BBC

In the away end of the City Ground on Sunday, every Tottenham Hotspur supporter was given a free scarf by the club.

For at least one Spurs supporter, external, the knitwear was most useful for shielding their eyes from another dismal display by their team.

Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest, a result which leaves them 11th in the Premier League, six points off the top four.

Under manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have lost as many league games as they have won this season and been beaten in three of their previous five.

For some Spurs fans, the comedown six months on from their Europa League triumph is impossible to take and they have turned on Frank.

The former Brentford manager's direct style of play, at times poorly implemented by the players, has also not endeared him to some supporters.

So where does this all leave Frank? Here's what the fans, the club insiders, and the stats have to say...

Just when you think it is safe to watch Spurs again, they deliver another nightmarish performance.

With consecutive positive performances at home in the Premier League and Champions League last week, it looked as though Thomas Frank's team was starting to build some consistency.

However, after a painfully pessimistic performance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Spurs confirmed that they remain well and truly wedged in the 'storming' phase of team development.

When viewed through this lens, you can understand why Frank appears relatively calm on the touchline and in his post-match interviews. The project manager in him knows that change takes time, and what appears to be chaos from the outside is actually an integral part of the transformation needed at this club.

Unfortunately for Frank, and anyone else who agrees with him that "this is not a quick fix", in recent years managers at Spurs have not been given long to turn things around.

Hopefully, this time will be different.

In many respects, Frank's appointment at Spurs reminds me of when Gareth Southgate took the England job. Many questioned his experience and doubted his suitability at that level too.

While ultimately Southgate did not win anything with England, he did the unenviable but necessary work of changing the culture and laying the foundations for future success. He turned them into a team that justified the hype.

I still think Frank is capable of achieving the cultural change needed at Spurs, but as fans we have to start by being honest that we are not the team we want to be. Not yet.

For the fans who want Frank gone: who is your preferred candidate to replace him, what does realistic success look like, and how long are you willing to give someone new to achieve it?

There is unlikely to be a knee-jerk reaction at Tottenham to Sunday's disappointing loss at Nottingham Forest.

Thomas Frank's future has been thrust back into the spotlight once again following the 3-0 loss at the City Ground that, not for the first time this season, sparked anger from Spurs supporters towards their head coach.

But for the time being, there is no sense that the Dane's future is under any immediate threat despite the lacklustre level of performance against Forest.

For context, Tottenham were on the back of a three-match unbeaten run ahead of Sunday's loss – a credible 2-2 draw at Newcastle was followed by two straight victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.

Prior to the loss to Sean Dyche's side there had been shoots of improvement, so with that said Sunday's loss is unlikely to prompt an immediate change of tact.

That's not to say that the backing for Frank is entirely universal behind the scenes at the north London club.

Following the home loss to Fulham on November 29, which extended a worrying run of just one victory in eight matches, well-placed sources told BBC Sport at the time that Frank's performance had come increasing internal scrutiny.

The apparent disdain from sections of supporters towards Frank during the opening half of the season is also an unsavoury dynamic that has not gone unnoticed.

Spurs, though, are yet to reach a point so far this season whereby they have given serious consideration to dispensing with Frank.

There is an acknowledgement that there will be bumps in the road, though you can imagine Frank can ill-afford many days like Sunday if those aforementioned doubts aren't to resurface more prominently in the coming weeks.

It is also key to point out that chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was integral to Arsenal's decision to stick with Mikel Arteta during some of the lowest depths of the Spaniard's stewardship at the Emirates.

Arsenal are now widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in European football.

Frank has some way to go emulate Arteta - but there is currently a willingness to give him an opportunity to lay foundations towards a similar path to success.

Results, though, will be key towards that continued support. Further disappointments like the one suffered on Sunday and Frank's backing will wane.

Sunday's loss at Forest marked Frank reaching a quarter-century of matches in charge of Spurs. Like England's batters in the Ashes, a ton or even a half-century is far from guaranteed.

In his 25 games across all competitions, the Dane has won 10 matches and lost nine.

Those nine defeats include on penalties against PSG in the Uefa Super Cup, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the League Cup, and Premier League defeats including a 4-1 hammering off local rivals Arsenal.

This mixed bag of form has seen some supporters pining for the return of former manager Ange Postecoglou, and his often entertaining tactic of 'Angeball'.

