Football London

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Newcastle United in the Premier League which has led to a debate about Thomas Frank's future

Tottenham Hotspur have been issued a clear verdict on Thomas Frank’s future at the club after their defeat to Newcastle United. Spurs were on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss to the Magpies on Tuesday night in the Premier League in north London.

Newcastle took the lead with a goal just before half-time from Malick Thiaw, with the visitors also having a goal from Joe Willock disallowed for offside just a few minutes earlier.

Archie Gray equalised in the second half for Spurs, but Newcastle regained their lead with a goal from Jacob Ramsey to hand Frank’s side yet another defeat.

The loss leaves Tottenham in 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone, which has led to increased uncertainty around Frank’s future at the club.

The topic of Frank’s future was debated among pundits after the final whistle of the defeat to Newcastle. Former striker Les Ferdinand pointed to the reaction from the home supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as evidence for their feelings about the situation.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE!Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

"You heard the groans at the end of the game," Ferdinand told TNT Sports. "The boos were very loud and they have been audible all season.

"A lot of fans have lost faith in what Thomas Frank is doing here."

Glenn Hoddle, a Tottenham legend, was also on TNT Sports and gave his verdict on Frank’s future at the club, as well as the current situation for Spurs this season.

"You've got to say what it is and they are in a relegation fight," Hoddle said. "The players have to understand that and the fans have to understand that.

"It is the reality and you have to scrap for every single point."

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.

Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Krul was in agreement with Hoddle that Tottenham face a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

"Tottenham are right in it [relegation battle]," Krul told BBC Radio 5Live. "They are three points above the line at the moment. They need to seriously look at themselves in the mirror. There needs to be serious changes now."

Frank was asked about his future as Tottenham boss after the defeat to Newcastle, where he outlined his confidence of remaining in charge for the club’s next clash against Arsenal in the North London Derby at the weekend.

"I'm convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game]," Frank said on Tuesday night. "I understand the question and I understand it’s easy to point on me but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

"If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course we are not in a top position now.

"Everyone knows, directors, ownership, myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better. That is what we are working very hard on."

Thomas Frank is speaking to the media after Tottenham's 2-1 loss against Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Newcastle, who had won just two of their past 15 away games, were the better side in the first half and thought they had had taken the lead but VAR ruled it offside. There was a huge space at the back for Joe Willock to run on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and turn inside before firing into the bottom right corner. The tip of his forehead was just offside though in an incredibly close offside call.

Malick Thiaw scored though in added time for Newcastle. Guglielmo Vicario pushed out Thiaw's header but the Newcastle man eased past Pape Matar Sarr to tap the ball home.

Tottenham pushed forward finally after the break with Mathys Tel sending a couple of chances over and Pape Matar Sarr having an effort saved by Nick Pope.

The hosts found an equaliser on 64 when a deep Xavi Simons corner was headed back across by Sarr and Archie Gray cushioned the ball into the net.

However, Newcastle were back in front four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey fired home from Anthony Gordon's pass. It all came from a missed Conor Gallagher pass as Spurs broke up the pitch.

The hosts huffed and puffed but could not find another goal as the rain teemed down and the fans sang for Mauricio Pochettino and for Frank's sacking.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Here are our Tottenham Hotspur player ratings after their defeat to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday

Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday night and here are our Spurs player ratings.

Thomas Frank had made three changes to his side with 10 players out through injury and one through suspension in captain Cristian Romero who was missing the first of four matches . Micky van de Ven took the armband in his absence with Radu Dragusin replacing the skipper in the centre of defence.

Yves Bissouma came into the midfield for Joao Palhinha while Djed Spence was back at the right time with Destiny Udogie out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Newcastle, who had won just two of their past 15 away games, were the better side in the first half and thought they had had taken the lead but VAR ruled it offside. There was a huge space at the back for Joe Willock to run on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and turn inside before firing into the bottom right corner. The tip of his forehead was just offside though in an incredibly close offside call.

Malick Thiaw scored though in added time for Newcastle. Guglielmo Vicario pushed out Thiaw's header but the Newcastle man eased past Pape Matar Sarr to tap the ball home.

