tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Thomas Frank has fewer outfield players available than Ange Postecoglou around the same time in his first season.

Tottenham were criticised when they sacked Postecoglou weeks after he had won the UEFA Europa League with the club.

Postecoglou later moved to Nottingham Forest but was sacked after an abysmal string of performances.

But while he may be looking for his next adventure, Postecoglou is still someone who greatly interests Spurs supporters.

Mostly for winning them silverware for the first time in 17 years, but some fans still lie awake at night mulling over the injury crisis while he was at the helm. However, upon second glance, his injury woes may not have been as bad as initially believed.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Thomas Frank is faring worse than Ange Postecoglou when it comes to injuries

It was widely reported that Tottenham’s Archie Gray will be sidelined for several weeks due to injury.

Meanwhile, Wilson Odobert picked up a knock in Spurs’ goalless draw to Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, which saw him benched against Everton and unavailable to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

As a result, the Lilywhites only have 14 outfield players able to feature in Tottenham’s upcoming game against Chelsea on 1 November.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Spurs had 15 outfield players available around the same time during Postecoglou’s first season.

While it must be remembered that players like Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin were injured before Frank’s arrival, the stat does vindicate Postecoglou to an extent.

Indeed, it all started to go wrong for the Lilywhites in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6 November 2023.

Destiny Udogie picked up a muscular issue before receiving a second yellow against the Blues, while Cristian Romero, who was also shown red, and James Maddison both suffered injuries against Chelsea.

Thus, most fans will be hoping that a repeat of this does not happen this time around.

Ange Postecoglou’s injury crisis was not as bad as it seemed

Injuries were the reason, agreed by most Tottenham fans, that their team gave up top spot in the 2023/24 season and the reason they came 17th in the 2024/25 season.

However, this does not seem to be the case, at least where the first season is concerned.

The Lilywhites suffered fewer injuries in Postecoglou’s first season than in the 2022/23 period, according to a report from Howden Group Holdings.

This makes the claim that injuries derailed Spurs’ season seem quite far-fetched.

However, injuries definitely played a role in Tottenham’s results in his final season, suffering 41 separate injuries, which was the second highest in the league.

Therefore, while there is some truth to injuries influencing Postecoglou’s time in North London, it’s far from the whole truth.

Thomas Frank has been backed to go into the January transfer market with serious purpose and strengthen his Tottenham side with three key signings for its spine.

Despite being third in the Premier League Tottenham’s Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle on Wednesday makes it just three wins in nine across all competitions.

With significant injuries to the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevsky already biting the Spurs squad is seen to need significant reinforcements at the earliest opportunity, according to former midfielder David Bentley.

Dominic Solanke is also unavailable and Son Heung-min is now long gone, leaving Richarlison catching heavy criticism up top for Tottenham, and striker is seen as an obvious priority.

Thomas Frank urged to sign trio for Tottenham spine in January

An impressive display against PSG in the Super Cup coupled with another away victory at Man City early in the season had hopes high under Frank.

MORE SPURS STORIES

But despite some positive results in the weeks since there have been too many draws and a lack of Tottenham consistency overall.

Bentley reacted to the 2-0 loss at St. James’ Park live on talkSPORT in a conversation with Jamie O’Hara, and detailed his hopes for how the manager will address what he has at his disposal.

“I think they’ve got to go into the market and make a bit of a statement,” he said. “Purchase at least two or three players down the spine of the team.

“Just add a little bit more class… They need to get some goals, they need to get more creative players. I don’t know who they’re gonna go into the market and buy but they definitely do need [to].”

“They need a striker”, O’Hara cut in.

And Bentley replied: “Yeah they do need a striker, yeah.”

Tottenham full of inconsistent goalscorers

It’s easier said than done but simply throwing money at the problem is a risky way to fix things, and historically it hasn’t been Frank’s way.

That was largely out of necessity at Brentford, and he had an excellent track record of getting the best out of the likes of Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo while he was there.

It doesn’t appear that the Dane is particularly taken by Richarlison given his usage after a good start to the season while Mathys Tel remains goal-shy.

If Solanke, and to a lesser extent Randal Kolo Muani, can get fit and stay fit there is reason to believe the manager could get things firing but he just hasn’t had a proper chance to find out yet.

