Thomas Frank could have his Tottenham lifesaver in Dominic Solanke as exciting claim made
Thomas Frank will be hoping Tottenham’s win over Borussia Dortmund is a watershed moment.
After Tottenham lost 2-1 to West Ham on 17 January, many expected Frank to be sacked as Spurs boss.
However, Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Dortmund on Tuesday night has potentially handed Frank a stay of execution in N17.
Goals from Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke won the points for Spurs, and moved them into the top eight of the Champions League as a result, with just one game against Eintracht Frankfurt to play.
Next up is a Premier League clash with Burnley.
Thomas Frank makes intriguing Dominic Solanke claim
Tottenham’s FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa on 10 January was the first time Solanke had kicked a ball in anger for Spurs since the 2-0 win over Man City in August 2025.
It’s been a nightmare season for Solanke as a result, especially given the fact that we’re in a World Cup year, and there are places on England’s plane as backup to Harry Kane firmly up for grabs.
So, with Tottenham’s well-documented struggles in the Premier League once again this season, the sight of Solanke back on the pitch is a welcome one for many Spurs fans.
However, no single person connected with the Lilywhites will have been more pleased to see him return to action than Frank.
The big striker put in an excellent display in his first Tottenham start of the season in all competitions, netting the second and ultimately winning goal of the game.
He looked sharp and energetic, and made a convincing case that he should be the one to spearhead Spurs’ attack for the remainder of the season.
And, his performance against Dortmund has only been made more impressive by a press conference revelation from Frank.
Quoted by Alasdair Gold via X on Thursday, Frank has made it clear that Solanke was by no means fully fit on Tuesday night.
“I think he is not close to it, I would say. I think we saw a Solanke that was on, whatever, 70 per cent. It’s difficult [to know] when you are on 100 per cent. I think we saw a lot of good things from him,” he said.
Solanke could save Frank’s Tottenham job
Whenever a manager is facing the sack, it can often be down to individual players to bail them out and buy them time.
That’s precisely what Solanke has the potential to do for Frank, as for all his potential coaching shortfalls this season, he hasn’t had much help in the way of players scoring goals.
Indeed, every other player in the squad has three goals or fewer to their names this term, other than Richarlison (seven).
Frank chose to include Solanke over Mathys Tel for his Champions League squad, and that decision looks to have been a masterstroke.
So, if Solanke can stay fit, then there’s every chance he could go on a real scoring run between now and the end of the season, and that could be enough to rescue Frank.
Another three points at Turf Moor later on 24 January would be huge ahead of some massive fixtures, so it’s over to Solanke to make sure that happens.
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