Football London

Spurs fell to a 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon.

Some Tottenham fans have taken to social media to demand that Thomas Frank is sacked following the Premier League defeat against Nottingham Forest.

A first half goal from Callum Husdon-Odoi was followed by a second strike by the same player not long after half time. Ibrahim Sangare sealed the victory for Forest with a long-range effort of his own with 11 minutes left to play.

The defeat leaves Spurs in 11th place in the Premier League table with 22 points from their 16 games so far. It has piled the pressure back on Frank after two wins in the previous two games.

Tensions have been high between Frank and fans after he called supporters out for booing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following his mistake in the defeat against Fulham.

During the game against Forest, there also appeared to be a clash with Djed Spence who was unhappy at being substituted.

With frustrations high all around, during and after the game, some fans showed their frustrations towards the manager on X (formerly Twitter). One wrote: “I’m done with Thomas Frank football now. Sack him tonight.”

“Sack Thomas Frank I’m not joking sack that coward now!!!” a second wrote.

A third wrote: “Playing how Thomas Frank wants us to play is only ever going to be mid table at best. He has to go.”

Another fan said: “I’m not one for keep changing the manager but I feel that after today Thomas Frank is out of his depth here. I can’t understand his tactics. I don’t understand his substitutions. I can’t see how it’s not getting more out of this squad. He lost me today. #FrankOut”

It wasn’t only fans who were worried by Tottenham's performance against Forest. Speaking on Sky Sports, pundit Andy Reid said: “It was a worrying performance from Spurs.

"There were just starting to be some signs of a recovery with Thomas Frank looking like he was starting to impress himself on the club and this team.

"But they have turned in a performance like this where they haven't got going and not shown any desire. The body language didn't look good at all.

"Nottingham Forest have ran over the top of them and played better than them in every area of the game. Man for man, they were fitter and they have been better all over the pitch. Spurs got what they deserved from the game, which was nothing."

While Frank is under pressure, there seems to be no current suggestion that he is in any immediate danger of losing his job. Speaking earlier this month, the manager outlined his confidence that he will be given time.

"I'm very confident. I think the ownership - of course I'm just starting to know them - but it seems like they're good guys, intelligent people,” he said. "They know how to run businesses and learning about football, learning more now they've become owners.

"I think when we're dealing with intelligent people they can see every successful dynasty, every successful club has taken time. Yeah you have one where you maybe win one year or the second year, but you can't sustain it if you don't build something sustainable. It's impossible."

Igor Thiago has been in inspired form for Brentford this season, with the Brazilian striker having scored 12 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions

Tottenham have learned that it would require a hefty £70million to lure Brazilian striker Igor Thiago away from Brentford. The prolific forward is believed to be of interest to several clubs ahead of the January transfer window, following his impressive performance this season.

The 24-year-old joined the Bees in the summer of 2024, transferring from Belgian team Club Brugge for a then club-record fee of £30 million.

However, he spent most of last season on the sidelines due to a knee injury, making a mere eight appearances across all competitions.

This season, however, has seen a dramatic turnaround for Thiago, who has taken the Premier League by storm. The striker has already netted 12 goals in 16 appearances across all competitions, adeptly filling the gap left by Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo after their summer exits.

Only Manchester City's Erling Haaland has outscored Thiago in the Premier League this season, with Hugo Ekitike, Danny Welbeck and Jean-Philippe Mateta trailing not too far behind.

Given his outstanding form, it's hardly surprising that he is already being linked with a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.

ESPN Brazil reports that the London club would demand a fee of around £70 million for their star player should they agree to a sale in the upcoming transfer windows.

The report states that Spurs and Aston Villa are amongst his Premier League admirers, whilst two clubs from Spain and Italy are also showing interest. Although Brentford have little desire to part with Thiago, they are said to be conscious that bids could materialise over the coming transfer windows, possibly even as soon as January.

