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Tottenham Hotspur could be handed a big blow ahead of their trip to France to take on Paris Saint-Germain.

The confidence of the Tottenham first-team squad took a massive hit on Sunday as the Lilywhites suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by Arsenal.

It was Tottenham’s first away defeat of the Premier League season, and they now have an even more challenging task next up: a trip to Paris where they will come up against PSG in the Champions League.

A few days ago, reports in France suggested that Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele could all be ruled out of the Spurs clash due to injury.

Positive signs for Ousmane Dembele ahead of Tottenham game

However, L’Equipe claim there is some good news for PSG ahead of their clash against the North London outfit.

It is revealed that Dembele recovered from his calf injury and trained with his PSG teammates on Friday.

Even though the 28-year-old did not feature against Le Havre on Saturday, he is said to be feeling ‘positive’ ahead of the club’s Champions League clash on Wednesday.

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A PSG insider told the outlet about the former Barcelona star’s fitness: “He knows his body well. We’ll see on Monday and Tuesday. There are three days left. After that, it will be up to the coach to decide.”

Another big loss could be hard for Spurs to recover from

While Tottenham are unbeaten in the Champions League this season, the reality is that they could have easily lost both of their away matches at Bodo/Glimt and Monaco.

Following the drubbing at the Emirates, the Spurs players may not believe that they stand a chance of keeping PSG out for 90 minutes.

The worry for Frank would be that another big loss could seriously dent the players’ morale and would be very difficult to recover from.

A former Tottenham striker was left astonished by one particular tactic Thomas Frank employed against Arsenal.

Frank’s tactics are being picked apart ruthlessly after Tottenham’s 4-1 drubbing at the Emirates, and rightly so, with the Dane’s ultra-defensive approach failing to work.

The Spurs boss’ selection decisions have also been questioned, with his decision to play five at the back and leave out the likes of Xavi Simons backfiring.

There was one other tactical tweak by Frank that left an experienced pundit speechless.

Alan Brazil bemused by Tottenham’s set-piece tactic against Arsenal

Former Tottenham forward and talkSPORT presenter Alan Brazil questioned the logic of why the away side were so deep while defending Arsenal’s indirect free kicks into the box.

The 66-year-old insisted that it was one of the most stupid things he had ever seen on a football pitch and suggested that it could have easily cost the away side.

Brazil told talkSPORT: “What about the free-kicks Arsenal put in, and Tottenham lined up just outside their own six-yard box.

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“How stupid is that. The second one just needs any sort of flick on. Why are they back there? Get out, get up there. Leave a bit of space for the keeper to make a decision to come or stay on his line. I’ve never seen anything so stupid in my life.”

Thomas Frank would have had his reasons for the free-kick tactic

There is no doubt that Frank and his coaching staff would have analysed Arsenal’s strengths in deadball situations.

They clearly came up with the plan to counter it and felt that having a deadline would be better, despite the risks involved with defending in that manner.

Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Guglielmo Vicario is not particularly comfortable coming off his line. Frank may have been worried Arsenal would take advantage of the Italian’s weakness.

Tottenham Hotspur’s creative issues once again came under the spotlight after their derby collapse, with Danny Murphy now taking aim at a Thomas Frank side that looked flat in every attacking phase.

Thomas Frank suffered his worst defeat as Tottenham Hotspur manager on Sunday afternoon against bitter rivals Arsenal.

An Eberechi Eze hat-trick was enough for the Gunners to secure all three points after having beaten Thomas Frank’s side 4-1 on the evening.

It was not just a horrid defensive display; it was also one of the worst creative performances by Frank’s team this season, and in the Premier League.

Danny Murphy criticises Tottenham and Thomas Frank over attacking output

Against Arsenal, Tottenham managed an xG of 0.07, the lowest of any Premier League side this term, and it is not a one-off, given several other low xG performances under the Dane so far this campaign.

Against Chelsea, Spurs had an xG of 0.1, and against Bournemouth, they had an xG of 0.19. This is a criticism that Frank has had to deal with for most of this season, with his pragmatism leaving fans frustrated.

Danny Murphy highlighted these concerns on the BBC’s Match of the Day, stressing how the lack of creativity has become a clear theme in recent weeks. He noted that it was not just the absence of fight but also a worrying lack of invention in the final third.

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“It is the lack of fight, but it is also the lack of creativity,” he told the BBC’s Match of the Day on 23 November.

“In the last couple of games, Arsenal and Chelsea at home, you can see here, the top two lowest in the last two games, and obviously they are one of the bottom three of the worst eight this season.

