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Thomas Frank reacted against Sunderland after being criticised by Tottenham fans for what he did against Brentford.

Tottenham’s home form across 2025 was shocking, and the club did not have the start they would have hoped for to 2026, being held to a 1-1 draw by Sunderland in North London.

However, Frank did make some tactical modifications to the side, which suggests that he is taking on board some of the criticism.

The Dane played Wilson Odobert in the number ten role, which was a welcome change to the conservative three-man midfield he played at the Gtech Community Stadium, and he made another big call in the matchday squad.

Thomas Frank named Tottenham starlet on the bench against Sunderland

Some Spurs fans questioned why Luca Williams-Barnett was not included in the squad against Brentford, suggesting that Frank is as scared to play kids as some of his predecessors were.

The 52-year-old rectified that mistake on Sunday, naming Williams-Barnett among his matchday squad.

The 17-year-old has 15 goals and seven assists to his name in 16 outings for the U18s and U21s this term, but the Tottenham boss opted not to bring him on, despite his lack of attacking options on the bench.

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Frank explains why he did not bring on Luca Williams-Barnett

The Dane explained that he would have introduced the teenager if Tottenham had been on top and looked like scoring a second goal.

However, given how the contest was going, he felt that bringing on Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall would benefit the side more by shoring them up at the back.

When asked why Williams-Barnett was not introduced, Frank told Football.London: “I think it was not a game where we were just, boom, on top of it, and we just need that goal, and we were just controlling the game. So if that was the case, then it could have been a different decision.

“I think when we put Joao and Lucas on, there’s been a lot of running, and it was a little bit back and forth. So Lucas played 10 many times, and been a very good creative player for us, so that was more or less like-for-like for Wilson.

“And then with Joao for Archie, it was a game where we, I think it’s fair to say, maybe lacked the exact cutting edge. Maybe it would be good just to make sure we could win 1-0, which we unfortunately couldn’t.”

Mohammed Kudus is the latest Tottenham Hotspur player to suffer an injury, but there is a possibility that two players will be back before the end of January.

Tottenham Hotspur have not yet experienced an injury crisis that quite compares to the magnitude of last season, but there are still a number of key players out of action.

Mohammed Kudus is the club’s most recent casualty, as the winger was unable to continue after only 19 minutes against Sunderland.

This will concern Thomas Frank because Spurs still have six fixtures left to fulfil before the first month of the year concludes.

Two Tottenham players could return from injury this month

There is no news as of yet on when Kudus is likely to return to the Tottenham first-team squad. As for the other unavailable players, James Maddison is still out with a long-term injury and Dejan Kulusevski will not play until next month at the earliest, according to The Standard.

However, Destiny Udogie is in contention for a return this month and Dominic Solanke has been training with his team at Hotspur Way.

Neither player will be fit to face Bournemouth on Wednesday, but it is positive to see that their time away from competitive football is almost over.

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Spurs have important fixtures coming up

It is hard to see when Tottenham can give their regular starters a break in January. Every Premier League fixture matters at this stage, while the FA Cup is the club’s only realistic chance at winning a trophy this season.

Spurs also have two league phase matches remaining in the Champions League and victories would likely put them in the top eight. As a result, they would have two fewer fixtures to play later on than the teams who finish in the play-off spots.

Therefore, it is important that players out with injuries return as quickly as possible so Tottenham have a better chance at getting results across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur have recorded a second successive draw in the Premier League, but many will feel the hosts should have put the game to bed when they had the lead.

Here are five things we have learned as Spurs continue to face pressure from their own supporters after another poor showing.

Spurs played well in the first half

Despite throwing the game away, Tottenham actually played some good football in the first half against Sunderland.

There was more balance in attack, with a natural wide option on the left and Wilson Odobert had some decent moments in a more central role.

Spurs pressed well and did not allow Sunderland to play their football in the first half. It is just a shame they were unable to take advantage with a second goal, because the visitors were allowed back into the game in the latter stages.

Mohammed Kudus’ injury has come at the worst possible time for Tottenham

Of course Mohammed Kudus has picked up his first injury as a Spurs player immediately after Brennan Johnson was sold to Crystal Palace.

Johnson was starting less and less for Tottenham and he barely featured on the right under Thomas Frank, because the manager preferred Kudus.

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However, Spurs are now without both players, which leaves them in a concerning position as fixtures continue stacking up. The one positive is that this could cause the board to act with more urgency in the January transfer window, rather than leaving their business until the last minute.

Mathys Tel was a bright spark in the Spurs team

It would not be surprising if Mathys Tel is sent out on loan either sooner or later and his performance yesterday is unlikely to change that.