The striker position has proved somewhat problematic for Spurs this campaign, with Dominic Solanke ruled out by an ankle problem picked up in August.

The 28-year-old managed just two Premier League appearances and the UEFA Super Cup Final before sustaining the injury.

Richarlison and summer loan acquisition Randal Kolo Muani have deputised in the No. 9 role at different stages this season, but there's little question it's an area Spurs must tackle sooner rather than later.

Frank acknowledged in his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference this week that they anticipate being active in next month's window.

"Of course. We will definitely be in the market," the Spurs boss confirmed. "No doubt about that.

"We want them as early as possible, like every other time and let's see if we can have them before the 31st of January."

Here's every single word the Tottenham Hotspur boss said after the heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday

Thomas Frank faced questions aplenty at his press conference after Tottenham's horrendous 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

Spurs handed their hosts an early festive gift on 28 minutes. Archie Gray was dispossessed by Ibrahim Sangare on the edge of his own box and while Guglielmo ] Vicario did well to save the Forest man's shot as he ran into the box, Callum Hudson-Odoi poked home the follow-up.

Hudson-Odoi then grabbed a second goal, albeit with a touch of fortune as his deep cross looped over everyone and into the far corner of the net.

It was 3-0 in the 79th minute when Hudson-Odoi breezed past Pedro Porro and knocked the ball into the run of Sangare, who struck a shot from outside the box with the outside of his foot which flew in off the right-hand post.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold was among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Here's the full transcript from the press conference at the City Ground.

It feels like two steps forward, a big leap back today?

Yeah, absolutely agree. That was very disappointing. It was a bad performance. Frustrating, because I think the last three games were good on performance and results, normally linked. And you can lose a game like this. That's the frustrating part, of course.

I think every game, I think, until the 1-0 goal, it was a little bit back and forth for both teams. Hard transition both ways. And then after the first goal, I think we lost structure and were more disjointed.

And then the 2-0 goal killed the game off. Basically not in the game after that, in my opinion. And that's part of keeping the structure, keep the game plan, keep going, keep doing the right things.

So that's definitely not the first time we've seen that, this year, last year, whenever. That's something that's ongoing work in progress before we're more consistent in that.

Doesn't help that we made two mistakes with the first two goals. But again, that can happen in football. So we just need to keep doing the right things. So everything looks the right way. And then on top of that, we decide to throw the ball away at least 25 times. So we can't hit each other 25 times. That's going to make it difficult for you to create anything or to win a game.

You said before the game that you want to see more aggression, positive, brave, offence-minded football, but the team only had one shot on target, are the players not taking it on board?

No, I think it's very simple. If you don't perform, you can say all the right things. If you're a little bit out of sync, then you see things like this. When you are on track and in sync, you see the last three performances. So that's very simple. If you perform, you keep doing the right thing, then it makes it easier of course. And then I just think the little small thing that is difficult. We win together, we lose together, but can't pass the ball on the pitch. So if we lose the ball 25 times, I think it's fair to say that it's pretty difficult to create something.

Does that come into it when you're 2-0 down and make three sub and one of them is Ben Davies, one of them is Joao Palhinha? I think a lot of the fans are hoping for attacking players, but is that part of the reason, because you're looking to keep the ball?

No, we had four offensive players on the pitch. I think that's fair to say. So I felt that, just to go back to the bit before where I say we're disjointed. So if you're disjointed, you can have 11 offensive players on the pitch. It will not help. So we need to be in sync. And then it helps, and hopefully we can find a way back after that.

With Archie Gray's mistake, is that something he'll simply have to learn from as a young player?

Yeah, you know, that happens. I've said before, mistakes happen, stuff like that. Of course I'll be irritated about it because you like to avoid it, but he will learn. I think it was a classic thing, you see, week in, week out. It's ball-playing to one of the two sitters. Bounce it up, first touch, not take a touch. He will learn from that. I'm pretty sure he'll use one touch next time.