“Yes, you can hide behind Kulusevski, Solanke and Maddison not being there, but the players they have got in that squad are struggling. Really struggling to be brave enough, get on the ball, to make things happen.”

Mohammed Kudus gets a special mention

Murphy continued by singling out the frontline, stressing how only one player has shown any real spark in recent matches, and he suggested that fear and over-pragmatism have crept into the squad.

“You can argue only Kudus out of all their front players can hold his head up a little bit and say he has created stuff, that he has had a go. There is a lot of fear in that side, probably too much pragmatism,” Murphy continued.

“Frank is obviously new to it. He is working out who he can trust and who he can rely on. The reality is that they need to pick up soon because the level of performance in the past couple of games is causing discontent amongst the fans.”

Thomas Frank is facing the heat after a humiliating North London derby defeat and it is about to get worse – because the Nuno Espirito Santo comparisons are coming out!

Tottenham Hotspur supporters were left divided by the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, but it was hoped Thomas Frank would bring unity and get the team back on track.

The Danish manager made a good first impression with Spurs supporters in his opening competitive fixtures. He almost masterminded a UEFA Super Cup victory against the champions of Europe and proceeded to record wins over Burnley and Manchester City.

What then followed was a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth and that level of performance by Tottenham has gone on to be seen all too often under Frank.

Thomas Frank has a worse win percentage at Tottenham than Nuno Santo

Being the manager of Spurs is a position which comes with a lot of pressure and it does not usually take much for a struggling boss to be shown the door.

Nuno Santo was fired after just 17 matches, following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United where his side failed to land a single shot on target. In total, the man who secured European football for Nottingham Forest last season won eight of his 17 matches at Tottenham.

This means he actually won a higher percentage of his matches at the club than Frank has up to this point. The current Spurs manager has won the same number of games as Santo did, but he has overseen two additional fixtures.

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Tottenham have suffered one fewer defeats in the Premier League under Frank, but trail league leaders Arsenal by 11 points. Santo’s team were only 10 points behind top of the table Chelsea when he was sacked.

Spurs are struggling in attack

Frank’s Tottenham team have scored 20 goals in 12 league matches, which is actually a decent tally. It is certainly superior to the nine goals scored in 10 fixtures under Santo.

However, chance creation is a big concern for Spurs and this is reflected by the xG metric. Tottenham recorded their lowest xG on record against Chelsea earlier this month and they managed to go even lower against Arsenal.

Of course, Santo had Harry Kane at his disposal, but Frank is shooting himself in the foot by choosing to continue with a midfield pairing of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur. It is simply too negative and is keeping Spurs from getting the ball forwards.

Frank must make changes at Tottenham to survive

If Frank wishes to avoid suffering the same fate as Santo, he needs to try something different and change the mentality of his players. Giving him more time is only going to hurt Spurs in the long-run if the 52-year-old continues to stick with the same tactics.

Jamie Carragher believes that there is one big question that Thomas Frank has not yet answered in his first few months at Tottenham Hotspur.

When he took over at N17 in the summer, Frank made it clear that he would adapt his style at Tottenham, but fans have not seen much evidence of that so far.

Frank even said that he wants his Spurs side to be brave and aggressive, but those are the last two adjectives that would have to come to mind while watching the Lilywhites at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The performance cannot be written off as a one-off either, as Tottenham fans have seen their side struggle to create chances time and again this season.

Jamie Carragher questions whether Thomas Frank can create chances at Tottenham

Carragher suggested that the Tottenham boss made a mistake by going with five at the back and leaving his midfield short of numbers at the Emirates.

However, he insisted that the bigger problem is Frank’s negative approach, questioning if the Dane is capable of setting up a team to create chances consistently.

Carragher told Sky Sports about Tottenham following their 4-1 loss to Arsenal: “They don’t play that system so often, and that is always the downfall of that system. That’s what we’ve been talking about for twelve months with Man United and Ruben Amorim.

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“When we talk about the back five, we always talk about the two central midfield players, and that’s the part of that system that will let you down.

“In terms of isolation, of just today tactically, yes, that caused him a big problem, but I think the bigger picture for Thomas Frank and Tottenham is, can he create chances? Can he score goals? Can he go and win games rather than stopping the opposition?”

Spurs fans’ patience with Frank is running out

Speaking a couple of days ago, Chris Hughton urged Tottenham fans to give Frank time to implement the right culture and tactical ideas at Spurs.

Reports indicate that Frank does have the backing of the Spurs hierarchy for now, but they will be just as alarmed as fans are by the recent performances against Chelsea and Arsenal.