It was of course the Australian who ended Spurs' 17-year wait for a trophy last season by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Those supporters may be remembering Postecoglou's first 25 games at Spurs, of which they won 14. This included a stellar start to the 2023-24 Premier League season, when Spurs won eight and drew two of their opening 10 matches.

But they may do well to remember the 60-year-old's final 25 games in charge, which included Spurs spiralling to 17th in the Premier League last season - their worst finish since the formation of the league.

Spurs lost 13 of their final 25 matches, winning nine.

Just when you think it is safe to watch Spurs again, they deliver another nightmarish performance.

With consecutive positive performances at home in the Premier League and Champions League last week, it looked as though Thomas Frank's team was starting to build some consistency.

However, after a painfully pessimistic performance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Spurs confirmed that they remain well and truly wedged in the 'storming' phase of team development.

When viewed through this lens, you can understand why Frank appears relatively calm on the touchline and in his post-match interviews. The project manager in him knows that change takes time, and what appears to be chaos from the outside is actually an integral part of the transformation needed at this club.

Unfortunately for Frank, and anyone else who agrees with him that "this is not a quick fix", in recent years managers at Spurs have not been given long to turn things around.

Hopefully, this time will be different.

In many respects, Frank's appointment at Spurs reminds me of when Gareth Southgate took the England job. Many questioned his experience and doubted his suitability at that level too.

While ultimately Southgate did not win anything with England, he did the unenviable but necessary work of changing the culture and laying the foundations for future success. He turned them into a team that justified the hype.

I still think Frank is capable of achieving the cultural change needed at Spurs, but as fans we have to start by being honest that we are not the team we want to be. Not yet.

For the fans who want Frank gone: who is your preferred candidate to replace him, what does realistic success look like, and how long are you willing to give someone new to achieve it?

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

This is your Tottenham page.

Saying Guglielmo Vicario is having "a tough time is an understatement", said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker following another nightmare display at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The goalkeeper made errors to hand Callum Hudson-Odoi a double, with the first coming from a poor pass to Archie Gray that allowed Ibrahim Sangare to pinch the ball on the edge of the area and tee up Hudson-Odoi for a simple finish.

"It is one of the toughest positions to play because if you make a mistake you are the last line of defence," said Reo-Coker on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "That means he can be massively magnified and he just isn't helping himself.

"The first goal he conceded was just embarrassing. He was trying to play out from the back and it went wrong because they were inviting too much pressure on to themselves.

"It feels like Vicario is in a tough spot and so is Thomas Frank.

"But they have to give Frank time because he is a very capable manager. It isn't his team - he is working with the players he has got there - but they need to give him the chance to recruit who he wants.

"Then there will be progression because they are not far off it now. They are just inconsistent."

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

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Sean: The starting line-up looked very promising and it didn't disappoint. Great to see Callum Hudson-Odoi get back on the scoresheet and another for Ibrahim Sangare is a great reward for the hard work he puts in. Plus a Premier League clean sheet for John Victor is going to boost his confidence. Great team effort after a gruelling midweek game in Europe.

John: A victory for proper skillful football over questionable officials' decisions and an opposition whose tactics, such as they were, were negative and provocative. Forest were disciplined and outstanding. They didn't allow Spurs to play, and looked like a squad on the up.

Ben: A very satisfying performance with an excellent mix of quality and game management. Defensively, Forest were excellent and this performance goes to show what they are capable of when they take their chances at the other end. Forest are undergoing a steady rebuild after the early season tumult and they are reaping the rewards of playing sensible football. Long may it continue!

Tino: To a man, we were miles better than Spurs. Won our duels and second balls and looked sharp and balanced. Really impressed with Sangare who has come into his own under Dyche. We will miss him when he goes to Afcon.

Spurs fans

Leonard: A team that seems clueless in strategies with players who are not synced with each other. Thomas Frank is sadly not showing signs of being able to plan tactics and plays that get the best out these players. He gets his team selection wrong most times.

Robin: This isn't about Frank. It's about a group of players who can't seem to do the simple things right, apply the required effort and demonstrate any consistency. Our club has allowed too many coaches to be scapegoated, after poor hiring and recruitment, but ultimately the persistent failure lays with many of the players themselves. The fact they decided to have a meeting following the fans showing their anger rather than regularly meeting to break down their own poor performances speaks volumes about these grifters who too often are stealing a living!

