at full-time after his side are beaten at home for the seventh time in the Premier league this season.

MATCH REPORT: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Newcastle United

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have been better. Of course, we are massively frustrated that we couldn't get the win today. No doubt about that. I see a team running and fighting out there.

"They gave everything in a tricky and difficult situation against a good team who make it difficult for us, especially in the first half."

On squad depth affecting results: "I think it is a two-sided question. 10 players with injury and suspension, and another injury after 30 minutes 100% doesn't help.

"I am absolutely sure any coach would like to have more available players as it is easier to get more out of everything. I have never complained. We do everything we can to put out a competitive team out there."

On fans booing: "I understand the frustration. It has been building up a little bit - last season it was similar playing Europe and Premier League.

"This season is similar playing Europe and the Premier League. So there is something in the squad we need to be resilient, mentally and physically."I am 100% sure that it is a team effort, and it is not only one person. We are all aligned and we know what needs to be done."

Spurs striker Dominic Solanke, speaking to TNT Sports: "Not great, we want to be winning games. We know it's not good enough from us. We're obviously frustrated and want to turn this form around.

"It's tough to put a finger on it. We're not doing the business at the moment, we've got a lot of players out injured.

"We're trying to get it right and turn it around as quickly as possible. We wanted to get the win but it didn't go our way.

"We don't want to be anywhere near the bottom of the table, but we know we can turn it around. It's a matter of when. We have a while until the next game now.

"We've got great players on the team. We need to be doing better and the next game will be another tough one. We've got time to get that right."

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Djed Spence returns as Tottenham Hotspur make three changes for the visit of Newcastle United.

The full-back missed the games against Manchester United and Manchester City with a calf strain but is fit to start in the absence of the injured Destiny Udogie.

Radu Dragusin replaces suspended captain Cristian Romero in the starting line-up after the defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford last time out while midfielder Yves Bissouma also comes into the side.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, van de Ven, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Gallagher, Odobert, Solanke, Simons

Newcastle's drop in form

Tottenham v Newcastle (19:30 GMT)

Much like Tottenham, all is not well at Newcastle.

The pressure is mounting on Eddie Howe after three defeats on the spin.

A lot has changed since December

Chelsea v Leeds (19:30 GMT)

It was was only two months ago that Chelsea and Leeds last faced each other in the Premier League, but a lot has changed since December.

Prior to that Wednesday night at Elland Road, Leeds had managed only three wins from 13 Premier League games.

But since beating Chelsea 3-1 that night, Daniel Farke's side have transformed their fortunes by winning four of their last 11 games.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are also on the up and back in contention for a place in the top four after winning all of their Premier League games under new manager Liam Rosenior.

Team news: Palmer starts, James out; No Calvert-Lewin

Chelsea v Leeds (19:30 GMT)

It's two changes from Chelsea from the side that beat Wolves convincingly on the weekend.

Estevao and Josh Acheampong come into the side, with Pedro Neto and Wesley Fofana making way.

Captain Reece James, who Liam Rosenior said was ill during his pre-match news conference yesterday, doesn't make the squad.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer, Estevao, Joao Pedro

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Badiashile, Fofana, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Neto, Delap, Guiu

There is no place for Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Leeds' matchday squad.

The former Everton forward's hit 10 goals this season and has been one of the biggest drivers behind the side's revival in recent weeks.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Justin, Rodon, Bogle, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Ampadu, Gruev, Nmecha, Bornauw, Aaronson

Subs: Perri, Byram, Longstaff, Tanaka, Buonanotte, James, Okafor, Gnonto, Piroe

Team news – Spurs make three changes; Gordon starts for Newcastle

Tottenham v Newcastle (19:30 GMT)

Ciaran Kelly

BBC Sport reporter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Djed Spence returns as Tottenham Hotspur make three changes for the visit of Newcastle United.

The full-back missed the games against Manchester United and Manchester City with a calf strain but is fit to start in the absence of the injured Destiny Udogie.

Radu Dragusin replaces suspended captain Cristian Romero in the starting line-up after the defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford last time out while midfielder Yves Bissouma also comes into the side.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, van de Ven, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Gallagher, Odobert, Solanke, Simons

Subs: Kinsky, Palhinha, Tel, Souza, Kolo Muani, Oluesi, Byfield, Williams Barnett, Rowswell

Anthony Gordon looks set to lead the line as Newcastle United make four changes for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The forward has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place up front as Newcastle line up without a recognised striker.

Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga also return to the starting line-up.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Willock, Elanga, Gordon, Barnes

Subs: Ramsdale, Hall, Tonali, Wissa, Osula, J.Murphy, Woltemade, A.Murphy, Shahar

'Howe is feeling the heat'

Tottenham v Newcastle (19:30 GMT)

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer on BBC Radio 5 Live

Eddie Howe is feeling the heat a little bit team and the team was booed off at the weekend. I would be surprised if he was under pressure for his job because this is a guy who has done a great job at Newcastle.

He has taken them into the Champions League twice, and they have won their first domestic trophy in 70 years. He said yesterday he would walk away if he didn't feel he was the right man for the job. They're very emotional fans, one city club, the toon army. It would be a big surprise if they ever turned on Howe.

Howe has high standards himself, and he wants to maintain them. They have lost their last three games and gone out of the League Cup to Man City, the trophy they won so memorably last season.

Team news: Branthwaite starts for Everton, Kroupi drops to Bournemouth bench

Everton v Bournemouth (19:30 GMT)

David Moyes makes two changes to the Everton side that came from behind to beat Fulham on Saturday.

Jarrod Branthwaite makes his first home league start of the season in place of Michael Keane, while Tyrique George makes his home debut in place of Harrison Armstrong.

Everton XI: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski (c), Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Garner, Gueye, George, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Barry.

Subs: Patterson, Beto, Keane, Iroegbunam, Armstrong, Travers, Dibling, Alcaraz, Rohl.

There are two changes for Bournemouth after Andoni Iraola's side drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

Ryan Christie and Alex Toth come into the side, with Lewis Cook and top scorer Junior Kroupi dropping to the bench.

Tyler Adams is named among the substitutes after almost two months out with a knee injury.

Bournemouth XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert, Scott, Toth, Christie (c), Adli, Rayan, Evanilson.

Subs: Brooks, Kroupi, Cook, Smith, Unal, Diakite, Mandas, Milosavljevic, Adams.

Tune in!

BBC Radio 5 Live

On BBC Radio 5 Live this evening Kelly Cates is presenting 'Around The Grounds' where they will bring every goal reaction to the four games.

Tune into BBC Radio 5 Live, or click 'Listen Live' at the top of this live text to tune in.

The 5 Live team is on air from 19:00 GMT.

'No win, no trim' challenge nears its end?

West Ham v Man Utd (20:15 GMT)

Could today be the day that this Manchester United fans gets to finally have a haircut?

Frank Ilett, originally from Oxford but now living in Spain, started growing his hair in October last year as a way to "spread some humour" among fellow fans after a tough start to the season.

But he said the challenge, which requires Manchester United to win five consecutive games otherwise he will have to keep growing his hair, had been going on for "a lot longer than I ever expected".

But now, 18 months after starting his challenge the end could be in sight because if they win at West Ham it will be their fifth victory in a row.

Hello again!

That's right, it's us back again for more Premier League football!

Welcome along on this fine Tuesday night as we have four big games to bring your way.

Let's get right to it then.