No issue with the goalkeeper with that?

No. I think you see that every week in the Premier League, from every team, all over the world. So there's no problem with that.

You're always a very calm and measured manager in these press conferences after the bad results, are you a bit different in the dressing room with the players?

I think I do everything to control my emotions, which is a hurricane inside me because of course it's deeply frustrating that we're not doing better today after three good performances. I think it's extremely important to be calm and measured, and of course have very, very direct and clear messages at the right time, so they're not in doubt of what I think. And very honest about where we are. That's why I was also very honest today. It was a very bad performance. No two ways about that.

But also know that to change this, this will take some time. Because no one wants to hear about that. It's just reality. I think the ones who have followed the club and the team, I think it's fair to say there's been a few not-too-consistent performances and that's a thing we are working very hard on.

Did you have any issue with Djed Spence arguing while coming off and throwing his jacket about?

You're the third one that said that to me today. I didn't see it. Of course I will look back to be aware of it. I think there can be three reasons. He can be disappointed with his own performance, the team's performance, he can be disappointed with being subbed off. I'll ask him about that.

It feels like people would understand the up-and-down results a bit but it still feels like the floor of this team is very low. Do you agree with that?

I think that is a fair assessment, unfortunately. That's something we need to work very hard on. That these setbacks can't affect us that much. I'm pretty sure when I watched the game... When did we concede the first goal? 28 minutes. I think when I watch it back, it was probably not that bad until the first goal. So it can't be one goal that makes it so disjointed for 15 minutes. It can't happen.

You can have a day where it's not perfect. How many games have you seen where it's not perfect? Then you find your way into it. Then you maybe win 2-1 in the second half where you eat your way into it. That's just ongoing work we need to work so hard on.

Is it a mental thing or more than that?

I think it's a combination of mental, structure, coolness. Stick to the game plan, focus.

You're trying to bed in all these new ideas, but you're at a club where the average time span of managers hasn't been that long, do you feel that you'll get the time to put everything you want into place?

I can't see why not. I think it's pretty evident that if no-one gets the time, no-one can turn this around. This is not a quick fix.

Christmas and New Year is always a hectic schedule, how do you look to navigate this in the next couple of weeks?

First and foremost, we have, I think, finally a more or less full week going into Liverpool next time. After that, we have eight days in to Palace. So that gives a little bit of time to train and try to get on top of some of these things. That's also the challenge. No complaints, just the fact. We try to change things with very short time between games. It's just a little bit more tricky. But we need to utilise the time in the next two weeks massively. And then we have five games in a short amount of time.

Are you expecting Matt Wells will still be at the club next week?

There's definitely a few rumours about that. We will, how can you say, when we know if that will happen or not happen, we will announce it.

You spoke about keeping your composure and being calm. Do you think the players did that well enough in general? We had the Djed moment and it felt like there were a couple of times you were telling Pedro to calm down as well?

I think that's two small situations. I think in general, no matter what, to have that coolness on the pitch and relentless concentration and focus, that's a big thing of being a top team.

Thomas Frank was disappointed with the manner of Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon

Thomas Frank has reeled off four things that irritated him during Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Callum Hudson-Odoi fired Sean Dyche's side to victory at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon, scoring or creating either of the three goals.

The Forest winger broke the deadlock inside the opening half-hour, tapping the ball into an open net from close range. Ibrahim Sangare dispossessed Archie Gray on the edge of the Spurs box and squared it to Hudson-Odoi.

Shortly after the break, the former Chelsea ace doubled Forest's lead, looping a cross-cum-shot over Guglielmo Vicario. Sangare put the third and final nail in the Tottenham coffin at the end of the second half, smashing the ball into the top corner from outside the box.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Frank described the result as 'hugely disappointing'. The Dane claimed his side didn't win enough duels, struggled to string any passes together, gave away the ball too easily, and made far too many mistakes.

