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Tottenham have slipped from their early-season rhythm under Thomas Frank, and Jamie O’Hara has now shared a blunt verdict on the club’s worrying downturn.

Tottenham Hotspur’s high start under Thomas Frank has quickly gone downhill, as results have been poor in recent weeks.

Spurs were in the top five in August, but at the moment, they are edging closer to the bottom half of the table under the new boss, Thomas Frank.

Their 2-1 defeat against the London side Fulham has only compounded Frank’s pressure with boos echoing around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and it is not the first time.

Jamie O’Hara questions Tottenham form under Thomas Frank

Jamie O’Hara has now delivered a strong verdict on Tottenham’s slump and suggested that both the manager and squad are falling short.

He hinted that the scale of the job is exposing Frank, the 52-year-old who is only managing a top six side for the first time in his career.

O’Hara said: “I am starting to think the job is too big for Thomas Frank, but our recruitment has been so bad, these players just are not good enough, most of them are way off it, big problems.”

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Spurs transfer plans heading into January

The January transfer window is edging closer, and Tottenham has some big decisions to make going into the window.

Reports claim that Tottenham are keen to strengthen several areas of their squad, including at the striker position and out wide.

Semenyo has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs, while at the back, there have been talks of a new goalkeeper being signed.

Tottenham will now have to sign top-quality players, not youngsters finding their feet if they are to turn things around and compete with the very best.

Tottenham are trying to rebuild under Thomas Frank, but patience among the fans is beginning to thin after another bruising home setback.

Thomas Frank’s misery as Tottenham Hotspur boss continued as his side suffered yet another home defeat, this time at the hands of London rivals Fulham.

The Cottagers were immense at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, taking the game to Spurs from the very start, and their intensity was rewarded with two early goals inside the opening five minutes.

Frank’s side is now positioned just above the dotted line that separates them from the bottom half of the table, which only piles further pressure on him heading into a demanding run of fixtures.

Tottenham fans react to Thomas Frank after Fulham loss

Spurs fans have not been best pleased with the performance of their side, as there were boos around the stadium following the defeat to Fulham.

Many supporters have now taken to social media to give their take on whether Thomas Frank deserves to remain in the Spurs dugout.

One fan said: “Out. Like as a guy but job is far too big for him. But the recruitment and alot of the players we have needs serious questions asking.”

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Another added: “Out 100% this isnt the Tottenham way.” One more commented: “He was never the right choice, I never understood why so many were excited about him.”

Another added: “Not good enough. Players look pissed with him.” One more stated: “Its been so rubbish its an out for me unfortunately.”

Spurs form raises concern ahead of hectic December

Tottenham fans have every right to demand better from their boss, who has been struggling to steady the ship in recent weeks.

Spurs’ record in November in the Premier League was abysmal, as they did not manage any victory throughout the month.

Tottenham Hotspur have failed to deliver once again, but at least there were a minority of players who actually fought for the badge against Fulham.

Tottenham Hotspur’s home form in the Premier League this season has been embarrassing and this theme has recurred once once more on a grim Saturday night.

Spurs hosted Fulham, whose away record up to this point was very poor. However, like almost every other team to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they walked away with all three points.

Here are the three winners and losers from Tottenham’s disappointing 2-1 defeat against their London rivals.

Micky van de Ven delivered for Tottenham against Fulham

If Micky van de Ven decides he wants to join a better performing club next season, who could possibly blame him?

Despite a dismal team display, the Dutchman performed his defensive duties well and prevented the scoreline from getting ugly in the first half against Fulham.

The media will continue to push their agenda that van de Ven relies too much on his pace, but this should be viewed as a strength to be admired. His recoveries are essential to Tottenham and everything must be done to tie him down a new long-term contract.

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Lucas Bergvall shone in the darkness

One of the only positives about last season until Spurs won the Europa League was Lucas Bergvall and the teenage sensation continues to perform when those around him do not.

Bergvall’s display against Fulham was not on par with his strong showing in Paris, but he was still one of his team’s best players yet again.

The Swede never stops running and always does his utmost to get the team moving forwards. He also bagged a second league assist of the season, which is one positive to take from a shocking night.

Mohammed Kudus did what the Tottenham strikers could not

Randal Kolo Muani missed a good headed chance in the second half as Spurs chased an equaliser and Richarlison was not at all effective.

Neither were going to be the player to get the goal Tottenham so badly needed, then up stepped Mohammed Kudus with a superb half volley to give his team a fighting chance. Kudus has not had the best week for performances, but it was good to see him not only score, but attempt to create chances in the final third.

