Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Tue 7 October 2025 19:30, UK

Tottenham are still yet to feel the full effects of Thomas Frank’s influence, but there have been plenty of positive signs.

Mohammed Kudus scored the winning goal that saw Spurs beat Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road on Sunday, after Noah Okafor had cancelled out Mathys Tel‘s opener.

Tel was named in Alan Shearer’s Team of the Week and the forward certainly deserves the praise he has received, after he was forced to wait for his opportunity.

Tottenham’s win marked Leeds’ first loss at home since September of last year, and gave Frank his first-ever win against Daniel Farke.

It was not all positive, however, with Vicario facing criticism for one moment in the first half against Leeds.

Tottenham shaking the ‘Spursy’ tag

Tottenham are expected to finish in the Premier League’s top eight this season, but Frank’s side will hope to look higher up the table.

Sunday’s three points left the North London club sitting third ahead of the international break, with just two points separating Spurs from noisy neighbours Arsenal.

There are negative stats for the Lilywhites – Spurs have scored 13 goals from 7.5 expected goals (xG), an unsustainable trend – but Sunday again proved the different Frank has made.

Leeds dominated much of the first half, but found themselves unable to surpass their visitor’s defence until they were already behind.

Farke’s side increased the pressure again in the final minutes, but the new, sturdy, Spurs held strong and secured the three points.

Dave Watson thinks the biggest difference Frank has made is to introduce a new ruggedness to his team.

“The one thing I’d say about that game,” the former England goalkeeping coach told The Fozcast on Monday.

“Is that last year, a Spurs team going to Leeds. Elland Road, early start, full house, big atmosphere. I don’t think they come out with three points.”

“I don’t think we’re going to come out with the word ‘Spursy’ too often for the rest of the season,” Watson added.

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Tests still to come for Tottenham

Tottenham fans will be over the moon if they can shake the ‘Spursy’ tag under Frank. The nickname has always been used to describe a team that crumble, and currently, Spurs do not look like that team.

But there are still tests to come. Difficult matches against Arsenal and PSG are on the horizon, and the underlying stats would suggest that a tough period could arrive at some stage.

How Spurs respond then will define their season.

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