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Thomas Frank playing with fire as Tottenham break dreadful 22-year record in loss vs PSG

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Thomas Frank drastically failed to improve Tottenham’s defensive woes in the 5-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

Tottenham’s defeat to PSG has once again highlighted that there is plenty of work for Frank to do after another heavy drubbing in the French capital.

Despite taking the lead twice throughout the match, Spurs couldn’t hold on, with Vitinha netting a stunning hat-trick to condemn the Lilywhites to their first Champions League defeat of the campaign.

It was certainly an improved response from Arsenal’s 4-1 demolition of Spurs on 23 November, but there is plenty of concern regarding Frank’s reign.

Frank is under intense scrutiny, and he could be heading for the exit door if he doesn’t improve Tottenham’s issues at the back.

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Tottenham break awful record in PSG defeat

There were certainly some positives to take from the loss in Paris, most notably Randal Kolo-Muani’s stunning brace.

But Cristian Romero had a particularly poor game, gifting the ball to the home side for the third goal, before gifting a penalty late on.

The defeats to Arsenal and PSG marked the first time since 2003 that Tottenham have conceded four or more goals in consecutive matches in all competitions.

One of the key reasons Ange Postecoglou was sacked was because he failed to adapt his tactics to make Spurs more defensively solid.

However, Frank is experiencing the same issues, with Tottenham only winning one game at home in the league this season, and fans are already calling for him to be dismissed.

It’s expected that Arsenal and PSG would be much better than Spurs, but the lack of fight shown in the North London derby was abysmal.

Registering an expected goals total of 0.06 is an embarrassment, and despite improving their attacking threat in Paris, they failed to address their frailties at the other end of the pitch.

Frank is known for being a pragmatic and adaptable coach from when he worked at Brentford, but recent performances have shown the complete opposite.

Thomas Frank’s underlying numbers show things won’t get better

After an excellent start to the season, the poor home form and tough fixtures have soured the mood in N17.

According to Opta, Tottenham should be in 18th place with an expected points total of 12.9 due to their overperformance in front of goal.

Their clinical nature in the Premier League has masked their problems in defence, but they are now finally getting punished against top-quality opposition.

Frank’s tactics were effective in the first half of the PSG match, and there is hope that the upcoming match against Fulham could help them secure a much-needed win and clean sheet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, if Spurs fail to keep clean sheets in their away matches to Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, and Crystal Palace, then his future would undoubtedly be at risk.

Tottenham issues laid bare in embarrassing new Premier League reveal

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Thomas Frank is coming under increasing pressure at Tottenham following a miserable few days for the North London side.

On Sunday, Tottenham were beaten 4-1 by arch-rivals Arsenal in a dismal display at the Emirates.

To make matters worse, Eberechi Eze scored a hat-trick for the Gunners after snubbing a move to Spurs over the summer.

Tottenham then fell to a 5-3 loss away at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, despite the fact that they were leading the contest on two separate occasions.

Tottenham worst-ranked Premier League side for defensive stat

It’s clear that Tottenham are struggling defensively at the moment, having conceded nine goals in their past two games, against Arsenal and PSG.

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Frank’s side have been caught out at the back too often in recent times, even in possession, with individual mistakes costing them valuable points.

Currently, Tottenham are the worst-ranked team in the Premier League for errors leading to goals (3) and, more concerningly, errors leading to shots (15).

The indication is that Spurs are often being bailed out by Guglielmo Vicario, and that is backed up by the fact that the Italian has prevented 3.55 goals already in the top-flight this season.

Without Vicario, Tottenham’s mistakes would be being punished on a more regular basis, and the stats would make for even worse reading.

Thomas Frank must address issues to avoid sack

It is no secret that Tottenham fans are angry with Frank following their side’s limp showing in the North London derby.

The Spurs fans were already becoming frustrated with the Dane’s style of play, and the defeat to Arsenal has just amplified that feeling.

If Frank doesn’t address the mistakes at the back with urgency, then the situation will only continue to worsen, and his dismissal will be inevitable.

Tottenham face Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday evening, as they aim to end their three-game winless run across all competitions.

Spurs have dropped to ninth in the table as a result of their recent poor form and risk falling into the bottom half if they are beaten by Marco Silva’s side.

This embarrassment surely can’t go on any longer.

Tottenham’s incompetent Dominic Solanke call is costing Thomas Frank, here’s why

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Tottenham’s misjudgement of Dominic Solanke’s injury has left Thomas Frank without the use of Mathys Tel in the Champions League.

Tel was left out of Tottenham’s 25-man squad for the Champions League, as the head coach was told that Solanke’s injury wasn’t serious.

Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by PSG in the Champions League on Wednesday, but are still in a good position to qualify for the knockout stages.

However, Frank will most likely still be without Solanke for crucial upcoming games, which leaves him a man short for the players he can use in the competition.

The depth of this saga, which includes Tel and Solanke, makes the situation even more embarrassing for the Lilywhites.

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Tottenham said Dominic Solanke’s injury was ‘minor’

Tel has started to show his worth for Tottenham, and in a time where Frank needs all the attackers he can get, he’s been let down by the medical staff.

Solanke may return to training in the coming weeks, but it’s going to take time for the striker to get up to speed.

Tel has only started three times in the league this season, but still boasts a 73 per cent pass completion and is a clear threat going forward, considering the substitute appearances he’s had.

Solanke, who completes 69 per cent of his passes, was ruled out of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Luton Town in July through an ankle injury, which was described by the club as “minor”.

That’s the same ankle that he has now had an operation on, which has left him nowhere sidelined for practically the entire season so far.

Thankfully for Spurs, there is a chance for them to shuffle things around at the next point of registration.

Tottenham can re-register after January transfer window

Usually, in early February, clubs are given a chance to resubmit a registration of their Champions League squad following the conclusion of the January transfer window.

Tottenham should have the chance to add Tel to the mix in February after the window closes, with potential departures also likely to make space for the Frenchman.

Tottenham’s next three Champions League fixtures:

It will give the Lilywhites a chance to register Dejan Kulusevski, who is injured at the moment, and any new signings that Frank deems good enough to make his final squad.

As for now, Tottenham will be without Tel for some more Champions League games with Solanke’s return up in the air.

Thomas Frank drops Randal Kolo Muani injury update in Tottenham team news vs Fulham

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Thomas Frank has spoken out ahead of the Tottenham clash against Fulham on Saturday.

Tottenham are set to host Fulham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a return to Premier League action after mid-week on the continent.

The Lilywhites faced off in the Champions League on Wednesday as Tottenham fell to defeat against PSG away at the Parc Des Princes.

Archie Gray was superb against PSG and staked a claim for his place in the Spurs side ahead of a London derby clash against the Cottagers.

Frank has now taken up media duties in N17 and has revealed the state of his squad before meeting Marco Silva in the dugout on 29 November.

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Tottenham team news emerges ahead of Fulham clash

Silva has been linked to Tottenham in the past, but will now bring his side from Craven Cottage across the capital for a North London match-up.

There may be concern from the Portuguese head coach after watching the Lilywhites in mid-week, despite falling to defeat against the Champions League title holders.

Spurs showcased moments of true quality away to PSG and will class themselves as unfortunate to have lost 5-3 in the French capital.

The Premier League will now take priority once again, with the 4-1 defeat against Arsenal still a source of huge frustration in N17.

The performance at PSG has provided reason for optimism, but a win must mark a return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Things may not be so straightforward for Frank after he confirmed the injury latest from North London, ready for the Fulham clash.

He said: “Nothing changed from the Arsenal and PSG games – obviously suspension to Cuti [Romero]. Radu [Dragusin] is not able to start yet, but he’s progressing in training.

“Yeah, he [Kolo Muani] will be fit enough to start against Fulham. I think he performed well, his best performance so far. That’s the challenge we’re embracing, three days between games, how can we find the perfect balance between games in energy, intensity, the right structure on the pitch.“

Tottenham must kickstart home form vs Fulham

The Lilywhites have been so poor at home this season and really need something to change moving deeper into the season.

Spurs haven’t secured a Premier League win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since the opening day of the season. A 3-0 win over Burnley.

Goals from Richarlison and Brennan Johnson dispatched the Clarets, but three points haven’t been secured in N17 since.

Going over 100 days without a home win is far from acceptable, and Frank needs to change it quickly.

The Dane may not get a better chance than against Fulham, even after they secured a victory over Sunderland last time around.

Tottenham fans will not believe what Lionel Messi has just requested of ex

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Tottenham fans won’t believe what Lionel Messi has just requested of ex-Spurs flop

Lionel Messi is an admirer of former Tottenham let-down Timo Werner.

Tottenham loaned Werner from RB Leipzig for a season and a half, when the forward joined the Lilywhites back in January of last year.

The German showed promise in the early days of his Spurs career, with a handful of appearances that suggested Tottenham may have made a masterstroke move.

However, this wasn’t to be the case, and Werner‘s effectiveness on the field quickly fizzled out, as the versatile attacker became surplus to requirements under Ange Postecoglou.

There’s no way that anybody from a Tottenham perspective would’ve ever imagined what footballing icon, Messi, is now wanting of Werner.

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Lionel Messi has asked Inter Miami to sign Timo Werner

Tottenham avoided signing Werner permanently this summer, and for good reason, at an unjustifiable price of £8.5million.

The forward once seemed like one of the most clinical strikers in the world when at RB Leipzig before moving to Chelsea in 2020.

The Lilywhites clearly thought they had a chance of getting Werner back to his best, but it never once looked possible in hindsight.

While Postecoglou chose to play Werner as a winger instead of a striker, he never posed a real goal-scoring threat from out wide either.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Messi has expressed his desire to Inter Miami’s hierarchy over the potential signing of Werner in January.

The German has managed to play just once this term for RB Leipzig, and with his next destination looking likely to be the United States, it’s fair to say that Spurs dodged an almighty bullet.

Werner not the only transfer blunder avoided in recent times

Werner posed a pretty easy decision for the Lilywhites to make. In reality, he was an injury problem, and lacked impact on the pitch when fit anyway.

He would have demanded high wages, and it may be one of the last good decisions that Daniel Levy made before departing N17.

However, Tottenham also missed out on the signing of Georgiy Sudakov from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Joe Lewis now has a massive job to back Thomas Frank in the upcoming January transfer window, as Spurs will continue their quest for success this season.

Thomas Frank to completely rip up Tottenham plan after what Archie Gray did vs PSG

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Thomas Frank may have had a lightbulb moment after Archie Gray’s performance against PSG.

Tottenham lost 5-3 to PSG on Wednesday in an action-packed Champions League showdown at the Parc des Princes.

Randal Kolo Muani was superb against his parent club, as things finally started to click in attack for Frank.

Despite an attacking revelation, the script flipped, and it was Spurs’ defence which let them down on the night.

Frank has been tipped for the sack at Tottenham, but the performance against the defending European champions has led to lots of positive takeaways.

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One in particular being Gray.

Archie Gray was immense vs PSG

Gray has been sidelined with a calf injury recently and has been unable to prove his worth to Frank in the games that he has been fit, due to a lack of game time.

The 19-year-old was trusted by Ange Postecoglou last season, and with his display against PSG, he has surely given Frank the perfect solution to Spurs’ problem.

Gray won 100 per cent of his tackles against the French giants and showed real promise while being thrown in to face elite competition despite a lack of match sharpness.

The midfielder also came away unlucky when he had an effort pushed onto the woodwork in the second half.

Having only started once in the Premier League this season, Frank will have only now realised what he needs to do with Gray and Tottenham moving forward.

Gray needs to be at the heart of Thomas Frank’s formation change

Tottenham have often lined up as a 4-2-3-1 this season, with 4-3-3 variations also being deployed by Frank.

However, Tottenham’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Arsenal saw Frank play a five at the back formation, which didn’t work as he once again changed things up against PSG.

The Lilywhites put in perhaps their best attacking performance versus Les Parisiens, and it’s all because of Gray and the formation that Frank used.

In possession, Spurs were fluid in their diamond shape, with Gray helping play move forward from deep in midfield.

There’s still work to be done out of possession, but Frank surely needs to divert away from his usual formation choice and go with this setup from now on.

PSG to appeal Lucas Hernandez ban after ‘violent’ incident vs Tottenham

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Lucas Hernandez was sent off in Tottenham’s 5-3 defeat to PSG on Wednesday.

It was a decision that mattered little in the grand scheme of things, with the French international departing the pitch in the dying minutes of the game.

The incident is likely a low priority for Thomas Frank, with Tottenham’s defending against PSG highly concerning.

However, eyebrows will likely be raised by the Spurs camp if the French champions look to appeal the suspension.

Keith Hackett: PSG may look to get Lucas Hernandez’s suspension reduced

With PSG in control against Tottenham and set for a 5-3 victory, it ended on a bit of a sour note for the hosts.

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Xavi Simons was caught in the face by Hernandez with a swinging elbow.

VAR has been heavily involved in Tottenham games recently and came to Spurs’ aid against PSG, advising the referee to go to the monitor, with a red card eventually being handed out to the defender.

Now, looking back at the incident, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett gave his view on the sending off exclusively to Tottenham Hotspur News.

He said: “The Referee did really well to detect and correctly sanction with a red card.”

“The deliberate and illegal use of the arm/elbow is a violent act in the laws of the game. The player should and will be sanctioned with a three-match ban.”

“His club might appeal to get the sanction reduced, but on what grounds, frankly, I cannot see one.”

Luis Enrique questions Hernandez over red card

While PSG could appeal the suspension, one man who was left unimpressed was Luis Enrique.

The PSG manager was far from pleased that his defender was given his marching orders for a preventable incident in the dying minutes.

He told Paris Fans on 27 November: “It’s not the first time, and it’s strange, it’s not normal.

“You have to understand that it’s dangerous. There’s no bad intention, because I know Lucas very well, but you have to know how to control yourself.”

Tottenham vs Fulham: Supercomputer predicts result of Premier League showdown

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Supercomputer predicts Tottenham vs Fulham result in Premier League showdown

Thomas Frank will have the opportunity to win back Tottenham confidence against Fulham on Saturday.

Tottenham will host Fulham in the Premier League on 29 November.

This comes after Spurs suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday.

Former Tottenham target Eberechi Eze netted a hat-trick to seal all three points for the Gunners in what was a pitiful display from the Lilywhites.

As a result, Frank will look to get back on track against the Cottagers.

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Tottenham heavy favourites against Fulham

Speculation around Frank’s future at Tottenham has been rife since the defeat to Arsenal.

But in great news for the Dane, the Lilywhites are predicted to win comfortably against Fulham, according to Opta’s Supercomputer.

Indeed, Tottenham have a 53.2 per cent chance of claiming all three points while Fulham have a 22.8 per cent shot at a win away from home.

There is a 24 per cent chance that the confrontation ends in a draw.

However, this won’t quite be music to Frank’s ears considering Spurs’ dire home record.

Spurs are already a team that struggles to create, and given their poor home record, Tottenham fans could be screaming ‘Frank out’ by the time the week’s out.

Tottenham fans handed slither of hope

Despite Tottenham’s dire form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Frank’s managerial record against Fulham gives reason for optimism.

The Dane has won five of his 10 games played against the Premier League side. He has been defeated four times, and one game ended in a draw.

While not the best record in the world, it’s certainly better than the one game he’d won against Mikel Arteta heading into the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Things are not looking good for Frank at Spurs, but the season is still long, and as it stands, he still has the club’s backing.

