BBC

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence have apologised to him after the pair snubbed the manager when leaving the pitch following defeat by Chelsea.

After the 1-0 loss on Saturday, Frank encouraged his players to do a lap of appreciation around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But as fans booed the players off the pitch, cameras caught Van de Ven and Spence ignoring their manager and instead going straight down the tunnel.

"Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday and just said they wanted to say sorry for the situation," said Frank in a news conference on Monday.

"They didn't want it to look bad or any misconception that you can get in this beautiful media world.

"So there was no disrespect meant at all towards me or the team. They were just frustrated with the performance from us and the booing during the game."

Van de Ven and Spence's behaviour has been criticised by some fans and pundits, while others suggested the incident has been blown out of proportion.

Frank, 52, added he is pleased that his players came to him and prevented an escalation of the issue.

"If they didn't come in, of course I would have had to ask them about the situation they are working in. How they are feeling, why they are doing it? Because we all have a perception," he said.

"Whether it was because their mum wasn't well or they didn't like the head coach or they were irritated by the performance because they lost, or whatever.

"Of course, I am happy that they were coming in because that means they care - I think that is very good. They care about the team, the club and, in this case, me. I am happy with that."

When asked about the incident in his post-match interview, Frank said he understood his players' "frustration" and added that it was a "small issue".

But the problem has coincided with a run of chequered form and a downturn in fan mood.

It is understood Spurs are satisfied it wasn't a slight on Frank but instead more a show of frustration of what had developed and a build-up of negativity from fans at their home stadium over previous weeks.

Frank's side have not won at home in the Premier League since the opening day of the season - a 3-0 victory over Burnley.

They have just three wins in their past 19 games (four draws and 12 losses) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium across former manager Ange Postecoglou and now Frank's tenure.

In England's top four tiers, only Southampton have won fewer home games than Spurs in this period.

Frank said he now considers the matter closed as his side aim to get their home form back on track when they host Copenhagen on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Spurs currently sit fifth in the Premier League and, on the surface, are enjoying a good season with five wins under their belt.

But they also started last season well - five wins in 10 matches, the same as this campaign - before ultimately finishing 17th under Postecoglou and it is clear fans fear a similar downward turn.

Spurs have not won back-to-back league games since beginning the season with wins against Burnley and Manchester City, and have won just one of their past five games in all competitions since the October international break.

Fans have aired their frustrations by booing and Frank said he understands that reaction to poor performances but that during the match it is not helpful.

"I think the fans were fantastic the first 30 minutes. After the game, if we perform badly and on top of that lost a game, then more than fair enough to boo us," he said.

"But during the game we need a little bit of help, especially when it is not going the right way. They can be the turning point.

"We were down 1-0. The last 15 minutes they can carry us over the line. If we could have got it back to 1-1, what a feeling! That point could be the difference at the end of a long season."

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario agreed with his manager, adding: "If we had more help from the stands it could be better but of course, we cannot control it.

"At the end, of course everyone was really disappointed because we had lost a London derby.

"We got the reaction of the fans at the end of the game, of course they can express their pain, and we are in a big painful situation."

Lucas Bergvall has concussion so is unavailable, but Frank praised his medical team for dealing with it well despite it being "a tricky situation" at the time.

Mohammed Kudus and Djed Spence both picked up knocks but could still be in contention for Tuesday's game.

On the behaviour of Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence after Saturday's game: "Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday and just said they wanted to say sorry for the situation. They didn't want it to look bad or disrespectful - any misconception that you can get in this beautiful media world. They were just frustrated with the performance from the loss and the booing during the game."

He said the boos were "more than fair" after the final whistle because it was another home defeat, but added: "During the game, we need the fans."

On facing Danish opponents: "I follow the results and the league as I still have good friends and colleagues working at different clubs. They are not in the best place but they are a very good team. I expect it to be a difficult game."

More on Copenhagen: "No matter if a team are in or out of form, the next game is when everything can change so we prepare like normal. We are very aware of their strengths and areas we might want to exploit. I expect a tough tactical challenge."

We asked for your views on Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence shunning manager Thomas Frank at full-time after the defeat to Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Edward: I'm not worried about Van de Ven ignoring Thomas Frank. I think there was a lot of embarrassment at Spurs' general performance. This Tottenham team were embarrassed, which is good and will mean they will learn from this. I just hope they turn their performances around quickly.

Paul: Not worried at all. I would be more concerned had the players been someone other than Van de Ven and Spence, who have both been excellent so far this season. I think they were just frustrated at the way the game went and just wanted to get down the tunnel. I would be more worried if they weren't upset at a performance like the one on Saturday night.

Geoff: Frustration and embarrassment. If I had played like that, I wouldn't want to face the fans. Worst performance of the season.

Rob: When you watch it, it feels like they're snubbing Frank, but in reality, I think they're snubbing the atmosphere.

However, there were some of you who believed that Van de Ven and Spence were wrong to shun Thomas Frank.

Richard: The two players should apologise publicly for the disrespect they showed both towards the manager and the fans. For highly paid professional players to act in that manner is wrong.

Merv: It's not right when players disrespect their manager, regardless of how they are feeling. A public show of dissent sends out the wrong message about the morale within the club.

This is your Spurs page. Make sure you're signed in and hit 'follow' at the top of this page to ensure updates appear on your BBC Sport home page.

Arsenal's upcoming fixtures

Arsenal

It has been rather plain sailing for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal so far but there are some difficult fixtures on the horizon, including that old potential "six pointer" against Sunderland...

Should Arteta and his side manage to navigate this next bunch with a similar record to their opening few months, belief will really start to grow around the Emirates.

Slavia Prague (a) - Champions League

Sunderland (a)

Tottenham (h)

Bayern Munich (h) - Champions League

Chelsea (a)

Brentford (h)

Aston Villa (a)

'Arsenal are in the driving seat'

Shay Given

Former Newcastle and Man City keeper on Sky Sports

Liverpool won the league last year and then in the summer spent a big number on a lot of attacking players and then with recent results, obviously people were saying the wheels had come off but they got back on track yesterday.

And they will be within a shout, but it just feels like with the way that Arsenal are going about their business, I think they have only conceded three goals, which is just incredible. They have brilliant attacking players, which Liverpool and Man City have as well but the best teams that have won the league in recent years have been so solid at the back.

Arsenal's defensive unit isn’t just the keeper and the back four, but the midfield in front of that and the protection they give will make it difficult for any team to break down so they are really in the driving seat.

Watch: Spurs training live

Tottenham Hotspur

From one north London team to another, just for a brief moment.

At 12:15, you will be able to watch Tottenham's training session before their Champions League match against Copenhagen on Tuesday.

This will be a perfect opportunity to judge the mood of the camp and head coach Thomas Frank after Spurs' 0-1 loss to rivals Chelsea.

Defensive duo Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence will be ones to keep an eye on after the pair were caught on camera snubbing their manager and going straight down the tunnel after the match instead of doing a lap of appreciation for fans.

Frank, when asked about it, said it is not a big problem.

Just click the 'Watch live' tab at the top of this page when it appears to tune in.

'Why not have the belief that they can finish first?'

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Nedum Onuoha

Former Manchester City defender

When I first started doing punditry in 2021, Arsenal's biggest failing was they are a bit soft-centered, you could almost bully them.

Now you look at the way they can play. If it needs to be a fight, it will be a fight. If it needs to be a footballing game, it can be a footballing game.

People don't want to be classed as favourites for anything at this part of the season. There is a lot of pressure that comes with that. For the Arsenal side, three years in a row they have finished second, why not have the belief they can finish first?

Arsenal's defensive record

Arsenal

One of the big factors behind Arsenal's early season success has been their defensive record.

Incredibly, they have conceded just three goals in all competitions - all of which have been in the Premier League.