It was not a perfect night for Kudus, who lost nine ground duels and played 14 inaccurate crosses. However, he was still one of very few Spurs players who did something notable in attack.

Now, let’s take a look at the three losers from Tottenham 1-2 Fulham…

Archie Gray was hooked on the hour mark

Archie Gray was given his first Premier League start in some time after a very positive midweek performance against PSG. Unfortunately, he was far less effective in the London derby, without any real contributions in defence or attack.

It is not fair to blame Gray for the defeat. He came into a team failing to perform and put on a show against the champions of Europe and one underwhelming game should not dictate his future.

Unfortunately, Thomas Frank could use this as a reason to revert back to his preferred midfield system. Therefore, he could lose out on starts in future games based on Saturday night.

Guglielmo Vicario turned the Spurs fans against him

There have been moments this season when Guglielmo Vicario became the saving grace at Tottenham. The 0-0 draw with Monaco was one particular moment when the Italian bailed his side out with multiple saves.

However, he has too many poor performances and the Fulham defeat might be his biggest low points this season.

Vicario had a moment of madness, abandoning his net and giving the ball away which saw the visitors double their lead. Antonin Kinsky might not be piling on the pressure, but Vicario has to do better. He has accepted the criticism aimed in his direction, but words must be matched by actions.

Thomas Frank is on borrowed time at Tottenham

To be brutally honest, it might be for his own good if Thomas Frank is shown the door by Spurs. Like Nuno Espirito Santo, he is not a bad manager, but Tottenham does not seem to be the right fit for him.

No matter what formation Frank uses or what players are fielded, the Dane cannot deliver results. Three defeats in seven days is a really bad look, regardless of the opposition.

Of course, there is an argument to be made that Spurs created enough chances against Fulham to at least get a draw, while the second goal was the result of an individual error. However, with every defeat, it just feels more and more like Frank does not have the ability to turn things around in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has now sent a message to Spurs fans who booed him after his goalkeeping howler against Fulham.

Spurs fell to yet another defeat on Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when London rivals Fulham made the short trip to north London.

It was a performance riddled with individual errors and a lack of fight as Fulham, who have struggled on their travels all season, went away with all three points on the night.

Spurs also made it three defeats in their last three outings, conceding 11 goals in the process, a record that neither Frank nor his players will be proud of.

Guglielmo Vicario speaks on Tottenham fans’ reaction after goalkeeping error against Fulham

Guglielmo Vicario, who has been a solid performer between the sticks for Tottenham all season, had a hand to play in Fulham’s second goal of the night.

The goalkeeper found himself in no man’s land after stepping out as a sweeper keeper to mop things up, but instead of booting the ball into row Z, he opted for a risky forward pass that landed at the feet of Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson, who slotted home into an empty net.

Tottenham fans inside the stadium booed Vicario’s next few touches of the ball, with Thomas Frank arguing that real fans do not actively boo their own players.

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Frank said: “I didn’t like that our fans booed at him straight after and a few times after that. They can’t be true Tottenham fans because everyone supports each other when you’re on the pitch and we do everything we can to perform. I’m fine with them booing after the match, no problem, but not during. That is unacceptable in my opinion.”

The Spurs number one has now opened up on the reaction from fans inside the ground and stressed that the focus has to remain on the pitch, telling Sky Sports that the atmosphere and noise around him cannot dictate his performance.

He said: “It is part of football. I am a big man, I am quite older. We cannot be influenced for which is the situation in the stands.

“The fans have the right to do what they think and probably it is on us to stay more calm and focus more on ourselves.”

Tottenham form under Thomas Frank worsening with worrying trend

This is a bad defeat for Tottenham, as they have managed just one win in their last five league outings under Thomas Frank, who is coming under pressure.

The last time Tottenham managed a win in the league was back on October 26 against Everton, a victory that now feels like centuries ago.

In November, Tottenham managed just one point from four league outings, a run that has seen them go from top six to tenth in the league, and if their form continues like this, then they could very much be sucked into the bottom half of the table.

Everyone needs to step up, including the players, the manager, and the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are both being linked with the same striker who has 19 goals and three assists in 28 games this season.

Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on strengthening their squad in the winter window, particularly in attack, given the lack of quality in that area of the pitch.

Spurs have been linked with a fair few names in the weeks and months heading into the window, but it remains unclear what the club’s preferred option is at this stage.