Thomas Frank drops Xavi Simons in five changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs Chelsea

Thomas Frank is in need of a win against Chelsea after a disappointing result in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Newcastle United dominated Tottenham in a 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup at St. James’ Park on 29 October.

While Frank has an abysmal record against Newcastle, the defeat reflects the Spurs’ inconsistency this period, winning seven and losing four games in all competitions this season.

But in football, things carry on moving, and Tottenham will need to pick themselves up when they welcome Chelsea at home in the Premier League on 1 November.

Mathys Tel to replace Richarlison after disastrous Carabao Cup performance

Richarlison was heavily criticised for his performance against Newcastle, which hardly comes as a surprise given that it was disastrous from beginning to end.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Indeed, the Brazilian took four shots, three of which were on target, according to Sofascore.

At first glance, that doesn’t seem too bad, and one could conclude that Aaron Ramsdale had an incredible performance.

And yes, that is all true, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that Richarlison arrived late to at least three excellent crosses delivered into the box.

His passing wasn’t all that impressive either:

Mathys Tel showed more promise in 12 minutes than Richarlison had all game when he was substituted on, completing 100 per cent of his passes. As a result, the young striker will likely replace the Brazilian against Chelsea on Saturday.

While Randal Kolo Muani is an option, given Frank’s cautious approach all season, he’s likely to go with Tel, who’s played more minutes this season.

Brennan Johnson actually had his first good game in a while for Spurs against Newcastle and could’ve had a couple of assists if Richarlison was more clinical.

As a result, Frank could move him back onto the left wing ahead of Lucas Bergvall, who would be demoted to the bench with Mohammed Kudus returning to the right wing.

Meanwhile, Xavi Simons wasn’t half bad against the Magpies, completing 100 per cent of his dribbles and making two key passes. However, the Dane could opt for a more defensive approach in a move which would see Simons enter the field as a substitute.

This would result in Frank returning to a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 4-2-3-1 used against Newcastle, with Joao Palhinha returning to the midfield from the defence, as well as Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr retaining their starting spots.

Micky van de Ven will likely come in for Palhinha as centre-back, and fans will be pleased to see Guglielmo Vicario replace Antonin Kinsky, given the latter’s unconvincing display.

Newcastle game highlights what Thomas Frank must change against Chelsea

Tottenham struggled to create meaningful chances against Newcastle in what has been a recurring issue for the Lillywhites.

Indeed, Spurs generated 0.94 expected goals against the Magpies, with their best chance of the game being an attempt from Sarr on goal outside of the box.

While Kudus has been Tottenham’s best creator this season and his absence was no doubt felt, the team should still be able to create with the likes of Simons and Bergvall in the midfield.

Chelsea are a strong attacking team, creating around 2.8 big chances per game and keeping the game level would be a tough ask for the Lilywhites.

As a result, Frank will need to organise Spurs in a formation which guarantees goals on Saturday.

Jamie O’Hara alluded to Tottenham’s inability to look threatening against Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Tottenham lost 2-0 to Newcastle at a noisy St. James Park in the Carabao Cup, as Thomas Frank will now need to focus on other competitions in which the Lilywhites can still be successful.

Xavi Simons has been criticised for his performances, and once again looked unable to make an impact for Spurs on Wednesday night.

Richarlison offered little attacking presence up front, as Tottenham are so clearly in need of one man to make his first appearance under Frank.

Jamie O’Hara’s claim shows Tottenham miss Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski has been out with a knee injury since May, but luckily for Tottenham fans, the 25-year-old is aiming for a return in November.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Last campaign, Kulusevski had his best season for the Lilywhites yet, and, unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to play under Frank up until this point.

Venting on X, O’Hara summed up exactly why Tottenham are in desperate need of their versatile attacker to return from injury, sooner rather than later.

O’Hara commented: “Shambles tonight, don’t look like scoring. It was a tough draw, but I expected a bit more of a fight. Have to just accept that we’re not that good.”

Kulusevski would bring creativity and goals back into this Tottenham side from open play, as bold claims were made on the attacker last season.

Dejan Kulusevski could explode under Thomas Frank

Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham called Kulusevski Tottenham’s “best player” in April, as the Swede has yet to make his first appearance for Frank.

Last campaign, Tottenham fans saw the best of Kulusevski, and under Frank, he is just waiting to transform into one of the best players in the world.