Three goals in 15 (fifteen) games.

A worldie from Dominik Szoboszlai in their defeat by Liverpool, a goal from Erling Haaland in the draw to Manchester City and Nick Woltemade's opener in the win at St James' Park remain the only times that this Arsenal defence has been breached.

'Good is potentially the enemy for great'

Former Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie sharing his thoughts on the title race with Sky Sports: "I think Liverpool are still well in it, Man City of course, and the psychology for Arsenal after what has happened in the two previous seasons having been in this position before and not quite getting it over the line will be on their minds.

"So for me, good is potentially the enemy for great. In this moment I’m sure Mikel Arteta is hammering that message home, saying lads we’re good but to be great we have to keep pushing everyday."

'Hopefully Arsenal can concede a goal one day'

Manchester City

While you ponder on those questions, let's ask an expert - someone who has won six of the last eight Premier League titles, maybe?

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked whether his side are in the title race, following their victory against Bournemouth: "Well, hopefully Arsenal concede one goal one day, right? That is not easy for them.

"I said, the energy that we didn't have we have. I have had the feeling since the Club World Cup that we were in the moment. It is just 10 games. There are 28 to play and many, many things are going to happen. It is important to be close and feel that the team is getting better and better."

get involved

Get Involved - Is the Premier League title race alive?

Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

With so many questions, we need your answers.

With Manchester City's impressive victory on Sunday and Liverpool finally returning to winning ways - is the Premier League title race still alive?

With key players returning to fitness for City, have they shown they have enough in the locker to challenge?

Will Liverpool's win against Aston Villa kickstart their season? Or will their jittering form continue?

Can any other dark horses mount a challenge?

Or, maybe more importantly, are the Gunners just too good no matter who steps up to the plate?

Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say.

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Tottenham and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Tottenham fans

Colin: There is something wrong with Spurs' mentality when they play Chelsea. I don't know why this is as I'm not convinced by Chelsea this season and other teams have coped much better against them so we should have been in a better position to win or at least get a draw. Very disappointing against an average Chelsea team.

Joe: Absolute rubbish. No fight, no aggression, no cohesion, no ideas, no intelligence, no desire, no pride... absolutely nothing other than an embarrassing and shameful display by over-paid professionals. If this is the future of Spurs, then there is no future.

Neil: Nothing positive about that performance against Chelsea……nothing! I was bored watching us lose to Aston Villa and we have been rank rotten in the games against Bodo, Villarreal and Monaco. We flattered to deceive against Leeds and have only two or three decent performances all season (Burnley, Man City and Everton). I'm not convinced Frank is the man to take us forward, I think he was at his level at Brentford and I think things have the capacity to get an awful lot worse - the Chelsea game has now stripped me of all hope for a positive season!

Paul: Tottenham's defence looks fairly solid at the moment, conceding only eight goals from 10 Premier League matches, which must be a plus for Thomas Frank. The midfield is sadly disjointed and unable to create chances for any attacking forwards. Once the midfield has some creativity, we can create the chances. I personally think we need a 20-goal a season forward.

Jon: I am sick to death of spending both time and money going to watch a group of players who simply can't be bothered. A pathetic and abject performance - again - that was a complete waste of my effort and a complete lack of theirs.

Chelsea fans

Jack: You love to see it. Bullying Tottenham for 90 minutes and getting some much needed positive energy under our wings. Loved Enzo Maresca's tactical response to the long throw-ins. The win hasn't solved any/all of our problems, but it certainly gives us the energy and morale to keep pushing on.

Declan: An excellent all-round performance, and the perfect response to the defeat by Sunderland last week. Very sound tactically, even managing to counter the long throw that has hurt us in recent weeks. Solid defensively with a standout performance from Moises Caicedo. The only minor criticism is that we didn't convert more than one of numerous chances meaning a nervy finish when we should have been clear by some margin.