Fans will love Antoine Semenyo joining to strengthen the left side of the attack, while reports have linked Tottenham with Harry Kane, Rayan Viktor, Aklilouche and Dusan Vlahovic.

But a new name has now sprung up, with reports linking Tottenham with FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju.

Manchester United and Tottenham linked with a move for Franculino Dju

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham Hotspur remain in the picture to sign FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju.

He is a Guinea-Bissau international who has a contract until 2029, and a Transfermarkt valuation of £11m (€13m). The frontman has starred for FC Midtjylland this season, managing 19 goals and three assists from 28 matches.

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However, Tottenham are not the only ones keeping tabs on the forward, with reports stating that AS Roma are looking for a new striker and have Franculino on their agenda.

According to Tipsbladet, Manchester United are also keen on signing Dju in 2026. United are shopping around for a new striker and believe Dju could be an interesting upgrade on Joshua Zirkzee.

Spurs’ view on Franculino Dju fee

Despite a modest Transfermarkt valuation, it is reported by Gazzetta dello Sport that Franculino Dju, who was valued at £17m (€20m) last summer, has now seen his transfer valuation increase to £26m (€30m). That £9m (€10m) rise in price has now seen Roma back away, but Spurs are still in the mix.

However, Tipsbladet put the striker’s price at something closer to £31.5m (€36m).

Dju’s top performances in Denmark have not only brought interest from Roma, Tottenham, and Man United, but Borussia Dortmund can also be added to his list of suitors.

Meanwhile, Everton and Bayern Munich have also been credited with interest, while Arsenal have also been named amongst those interested in the forward.

Spurs fell to yet another home defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League against Fulham, piling the pressure on Thomas Frank who is struggling to steady the ship.

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned from Tottenham 1-2 Fulham:

Tottenham home form leaves Thomas Frank under pressure

Thomas Frank will definitely be feeling the heat now as things are slowly crumbling for the Dane at Tottenham, with yet another derby day defeat making it three losses in the last three London derby encounters.

Not only is it a derby defeat, but it also marks another home loss for Tottenham this season.

Of course, this poor run of home form stretches back to last season and with a defeat to Fulham, it now leaves Tottenham with three home wins from their last 20 games.

Thomas Frank had spoken about wanting to improve on Spurs’ record, but today’s performance was anything but that, as Tottenham’s lack of composure was evident from the first whistle.

So far this season, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has only seen a Tottenham win once, with Wolves the only side to have a worse home record than Spurs.

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Thomas Frank’s 4-2-2-2 formation looked dismal in the first half

Thomas Frank looks to be doubling down on this 4-2-2-2 setup as we saw it against PSG and once more for the first time in the Premier League.

However, it was an entirely different outcome in the league. As opposed to the Champions League, where Spurs looked solid at the back with the formation, keeping PSG at bay for most of the first half, in the league, it was the exact opposite.

Spurs were not defensively solid, conceding two in the opening five minutes. In attack, they were also very poor, as they did not manage a shot on target in the first forty-five minutes.

There were signs of improvement in attack when some width was added, as Spurs created more and looked more threatening.

If Frank is to stick with this setup, then he has to ensure there is a proper balance both at the back and up top.

Brennan Johnson uncertainty grows despite manager comments

Ahead of the clash against Fulham, Thomas Frank spoke openly about how Johnson is a player with qualities that can be of use to his Tottenham side.

However, despite his talk, the Welsh international remained an unused substitute throughout the game against London rivals Fulham.

Brennan Johnson was Spurs’ top scorer last season, and with his side chasing a game, one would expect that the Tottenham boss will at least throw him into the mix.

That was not the case, as Tel, Odobert, Sarr and other players were called upon, with the wide forward remaining on the bench despite scoring more times than Odobert and Tel this season for Tottenham.

If he cannot even be used as an impact sub, then the manager’s message is clear: Johnson might not be in his plans.

Micky van de Ven stood out while Tottenham defenders and Guglielmo Vicario struggled

Tottenham were abysmal in this league encounter, but one could still pick a few players who left their hearts on the pitch.

Van de Ven is one such star who was key, particularly in defence for Tottenham. Porro struggled to deal with Chukwueze, Udogie offered nothing going forward, while Danso basically kept things simple at the back.

However, van de Ven was very proactive and even prevented Fulham from going three up with his last-ditch tackle on Chukwueze, who was set to fire into an empty net having beaten Vicario.

Had the other members of the Tottenham backline shown a similar fight to that of the Dutchman, then perhaps Spurs would have come away with all three points.