"It was hugely disappointing," said Frank. "It's burning, annoying. That was a bad performance. Especially first half, overall we looked disjointed. We didn't win enough duels.

"And then we couldn't hit each other, it seems like we gave the ball away every time we won it back. Of course the first two goals are two mistakes, that happens.

"We need to work to be more consistent. It's two steps forward and a step back today. That's down to individuals. We are in it together, we win together and lose together.

"It's hugely irritating that we perform like this today. Simple passing, I think we lose the ball 20 times, simple passes."

On the decision to play out from the back, and ultimately gift Forest an early lead, Frank said: "It's a clear one, you see it in the Premier League every week, Serie A, La Liga all over the world. In, bounce it out with your first touch.

"On paper, black and white, we lost 3-0 here. The better team won today. When things are going against us we need to keep doing the right thing and keep our cool heads."

During the second half, Djed Spence kicked up a fuss when he was replaced by Ben Davies, throwing his arms in the air and his coat on the floor. On the England international's reaction, Frank said: "I haven't seen it. Thank you for the information."

And finally, on the disgruntled supporters who made to trip up to the East Midlands, Frank said: "Like I've said before, if you don't perform that's more than fair enough their frustration."

Yeah, you know, that happens. I've said before, mistakes happen, stuff like that. Of course I'll be irritated about it because you like to avoid it, but he will learn. I think it was a classic thing, you see, week in, week out. It's ball-playing to one of the two sitters. Bounce it up, first touch, not take a touch. He will learn from that. I'm pretty sure he'll use one touch next time.

No issue with the goalkeeper with that? No. I think you see that every week in the Premier League, from every team, all over the world. So there's no problem with that.

That was very disappointing. It was a bad performance. Frustrating, because I think the last three games were good on performance and results, normally linked. And you can lose a game like this. That's the frustrating part, of course.

I think every game, I think, until the 1-0 goal, it was a little bit back and forth for both teams. Hard transition both ways. And then after the first goal, I think we lost structure and were more disjointed.

And then the 2-0 goal killed the game off. Basically not in the game after that, in my opinion. And that's part of keeping the structure, keep the game plan, keep going, keep doing the right things.

So that's definitely not the first time we've seen that, this year, last year, whenever. That's something that's ongoing work in progress before we're more consistent in that.

Doesn't help that we made two mistakes with the first two goals. But again, that can happen in football. So we just need to keep doing the right things. So everything looks the right way. And then on top of that, we decide to throw the ball away at least 25 times. So we can't hit each other 25 times. That's going to make it difficult for you to create anything or to win a game.

Not good enough. A very disappointing result. We didn't create enough today, including myself. We need more effort in our all-round game.

To win a game in the Premier League is very difficult. We need the same input every single day. We lacked that. We needed to do more.

The final quality, including myself, some of the decisions we took today was a bit in a rush. We need to pick it up and focus on the next game.

It happens [Gray's mistake]. For me I'm really glad he [Archie Gray] wants to get on the ball. That's how we want to play, players who want to be on the ball. I'm very happy to see after the mistake he still wanted to get on the ball.

Here are our Spurs player ratings after their heavy defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

Tottenham slumped to an abysmal 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday and here are our Spurs player ratings from the game.

Thomas Frank made two changes to his Spurs team at the City ground from the one that beat Slavia Prague on Tuesday as the north London outfit reverted to the starting XI that overcame Brentford last weekend, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Randal Kolo Muani coming back in for Joao Palhinha and Wilson Odobert.

There was an early scare for the visitors which should have served as a warning when Ibrahim Sangare sent a free header against the left-hand post before Guglielmo Vicario saved Neco Williams' follow-up at full stretch.

Spurs gifted their hosts the lead on 28 minutes. Archie Gray called for the ball on the edge of his box from Vicario but instead of playing the first time ball to Cristian Romero, the teenager took a touch and no idea Sangare was closing him down. The Forest man got the ball, Vicario did well to save as he ran into the box but Callum Hudson-Odoi poked home the follow-up.