Tony: Absolutely awful Frank must bear responsibility - no leadership on or off the field, ridiculous tactics, playing out of the back, lack of commitment and a worse squad than last year.

'Not good enough' - Amorim admits he and Man Utd are 'underachieving'

Forest pile more pressure on Frank after comfortable win at City Ground. VideoForest pile more pressure on Frank after comfortable win at City Ground

Vote for your Sports Personality Team of the Year

Man City favourites and Liverpool in trouble - how WSL stands at winter break

Mahomes tears ACL as Chiefs miss out on NFL play-offs

Palmer & Foden on target - but Rogers 'has to start' at World Cup

Liverpool 'united as one' after Salah return - Van Dijk

'Anger and disappointment' as fans priced out of World Cup

'There can only be one singer' - my secrets of successful man-management

'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City. Video'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders. VideoBBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders

Barcelona 'not a pressure' for on-loan Rashford

'Mine was for social change, this is not' - King on Battle of the Sexes

The man behind the headlines - Salah, by Klopp, Diaz and more

'I hated rugby' - how Heyes turned around England career

Tottenham are hopeful of bringing in Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea in January.

The forward, who is under contract with Chelsea until 2029, is seen as a player with high potential having made 26 appearances for the national team.

The 21-year-old has had interest from several clubs as she seeks regular game time ahead of March’s Asian Cup.

However, Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners and are in a strong position to strike a deal when the transfer window opens on Friday, 2 January.

More pressure piled on Frank as Forest outclass Spurs. Video, 00:07:46More pressure piled on Frank as Forest outclass Spurs

Up Next. 'Helping daddy regrow' - how Hoy family found strength amid cancer diagnosis. Video, 00:01:54'Helping daddy regrow' - how Hoy family found strength amid cancer diagnosis

'The game that really matters' - pundits on Tyne-Wear derby. Video, 00:00:57'The game that really matters' - pundits on Tyne-Wear derby

'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City. Video, 00:02:40'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City

How Savage and Smethurst gave Macclesfield 'new life' Video, 00:02:03How Savage and Smethurst gave Macclesfield 'new life'

There are 'no reasons to not want Salah to stay' at Liverpool - Slot. Video, 00:01:28There are 'no reasons to not want Salah to stay' at Liverpool - Slot

I'm learning a new football language - Rashford. Video, 00:02:30I'm learning a new football language - Rashford

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders. Video, 00:01:40BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders

"It's pretty evident if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn it around. This is not a quick fix."

Thomas Frank was clear with what is needed after watching Tottenham's weak defeat at Nottingham Forest.

He is confident he will get time to finally tap into Tottenham's potential. But that was not on display at the City Ground.

Mistakes allowed Callum Hudson-Odoi to score twice, and the game was over before Ibrahim Sangare's stunning third.

Spurs won just six of their final 19 games of last season and even lifting the Europa League after beating Manchester United was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou.

Frank replaced him but after winning six of his opening 11 games, he has won just four of his next 14.

Tottenham, 11th in the Premier League and six points adrift of the top five, have changed the manager but their problems remain.

"I think Frank is a really good manager and we have to remember that all managers need time," said ex-England winger and BBC Match of the Day pundit Theo Walcott. "Spurs are not in a terrible position either.

"I think the disappointing thing from their fans' point of view is that this is an opportunity to do even better because of how close the middle of the table is - and how no-one is really standing out massively in that middle pack."

Spurs arrived looking for a third straight win in all competitions for the first time in more than a year - but instead Frank was picking through the wreckage of another damaging defeat.

The 2-0 win at Manchester City in August has long been forgotten and has been replaced by the memories of a 4-1 derby humbling at Arsenal, a 1-0 loss to Chelsea and further home defeats to Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Fulham.

Half of rock bottom Wolves' points total this season has come at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Spurs rescued a 1-1 draw in stoppage time.

Their home win over Brentford last week was the first Premier League victory at home since their opening game in north London against Burnley in August.

There have been Champions League wins over Villarreal, Copenhagen and Slavia Prague but the inconsistencies which have dogged Tottenham for years remain.

Frank only joined in the summer from Brentford, replacing Postecoglou, but it has still left him looking vulnerable with supporters, even if he has clarity of thought.

"I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me, because, of course, it's deeply frustrating that we are not doing better after three good performances," said Frank, who described the display at Forest as "burning, annoying".

"It is extremely important to be calm and measured and of course, have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time so they're not in doubt of what I think, because I'm very honest about where we are as well.

"I was also very honest, today was a very bad performance. No two ways about that, but also know that to change this, this will take some time.

"No one will want to hear about that. It's just reality. I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not too consistent performances, and that's the thing. We are working very hard."

Frank made a triple substitution on 59 minutes, bringing on Ben Davies, Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall for Djed Spence, Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur - with Spence clearly unhappy with the decision.

Former Arsenal forward Walcott felt the changes would only add to fans' frustrations.

"I was thinking 'you are losing the game, why bring on defensive players?' That is the worry," he said. "The attacking side of Tottenham's play, and that is why the fans are frustrated too. Seeing that happen today is not going to help."

Frank, though, was supported by Sean Dyche after Forest recorded a third straight win over Spurs.

"You bring new players in, you don't just click your fingers with a group of players," he said. "They signed players you've got to re-educate in your way.

"But there is no time now. You're a hero to zero every week now, and that's just the nature of the world, not just football.

"He knows what he's doing without a doubt."

Guglielmo Vicario's errors - leading to the first two goals - cannot be ignored. At the end he trudged back towards the Tottenham fans and held up his hands in apology.

He was far from the only culprit for a wretched defeat but the spotlight will shine further on the 29-year-old after previous errors.

Frank had to defend him following his mistake against Fulham, which gave Harry Wilson a crucial goal, and said Spurs fans who abused him can't be true supporters.

There were few left in the away end at the final whistle so Vicario will have been spared the vitriol at the City Ground but there are few places to hide.

Frank refused to blame the Italy international for the first goal, where his pass put Gray in trouble and allowed Sangare to pinch the ball to set up Hudson-Odoi,

"No, I think you see that every week in the Premier League, and from every team all over the world. So, there's no problem with that," he said.

"After the first goal we lost structure and we were more disjointed and then 2-0 kills the game off. It doesn't help we made two mistakes with the first two goals but that can happen in football. We just need to keep doing the right things, so everything looks the right way."

Former England goalkeeper and Match of the Day pundit Joe Hart also absolved Vicario of blame for the first goal.

"He's passed it with the intention of Archie Gray bouncing it first time out to Cristian Romero. The press from Forest is very good and as soon as Gray takes more than one touch it looks like a bad pass from the goalkeeper," said Hart.

"That is something they will do every day in training without any problem.

"If you're being overly critical, Vicario might have been better off giving it to Gray on his stronger right foot, which would make the pass to Romero easier. But you can see from Gray's own reaction he should have dealt with it better."

Yet again, as Spurs looked to progress under Thomas Frank, they came crashing down in arguably their worst performance of the season.

Defeats to Arsenal, Bournemouth and Fulham have been poor - chastening at times, especially to the Gunners - but the surrender at the City Ground could be labelled as a further low.

They were second best throughout and did little to suggest they are able to move forward in their present state.

Guglielmo Vicario's first mistake - passing to put Archie Gray under too much pressure from Ibrahim Sangare and allowing Callum Hudson-Odoi to score - was bad, but the tone had already been set.

Forest pressed and were richly rewarded. Tottenham had no answer. Richarlison was anonymous, as was Xavi Simons, and Premier League debutant John Victor was completely untroubled in the home goal.

Frank will need to defend his goalkeeper again but the whole team deserves criticism as they failed to handle an energised Forest.

Up Next. Frank pleased with Spurs' performance despite defeat at PSG. Video, 00:02:37Frank pleased with Spurs' performance despite defeat at PSG

'The game that really matters' - pundits on Tyne-Wear derby. Video, 00:00:57'The game that really matters' - pundits on Tyne-Wear derby

'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City. Video, 00:02:40'This club can turn things around' - Bernardo Silva on Man City

How Savage and Smethurst gave Macclesfield 'new life' Video, 00:02:03How Savage and Smethurst gave Macclesfield 'new life'

There are 'no reasons to not want Salah to stay' at Liverpool - Slot. Video, 00:01:28There are 'no reasons to not want Salah to stay' at Liverpool - Slot

I'm learning a new football language - Rashford. Video, 00:02:30I'm learning a new football language - Rashford

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders. Video, 00:01:40BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025 contenders