Tottenham pushed forward finally after the break with Mathys Tel sending a couple of chances over and Pape Matar Sarr having an effort saved by Nick Pope.

The hosts found an equaliser on 64 when a deep Xavi Simons corner was headed back across by Sarr and Archie Gray cushioned the ball into the net.

However, Newcastle were back in front four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey fired home from Anthony Gordon's pass. It all came from a missed Conor Gallagher pass as Spurs broke up the pitch.

The hosts huffed and puffed but could not find another goal as the rain teemed down and the fans sang for Mauricio Pochettino and for Frank's sacking.

Here are our Spurs player ratings from the match:

Guglielmo Vicario

Pushed out Thiaw's header but nobody was awake to stop the follow-up. Couldn't get near Ramsey's goal. Didn't have any other saves to make. 5

Archie Gray

Got better and better as the game wore on and embarked on a few blockbusting runs down the right. Got his reward with his goal on 64 minutes. The teenager worked tirelessly and deserved better. 8

Radu Dragusin

Gave away the needless free-kick that led to Newcastle's added-time. Can be turned far too easily. 4

Micky van de Ven

Made a couple of good first half challenges and a terrific sliding block to deny Barnes in the second period. Fired over late on what could have been the leveller. 6

Djed Spence

Back from injury but a very subdued performance. 5

Yves Bissouma

Lasted only the first half before being hooked. Looked off the pace. 4

Pape Matar Sarr

Also off the pace in the first half and so weak for Newcastle's first goal. Did improve in the second half and grabbed an assist with the header for Gray's goal. 6

Wilson Odobert

Had a couple of early strong runs but looked to badly hurt his knee half an hour in and came off. 5

Conor Gallagher

Started up in the number 10 role before being pushed out to the right after Odobert's injury. Underhit a crucial pass as Spurs broke in the second half and the ball ended up at the other end for Ramsey's goal. 5

Xavi Simons

Hit an early effort into the side-netting. Tried to make things happen for Tottenham and curled in the corner that Gray eventually scored from. 6

Dominic Solanke

Made an important early intervention in his own box. Had a penalty shout after being pushed and had very little service. Saw an overhead kick blocked late on but he gets so little service. 5

Subs

Mathys Tel

Came on for Odobert in the first half and had chances with two efforts over in quick succession early in the second half. Needs to get his head up at times when there are other options available. 6

Joao Palhinha

Came on for Bissouma at the break and added a bit more zip to Tottenham's play. 6

Randal Kolo Muani

Tottenham's injury crisis got worse during the Premier League clash with Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert was forced off with injury just beyond the half-hour mark in Tuesday night's fixture against Newcastle United.

Odobert chased after Harvey Barnes and tried to hook his leg round the Newcastle winger to intercept the ball but jarred his left knee in the turf. The Frenchman, 20, was in agony and referee Anthony Taylor immediately stopped the game after Spurs regained possession.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

Following a lengthy delay, he was able to walk off the pitch even though initially it looked as though the stretcher would be required.

Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons were among those to console their teammate as he received treatment on-field.

Odobert went straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room with a member of the Spurs medical staff.

It will be another unwanted problem for Thomas Frank, who had been forced to name four youngsters on Spurs' bench with numerous senior stars unable to feature against Eddie Howe's side.

Aside from captain Cristian Romero's suspension, the Spurs boss was already without 10 injured players. This included attackers Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison.

Odobert had been handed his latest start in their absence though now has suffered this injury of his own.

He was replaced Mathys Tel, who joined Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons in an attacking trio.

None were able to break down the visitors, who finished the first half with a flurry to take a timely advantage.

Newcastle first had a goal ruled out by VAR when the scorer, former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock, was judged to have strayed offside.

Moments before Taylor was due to signal for the break, Malick Thiaw capitalised on Spurs' failure to clear in their own danger zone, and the defender converted from close range.

Newcastle United thought they had taken a 1-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday evening when Joe Willock found the back of the net on the stroke of half-time, only for VAR to intervene

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have been given an instant explanation as to why Joe Willock's opening goal was ruled out by VAR on Tuesday evening.

Spurs' opponents thought they had taken a 44th-minute lead when former Arsenal midfielder Willock broke free of the hosts' back line and fired beyond Guglielmo Vicario.