Randal Kolo Muani impresses and strengthens case to lead the Spurs line

Another player who was good for Spurs was Kolo Muani at the top end of the pitch. The Frenchman showed fight and was willing to chase down loose balls.

He also was not scared to run down the channels and even take his man on when the opportunity came.

Spurs supporters in the ground often cheered the forward’s fighting spirit. He could also have grabbed a goal if his header in the second half had found its way into the bottom corner.

A solid display that will definitely have pushed him up the pecking order, making him a mainstay up front.

The full-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the Premier League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham full-time player ratings vs Fulham

Guglielmo Vicario – The goalkeeper was well beaten for the two Fulham goals, but the second could have been prevented if he had simply booted the ball up the field. He was not threatened as much in the second half, as Marco Silva’s men looked to protect their lead. 2.

Pedro Porro – Not at his best defensively in this match-up, as the Tottenham full-back struggled to deal with Chukwueze’s threat, with the Fulham winger often getting in behind him on Spurs’ right. Offensively, he offered some threat with his deliveries into the box, creating one of Tottenham’s better chances for Kolo Muani in the second half. 6.

Kevin Danso – It was an opening five minutes to forget for Tottenham in the first forty-five, which ultimately cost them the game. Danso replaced Cristian Romero, who was suspended for this match, and he could do nothing to steady a backline that has now conceded eleven goals in their last three matches. In the second half, it was more assured, although Fulham threatened far less. 5.

Micky van de Ven – The Dutchman was one of Tottenham’s best players in the first half, as he prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity when Chukwueze rounded Vicario. It could easily have been four if not for the centre-back’s pace and recovery tackles. He had some respite in the second half as Spurs chased the game. 7.

Destiny Udogie – Had a very subpar performance and offered little for Tottenham in attack throughout the game. With Spurs chasing the match, more overlapping runs would have been expected, but none were present. 4.

Joao Palhinha – One of his poorest matches in a Tottenham shirt since signing. He offered little protection to the backline and did not come close to closing down Tete’s strike for the opener. It was no surprise that he was taken off. 4.

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Archie Gray – The midfielder did not offer much at either end of the pitch, particularly in the first half, when Fulham attacked with ease. With Tottenham chasing the match, Thomas Frank opted for more freshness in midfield and removed the youngster. 4.5.

Lucas Bergvall – Not quite as influential as he was against PSG, but he did look energetic in the second half and registered the assist for Mohammed Kudus’ strike in the second half. Went close with a flicked header at the near post from a corner. Was strange to see Frank take him off just as he was driving Spurs up the pitch. 7.

Mohammed Kudus – The Ghana international was a livewire in the first half and often looked to make things happen for Tottenham in the final third. He eventually scored for Spurs in the second half with a well-struck volley. 8.

Richarlison – The forward struggled to affect proceedings up top and did not manage a shot during his time on the pitch before being taken off. 4.

Randal Kolo Muani – Definitely the brightest of Tottenham’s forward players, as he was sharp in picking up loose balls. He had a good chance in the second half, meeting Porro’s cross with a header, but he could not direct it goalwards. 6.5.

Substitutes

Xavi Simons – Came on in place of Richarlison and had a good chance to make it 2–2 after Porro’s cutback found him in the box, but he fired over. 5.

Wilson Odobert – Replaced Archie Gray but offered little attacking thrust as Tottenham chased the match. 5.

Rodrigo Bentancur – Came on for Joao Palhinha and slotted into the pivot role as Spurs looked for freshness in midfield. 5.

Pape Sarr – Replaced Lucas Bergvall. N/A.

The half-time whistle has blown between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in the Premier League, and the player ratings are in.

Tottenham half-time player ratings vs Fulham

Guglielmo Vicario – Spurs started this league fixture in the worst possible manner, with Vicario conceding two in the opening five minutes. The first goal took a wicked deflection off Destiny Udogie, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The second, however, was a mess, as Vicario found himself in no man’s land and, instead of booting it into row Z, he opted to play out from the back. A poor decision, and he handed Fulham an early Christmas present. 2.

Pedro Porro – The Spaniard has been nowhere near Chukwueze, who is having a free rein on Tottenham’s right, constantly getting in behind Porro, who is often dragged into midfield. 3.

Kevin Danso – Not the sort of start the Austrian would have wanted, coming into the side in place of the suspended Cristian Romero. There was nothing he could have done about either goal, but he will be scratching his head over his side’s poor defending. 4.