The same player then grabbed a second goal, albeit with a touch of fortune and his deep cross looped over everyone and into the far corner of the net.

Two became three in the 79th minute when Hudson-Odoi breezed past Porro and knocked the ball into the run of Sangare, who struck a superb, sliced shot from outside the box with the outside of his foot which flew in off the right-hand post.

Here are our Spurs player ratings from the defeat.

Guglielmo Vicario

Made an excellent early save from Williams after Sangare's header had hit the post. Almost bailed out Gray by denying the same Forest player for the goal but the loose ball fell to Hudson-Odoi to score. Was out of position for the same player's overhit cross which curled into the back of the net. Couldn't do much about Sangare's superb effort. Saved Hutchinson's free-kick late on. Made a few saves but was beaten from distance twice. 4

Pedro Porro

Looked flustered at times in the first half and rushed in his play. Was out of position for Forest's second goal, leaving Bentancur to deal with Hudson-Odoi. Maybe it wouldn't have mattered because his attempt to stop the winger for the third goal was pathetic. 3

Cristian Romero

Spurs' only real player with aggression in the backline but he also needs to lead them and that didn't seem to happen. 5

Micky van de Ven

His passing radar was off with short passes in both halves of the game that didn't reach their intended target. He and the backline looked all over the place. 4

Djed Spence

Looked to pick up a knock that left him struggling to run freely in the first half. He seemed to recover though in the second half and was furious when he was taken off for Davies, arguing and then throwing his jacket to the floor. He hadn't been particularly good though among a poor team display but he will say at least he could have offered something going forward. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur

So inconsistent with his passing accuracy, sometimes even the most basic passes are overhit. Needs to be so much better as the experienced midfielder but wasn't giving Gray someone to look to. 4

Archie Gray

A tough day at the office. Called for the pass from Vicario only to fail to sweep it first time out to Romero as he was meant to in that position. He took a touch and got caught by Sangare. Did have a shot at goal not long after - Spurs' only one on target on the day - before picking up a yellow card for a mistimed tackle. A day he will learn from. 4

Mohammed Kudus

A performance with no end product. Constantly running into players rather than passing and had very little quality in what he did. Even forgot to get in the half-time huddle the players have started doing. It was entirely fitting with the day. 3

Xavi Simons

Couldn't really get a handle on the game like previous performances. The movement around him was horrible, which didn't help. Worked hard though and was still running back to cover late on. 5

Randal Kolo Muani

Curled in a good early cross that Richarlison headed well off target. He looked to be the only one getting any joy going forward as he constantly beat his man, although he also struggled with his end product. 6

Richarlison

Sent a header wide before the 15 minute mark and that was his highlight. Never held the ball up and it was like playing with a wall up front. 3

Subs

Lucas Bergvall

Came on and his play was mostly sloppy even if he looked energetic in doing so. 4

Joao Palhinha

Launched into a few effective challenges but he was never going to change this game. 5

Ben Davies

Came on for the unhappy Spence and didn't let much get down his flank. 5

Mathys Tel

No real joy down the left after coming on in the final 10 minutes. N/A

Brennan Johnson

Djed Spence was disappointed to be substituted during the second half of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Nottingham Forest. The 22-year-old defender, who had suffered a knock earlier in the game, was replaced by Ben Davies on the hour mark, and the decision by Thomas Frank didn't go down very well.

Spence appeared to question the Dane's decision as he walked off the pitch, gesticulating with his arms. The England international, who helped Forest secure promotion to the Premier League in 2022, then received a standing ovation from the home supporters at the City Ground.

Once seated in the dugout, Spence threw his jacket on the floor. Shortly after the 25-year-old came off, Ibrahim Sangaré extended Forest's lead to three goals, smashing the ball past Guglielmo Vicario from outside the box.