With Fulham struggling in the Premier League this season, Sunday will be the perfect opportunity for Frank to get back on track.

Thomas Frank makes huge Ballon d’Or claim after Tottenham defeat vs PSG

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Thomas Frank didn’t shy away from the fact that Tottenham were beaten by the better side on Wednesday.

Away form has been an issue all season, and that continued on Wednesday night when Tottenham were beaten 5-3 by PSG in the Champions League.

Spurs took the lead through Richarlison before PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani scored to regain the lead against his parent club.

However, the Ligue 1 giants’ quality prevailed on this occasion, and Frank was in awe of one particular player.

PSG star backed to win Ballon d’Or by Thomas Frank

Ousmane Dembele was a surprise omission from the PSG starting 11, with 18-year-old Quentin Ndjantou tasked with leading their line on the night.

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He registered an assist, but the entire game revolved around Vitinha, who scored a hat-trick from midfield for the French outfit.

It was his goal that gave PSG a route back into the game, and it was his third that made sure of all three points, with Frank backing the Portugal international to win the Ballon d’Or.

Via TNT Sports, he said: “Vitinha, best midfielder in the world. He’ll be the next Ballon d’Or winner for me.”

Based on his performance against Spurs, he may have a point, though Arsenal fans will be fuming to see another midfielder named as the best in the world as opposed to their beloved Declan Rice.

Vitinha’s numbers show why Tottenham didn’t stand a chance vs PSG

Not only did Vitinha score three, but he did so from just 1.04 xG, according to FotMob.

His first goal in particular was sensational, with the midfielder finding the back of the net from a shot outside of the area with an xG of just 0.03.

However, it wasn’t his goals that made it hard for Spurs, but rather his ability on the ball.

The 25-year-old completed 93 per cent of his 94 attempted passes, with a 100 per cent accuracy when it came to long ball attempts.

With seven defensive recoveries and three duels won, Vitinha made it nearly impossible for Tottenham to win anything in the middle of the pitch.

Tottenham simply need a player of that ilk in their midfield if they are to achieve success in the near future.

Stephen Warnock stunned at shocking moment in PSG vs Tottenham – ‘What are you doing?’

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Tottenham fell to a 5-3 defeat to PSG on Wednesday, with Stephen Warnock shocked at Spurs’ defending for the hosts’ third goal.

While the performance was a massive improvement from the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on the weekend, there are still plenty of things to work on.

Notably, Spurs’ defending was dreadful at times, with the North London side now conceding nine goals in less than a week.

While Thomas Frank has gone a long way to improve Tottenham’s backline, there are still too many errors from the team that have led to preventable goals.

Stephen Warnock: Why are Tottenham trying to play out from the back?

While many Tottenham players played well against PSG, there were far too many errors from the visitors.

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One of the worst came just before the hour mark, when PSG took the lead for the first time in the match.

It was a completely avoidable goal, with Guglielmo Vicario playing the ball out to Cristian Romero, who then passes to Pape Matar Sarr.

However, the Spurs midfielder was then pounced on by Lucas Hernandez and lost possession before the ball fell to Fabian Ruiz to give PSG the lead.

Watching the highlights on BBC Sport on 26 November, Warnock was quick to question what Tottenham were thinking at this moment.

He said: “What are you doing?! You are 2-2 in a game, why are you trying to play out from the back. Why are you playing to their strengths?”

Thomas Frank pleased with Tottenham’s performance

Despite the defeat, Frank has remained pleased with Spurs’ performance.

While the display wasn’t as good as Tottenham’s last game against PSG, there were positives to take, which the Dane was quick to highlight.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the manager was quick to praise the Spurs strikers for their goals, but questioned the defending the visitors produced.

He stated: “I am very pleased with the performance. This was much more the identity of the team, the bravery and aggressiveness of the team.

“There were lots of positives, the two strikers scoring three goals between them, the whole team performed really well.

“The performance was to get something out of the game, but then you need to have the margins with you, but we can’t concede some of the goals we did.”