Scott: Chelsea showed another side to their character in this game, bottle and grit. Should have been three or four as Spurs were poor. No idea what to expect game to game but more of this please, Maresca.

Chris: Another underwhelming performance against an abject Spurs team. The chances we wasted was criminal and against a better team we would have been punished. The defence, again, looked liked they had just met each other! Maresca is leading a charmed life at present but better teams will expose him and his tactics!

Tottenham and Manchester United are closely monitoring 23-year-old England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who Everton do not want to sell and value at around £70m. (Caught Offside), external

Meanwhile, Spurs will go head to head with Chelsea to sign Porto's 21-year-old Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa, who could be made available for 80m euros (£70.5m). (Correio da Manha via Goal), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Whether it is in an office or on the football pitch, it is not a great look to refuse to do what your manager asks you to do.

But that is what Tottenham players Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence did on Saturday to Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

It came shortly after full-time in their 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea when Frank - just as he does after every home game - encouraged his players to do a lap of appreciation around the stadium.

But as his players were booed off pitch, Van de Ven and Spence were caught on camera snubbing their manager and going straight down the tunnel.

Given that emotions and frustrations were high after such a disappointing loss, is such a reaction understandable in the heat of the moment? Or should a manager's request always be respected?

After the match Frank played down the incident, saying: "All the players are of course frustrated.

"They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that."

It is understood Spurs are satisfied it wasn't a slight on Frank but instead more a show of frustration of what had developed and a build-up of negativity from fans at their home stadium over previous weeks.

Nevertheless it was not a good look to so publicly go against Frank's request.

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha believes it is understandable that the players were feeling frustrated, but feels Van de Ven and Spence should have at least acknowledged Frank.

As players, you face frustrations," he said on BBC Radio 5 live. "Just listen to your manager and at least nod.

"Sometimes you have to play this merry little dance. You know you have to clap the fans. I wouldn't be surprised if those two have apologies coming out."

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul added: "I can see both sides in this one.

"The manager clearly wants all the players to appreciate the fans and go around and clap but you've just lost against your biggest rivals.

"Micky van de Ven was at fault for one of the goals, they had a horrific game. They didn't show enough to deserve those claps. They care clearly but they showed it in the wrong way.

"As a captain, you do that as a leader, to show your appreciation. It didn't look good when your manager walked on the pitch and they kind of showed anger and disrespect to him."

Football is an emotional game and when things are not going the way a player wants it to, they might not always react in the best way.

Here are some previous incidents of when players have snubbed their manager, along with what happened next:

Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Ten Hag

What happened: In October 2022, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo - while playing for Manchester United refused to come on as a late substitute in a 2-0 win against Tottenham and instead left the stadium before full time.

How it panned out: Ronaldo was dropped from the squad for the next game and in the following month he criticised United in a TV interview, saying he felt "betrayed" by the club. A week later he left the club by mutual consent.

Marc Guehi and Oliver Glasner

What happened: In August this year, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi - at the time linked with a move to Liverpool - appeared to ignore Oliver Glasner as the Eagles boss called out to him on the pitch just after full time in a draw with Chelsea.

How it panned out: Despite that incident, Guehi and Glasner have remained on good terms and the defender is a regular starter for the Eagles. However, last month it was confirmed he will leave the club next year.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri

What happened: During the 2019 Carabao Cup final, then Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted during the defeat by Manchester City.

How it panned out: Kepa apologised but was fined a week's wages. Then Blues boss Sarri said he considered the matter closed.

Paolo di Canio and Glenn Roeder

What happened: During a game with Tottenham in September 2002, Di Canio had an outburst at Roeder on the touchline after he had been informed he would be substituted. Di Canio was eventually taken off after he calmed down.

How it panned out: Roeder played down the incident but Di Canio would continue to be critical of his manager and left in the summer of 2003 when his contract was not renewed.

On the face of it, Tottenham are having a good season.

After 10 Premier League games Thomas Frank's side find themselves in the Premier League's top four and unbeaten in the Champions League.