It's not the first time that Spence has clashed with Frank this season. Last month, he and Micky van de Ven publicly snubbed their manager in front of the television cameras following a humiliating defeat to Chelsea.

The Dane marched onto the field after the game to console his players, and they both ignored him. Frank downplayed the incident in his post-match press conference; he later claimed to have accepted an apology from Spence and Van de Ven.

"All the players are of course frustrated," said the Spurs boss. "They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform well, so I understand that.

"I think it is about which is difficult to be consistent in good times and in bad times. That is why I went around to the fans as I did. It is more fun when we win, I can tell you that."

On whether the behaviour of Spence and Van de Ven was acceptable, Frank said: "I understand why you ask the question, but I think that is one of the small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence, who are doing everything they can.

"They perform very well so far this season, and everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, so I don’t think it is a big problem."

Then, speaking to reporters a couple of days later ahead of the 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, Frank cleared the air. He said: "Yes, Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday unprompted.

"They just wanted to say sorry for the situation. They didn't want it to look bad or disrespectful or all kind of perception you can get in this beautiful media world.

"That was not their intention at all towards me or the team or the club. They were just frustrated with the performance, the loss and the booing during the game."

Here's the Tottenham team that Thomas Frank has selected to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has made two changes to his Tottenham team to take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Spurs are looking to build on their draw at Newcastle followed by back-to-back victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Frank now takes on Sean Dyche and his Forest side, who won at Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Xavi Simons makes it three consecutive starts for the north London as does Archie Gray, who has been gaining praise from his head coach for his solid displays in a box-to-box role alongside a deeper midfielder. That was Rodrigo Bentancur against Brentford and Joao Palhinha against Slavia and the Uruguayan comes back in.

On the left, Wilson Odobert put in a mixed display against Slavia while Brennan Johnson has returned to training after the injury that has kept him out of action and both are on the bench. Randal Kolo Muani is therefore used on the flank with Richarlison through the middle to complete the same starting XI that faced Brentford last weekend.

Here's the Spurs team Frank has selected to take on Forest:

Tottenham are looking to make it three wins on the trot as they take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday in the Premier League.

Spurs' form has perked up a bit in the past fortnight with a battling point at Newcastle leading into victories against Thomas Frank's old side Brentford in the Premier League and then Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Now Tottenham travel up to Nottingham to take on the physical threat of Sean Dyche's Forest side, who had their own European victory on Thursday night in the Netherlands against Utrecht.

Frank and Dyche are friends away from the pitch but that will go out of the window as the two managers and their teams do battle on Sunday afternoon.

Our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold is at the City Ground. Scroll down for his latest updates and insight from Spurs' latest Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.

Here's the Tottenham team that we think Thomas Frank could select to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank appears to be getting closer to settling on his best XI ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Spurs have begun to turn around their form with a draw at Newcastle followed by back-to-back victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League. Now Frank will be looking to continue that run against one of his friends in the game, Sean Dyche, and his Forest side, who won at Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Xavi Simons has proved to be the key to Tottenham creating chances aplenty and the Dutchman's growing partnership with Mohammed Kudus looks like it could be a fruitful pairing for Frank going forward.

Archie Gray has also made back-to-back starts in the midfield and been named in three out of the past four line-ups. while gaining praise from his head coach for his solid displays in a box-to-box role alongside a deeper midfielder. That was Rodrigo Bentancur against Brentford and Joao Palhinha against Slavia and Frank will have to decide which of that duo starts this game at the City Ground and whether Gray makes it three on the trot or Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr comes in for the teenager.

On the left, Wilson Odobert put in a mixed display against Slavia while Brennan Johnson has returned to training after the injury that has kept him out of action. That could mean Randal Kolo Muani is used on the flank with Richarlison through the middle.

Here's the Spurs team that we reckon Frank could select for the trip to Nottingham: