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Underlying statistics make for a grim reading as Thomas Frank’s first 16 Premier League games are compared to Ange Postecoglou’s first 16 from last season at Tottenham.

Thomas Frank has his work cut out in the Tottenham Hotspur dugout this season, with performances and results proving wildly inconsistent.

Tottenham have already suffered six defeats from their opening 16 league matches, and since a strong start in August, when they lost just once in their first five outings, Spurs have yet to piece together a sustained winning run.

That lack of rhythm has inevitably led to pressure from sections of the Tottenham fanbase, with many supporters unconvinced that Frank is the right fit to lead the club through its latest rebuild.

Tottenham stats highlight Thomas Frank struggles compared to Ange Postecoglou

The manager has faced criticism for a pragmatic approach that feels at odds with the front-foot football many Tottenham supporters have grown accustomed to, particularly over the past couple of seasons.

WhoScore have now compared Postecoglou’s first 16 matches from last season with Thomas Frank’s opening 16 games in charge, and the figures make for uncomfortable reading from a Spurs perspective.

Ange Postecoglou, Frank’s predecessor, delivered on that attacking promise despite ultimately being dismissed after finishing 17th in the league last season, a campaign that was chaotic yet still defined by a clear identity.

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According to the data, Postecoglou’s side from the previous campaign outperforms Frank’s current team across every measured metric.

The Australian posted a better win rate and points per game, scored more goals per match, conceded fewer, created more big chances, recorded more touches in the opposition box and also registered a superior pass success rate.

Tottenham currently find themselves in 11th place in the Premier League table, with 22 points from their opening 16 games, their worst point return at this stage of a season since 08/09.

Meanwhile Postecoglou had Spurs in 10th place at this stage last season, with 23 points.

Spurs numbers raise questions over Thomas Frank direction

The statistics are difficult to ignore, particularly given that Postecoglou’s side also performed better defensively, despite Frank being viewed as a coach who prioritises structure and control without the ball.

It inevitably raises questions about what the Dane’s identity actually is, because 16 games into the season, there has been little evidence of a clear evolution in Tottenham’s overall play, with last season’s output still setting the benchmark.

Frank has already acknowledged that building a squad takes time, and the Tottenham board has chosen to show patience by not making knee-jerk decisions.

However, if the numbers continue on this trajectory, Spurs risk finishing in a worse position than they managed last term.

Micky van de Ven has revealed Tottenham Hotspur’s main target for the campaign, but achieving it will require a lot of improvement.

Tottenham Hotspur looked to have recovered from a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season, registering some good results early in the current campaign.

However, Spurs have struggled to remain consistent and have slipped to 11th in the Premier League table, closer to the relegation zone than the top three teams in the division.

The North London Club’s form has been particularly poor since the most recent international break, with heavy defeats suffered against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

Some of Tottenham’s best results have come at home in the Champions League this season and Micky van de Ven is keen to ensure his team qualify for the competition again next year.

The central defender believes it is at this point in the season where distances between clubs begin to build, so it is essential for Spurs find some form.

Speaking on The Overlap, van de Ven told Gary Neville: “Our aim for this season is to make sure that we’re playing Champions League football again.

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“Top four or five is what we want. Every team in the Premier League is good. Every away game is tough, and even at home. If you’re feeling 90 per cent before a game, you’re likely to lose or drop points.

“Everyone can beat everyone, and the league is crazy. Look at a team like Aston Villa, at the start of the season, they were struggling, but now, they’re just behind Arsenal. This time of the season, around December and January, I think this is when we’re going to start seeing the gaps forming in the Premier League table.”

Spurs need to start securing victories immediately

Despite Tottenham’s poor displays in recent weeks, they are only four points off the top five, with many teams in the league struggling to build winning runs.

Spurs will be taking on Liverpool and Crystal Palace later this month, both of whom are above them in the league table. Victories in both these fixtures would likely put Thomas Frank’s team close to where they wish to be, but two defeats would put the side in jeopardy.

Tottenham simply have to start winning matches now, or else they will be on the wrong side of the forming gaps which van de Ven has spoken about.

A move from Man City to Tottenham Hotspur may be on the cards for a 23-year-old during the January transfer window.

While a lot of the blame for Tottenham’s struggles this season has been laid at the feet of Thomas Frank, the Dane has been let down by some of his senior players on a few occasions.

One of them is Guglielmo Vicario, who continues to come under intense scrutiny in light of his errors in goal this season.

Some sources have even claimed that Tottenham have begun looking for Vicario’s replacement, and it appears that they may turn to the Etihad Stadium.

Move to Tottenham on the cards for Man City star in January

Man City number two James Trafford has been mooted as a target for Spurs in the past, and journalist Pete O’Rourke has now confirmed that a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is an option for the 23-year-old.

He suggested that a January move may be on the cards for the English shot-stopper, naming Aston Villa and Newcastle as the other two clubs who could be in for him.

When asked where Trafford could end up, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “I’m thinking more Villa, if [Emiliano] Martinez goes, and possibly Spurs. I think there’s going to be a demand for [Trafford].

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“He’s a quality keeper, and I think there are a few clubs that are still unhappy in that position. But certainly those are the sort of three clubs I think, yeah, Newcastle, Villa, Spurs are where I think Trafford may end up.

“Obviously, it’s very hard to think you’re number two to Donnarumma because you’re not going to get many chances unless he gets injured. So I think he will make a move.

“I think that’s fair to him because he’s a quality young keeper. But I think those are the sort of target clubs I’d be thinking about, not just Newcastle. And we’ll see how that develops. But that could be something that could happen very quickly in January as well.”

Spurs seen as the perfect fit for James Trafford

TEAMtalk have relayed these quotes from O’Rourke and added their own information on Trafford’s future.

The outlet says that Tottenham have already held exploratory talks with the Man City man regarding a January move to N17.

Additionally, the publication claims to have spoken to an industry source who named Spurs as the ideal destination for Trafford.

The source is quoted as saying: “James is a top talent ready to step up. He’s itching for minutes, and Spurs’ project aligns perfectly with his ambitions.”

One underfire Tottenham star has shot to the top of the wishlist of three-time Champions League-winners, Inter Milan.

One senior Tottenham player continues to be heavily criticised, with the scanner once again on him following the Lilywhites’ 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Many Spurs fans would have already guessed that we are referring to Guglielmo Vicario, who has been quick to play down the criticism and booing levelled at him.

However, the Italian’s long-term future at the North London club does not appear to be assured, particularly with reports over recent weeks suggesting that Inter Milan could poach the Tottenham number one.

Guglielmo Vicario is now Inter Milan’s top target

Some Italian outlets have even reported recently that Vicario’s representatives have already spoken to Inter regarding a transfer.

Now, a new report in Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that the 29-year-old has shot to the top of the Nerazzurri’s wishlist.

It is revealed that Inter CEO Beppe Marotta and the club’s sporting director Piero Ausilio are both huge fans of Vicario and are extremely keen to take him to the San Siro.

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As a result, the Tottenham Hotspur man has now become the Serie A giant’s top target, but they are only plotting a move for him next summer, not during the January window.

What does Vicario think of leaving Spurs for Inter?

Gazzetta state that the former Empoli man is enthusiastic about the idea of moving to Inter at the end of the season.

This is because Vicario was ‘inspired’ by Inter legend Samir Handanovic during his formative years, and following in the Slovenian’s footsteps would ‘fulfil a long-standing professional dream’ for the Spurs shot-stopper.

The outlet says that Tottenham would not part ways with Vicario without first bringing in a replacement, but it is claimed that Inter remain hopeful that they can land the goalkeeper for around €20m (£17.5m).

Pressure is beginning to mount on Thomas Frank at Tottenham, but the club have just made him a transfer promise behind the scenes.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground has intensified the scrutiny on Thomas Frank.

Tottenham have managed just one win in their last seven Premier League matches and, after 16 league outings, have already suffered six defeats, a return that leaves them drifting and vulnerable in a congested table.

Many Spurs fans have begun calling for change at the helm, frustrated by Frank’s struggles to get his side playing fluent attacking football, particularly against teams who themselves have been fighting at the lower end of the division.

Tottenham board set to back Thomas Frank in the transfer window

The Tottenham board, however, remain adamant that the Dane is the right man for the job and has chosen to stand by him, allowing time for results and performances to stabilise.

talkSPORT has now added that the hierarchy at Spurs is instead looking towards backing Thomas Frank in the transfer market, rather than pulling the trigger on another managerial change.

With the winter window now just over two weeks away, Tottenham will be acutely aware that a failure to arrest their form before then could see them slide further down the table, especially with a demanding run of fixtures still to come.

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Spurs fixtures and transfer backing could define Frank spell

Liverpool and Crystal Palace are the next two opponents awaiting Spurs in the Premier League, and defeats in those matches will only serve to increase the pressure on Thomas Frank.

The winter window is rarely straightforward, with clubs reluctant to part with key players mid-season due to the difficulty of sourcing suitable replacements at short notice.

The free agent market remains an avenue for Tottenham to explore in the summer, with several top players set to be avaliable on a free in 2026.

Frank has already hinted that Spurs will be active once the window opens, while the Tottenham board have also injected £100 million earlier this season, a clear signal of ambition off the pitch as they look to support the manager.

Tottenham Hotspur may consider a huge offer that comes their way for Cristian Romero despite the centre-back’s recent new contract, according to a former official from the North London club.

Atletico Madrid showed a keen interest in taking Romero to the Spanish capital in the summer window.

The La Liga club were reportedly ready to spend big on the Tottenham star, but the Lilywhites held firm and resisted the interest from Diego Simeone’s side.

Eventually, Romero signed a new long-term contract with Spurs, and he is now an indispensable part of the club’s current project, being named captain by Thomas Frank.

Tottenham set asking price for Cristian Romero

Former Spurs scout Bryan King has now suggested that Atletico’s interest in the World Cup winner may not have completely gone away.

However, he claimed that the 27-year-old will not come cheap and that the Colchoneros would have to pay around £70m for the centre-back.

When asked about the chances of Atletico coming back for Romero in January, King told Tottenham News: “He’s only just signed a new contract, Romero. He signed an improved deal in the summer, and it’s made a big difference to his wage packet. He’s one of the highest-paid players at Tottenham, so it won’t be cheap to get him out. If Atletico think he’s going to walk out, they’ll have to think again.

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“He’d cost £60-£70m. The fact that he’s Argentinian and Diego Simeone’s Argentinian will have nothing to do with it. If Spurs don’t want to sell, then he won’t go unless a crazy offer comes in, that is what it will take.”

Romero will cost much more than £70m

The worry for Spurs would be if Romero himself asks to leave in a bid to compete for major honours, seeing as the Lilywhites are far away from doing so at the moment.

However, it was reported that Tottenham wanted £70m for Romero during last summer’s transfer window.

Micky van de Ven has now opened up on Tottenham’s decision to sack Ange Postecoglou after his Europa League triumph and what he told the Australian after his departure.

The decision by Tottenham Hotspur to sack Ange Postecoglou has left opinion split among those connected with the club, given what he achieved during his two-year stint in north London.

The Australian was the man who ended Spurs’ near two-decade wait for silverware, delivering the Europa League trophy in Bilbao, Spain, and in doing so, he wrote his name into the club’s modern history.

However, Postecoglou also presided over the club’s worst-ever Premier League campaign, with Tottenham sitting 17th after losing 22 league games, a damaging run that ultimately led the board to decide to part ways.

Micky van de Ven reacts to Ange Postecoglou sacking at Tottenham

Although Postecoglou has since departed, his influence clearly lingers within the Tottenham dressing room, with several players continuing to speak warmly about his impact and man-management.

James Maddison had already spoken earlier this season about how much he enjoyed playing under Postecoglou, and now Micky van de Ven has opened up on the Australian and the club’s decision to sack him, speaking to The Overlap.

Reflecting on Postecoglou as a coach and the abrupt nature of his exit, van de Ven said: “I think even if he (Postecoglou) could, what you say, he was a really good manager.

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“I still really like him to this day, and I do not know how everything went backstage, that he won the Europa League and then got sacked afterwards, I have no clue.”

The Dutch defender then addressed whether he ever expected Postecoglou to lose his job, explaining how the constant speculation contrasted sharply with the outcome.

“No, no, no, I did not expect it. Of course, you see a lot of rumours out there because everybody was on Ange, especially the media.

“You saw everything popping up on your phone; there was not a day where I scrolled and saw nothing about our gaffer.

“There was always something about him, but it was strange how everything went afterwards. When you think he was the manager that won silverware for Tottenham and then afterwards he got sacked, I just sent a text to my dad and my friends saying I never expected this.”

What van de Ven told Postecoglou after Spurs sacking

Van de Ven also revealed that he reached out to Postecoglou directly following the decision, underlining the personal relationship the pair shared during their time together at Spurs.

Speaking again to The Overlap, the centre-back explained what that message contained and why he chose his words carefully.

“I just told him all the best in the future. I did not say it was a strange decision from the club, I just said I never expected this to happen and I thanked him for the two years I had with him.

“I had a good relationship with him, I was close with him, and he was the manager that brought me to Tottenham. He was the first person I spoke to, and when I had been there three days he was just like, nah, you play.”

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to add to their squad when the transfer window reopens and Thomas Frank is targeting one particular type of player.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to implement a new transfer strategy after a summer which has seen success mixed with failure.