However, VAR came to Spurs' rescue and ruled out the strike following a thorough review. Now, the Premier League Match Centre have provided an explanation for the overturned goal decision.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

A post on X, formerly Twitter, read: "VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Willock was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed."

It was accompanied by a graphic created using the findings of the Premier League's semi-automated offside technology, which was introduced last year to expedite the process deciding offsides using VAR.

As replays were shown live to television viewers on broadcaster TNT Sports, commentator Sam Matterface described the offside as "very, very slight."

The call was to Newcastle's disdain, however their mood quickly shifted as Malick Thiaw scored moments later with the match officials unable to find a fault.

The defender poked in from close range after Spurs had failed to clear the danger from their own penalty area.

Spurs' misery at the end of the first period was compiled having watched winger Wilson Odobert leave the action with injury just past the half-hour mark.

The 20-year-old attempted a challenge on opposite attacker Harvey Barnes in Spurs territory, jarring his left knee as he landed.

Odobert, in agony, required treatment on-field whilst being consoled by Spurs teammates Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons.

He left the field without help and went immediately down the tunnel with one of the club's medical staff.

Tottenham's injury crisis got worse during the Premier League clash with Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur winger Wilson Odobert was forced off with injury just beyond the half-hour mark in Tuesday night's fixture against Newcastle United.

Odobert chased after Harvey Barnes and tried to hook his leg round the Newcastle winger to intercept the ball but jarred his left knee in the turf. The young Frenchman was in agony and Anthony Taylor immediately stopped the game. Following a lengthy delay he was able to walk off the pitch even though initially it looked as though the stretcher would be required. Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons were among those to console him as he received treatment on-field. He went straight down the tunnel and into the dressing room with a member of the Spurs medical staff.

MORE TO FOLLOW.

We'll bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news, visit football.london. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you for the capital's clubs.

Shining a light on the issues fans really want to know about and providing rolling coverage of the latest news, football.london's writers give you the bigger picture on your club by knowing the little details inside-out. Follow us on X @‌Football_LDN - for the all latet news as it happens in real time.

Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has selected to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday evening

Thomas Frank has made three changes to his Tottenham side to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank goes into the encounter with 10 players out through injury and one through suspension in captain Cristian Romero who misses the first of four matches Micky van de Ven takes the armband in his absence and plays alongside Radu Dragusin in the centre of defence.

Yves Bissouma comes into the midfield for Joao Palhinha alongside Pape Matar Sarr as Spurs seem to be sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation they started the game at Old Trafford with. Djed Spence is back at the right time with Destiny Udogie out for between four and five weeks with a hamstring injury.

Up front, the three attacking midfielders who started the game with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons playing either side of Conor Gallagher are all given another chance together behind Dominic Solanke. Odobert found himself sacrificed for Dragusin after Romero's red card on Saturday.

Here's the team Frank has selected for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mauricio Pochettino spent five years at Spurs, overseeing a runners-up finish in the league, as well as taking the north London club to their first Champions League final

Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham need to be serious challengers for both the Premier League and Champions League titles and claimed winning the Europa League is “not enough”.

Pochettino spent five years at Spurs, overseeing a runners-up finish in the league, as well as taking the north London club to their first Champions League final – where they suffered defeat to Liverpool in 2019.

The 53-year-old, who will take charge of the United States at this summer’s World Cup, was sacked later that year.

However, Spurs have largely fallen away since his departure, and Thomas Frank is already under pressure following a troubled start to his reign. Tottenham supporters have even sung Pochettino’s name at recent matches.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

And Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, Pochettino, whose contract with the US national team runs until the World Cup, said: “It is true that Tottenham is a club that needs to think about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“Their facilities are Champions League (level), and in the past we didn’t have that. But now it is about winning the Premier League and the Champions League.

“The fans appreciated (us) because we challenged for the Premier League and the Champions League. To win a Europa League that the team won (last season) is good, because when you celebrate a trophy that is good, but it is not enough.

“It is not enough for a club like Tottenham to challenge for the Carabao Cup or the FA Cup or the Europa League or the Conference (League).