The supporters are now clearly starting to turn on the 52-year-old, and unless he manages to turn things around soon, he might end up going the same way as Nuno Espirito Santo.

The pressure is now getting to Thomas Frank, and that is evident by some of his answers during the post-match press conference following his side’s defeat in the North London derby.

Tottenham failed to lay a glove on their North London rivals at the Emirates on Sunday, having fallen to a 4-1 defeat.

The away side’s only goal of the game came from nowhere, with Richarlison producing a moment of genius from close to their halfway line.

Apart from that moment, it was all Arsenal, with the Lilywhites showing no signs of even trying to get back into the game after going behind. The display was so bad that Guglielmo Vicario even apologised to Spurs fans after the game.

Thomas Frank dodges a question about Tottenham’s xG

What will worry Tottenham fans is that this performance is not a one-off, as their side also delivered a similar display just three weeks ago in another London derby.

Tottenham had an xG of just 0.05 against Chelsea when the Blues beat them 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the start of this month.

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It was the same story against the Gunners, with Spurs having just three shots on target and registering an xG of 0.07 at the Emirates.

Frank mentioned at the start of his press conferences that there were differences between Tottenham’s performance against Chelsea and the one they produced against Arsenal.

When the Dane was asked to explain what those differences were, given the poor xG that Spurs had in both matches, he responded (via Football.London): “I think it’s also fair to say I need to look this game back. I have more just fresh in mind.

“I’m very emotional and frustrated, of course, right now. So please ask me about that question next time we see each other.”

There is a disconnect between Frank’s words and his actions at Spurs

Thomas Frank has said that he wants Tottenham to play in a ‘brave’ and ‘offensive’ style, but even the former Brentford boss’s biggest fans will concede that we have seen the exact opposite from his side so far.

Frank has also spoken about adapting his style of play at Spurs compared to the tactics he used at Brentford, but once again, we have not seen any evidence of that.

The 52-year-old is evidently a very likeable character and has the charisma and leadership to get players to buy into his methods, but the reality is that he will lose the dressing room sooner rather than later if the results do not improve.

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle confessed that the North London derby went very differently than he anticipated.

Going into the big derby game at the Emirates, some Spurs fans were quietly confident, and they had good reason to be.

Tottenham had the best away record in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s clash, having picked up 13 points from a possible 15 on offer.

However, not only did they suffer their first away loss of the season at the Emirates, but they were on the receiving end of a 4-1 drubbing and struggled to even lay a glove on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Glenn Hoddle says Tottenham were second best

Under Ange Postecoglou during the last two seasons, Spurs played a bold style of football at the Emirates, created chances and competed against their rivals.

However, Frank’s Spurs side lacked bravery and in the end, ended up conceding four goals despite parking the bus, with Hoddle admitting that the performance was ‘horrible’ to watch.

The former Spurs midfielder and manager told Premier League Productions about the Lilywhites’ 4-1 defeat: “It is a horrible feeling. Before the game, it is the anticipation that you could turn Arsenal over and win.

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“Spurs needed to be in this game with 20 minutes to go to build up the pressure, but it never ignited like that. Arsenal were better in every area of the pitch.”

Frank is now between a rock and a hard place at Spurs

Spurs fans are starting to turn on Frank for not walking the talk, with the Dane refusing to take the handbrake off despite playing lip service to playing aggressive, attacking football.

However, the reality is that the 52-year-old’s success at Brentford was built on these principles, and to change his approach now would be to abandon his identity.

There is also the risk that the Spurs players would start to doubt his acumen if he suddenly changes his messaging. Having said that, something has to change if Frank does not want to completely lose all Tottenham fans.

Darren Bent has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur may be reliant on Thomas Tuchel’s intervention to get a deal over the line for one of their rumoured January targets.

With the January window fast approaching, the speculation on Tottenham’s transfer targets has gone into hyperdrive.

One of the players most heavily linked with a move to Spurs over recent weeks is Ivan Toney, who is allegedly Tottenham’s top striker target in January.

It emerged recently that Toney would have to pay £14m in taxes if he is to give up his lucrative Saudi contract to return to the Premier League in January.

Thomas Tuchel’s influence could make deal possible

Darren Bent has now weighed in on what it would take for Ivan Toney to leave Al-Ahli and return to the Premier League despite the huge financial loss.

The former Spurs striker suggested that unless Thomas Tuchel assures Toney that he would be part of the England squad for the World Cup if he returns to these shores, the striker may not be too keen on the move.