With Mohammed Kudus next to him, Kulusevski could be another point of difference for Tottenham when he returns, as there’s still much to be excited about at N17.

What Thomas Frank has already said about Jarrod Bowen as Tottenham ready £52m bid

Thomas Frank could be set to bring Jarrod Bowen to Tottenham.

Graham Potter wouldn’t discuss Bowen’s exit at West Ham earlier in the year as links away from the London Stadium continued to build.

The England international remained in E20, but Tottenham fans still want Bowen to complete a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

West Ham have said they don’t want to sell Bowen in the past, as the claret and blue outfit remain keen on keeping their captain.

The Hammers are now in a precarious position, and Frank could make a move to sign Bowen, especially after previously showing admiration for him.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham preparing offer for Jarrod Bowen at West Ham

Tottenham have monitored Bowen for many months but have seemingly never made a true approach to sign the wideman.

The Lilywhites haven’t been afraid of signing players from the Irons after bringing in Mohammed Kudus for a sizable fee over the summer.

The Ghana international has proven to be a superb addition for Spurs, and that could act as the perfect blueprint to land the Englishman.

Fichajes reported on 29 October that Tottenham have emerged as the prime candidate to sign Bowen off the back of a precarious situation at the London Stadium.

The 28-year-old has a huge career decision to make as he assesses the risks of leaving the Hammers to join an outfit with higher expectations.

Spurs could prove to be a landing destination for Bowen, with Frank’s side said to be preparing a £52million offer to convince West Ham of a move.

What has Thomas Frank said about Bowen?

The Danish head coach hasn’t been afraid of discussing the forward in the past and could now be set to work with him in N17.

Back in his Brentford days, Frank spoke highly of the former Hull City star ahead of a clash with Graham Potter’s West Ham side.

Speaking in February 2025, he said: “I remember Bowen from the Championship. He has been their [West Ham’s] go-to, main threat, more or less from the first season he signed.

“He is the guy that drives the team, he can score all sorts of goals – outside of the box, counter attack, dribbling, finishing, arriving in the box – there’s no doubt that he’s a key player we need to keep quiet.“

The Bees boss also remarked that “Bowen was unplayable” when the forward netted a hat-trick against Brentford last season.

It is clear that Frank admires Bowen’s ability and that he now has a perfect opportunity to work with him in North London.

Tottenham fans were not happy with their team’s performance against Newcastle, with Brennan Johnson in particular at the centre of frustrations.

Thomas Frank‘s Tottenham lost 2-0 to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday night in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, with the Magpies advancing to the quarter-finals.

Antonin Kinsky had a poor game for Tottenham, as the backup goalkeeper will have only harmed his playing chances further.

Johnson was urged to start against Newcastle, and after Frank put his trust in the forward, the Tottenham fans made their feelings clear on his performance.

Brennan Johnson was sarcastically cheered off by Spurs fans

Johnson made a positive start to life under Frank after he scored in both of the Lilywhites’ first two Premier League games.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Since then, Johnson has been on a downward slope, with a lack of game time, and trust shown in him by Frank.

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, cheers from the travelling Tottenham support came when Johnson’s name was read out over the tannoy at St. James’ Park.

What Johnson has done in the past with criticism will make for an interesting couple of weeks ahead.

Tottenham will now get the best or worst version of Johnson

Last season, Johnson faced backlash online over performances, which prompted the winger to remove his presence on all social media platforms.

The move was a good decision from Johnson, as after that, the forward went on his best goalscoring run in a Tottenham shirt.

Now, after limited game time and criticism by the fans, Johnson may have a similar response by letting the talking do the work on the field.

However, there is also a possibility that the cheers may have knocked his confidence, which won’t help anybody in a Tottenham persuasion.

Thomas Frank has encountered issues finding the right balance in his Tottenham midfield this season.

Thomas Frank has struggled to utilise Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur effectively, leading to criticism from supporters.

Palhinha started in defence during Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, as Frank rang the changes.

While the Portugal international and Bentancur have struggled to adapt consistently well as a partnership, Frank has been told he does have a blueprint to follow that could yield success moving forward.

Thomas Frank has proven he can solve Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur issue

The Lilywhites’ performances at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been disjointed at times this season, as Frank still battles to find an effective starting XI.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Many fans and pundits are of the opinion that Palhinha and Bentancur are too similar to work as an effective partnership at Tottenham, especially at home when teams often sit back and look to hit them on the counter-attack.

Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham thinks that moving forward, Palhinha should start as a lone pivot in the heart of midfield for home matches, but that the pair have proven they can be utilised effectively in away games as they were for the 2-0 win at Manchester City back in August.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I think for away games, as we saw it done to absolute perfection, like Man City away, it can work an absolute treat.

“For the home games, though, I think moving forward, the lessons have to be learned from the first four home games where we’ve only got one win, two losses and a draw. So, the lesson has to be that this does not work in the home games.

“Start Palhinha in the home games, but put him next to Pape Matar Sarr or Lucas Bergvall, rather than Bentancur, to give us a runner in there, give us some energy, box-to-box style.

“The away games, I’m still of the opinion, that we haven’t lost a game, we’re undefeated away, aren’t we? So, I’m still of the opinion that it works in the away games. I really am.

“So for me, I’d still be going with Bentancur and Palhinha every away game, and the home games, I’d be going with Palhinha with a Sarr or a Bergvall and then also Xavi Simons in the 10.”

What has Frank said about Palhinha and Bentancur partnership?

While supporters have not been completely enamoured by the pairing of Palhinha and Bentancur, it appears as though Frank likes the security of having two controlling midfielders.

Speaking after Tottenham drew 1-1 with Wolves at the end of September, Frank spoke glowingly about the duo.

In quotes reported by the Standard, Frank said: “I think it’s fair to say both Rodri and Joao have been very good for us so far in the season.

“And Lucas [Bergvall] has been fantastic, so you like to keep your players that are a little bit in the flow.”

Tottenham host Chelsea this weekend in a blockbuster London derby. It remains to be seen if Frank will stick with the pairing or if Wenham’s advice will be heeded.

Tottenham fans have apologised for doubting Guglielmo Vicario after Antonin Kinsky’s poor performance away at Newcastle United on Wednesday night.

Newcastle triumphed in a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on 29 October, despite Tottenham prospering in a 3-0 win over Everton in the Premier League just days before.

While Richarlison was criticised for his display against Newcastle, one of the major differences between the Carabao Cup and Villa was the presence of Vicario.

Indeed, by the time the Lilywhites had conceded their second goal, fans were desperate to see the Italian international back in action for their team.

Tottenham fans realise Guglielmo Vicario’s importance

Vicario has been scapegoated by Tottenham fans this season despite conceding just seven goals in the Premier League.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Indeed, there have been calls for Kinsky to become Spurs’ starting keeper over the past couple of weeks.

However, it now seems like a classic case of supporters failing to realise a good thing before it’s gone, with several Tottenham fans taking to X on 29 October to apologise for their treatment of Vicario.

“I’d like to make a formal apology to Guglielmo Vicario,” The Spurs Watch posted.

Under the post, one fan replied: “We took him for granted bro,” while another added: “Kinsky has one good game and suddenly he’s [Gianluigi] Buffon sat on our bench.”

“Don’t know why anyone was ever calling for Kinsky to start. Had a good first game, but was sh*t every game after, and his shot-stopping is horrendous. Should have saved both goals today,” another fan pointed out.

One more said: “Be careful what you wish for indeed,” and another added: “Never start him, Spurs fans are annoying as they prefer potential over experience.”

While it is far too early to write Kinsky off, it’s safe to say that Tottenham fans have gained a new level of respect for their starting keeper.

How did Antonin Kinsky really perform against Newcastle?

Tottenham took 11 shots to Newcastle’s 10 according to Sofascore, in a performance where Kinsky was not completely at fault.

However, Aaron Ramsdale made six saves for his team, earning him the highest rating on the site, whereas Kinsky saved just one.

Meanwhile, for a keeper who is often praised for his ball-playing ability, only 66 per cent of his passes and 29 per cent of his long balls were accurate.

Comparatively, Ramsdale made 10 recoveries and three clearances, while five of his saves came from inside the box, not to mention his stunning effort on Pape Matar Sarr’s effort from range in the second half.

In a game that turned out to be the battle of the keepers, Ramsdale, unfortunately for Tottenham, came out on top.

Tottenham may have a close replica of Mousa Dembele in their ranks this season.

The former Belgium international made 240 appearances for the Lilywhites across his seven-year stay at the club, and quickly became a cult hero among the fanbase.