However, the 20-year-old did look bright in the first half against Sunderland and he got some shots on goal, despite not occupying the centre forward position.

With Kudus out, Tel could be handed more chances in the first-team. This would be a great opportunity because he has not been allowed to build up a run of form up to this point due to a lack of game time.

Randal Kolo Muani is not doing enough to earn a permanent Tottenham move

What a chance it was when a very good ball was played inside to Randal Kolo Muani when Spurs held a 1-0 lead. However, he completely missed the ball and eventually opted to shoot from a wide position, putting it out for a goal kick.

Other than this mistake, it is difficult to identify what Muani actually did to help Tottenham on Sunday and it is not the first time this conversation is taking place.

Whether Muani plays as a striker or as a winger, he is not doing enough for Spurs and scoring goals definitely appears to be a problem. As things stand, the Frenchman will be going straight back to PSG in the summer and Tottenham will not consider placing a bid to secure his services.

Thomas Frank needs to stop always erring on the side of caution

It was common when Jose Mourinho was in charge for Spurs to take a 1-0 lead and prioritise holding onto it, only to concede a goal in the latter stages of a game.

Frank’s Tottenham reign is seeing similar themes and this was certainly the case as Sunderland robbed the hosts of a victory, thanks to a late Brian Brobbey goal.

There appears to be a continual desire by Frank either to hold onto a one-goal lead, or to defend in order to secure a draw. However, this strategy could ultimately be costing Spurs points, because sometimes the best way to stay on top is by scoring again.

Mohammed Kudus has given some interesting responses in a word association game regarding his Tottenham Hotspur teammates.

The Ghana international has settled in well since his big-money move from West Ham in the summer.

He has made the right-wing spot his own, displacing Brennan Johnson, who is now expected to be sold by Tottenham after struggling for starts this term.

The 25-year-old has nine goal contributions so far in a Spurs shirt, all but one of which have come in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus’ one-word description of his Tottenham teammates

The former Hammers man was asked to come up with one word for each player in the Tottenham squad in a segment for TNT Sports.

Some of his Kudus’ responses were obvious, such as ‘speed’ for Micky van de Ven and ‘leader’ for Cristian Romero. However, he also came up with some very interesting words to describe some of his other teammates.

Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski are apparently both ‘magicians’, while Pedro Porro is ‘funny’ and Dominic Solanke is a ‘finisher’. Destiny Udogie was handed ‘positive’ and Lucas Bergvall got ‘energetic’.

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Despite his injury, James Maddison is still known as the ‘creator’, while Pape Sarr is ‘calm’, Mathys Tel is ‘bright’, Guglielmo Vicario is ‘loud’, Joao Palhinha is ‘passionate’, Rodrigo Bentancur is ‘disciplined’, Djed Spence is ‘crazy’, Randal Kolo Muani is ‘resilient’, Richarlison is ‘funny’, and Kevin Danso is a ‘top professional’.

Kudus rounded off the video by declaring himself Tottenham’s ‘star boy’, despite only joining the club in the summer and being 25-years-old.

Watch the segment below:

Kudus’ description of Kevin Danso says a lot

The fact that Kudus started with ‘What a guy’ for Danso and described him as a ‘true professional’ says a lot about the Austrian.

The 27-year-old has quickly become one of the most loved players in the dressing room and has proven himself to be the perfect team man.

A highly-rated Tottenham Hotspur winger is of interest to Bromley and Wimbledon after being recalled by the North London side.

Spurs have a whole host of young players out on loan this term, and most of them are having a good time away from the club, gaining some valuable experience.

However, that was not the case with Damola Ajayi, who joined Doncaster Rovers on loan in the summer, but struggled to break into the team.

The Tottenham winger – who scored on the run to Europa League glory last season – started only one game for Doncaster, and Spurs chose to recall Ajayi to Hotspur Way last week.

Two clubs showing loan interest in Tottenham youngster Damola Ajayi

There is no shortage of interest in the winger, who has impressed for Tottenham’s youth sides over recent years, despite his struggles in Doncaster.

The Sun’s Tom Barclay has revealed that Bromley and AFC Wimbledon have both shown interest in signing Ajayi on loan for the second half of the season.

Bromley are currently sitting at the top of the League Two table, while Wimbledon are placed 12th in League One.

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Barclay wrote on X: “Understand Bromley and AFC Wimbledon have shown interest in loaning young Tottenham midfielder Damola Ajayi this window. Ajayi has just been recalled from his loan spell at Doncaster in search of a club that will give him more game-time.”

Why Spurs have to be careful with Ajayi loan decision

The 20-year-old has essentially wasted half a season by warming the bench for Doncaster.