Micky van de Ven – He has already had to bail Tottenham out with a couple of blocks and tackles, as Spurs have looked to be aggressive by playing a high line, forcing Van de Ven to hit the accelerator. He prevented a certain goal when Chukwueze rounded Vicario, but the Dutchman timed his challenge to perfection. 7.5.

Destiny Udogie – No notable contribution so far from the full-back who replaced Djed Spence in the starting eleven today. His biggest involvement was his attempted block that led to Fulham’s opener. 4.

Joao Palhinha – Tottenham conceded another goal from the edge of the box with neither of their pivots anywhere near the shot. Fulham have been able to attack with ease, and Palhinha has to get tighter to Silva’s men. 4.

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Archie Gray – Definitely not the sort of start he would have wanted coming into the side ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur. It was more of the same, and the midfielder was nowhere near Kenny Tete when he let fly from the edge of the Tottenham box. 4.

Lucas Bergvall – The Swede has barely had an impact on proceedings at the top end of the pitch. He has, however, put in a fair few tackles and has looked to play forward passes. 4.

Mohammed Kudus – A bright spark for Tottenham, always positive in attack and always looking to beat his man whenever he has the ball. However, there has been no end product. 5.

Richarlison – Spurs are looking to attack with two forwards, allowing Richarlison to keep his spot up top. The Brazil international, though, has not had a single sniff in this match. 4.

Former Everton and Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness has weighed in on what Thomas Frank is expected to achieve at Tottenham Hotspur.

Frank has come under scathing criticism over the last week, with some already writing him off just a few months into his job at Tottenham.

The Spurs head coach has reacted philosophically to the criticism levelled at him, making it clear that it is nothing more than he expected when he took the job.

Frank remains confident that Tottenham will click as an attacking force sooner or later and score a lot of goals.

Keith Wyness claims Thomas Frank needs to achieve top-six finish at Tottenham

The Dane took over a side which finished in 17th place last season, and perhaps he now realises the true breadth of his challenge.

Wyness believes that finishing outside the European places will simply not be tolerated by the Tottenham hierarchy this summer.

When asked what Frank needs to achieve at Spurs, the former Everton chief told Football Insider: “He’s got to improve on last season. I don’t think even a 10th, 11th, or 12th would work for him.

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“I think he’s got to be in the European places and I think Spurs, without a stadium, etc. expect to be achieving at least in the top six or seven. And I think that’s where he’ll be judged on. And he’ll be OK.

“I don’t think they’re going to get rid of him. But still, that’s what I think he’s been set. And they’d expect something of that level. And the resources they’ve got, I mean, it’s quite fair to expect that.”

Wyness believes Frank is the right person for the Spurs job

Reports indicate that the Tottenham board are looking at Frank’s project as a long-term one and are not going to make knee-jerk decisions.

Wyness believes that is the right approach, insisting that the 52-year-old needs time to clean up the mess created at the club over the last few years.

He added about Tottenham: “There’s a lot of history behind that squad, a lot of mistakes at Spurs over the years, and the fans have got to realise it might take a couple of seasons to get this sorted out and move it forward.

But I’m going to believe that Frank is the right guy. He’s proven it before, and let’s hope he’s given that time to do it.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s scouts travelled across Europe to catch a glimpse of a young centre-forward who is quickly emerging as one of the hottest properties across the continent.

Some outlets have reported that signing a number nine is a priority for Spurs in January, and several strikers across the continents have been linked with a move to N17.

That includes a young Spaniard, who has been prolific at Porto since joining the Portuguese giants 18 months ago.

Tottenham are reportedly big fans of Samu Aghehowa, who has scored 10 goals in 19 appearances for his club this season, and has a release clause of €100m (£88m) in his contract.

Tottenham scouted Samu Aghehowa on Thursday

According to A BOLA (as relayed by Sport Witness), scouts from Tottenham Hotspur were at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday to watch Porto play Nice in the Europa League.

The outlet concludes that the Lilywhites were to run the rule on Aghehowa, who netted from the penalty spot as Porto emerged 3-0 winners.

It is claimed that Tottenham have ‘intensified checks’ on the 21-year-old centre-forward over recent months as we edge closer to the January transfer window.

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Spurs battling two London rivals for Aghehowa

Tottenham are not the only Premier League club eyeing the Porto man, with reports indicating that Arsenal could offer competition to Spurs for Aghehowa.

That report was carried by CaughtOffside, who suggested that the Lilywhites were leading their North London rivals in the race for the striker, who is valued at around €90m (£79m).