Dembele was an unsung hero for Tottenham over a number of years, although Dele Alli recently hailed the midfielder’s ability as a player earlier this year.

Thomas Frank never got to work with the box-to-box star, but he will surely be excited to hear that he has a player with similar qualities as part of his current group.

Mohammed Kudus is Spurs’ new Mousa Dembele

Mohammed Kudus has made an exceptional start to his Tottenham career in recent weeks after moving from West Ham in the summer, and he already looks like an outstanding addition to their squad.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Ghana international already has five league goal contributions to his name, and he has been a constant thorn in the side of defences since the start of the campaign.

The 25-year-old has been receiving plaudits from all quarters recently, and he has just received the most eye-catching comparison of them all.

Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Kudus is a close replica of Dembele in terms of the skillset that he provides.

“Kudus is like having two players rolled into one,” Wenham said.

“On one hand, he’s this tricky, skilful right-winger that gets loads of goals and assists. On the other hand, he’s like a massively powerful central midfield player.

“He’s the closest equivalent we’ve had to Mousa Dembele, in terms of the strength that he’s got and the way he holds players off, although they’re completely different players.

“Having those two abilities in one player is very, very dangerous.”

Tottenham need to place huge price tag on Mohammed Kudus

Kudus’ start to life at Tottenham has been so impressive that it is surely a matter of time before the world’s elite start showing an interest in him, regardless of the fact that he has only just joined Spurs.

The Lilywhites’ £55million purchase is already looking like a bargain, and they will only be willing to lose him in future years for a significant profit on their initial investment.

With that in mind, a figure in the region of £150m could genuinely be a suitable valuation for them to try and ward off the likely interest in Kudus from the top clubs, which will inevitably come if he continues in his current vein of form.

Spurs will undoubtedly not want to lose their star man for several years to come, but his start has been that impressive that they may already have to begin taking preventative measures.

Tottenham were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as they were beaten 2-0 away at Newcastle.

The Lilywhites produced an excellent performance to win 3-0 away at Everton in the Premier League on Sunday, but they lost their unbeaten away record this time around, as goals from Fabiam Schar and Nick Woltemade settled the tie.

Lucas Bergvall was brilliant for Tottenham during the defeat, but he could do little to prevent Eddie Howe’s men from running out as winners at St James’ Park and booking their place in the next round.

Thomas Frank recalled Richarlison to the starting XI to lead the line in the North East, and the Brazilian had a typically eventful night throughout the 90 minutes.

Alan Smith can’t believe Richarlison complaints after Fabian Schar goal

Richarlison is being tipped to depart Tottenham in the January transfer window, but for now, the striker has been a key part of Frank’s plans in recent weeks.

MORE SPURS STORIES

However, he was largely ineffective against Newcastle on Wednesday, as the Magpies marshalled him well from start to finish.

Games involving the 28-year-old rarely pass without incident, and his actions came under scrutiny once again when he vociferously protested to referee Chris Kavanagh after Schar nodded home from a corner to put the hosts in front in the 24th minute.

Richarlison was unhappy at Kavanagh’s decision not to allow Djed Spence to get back into position, after initially delaying the corner to allow the defender to tie his lace.

The striker was eventually shown a yellow card for his trouble, and ex-Arsenal forward Alan Smith was left baffled as to why he was complaining so strongly.

“There was no challenge, nobody attacking the ball, it’s so soft from Spurs’ point of view, it’s a gift for Newcastle,” Smith said during Sky Sports’ coverage of the game.

“Richarlison was complaining to the ref bitterly afterwards, and I’m not sure what they were complaining about. He went on at the ref for quite some time during the celebrations, but I’m not quite sure what the grief is all about.”

Richarlison’s antics are tiresome at Tottenham

Richarlison is never far from controversy at Tottenham, and he is clearly a player who wears his heart on his sleeve during games.

However, his hot-headed moments of madness are quickly becoming tiresome, given that they arise from very little most of the time.

The former Everton frontman has shown his lack of consistency yet again of late, as his form has dipped after a bright start to the campaign, and Wednesday’s incident likely stemmed from his frustration with himself as much as anything.

He hasn’t delivered the goods since he arrived in North London, and January is surely the perfect time for Spurs to cut him adrift and send him elsewhere.