Rovers boss Grant McCann suggested that Ajayi was unfortunate as he was competing with the best right-winger in League One, Luke Molyneux.

Tottenham Hotspur have settled on a transfer shortlist of seven wingers and wide-forwards as they aim to add more firepower to their attack this month.

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that signing a wide-forward is Tottenham’s top priority, and that has now become even more important, given that Brennan Johnson has been sold to Crystal Palace for £35m.

Spurs’ attempts to lure their top target, Antoine Semenyo, have failed, and the big question now is which player they will turn to next.

It has now emerged that the Lilywhites have not identified a standout target and are ready to be flexible depending on the opportunities that present themselves.

Tottenham assessing seven wingers for January transfer window

TEAMtalk have now claimed that Thomas Frank’s men have come up with a big list of options to strengthen their attack.

Tottenham are said to be ‘actively assessing’ the situations of Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, Man City’s Savinho and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, with the Lilywhites determined to sign an attacker who could change the course of their season.

Spurs are also keeping an eye on other profiles, including Man City duo Omar Marmoush and Oscar Bobb, and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who are not out-and-out wingers.

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The club are also exploring a move for Koln’s Said El Mala, with Tottenham weighing up both immediate impact and long-term value.

Spurs realise they need to spend big on a top-class attacker

TEAMtalk say that Tottenham are ready to show intent in the market this month, and they are willing to be very flexible if their preferred targets prove out of reach.

The club officials expect agents to begin offering new opportunities as the window progresses and are hopeful that they will get some good value options if they show some patience

However, there is an acceptance among the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy that top attacking talent will come at a premium, especially with clubs being aware that Frank’s men are seeking a game-changing addition.

Despite the risk of having to pay inflated prices, Spurs are said to be confident that they can make the sort of attacking addition that would increase their chance creation and goal output.

An England international has decided to return to the Premier League in January, with Tottenham and Man United at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

Spurs are thought to be on the lookout for a new midfielder in January, and one of their long-term targets is expected to be available.

It has been reported that Tottenham have spoken to Conor Gallagher regarding a January move after he fell down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid.

It emerged a couple of days ago that Atletico have decided to cash in on the Spurs target after the midfielder held a conversation about his future with Diego Simeone.

Tottenham one of two clubs leading Conor Gallagher race

TEAMtalk now claim that Gallagher is ‘very keen’ on returning to the Premier League in January as he eyes a spot in the England squad for the World Cup.

The outlet says that Tottenham Hotspur and Man United are leading the rest of the pack in the race for the former Chelsea man’s signature.

The North London club have been a fan of the energetic box-to-box midfielder for a long time, and club insiders believe that the player would be ‘enthusiastic’ about a move to London.

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Thomas Frank sees Gallagher as the ‘ideal addition’ to his Spurs midfield, but Ruben Amorim is also a big fan of the England man.

Spurs may have an advantage over Man United and others in Gallagher race

TEAMtalk say that Newcastle are also interested in the Atletico man, while Everton and West Ham are keeping close tabs on his situation.

However, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Old Trafford has been deemed as Gallagher’s most likely destination at this stage.

It is explained that United want to sign the midfielder on an initial loan deal, but Simeone’s men prefer a permanent transfer for around €30m (£26.2m). Spurs fans may be hoping this puts them in the driver’s seat in the race for Gallagher.

Tottenham Hotspur experienced a frustrating draw against Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

We’ve analysed the performance of the Spurs players throughout the ninety minutes and beyond at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ben Davies fired Tottenham ahead on the half hour mark, an advantage which they maintained heading into half time, only for Brian Brobbey to equalise in the second half with both sides playing out a 1-1 draw.

How the Spurs players rated against Sunderland

Below, we have given each Tottenham player a performance rating on a scale of 0-10, with 10 highest score achievable for an impressive performance

Guglielmo Vicario – 5

Didn’t have a lot to do in the first half. Had a nervy moment after the break when he flapped at the ball and missed it. Could do little about the equaliser.

Pedro Porro – 5

Never shirks from the physical battle and got stuck in on more than one occasion. His crossing, however. was way below par.

Cristian Romero – 5

Made a nearly costly error early in the second half. Will now wait to see if he has been handed a further ban by the FA. Dragged out of position for Sunderland’s goal.

Micky van de Ven – 6

Bagged an assist for his part in Davies’ goal. Used his pace a couple of times to help out defensively.

Ben Davies – 6

Not many would have had Davies down to start, let alone score the opening goal.

Archie Gray – 5

A steady performance, nothing eye-catching. Replaced on 71 mins.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 5

Has rolled up his sleeves to get stuck into some tackles, but still needs to play the ball forwards more often. Booked.