“It is a club that should be, or needs to be in the Champions League, and fighting for the Champions League, and trying to believe you can win the Champions League, and fighting for the Premier League, and believing you can win the Premier League.”

Thomas Frank, meanwhile, has no problem with Tottenham fans singing about former boss Pochettino. Spurs go into Tuesday’s match at home to Newcastle on a run of two wins in 16 Premier League matches and only six points above the relegation zone.

It has sparked fears for survival among the Tottenham fanbase, who in recent weeks have chanted about ex-boss Pochettino.

Pochettino masterminded tilts at the Premier League and Champions League during a largely successful five-year spell between 2014 and 2019, and referenced his “special” connection with the club on the High Performance Podcast on Sunday.

Asked if it was unhelpful to have Pochettino talking about his old team, and supporters singing his name, Frank was diplomatic.

“I met Mauricio a few times. Great guy, a great coach. I think he’s a legend (here),” Frank said.

“I don’t think he won a trophy, but he was part of transforming the club, from where it was at that stage to where it ended being in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title and getting into the Champions League final.

“If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name, it’s well deserved.”

Tottenham sit just six points above the relegation zone and face a genuine threat of dropping into the Championship ahead of Tuesday night's Premier League clash at home to Newcastle United

Tottenham's players are not thought to have relegation salary reduction clauses in their contracts. Thomas Frank's side have been plunged into somewhat of a fight to remain in the Premier League this season.

A run of no win in six league matches has seen Spurs fall to 15th in the table and just SIX points above 18th-place West Ham, who sit in the final relegation spot.

With Wolves and Burnley cut adrift inside the bottom three, it appears that a number of teams - including Tottenham - are battling to avoid one position.

Frank did not want to mention relegation in his press conference on Monday, but the threat of dropping into the Championship is something that Spurs may have to realise if they lose to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

And, should Tottenham be relegated to the second tier, there has been talk that the players could face a salary reduction.

But, according to The Telegraph, ex-staff members who worked under Daniel Levy's era as chairman have said that salary reduction clauses were NOT inserted into contracts during their time at Spurs.

FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

It's added that sources who remain in contact with the club since Levy's exit believe that is still the case, although the wage bill would drop with relegation and without European football as no bonuses would be applicable.

Tottenham's relegation rivals West Ham, meanwhile, have 50 per cent reductions in player contracts if relegated. Leicester City - who were relegated from the Premier League in 2023 and 2025 - inserted the same clause.

So, if Spurs do get relegated, having a number of players earning more than £100,000 would be a major concern. It would give them a huge financial problem and put a risk to their Profit and Sustainability (PSR) position.

There has been some near concerns that Spurs could face relegation from the Premier League in the past. Last season, Tottenham finished 17th and endured a miserable top flight campaign under Ange Postecoglou.

But it was in 1994 when Spurs won away at Oldham Athletic on the penultimate game of the season to clinch survival and avoid relegation from the top flight for the fifth time in the club's 164-year history.

During a half an hour press conference going into Tuesday's game against Newcastle, Frank was asked about relegation NINE times. Despite this, he only used the 'relegation' word once himself.

"Every club should do whatever they can to perform every single game and do everything they can to end as high as possible," Frank said on Monday. "I think if we were a little bit higher then you'd say, 'Is top four the end?' Now it's not as high, then, 'Is relegation the end?' For me, no matter what, I will only focus on the next game.

"At one stage we are hopefully in a better and higher position, and you will ask me about a position higher up in the league, and I’ll say I’ll focus on the next game. That will be my answer."

Tottenham host Newcastle on Tuesday evening in the Premier League knowing they need to pick up points to move away from the relegation fight.

Thomas Frank will go into the game without 11 players through injury and suspension, barring any further unannounced absences. One of the players not taking part is captain Cristian Romero, who is out for four matches following his first half red card in the 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Dutchman Micky van de Ven will take the armband against a Newcastle side also struggling for victories right now and the home fans will be hoping Dr Tottenham does not come to their aid. Only six points separate Spurs from 18th-placed West Ham, who welcomed United on Tuesday, and the Frank's injury-ravaged side cannot allow that gap to close.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold will be reporting live from the match, which kicks off at 7.30pm, and he will bring you all the latest updates below from the Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.