Some signings such as Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha have played well since the very start of the season, but others have taken longer to settle at Spurs.

Xavi Simons has only recently begun to show what he is capable of doing, while Randal Kolo Muani is yet to register a Premier League goal contribution.

Thomas Frank wants Tottenham to sign players with Premier League experience

Thomas Frank has made Spurs aware of his January wishlist and this includes players who are experienced and will help to improve his starting lineup, according to The Times.

However, this does not necessarily mean he wants more senior players. Instead, the Dane is interested in those who have already proven themselves in the Premier League.

This could be difficult for Tottenham to achieve, because the club will have to pay the premium in transfer fees and wages to pull off such deals in the January window.

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Spurs must back Frank in January

Tottenham made it clear last season that Ange Postecoglou would not be sacked midway through the season. Despite this, very little effort was made to provide him with any financial backing in Janaury, when the Tottenham first-team squad were on their knees with injuries.

This simply cannot be allowed to happen again. Spurs as a club have made it clear that Frank is going to keep his job for now and while some supporters will disagree with this decision, he must be given the resources he needs to try and rescue Tottenham’s season. Keeping the manager without helping him is only going to end badly.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have come to a decision on whether or not to sell Guglielmo Vicario and it could divide Spurs supporters.

Guglielmo Vicario is walking on thin ice at Tottenham Hotspur as his mistakes continue to cost the club. The goalkeeper was partially at fault for Nottingham Forest’s opening goal last weekend and he had no one to blame but himself for their second.

This comes after a big error Vicario made against Fulham, when he abandoned his net and gave away the ball, allowing the visitors to shoot into an open goal.

However, the Italian is still among the top goalkeepers in the Premier League in some instances, which includes preventing more goals than all except two shot-stoppers.

Tottenham are looking to replace Guglielmo Vicario

According to Football Insider, Vicario’s fate could be sealed, as Spurs may line up a replacement for the 29-year-old.

Despite this, Thomas Frank is not looking to sell Vicario in January. Instead, Tottenham will make the decision to axe their goalkeeper at the end of the season if his performances do not improve.

It is still likely that Vicario will start for Spurs in spite of his questionable displays, because Antonin Kinsky is only viewed as an option for domestic cup competitions.

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Vicario will never be as good as Spurs want him to be

Tottenham need a new goalkeeper because Vicario has limitations which will never be overcome. He has been at the club for two and a half years now, yet makes the same mistakes time and time again.

There is no doubt that Vicario does some things very well, hence why his stats are generally quite good. However, there will always be certain weaknesses in his game which opposing teams will look to target. Therefore, selling him in the summer is the right decision if a good replacement is identified.

Micky van de Ven has now revealed the stick he recieved from his best mate when he was about completing a move to Tottenham.

Since completing his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, Micky van de Ven has become an integral part of the squad, establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit.

This season, it has been more of the same, with the defender adding a new layer to his game by contributing goals, having already found the net six times across all competitions.

He is widely viewed as a world-class talent with enormous potential and, at just 24 years old, there remains a sense that his ceiling is still some distance away.

Micky van de Ven opens up on early scepticism before Tottenham move

The Dutchman has now spoken about the reaction he received from his closest circle when he completed his move to Spurs, revealing that not everyone was convinced it was the right step.

Speaking on The Overlap, van de Ven explained how his best friend questioned the decision, raising familiar doubts about trophies and Tottenham’s history before the defender made his own stance clear.

“When I joined Tottenham, I knew that was going to come, my best friend was on my shoulder, he said, ‘are you going to join Tottenham? You are never going to win a trophy.’ I was like, cheers, mate. But at that point, I said to him, nah, I am going to change it, I am going to be part of it. That changed the philosophy of Spurs.”

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Spurs silverware backs up Micky van de Ven belief

Van de Ven ultimately stayed true to his word, playing his part in the Tottenham side that lifted silverware last season in Bilbao, Spain, a moment that helped shift long-standing narratives around the club.

The defender will now be hoping that it proves to be the first of many, as Spurs continue their rebuild while aiming to re-establish themselves among the strongest sides in England and Europe.

This season, however, Tottenham’s chances of adding further silverware have taken a hit following their exit from the Carabao Cup.

The FA Cup offers another route to silverware, but Spurs are set to face Aston Villa in their opening game of the competition, which is a tough ask given Villa’s form.

In the league, Tottenham are a long way off as they sit in 11th place, 14 points off first place Arsenal. Meanwhile in the champions league, they are still pushing for a top eight spot.