Mathys Tel – 6

Tottenham’s best player in the first half with some lively play on the left flank and had a couple of efforts on goal. Unfortunately, did not have the same impact after the break. Replaced on 86 mins.

Wilson Odobert – 5

Filling in for Xavi Simons in the number ten position while the Dutchman serves the last match of his suspension. Replaced on 71 mins.

Mohammed Kudus – 5

Typically, just after Brennan Johnson is sold, Kudus picked up a thigh injury fifteen minutes into the game and had to be replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

Richarlison – 5

Made a good run in behind on 54 minutes, but needs to release the ball earlier across the goal when a second goal was so desperately needed.

Randal Kolo Muani – 6

A first-half replacement for Kudus, saw plenty of the ball during his time on the pitch, but still no home goal.

Lucas Bergvall – 5

Fumbled the ball for a foul throw. A replacement on 71 mins.

Joao Palhinha – 5

Also came on with 19 mins remaining. Flicked a late header the wrong side of the post in added time. Booked.

Dane Scarlett – N/A

On for the last four minutes.

Djed Spence – N/A

Replaced Davies at left-back on 86 mins.

Thomas Frank has spoken about what he expects Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy to look like during the January window.

Tottenham Hotspur have already been active since the transfer window reopened, with Brennan Johnson completing a move to Crystal Palace.

As well as this, Kota Takai has departed Spurs on loan after failing to make a single appearance since he moved to North London last summer.

However, Tottenham are yet to announce their first January signing, leaving their squad depleted as a host of players continue to be unavailable.

Thomas Frank wants the Tottenham first-team to be improved

Thomas Frank wants Spurs to bring in players who will make his team stronger immediately after their arrivals.

However, the Dane still believes it is important to sign young prospects. Therefore, he will not stand in the way if those at the top of the Tottenham hierarchy decide to add players who might not yet have the quality to be regular starters.

He told Football London: “We are there in the market and will do everything we can to improve the squad, but we should be so aware that short-term impact can’t limit long-term success. But on the flip side, can we do something that will really improve us? I think we should go very hard for that.”

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He added: “It always needs to be both players that can impact the team now, that’s the main priority, but at the same time it’s not that we just stop signing teenagers because you need to have players with impact now and players for the long term.

“Sometimes you sign a young player who is good enough to play now, sometimes you sign a young player who comes in and you send him on loan and they are part of the long-term thinking so it will still be a mix of both.”

Franks wants Spurs to sign their favoured transfer targets

One point Frank has emphasised is that Tottenham do not drop too far down their list of transfer targets, because signing players who can make an impact now is highly important.

“We have lists of players and we have priority numbers one, two, three, four, five and six in every position. And if we go to number six…. it’s probably not as good as you want. Is number six good enough for us to get to where we want to be in the future? Probably not. But it’s a fine balance,” he admitted.

“Sometimes you need to take some steps forward before we can get the perfect solution. So, that’s why I’ve said every decision we make needs to be for long-term success but [be] very aware of how impactful it can be now, as well. So that could end with that [no signings]. But of course I hope that we are [active].”

Frank added: “I know that Johan [Lange], Fabio [Paratici], Vinai are working day and night to do everything, together with the recruitment team, the [Lewis] family is backing us with everything. But I think the best clubs take good, sensible decisions.”

Watch how Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore grabbed the decisive goal between Rangers and Celtic in the Old Firm derby.

In Scotland, the derby between Rangers and Celtic is usually intense and fierce, with both sides eager to get one over their bitter rivals.

On Saturday afternoon, the rivalry between the two sides was reignited as the two Scottish giants locked horns, with just three points separating the teams who came into the clash sitting third and second respectively.

It was Rangers, however, who got the better of their bitter rivals in the Old Firm derby, as they closed the gap on Celtic as well as Hearts, who sit top of the Scottish Premiership table.

Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore scores in Old Firm derby

Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore is out on loan with Rangers and got a taste of the local derby between the two sides, starting from the off.

The teenager, who had a difficult start to life in Glasgow, has been slowly finding his feet, and this afternoon he played a vital role in helping Rangers secure all three points against Celtic.

Moore grabbed the third and final goal in the clash in the 70th minute, after he beat Schmeichel with a low angled finish that the experienced goalkeeper really should have kept out.

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Still, the young forward did well to take on Gassama’s pass and tee up the strike. Watch goal below:

Mikey Moore stats against Celtic

Tottenham Hotspur will be pleased with the way the youngster is developing as he continues to gather much-needed experience away on loan.

It was not just his goal that made him a standout in the clash, as Moore put in a solid performance overall.

The teenager managed three shots, created one big chance, had three touches in the opposition box, and, defensively, won two of his three aerial duels.