When asked what it would take for him to return to the Premier League if he were in Toney’s shoes, Bent responded on talkSPORT: “If Thomas Tuchel said to me, ‘Listen, if you come back, play a few games, get yourself fit, I’m definitely picking you’, then that’s a big conversation. I’d probably go, ‘I’m going to have to.’

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“Unless Thomas Tuchel said to him, ‘Ivan Toney, if you came back, you’ll definitely be in the squad’, I’m not coming back for that. He was in the very first squad when he moved out there, then Thomas Tuchel completely ignored him and left him out the next squad.

“Then this squad just gone, he didn’t even have a striker in it [apart from Harry Kane]. So, if I’m Ivan Toney, I’m staying where I’m at…Unless it’s a big team, and this is no disrespect, but you understand what I’m saying, there are levels.

“Unless I’m coming back for one of the absolute big boys, that are playing in the Champions League week in, week out, that have got a chance of winning big trophies, what am I coming back for?”

Spurs may have a way around Toney’s big tax problem

Some sources have reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are plotting to sign Toney on an initial loan deal so that the striker would not have to give up his Al-Ahli contract and foot a big tax bill.

It has also been claimed that the Spurs target’s representatives are in talks with Al-Ahli over a compromise and that the striker is prepared to take a big pay cut to return to England.

One journalist has now revealed what Everton could do to land a Tottenham forward with four goals in all competitions this season in the winter window.

It is looking like it is going to be a busy winter window for Tottenham Hotspur, as there could be movement around the club.

Tottenham will look to strengthen their squad, especially in the forward positions, and they have been linked with forwards like Ivan Toney and wide players such as Antoine Semenyo.

However, it is not just incomings that could be in and around Spurs, as there could also be movement out of the door of the club.

Everton to explore loan move for Richarlison in January

Everton have shown interest in Richarlison, a forward they let go of back in the summer of 2022.

The Brazilian international has had his struggles at Tottenham, with injuries often preventing him from making a consistent impact.

He could be moved on, especially in the World Cup year, where he will be looking to get consistent minutes, and it has now been revealed what Everton could do to sign Richarlison.

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Speaking on BBC Sport, Everton reporter Giulia Bould shared her thoughts on how Everton may be able to re-sign the Tottenham forward, and she offered insight into the type of deal that may be required.

Bould said: “The Blues boss has already stated he will look at strengthening his squad in January but he also warned it is a notoriously difficult window to operate in, with prices often hiked up.

“A loan could be a good fit for Everton if Spurs were open to it. The Brazil international has made just four league starts this term but there is no suggestion right now that they will be willing to let the 28-year-old go.”

Spurs squad depth could affect Richarlison’s minutes

Competition for places at Tottenham could be even sterner come January, which could hinder the minutes Richarlison gets.

Spurs still have Dominic Solanke yet to reach full fitness, and if he does, he should occupy the number nine position.

Muani’s jaw injury is not serious, with the Frenchman able to play in a mask during the 4-1 loss to Arsenal, leaving him as another player Richarlison is to compete with.

The Brazilian international, in the past few months, when he has had minimal competition, has not really turned heads.

If he wants to consistently secure gametime, he will have to consider going elsewhere, given the competition for places in north London.

Tottenham Hotspur have reignited their interest in an experienced former Premier League midfielder, whom they explored a move for in the summer transfer window.

It has been widely reported that signing a top-class wide-forward will be Spurs’ priority in the January window.

However, several central midfielders have also been mooted as targets for the Lilywhites over the last few weeks.

Now, it has been suggested that the North Londoners could look to offer a player, who swapped the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League in 2023, a route back to England.

Tottenham have enquired about Ruben Neves

It was reported back in the summer that Spurs had expressed an interest in Ruben Neves, and it appears that Thomas Frank’s men have reignited their interest in the former Wolves man ahead of the January window.

This is according to Fichajes, who say that Neves has made it clear that he wants to return to the Premier League and is looking for ‘an ambitious project that guarantees him game time’.

Spurs have enquired about the 28-year-old, whose experience in England, vision, and leadership qualities are thought to appeal to the Lilywhites.

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Neves is ready to leave Al-Hilal in January, but Tottenham face competition for his services from two of their Premier League rivals.

Man United and Newcastle are leading the race for Neves

Fichajes say that Man United and Newcastle have also shown an interest in the former Wolves, and as things stand, those clubs are the ‘leading candidates’ to land the player.

The Red Devils see Neves as someone who can ‘provide balance’ to their midfield, while the Magpies have identified him as a ‘priority signing’ for January to address their squad depth issues.

However, the challenge for all three clubs is the midfielder’s salary, with the Portugal international currently earning more than €400,000 per week (over £350k).