Yet results - and noticeably the mood of supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - have gone south in recent weeks.

After Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea - just as he does after every home game - Frank encouraged his players to do a lap of appreciation around the stadium.

As his players were booed off pitch, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence were caught on camera snubbing their manager and going straight down the tunnel.

"All the players are of course frustrated," Frank said of the incident. "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 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 pushed on the reactions of Van de Ven and Spence and if their response was acceptable, he added: "I think that is one of the small issues. We have Micky and Djed 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."

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer said the players' reaction has been blown out of proportion.

"I totally understand why the players want to get in as soon as possible," he said.

"They have been an embarrassment, they were booed off the pitch. They want to get in the dressing room and say sorry later on.

"As much as Thomas likes to go around and thank the fans, I get the players point of view that they have been absolutely awful and they want to get off the pitch as quickly as possible."

'Beautiful finish'

Aston Villa 2-2 Everton

Gilly Flaherty

Former West Ham and England defender on BBC iPlayer

It's a beautiful finish. Aston Villa aren't really aware of where players are.

It's a beautiful bending finish by Hikaru Kitagawa but poor defensive work by Aston Villa.

GOAL - Aston Villa 2-2 Everton

Hikaru Kitagawa

We're back level at Villa Park and what a goal that is!

Villa clear their lines, but only so far as Clare Wheeler, who feeds the ball back to Martina Fernandez on the edge of the area.

The Spaniard carefully lays the ball off for Hikaru Kitagawa and the substitute curls it beautifully into the far corner.

Post

Leicester 0-3 Arsenal

Arsenal are in control but they keep looking for ways to extend their lead.

They're constantly trying to feed Stina Blackstenius but they're not managing to cause as many issues in this half as before.

Post

Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool

Good play from Liverpool who quickly shift the ball up the pitch, with Lily Woodham starting the attack.

It falls to Mia Enderby but she sends her effort to the wrong side of the post.

GOAL - Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool

Bethany England (52 mins)

A classic case of the commentator's curse.

Well, here's the moment of life in the second half.

A great delivery finds Amanda Nilden, who runs into the Liverpool box before cutting an excellent first-time ball to Bethany England, who drives home to put Spurs in front.

Post

Tottenham 1-1 Liverpool

It's been a similar start to the second half as the first half ended - it's been relatively slow.

Both teams started well but it's been much more muted since the two goals.

Post

Leicester 0-3 Arsenal

That was a crunching challenge. Beth Mead and Asmita Ale collide but both get up.

The free kick goes Leicester's way but they can't do anything with it, with Hannah Cain's delivery not finding Chantelle Swaby.

'Great work by Mullett'

Aston Villa 2-1 Everton

Gilly Flaherty

Former West Ham and England defender on BBC iPlayer

Really clever there from Georgia Mullett. Look at how high Maz Pacheco is and then Mullet pulls into the space she's left. Hanson continues to bust a gut to get in front of the defender.

A little slide into the bottom corner but really great work by Mullet to get the assist.

GOAL - Aston Villa 2-1 Everton

Kirsty Hanson

Aston Villa have turned it around!

Georgia Mullett turns from goalscorer into goal-provider as she fizzes a low ball into the box. Kirsty Hanson reaches it on the stretch and gets enough on the ball to turn it towards goal.

'Silly booking for Maritz'

Aston Villa 1-1 Everton

Gilly Flaherty

Former West Ham and England defender on BBC iPlayer

You can see what Noelle Maritz is trying to do. She's trying to help her team but when you put your arm out there and pull her back, you run the risk of getting a silly booking.

GOAL - Brighton 0-2 Man Utd

Jess Park

A lovely finish!

Brilliant stuff from Ella Toone, who swivels with the ball in the box before laying it off for Jess Park.

The summer signing makes no mistake with her strike, taking it first time and sweeping it superbly past Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool: Women's Super League stats & head-to-head  BBC